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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

Week 52

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

 

6

Terrorism

3

7

Political/Government Agencies

 

8

Murder/Assassination

19

9

Rape Incidents

13

10

Others

2

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Herdsmen Abduct Sisters, Corps Member, Others, Demand N15m Ransom

Three women, including two sisters and a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have been kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. They were said to be travelling in a commercial bus on December 21 when they were robbed at gunpoint and thereafter taken into the bush. The Head of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), FCT Police Command, Yemi Ola, confirmed the kidnap. It was learned that the kidnappers have demanded N15m ransom from the families of the victims. While they demanded N5m from the family of the two sisters, the kidnappers demanded N10m from the father of Grace Oghene Edegware, a corps member.

Police Kill Suspected Kidnappers in Gun Battle

Two suspected kidnappers and a member of a private security outfit, Danga Security, lost their lives during a fierce gun battle between a combined team of policemen and men of the private security outfit and the kidnappers in Bauchi State. Police spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, said that the gun battle with the kidnappers lasted for more than one hour. He said a member of the Danga Security outfit and the two deceased suspected kidnappers were critically injured and were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Mohammed said that two female hostages, Maryam Shu’aibu and Hauwa’u Karfe, were rescued from the kidnappers while one suspect was arrested. He listed the exhibits recovered from them to include one K2 rifle with bech no. 2016576, one magazine, and 15 rounds of live ammunition.

Police Rescue Kidnapped Traditional Ruler in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has rescued the kidnapped traditional ruler of Agbarha kingdom, HRH Orhifi Enemor II. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the rescue of the traditional on December 22. The traditional ruler, who was kidnapped by suspected herdsmen on December 21, was rescued by the men of the Ossisa vigilante group and the police. Enemor was ambushed and kidnapped on his way to Asaba for the monthly meeting of traditional rulers, along the Ossisa Bridge in Ndokwa-East LGA of the state. It was gathered that the king’s abductors had demanded N50m as ransom when they contacted his family members.

Two-Year-Old Child Stolen During Church Service

A two-year-old, Chijindu Felix, who went to church with his sister on December 18, is reported to have disappeared during the church service at the Immaculate Heart parish of the Catholic Church, Umuagwo, in Imo State. Father of the boy, Stanley Felix, said efforts to find him had been abortive. The sister said she saw him playing around the statue in the church. Unknown to her, somebody had picked him from the back of the statue because the statue had a low fence. The case was reported at the Umuagwo Police Station. Police Public Relations Officer, Enwerrem Andrew, confirmed the incident, adding that it was a case of child stealing and not kidnapping.

Police Recover Weapons, Arrest Suspected Kidnappers in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command, December 19, said it had recovered several weapons and arrested suspects in various kidnap cases between November 18 and December 18. Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said that the suspects, who masterminded the abduction of a medical doctor at Onikan, Lagos, had been arrested. The CP said that the suspects were trailed to a forest in Delta State where they held the doctor captive. Owoseni said that members of another gang that attacked one Toyosi Akerele on her way from the airport and attempted to kidnap her were also arrested while trying to escape. He added that two kidnappers were arrested within the white sand forest in Festac, where the suspects used as a hideout. A driver, who lured his boss into the hands of kidnappers at Akoka, Yaba, was also paraded at the state police command. The commissioner further urged the public to report strange or criminal activities within their environment to the nearest police station.

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Arrest Suspects

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) attached to the Abia State Criminal and Intelligence unit in Umuahia, have arrested a gang of kidnappers at Amavo Village in Owerrinta, along Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway. The suspects were paraded by the state Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade. Oyebade, December 19, said that the SARS operatives intercepted one Toyota Corolla car while conveying the suspects on their way for a kidnap operation, adding that a search on them led to the recovery of two locally made guns, one single barrel gun, one plastic toy gun and one wooden toy gun.

Customs Officer Abducted at Gun Point

Two gunmen, December 22, abducted a staff of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comfort Alaba, in Festac Town, Lagos. The two-man gang stormed a fast food outlet and abducted the woman at about 8 pm. The victim was with her two daughters when the masked men stormed out of their car and picked her up. One of the victim’s daughters, Faith Alaba, called on security agents to assist the family in securing her release. The Customs spokesman in Tincan Island, Uche Ejesieme, also confirmed the incident. Lagos State Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, who also confirmed the incident, said the police are working on her release.

Abducted 2-Year-Old Baby, Pregnant Woman Regain Freedom

The abducted two-year-old daughter of the slain comedian, Aisha Ali-Balogun, has been released. Ali-Balogun killed by robbers on December 16 in Ikorodu area of Lagos. Also released was a pregnant woman, who was kidnapped alongside the toddler when the daredevil robbers, operating around the Asolo-Majidun Road of the Ikorodu expressway, killed Aisha. The gunmen said to be over eight in number, reportedly fired sporadically and held motorists plying the route hostage and in the process, a bullet hit 28-year-old Aisha, killing her on the spot. Her daughter and the unidentified pregnant woman were kidnapped. Family sources disclosed that she was released December 19 and no ransom was paid for her release.

Pregnant Woman Plots Ex-Lover’s Kidnap

A pregnant woman, her husband, and their friend are currently in police net in Lagos for kidnapping a 23-year-old man, Idris Saheed, and demanding N100,000 ransom. The pregnant woman, Eniola Kareem, 21; her husband, Paul Kareem, 23, and his friend, Ayoola Sodiq, 21, were arrested after the payment of N100,000 ransom into Paul’s account by the victim’s parents. The victim is said to be an ex-lover to the woman, who confessed to being the brain behind the kidnap. She confessed that she plotted the kidnap with her husband and his friend because she knew the victim’s parents were rich and could pay the ransom.

Man, 25, Docked over Abduction of 9-Year-Old Boy

A 25-year-old man, Triumph Okechukwu, was, December 19, docked at an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly detaining and capturing a nine-year-old boy with intent to cause him harm. The accused is facing a two-count charge of capturing and detaining with intent to cause harm. Okechukwu, however, pleaded not guilty to the offense. The Magistrate, Mrs. Bola Folarin-Williams, granted the accused N100,000 bail with two sureties in like sum. She said that one of the sureties must be either the father or mother of the accused and adjourned further hearing on the matter until January 13, 2017.

Abductors of Delta Cleric want N20m Ransom

Suspected herdsmen, December 16, kidnapped Reverend Father Jude Onyebadi, the Parish Priest of Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Issele-Azagba, Delta State. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a N20 million ransom. The cleric was kidnapped by three gunmen at his pineapple farm located between Ubulu-Uku and Issele-Uku communities. Confirming the incident, Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Reverend Father Charles Uganwa, appealed to the conscience of the abductors to release the cleric unhurt and unconditionally. He said the church would not pay ransom to any kidnapper since the church does not encourage the payment of ransom to criminals. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, assured that the cleric would be rescued unhurt.

Residents Panic as Kidnappers Invade Ikotun/Igando, Abduct 5

Residents of White Sand Estate in Ikotun/Igando LGA of Lagos State have fled the community following the invasion of kidnappers with the recent abduction of 5 people between December 1 and 13. According to residents, the first incident took place December 2, 2016, when a woman was kidnapped and the second strike happened on December 5th, 2016, when two men were kidnapped. The third strike happened on December 13th, 2016 with two other men kidnapped.

Lecturer Kidnapped in Kogi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (ASUU-FUAM), December 18, announced that a female lecturer with the institution, Christie Agbulu, was, November 26, kidnapped in Lokoja, Kogi State, and has remained in captivity since then. The acting Chairperson of the union, Bemgba Anjembe, disclosed that Agbulu had travelled to Lokoja from Makurdi and was abducted by kidnappers immediately she arrived in Kogi State. She said the abductors had demanded a ransom of N150, 000 to free her and that the sum of 100,000 was paid to the victim’s bank account. The kidnappers quickly used her ATM card to withdraw the money. She added that since then, they had not heard anything from the abductors, stressing that the victim was yet to be released.  The union leader noted that the matter had been reported to the police and they reassured that they would soon find her.

Robbery

Police Arrest Cattle Rustlers in Niger

The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, December 22 disclosed that the command had arrested and prosecuted 40 notorious cattle rustlers, kidnappers, and armed bandits and recovered various arms and ammunition from them. Muazu, who lamented that cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed banditry and communal clashes had been identified as major security challenges facing the state, assured that the police were doing everything within possible to reduce crime in the state. He assured Nigerians that the Police would spare nothing to ensure that they respond to crisis and incidents, tactically and professionally.

Police Foil Bank Robbery, Arrest Three in Rivers State

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, December 22, foiled an attempted bank robbery and arrested three suspects. A combined team of Special Anti-Robbery Squad and regular policemen from Rumuolumeni Police Station, who acted on a tip-off, had stormed a new generation bank located at the Eagle Cement area to arrest the suspected robbers. The robbers were said to have opened fire on the advancing police team led by a Divisional Police Officer, Felix Nnebue. It was gathered that a SARS operative was injured during the gun duel that ensued between the robbers and the policemen. The suspects were arrested while they were using a gas cylinder to cut open an entrance into the bank. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident.

Five Arrested for Alleged Robbery

The Lagos State Police Command says men of the Rapid Response Squad have arrested five armed robbery suspects targeting residents. Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, December 22, said that the suspects were arrested on Victoria Island, Ojodu Berger, Oshodi, Obalende and Ilubirin areas of the state. She said the police got complaints from the public about the activities of the suspects and increased surveillance. According to her, the operatives of the RRS were able to arrest the suspects using different strategies. Badmos said some of the suspects took advantage of the traffic at Berger, Oshodi and other areas to rob motorists.

Police Re-Arrest Suspect on Bail for Robbery

A suspect on bail for secret cult-related crime, identified as Obinna Nkili, has been re-arrested by the operatives of the anti-kidnapping arm of the State Criminal and Intelligence Department, Umuahia for an alleged armed robbery attack. It was gathered the operatives, who responded to a distress call that some armed robbers had attacked some residents along Uzuakoli road, arrested the suspect. Although the suspect, who claimed to be a welder, confessed to have been on bail for the crime of cultism, he denied being part of the robbery attack for which he was re-arrested. Confirming his arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Leye Oyebade, said the police management team in the state had to forge a close relationship with other stakeholders in the administration of justice in the state.

Court Convicts 4 Men for Robbery

A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, December 22, sentenced four men to five months imprisonment each for robbery. The convicts had all pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and robbery. In his plea for leniency, their counsel, Oluwadamilola Olaofe, said they were first-time offenders and that they were remorseful. The judge, Umar Kagarko, who gave the convicts an option of N40,000 fine each, also ordered that the recovered stolen items be returned to the rightful owners within 30 days. The prosecutor, Joshua Ayanna, told the court that the convicts had robbed the house of one Mohammed Mustapha and made away with property and cash of N100,000.

Two Brothers Arrested for Robbery

Two brothers, Iyiola Kazeem (19) and Iyiola Rilwan (21) have been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for alleged armed robbery. The brothers were arrested at Oluwole Fagbote Street, Ota after attacking their victim at his residence. The two brothers allegedly dealt several machete cuts on their victim, who fought them and succeeded in unmasking one of them whom he recognized as his neighbor’s son. The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to Special Anti-Robbery Section, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

Gang Incidents

Police Arrest Notorious Gang Leader

The Imo State Police Command, December 24, arrested a notorious gang leader, Chigozie Obinna Onuoha that had been terrorizing the citizens of the state and beyond. The 22-year-old Onuoha, popularly called ‘Nwa Pastor’ was said to be on the wanted list of the Command for various heinous crimes ranging from armed robbery, murder, and involvement in cult activities. Onuoha reportedly made useful statements to the police about other members of the cult group terrorizing the state. State Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, said that the suspect was arrested at the Nekede Mechanic Village by the beach following a tip-off.

Drugs

Kano NDLEA Raids 5 Major Drug Joints in Kano

The Kano State Commandant of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Hamza Umar, December 22, said his officers had raided and cleared five major drug joints in the metropolis. The Commandant said the areas were in Kofar Nasarawa, Dan-agundi, Kofar Ruwa, Plaza and Island in Nasarawa area. According to him, the action was to ensure a reduction in drug usage among the youths, especially during festive periods. He said that the agency would continue to visit the areas. According to Hamza, the decision to visit the areas was to ensure that they would not re-group again.

Militancy/Maritime

Terrorism

Two Suicide Bombers Die in Maiduguri

Two suspected members of the Boko Haram sect, December 18, died in Maiduguri, Borno State when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) one of them strapped to her body exploded at a police checkpoint. Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku, said that the bombers were stopped at the outskirt of Maiduguri when the incident occurred. According to him, two female suicide bombers were stopped for a routine check at Geleri village, close to Muna Garage, when one of the suicide bombers detonated an IED strapped to her body, killing her and her accomplice. Three residents of the area were injured in the incident. The command’s EOD unit rushed to the scene to defuse the unexploded IED on the second bomber.

Boko Haram Members Fleeing into States, Army Warns

The Nigerian Army has urged the public to be vigilant as remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists are fleeing to different parts of the country following the final clearance of their hideouts in Sambisa forest. The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, December 22, advised members of the public, especially residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, to be extra vigilant, security conscious of strange movements or persons in the society, and ensure to promptly report them to the relevant authorities.

Nigerian Army Rescues 1,880 Women, Children from Sambisa

The Nigerian Army says it has rescued additional 1,880 women and children from Boko Haram insurgents in the Sambisa Forest. The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor, December 21, disclosed this. Irabor said that troops also arrested about 504 Boko Haram terrorists while 19 of them willingly surrendered. He said that the Army had arrested about 37 foreigners who were currently undergoing interrogations to ascertain whether they were terrorists or not. Irabor called on the general public, especially female students of tertiary institutions to be wary of new recruitment strategies by the sect through the internet.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill Policeman, Snatch Police Van in Ekiti

Daredevil armed robbers, December 22, attacked a police patrol team attached to the Ekiti State Police Command, killing a policeman and escaping with a police van at Ilupeju, in the Oye LGA of the state. The police team was returning from a patrol in the Itapa area and got to a checkpoint between Ilupeju and Oye, when the robbers, who had apparently laid an ambush for them, swooped on them and rained bullets on the policemen. While the team leader, simply identified as Inspector Gada, was killed, a police sergeant was seriously injured and rushed to a hospital. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, confirmed the attack.

Cleaner Kills Boss over Salary Advance

A 22-year-old Cameroonian, Joel Ludguo, has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command and detained at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba for allegedly killing his boss, Temidayo Adeleke. Ludguo was a cleaner and lived with the victim at Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. It was learnt that Ludguo had approached his boss on December 20, asking her to give him N15,000 out of his December salary so he could travel. It was gathered that Adeleke explained to him that she did not have cash at that time and told him to be patient. He was said to have walked out angrily and returned with a knife, which he used to stab her in the chest. Ludguo, who wanted to flee the scene, was apprehended by the woman’s driver and a security guard, who called the police.

Six Killed as Herdsmen, Farmers Clash in Taraba

At least six people were, December 18, killed in a violent clash between herders and farmers in Taraba State. The clash took place after the body of a herder, who had been robbed of his motorcycle, was discovered. Commissioner of Police, Yunana Yakubu Babas, disclosed that the kinsmen of the deceased herder mobilized to attack the farmers, whom they accused of the killing the herder. Fulani herders had accused members of the Tiv farming community of banditry resulting in loss of life and earnings. The Police boss, however, stated that calm had been restored in the affected area.

Gunmen Kill Ogoja Businessman

A popular businessman in Ogoja, Cross River State, Michael Chinaka, was, December 16, killed by unknown gunmen. Chinaka was shot at a close range in his home by the armed men who invaded his house around 2 am. The gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers as they had demanded money from him, left after shooting him. The victim, who did not die immediately, managed to get to the house of one of his neighbors and alerted him that he had been shot. He was rushed to the General Hospital, Ogoja. But the doctors referred him to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu. He died on the way to the hospital after losing much blood. His neighbor, Fred Okim, recalled that it was the second time in 2016 that Chinaka would be attacked by gunmen.

18 Farmers Hacked to Death in Taraba

At least 18 farmers are believed to have been hacked to death at Dan-anacha in Gassol LGA of Taraba State on December 18. The killings are part of the series of bloody attacks involving farmers and herdsmen in the state. Police Public Relations Officer, David Misal, confirmed the killings but did not give the casualty figure. Misal described the incident as an undercover attack by some unidentified people in the area. He promised that the police would carry a thorough search for the perpetrators and bring them to book. The acting Chairman of the Concerned Taraba Tiv Youth Frontier, Dooior Torkula, said 18 persons were killed in separate attacks. The frontier recovered 12 corpses in Dan-Anacha shortly after the attacks, while four others were recovered from the Borno-Kruku Road on the outskirts of Dan-Anacha. Two other corpses were recovered on their farms. He alleged that the attackers broke into most of the victims’ houses while they slept and murdered them.

22-Year-Old Man Stabbed to Death in Bayelsa

A 22-year-old man was, December 20, stabbed to death by a new military recruit during a fight at Ozizebiri in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. The incident was said to have triggered violence in the area, leading to the burning of three houses. The victim, identified as Princewill, an indigene of Opuama, was stabbed to death by one Ayibakare Oguo, during a fight. Ayibakare was alleged to have beaten up the younger sister of the deceased over N50 Madiga (a local snack) he had bought on credit. In anger, the deceased went to him to inquire why his sister was beaten up. A fight ensued and the deceased was stabbed to death. The killing of the 22-year-old led to a reprisal attack and the burning of three houses in Ozizebiri by angry youths from Opuama.

Policeman Clubbed to Death

The Enugu State Police Command says it has commenced an investigation into the December 17 clubbing to death of a police officer, who attempted to apprehend some hoodlums smoking Indian hemp at the New Artisan Market within Enugu metropolis. It was gathered that the hoodlums overpowered the officer and then used hard objects to club him to death. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said that the police had begun massive crackdown and investigation into the matter. He vowed that the command would unravel what happened and apprehend the culprits.

Policeman, goes Berserk, Kills Colleague and Student in Zaria

A mobile police corporal, Mathew Joshua, December 23, killed his colleague, Sergeant Aliyu Kamilu, in Zaria, Kaduna State. Both policemen were attached to Zenith Bank, Zaria. The policemen had engaged in a heated argument after the corporal discovered that the sergeant had been short-changing him. When Joshua confronted Kamilu on the issue, they started shouting at each other and the corporal shot the sergeant in his stomach. After shooting the sergeant, Joshua continued shooting sporadically and a bullet hit an undergraduate student, who also died. An eyewitness said that four customers of the bank also sustained bullet wounds. Other policemen, who were mobilized to the area, shot Joshua in the leg to demobilize and arrest him. Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Usman, confirmed the incident.

Policeman Kills Driver for Refusing to Give Bribe

A trigger-happy policeman, Pius Senu, has shot and killed a driver, Michael Ishola, at Awo in the Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State. The driver was allegedly shot dead following his refusal to pay a sum of money as a bribe which the policeman allegedly demanded from him. It was further learnt that the victim had earlier passed through the road and was made to bribe the policeman, but he was said to have refused to give another bribe when the cop allegedly demanded a fresh one while he was returning from his trip. The 48-year-old policeman was said to have shot the driver in the stomach and he died on the spot. The cop and his colleagues fled the scene but was later arrested as some witnesses reported the case at a nearby police station. The policeman was arraigned at a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo on December 22 for murder. His plea was not taken by the magistrate, Adejoke Olowolagba, who ordered that he should be remanded in the Ilesa Prison and adjourned the case till February 9, 2017, for mention.

Woman Beats 10-Year-Old Girl to Death in Lagos

The police in Lagos State have arrested a middle-aged woman, Linda Alapa, for allegedly beating her 10-year-old housemaid, Joy Mbafan, to death. Mbafan lived with the suspect on Bolanle Oduniyi Street, Okegbegun, in the Ikorodu area of the state. It was learnt that Alapa was flogging the girl for a misdemeanor around 3 am on December 19 when the girl passed out and died afterward. At the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue where she had gone to deposit Mbafan’s corpse, a doctor was said to have noticed marks of violence on the body and alerted the police. After interrogation, Alapa confessed to beating the girl. Some residents of the area said they had warned her many times to desist from assaulting the victim to no avail. A neighbor of the suspect said Alapa did not only beat the girl but also starved her of food. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed that the suspect is under investigation while the corpse had been deposited in a morgue for autopsy.

Man Remanded in Prison for Patricide

A 24-year-old man, Babalola Rotimi Junior, was, December 20, remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons by an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court for the alleged murder of his father and stabbing of his mother. The Chief Magistrate, Bola Folarin-Williams, gave the order when the accused appeared before her on a two-count charge of murder and attempted murder. The prosecutor, Corporal Hafsat Ajibodu, told the court that the accused committed the offenses on December 4 at his parent’s residence. She alleged that the accused had stabbed his 59-year-old father, Babalola Rotimi, to death with a kitchen knife. The accused was also alleged to have stabbed his mother, Adijat Babalola, who is presently battling with her life in an undisclosed hospital with another knife. Rotimi’s plea on the first count of murder was, however, not taken as the court lacked the jurisdiction to try such matters. The magistrate said the accused should be remanded pending the receipt of legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.

Engineer Killed in Ado-Ekiti

An Engineer, Kunle Enisan, was, December 19, found dead close to his Afao road residence in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Enisan was an employee of Ido/Osi LGA in the State. A relative of the deceased disclosed that the victim was returning home with his wife in his car before having a stopover on the way while the wife headed home through an alternative means. The wife became agitated when the deceased did not return home as expected. She then called a search party to accompany her look for him. The search party saw his car parked and the doors were open, with his lifeless body close to the car. The Ekiti Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, saying detectives were already on the trail of the perpetrators of the nefarious act.

Cultists Kill Policeman in Ondo

Yet-to-be-identified gunmen, suspected to be cultists, December 18, killed a policeman, identified as Solomon Sunday, at Abule area of Akure, the Ondo State capital. The 30-year-old deceased was attached to the Okuta Elerinla Division of the Ondo State Police Command. According to reports, the deceased was attacked on his way back from work on December 18 and was shot several times by his assailants. Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and said the command had launched an investigation into the matter.

Police Arrest Wanted Murder Suspect in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has arrested suspect criminals terrorizing the residents of the state. Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, who disclosed this on December 19, said that some of the suspects had been charged to court, while others were still undergoing investigation. Lakanu said that a suspect, Obinna Onuoha, who was declared wanted by the police for murder, was arrested by the command on December 4. He added that the suspect had confessed to having murdered four persons at various occasions in recent times. He said that Thankgod Igwe, the leader of a five-man gang, who led his group to terrorize five different families Umuagwa Obazu and shot one person on his right hand, was also arrested.

Police Paymaster Killed in Ekiti

A Superintendent of Police attached to the Ekiti State Police Command, Idowu Taiwo, was, December 18, killed by unknown persons in Ado-Ekiti. Taiwo, the Officer-in-Charge of Finance at the Ekiti State Police Command, was abducted by some hoodlums on December 18 and found dead on December 19 in a car. Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, confirmed the sad incident. Adeyemi said no arrest had been made, but added that investigations into the case had begun.

Gunmen Kill Two, Kidnap One Person in Rivers Community

Two persons were, December 18, killed while one was kidnapped in Omoku Town Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State. The incident occurred when unidentified gunmen stormed the residence of the kidnapped man, Jeremiah Uche, a former member of the Caretaker Committee of council area at about 9 am. The masked gunmen, who took Uche away, killed two persons visiting him at that time. One of the slain persons was identified as the former youth president of Obrikom community, Julius Amadi. The kidnappers had already established contact with Uche’s family, but their demand was yet to be ascertained. Police Public relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said the police were aware of the incident, and that police personnel had been sent to the area to rescue the victim.

Hoodlums Kill Newspaper Agent in Osun

Hoodlums, December 19, killed a newspaper agent, Saheed Eluyera, in Ilesa, Osun State. It was gathered that Eluyera was returning to his base when some youths attacked and hacked him to death. He was reportedly attacked after his motorcycle broke down and an argument ensued between him and some boys, who eventually hacked him to death. But the Commissioner of Police in the state, Fimihan Adeoye, said the police were investigating the situation, saying those involved in the killing would be brought to justice.

Palm Wine Tapper Killed for Motorcycle in Agbor

A palm wine tapper, Okorie Anyalokwu, was, December 19, killed by suspected robbers at Alisimie Agbor, Ika South LGA of Delta State. The man was said to be on his way home from where he had gone to tap palm wine with his mother in-law’s motorcycle when he was ambushed and killed while the motorcycle was taken away. Anyalokwu was said to have left home very early in the day to tap palm wine in a farm settlement but did not return home at the expected time. The wife of the deceased, Bridget Anyalokwu, alerted her husband’s kinsmen and her relatives about the development, which was very unusual. Following the alert, members of the family and the entire community were said to have raised a search party. The search party found his body in the bush with his head almost severed off, while the motorcycle was missing. The family reported the incident at Agbor Police Station. Meanwhile, two suspects, Augustine Mitti, and Happy Jolly have been arrested in connection with the crime. They were alleged to have confessed that the motorcycle was moved to a village in Orhiomnwon LGA of Edo State.

Gunmen Kill Bike Rider in Delta

Unidentified gunmen, weekend, shot dead a commercial motorcyclist (Okada rider) at Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North LGA of Delta State, making away with his motorcycle. The deceased was riding his motorcycle in the Etevie quarters of the community when he was intercepted by the suspected armed robbers. The gunmen, numbering three, shot him in his left eye before taking away his motorcycle. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, December 20, confirmed the incident.

Rape

69-Year-Old Rapes 5-Year-Old Neighbour’s Daughter

A 69-year-old man, Cosmos Umoren, was, December 23, arraigned in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling his neighbor’s 5-year-old daughter. The accused, who resides at Adenuga Kajore Street, Akoka Bariga, Lagos, is facing a charge of defilement. The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the offense was committed on December 5 at the accused residence. Inuoha said that the accused called his neighbor’s 5-year-old daughter to his room and defiled her. According to him, it was the cry of the girl that alerted her mother, who rushed to where the cry was coming from and saw the accused raping the girl. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. B. O. Osunsanmi, granted the accused N300,000 bail with two sureties in like sum. Osunsanmi adjourned the case till January 18 for mention.

Man Rapes 11-Year-Old Boy in Abuja

A 36-year-old man, Idris Ayuba, was, December 20, arraigned in a Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old boy. The prosecutor, Adeniyi Oyeyemi, told the court that one Kelechi Agba reported the matter at the police station on November 29. He alleged that the defendant called his victim to his room and defiled him by having sexual intercourse with the boy through his anus. The judge, Umar Kagarko, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000, with one surety in like sum, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Kagarko adjourned the case till March 9, 2017, for mention.

Man Arrested for Raping Minors

A young man, who claimed he was instructed by an unnamed spiritualist to have anal sex with minors; both boys and girls, in order to acquire wealth, has been arrested by the police in Enugu State. The suspect, Esomchi Ojobo, was apprehended after raping about 11 minors aged between 3 and 11 years. Ojobo was arrested in Opanda, a community in the Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu, on December 11. It was learnt that Ojobo allegedly hypnotized the minors before raping them. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the development, said that upon his arrest, Ojobo confessed that he used a white cloth to perpetrate the act. According to Amaraizu, the white cloth was given to the suspect by an unnamed spiritualist, which he flashes on the faces of his targets.

Bricklayer, 56, Docked for Defiling 6-Year-Old

The police in Lagos State, December 19, charged a bricklayer, Friday James, before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting at Igbosere for allegedly defiling a six-year-old girl by inserting his fingers into her vagina. James (56) is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on unlawful carnal knowledge preferred against him by the police. The prosecutor, Sergeant Ajaga Agboko, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offense on November 2. He said that the defendant unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the girl by forcing her to remove her pant and dipping his finger inside her vagina. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the offense when it was read to him. Magistrate Martins Owumi did not grant the defendant bail as he said the court does not have jurisdiction to grant bail to the defendant. He adjourned the case till February 15, 2017, for the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Man Docked for Raping Girlfriend

A 30-year-old man, Hammed Abubakar, December 19, appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for allegedly raping his 18-year-old girlfriend. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offense on December 12 when he forced himself on his victim to have sexual intercourse with her. He said that the victim sustained injuries on her head, right hand, and vagina during the act. Abubakar, however, pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Bola Folarin-Williams, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Folarin-Williams adjourned the case to January 18 for mention.

Rape Suspect Infects Victim with HIV

A 48-year-old man is alleged to have infected a 13-year-old girl with HIV when he raped her. The suspect, Muddaha Dan Bala, allegedly infected his 13-year-old female student of Binta Abdullahi Marmade Secondary School in Katsina State after raping her in an uncompleted building near the school. The suspect was arraigned before Hajiya Fadile Dikko of a Katsina Senior Magistrates’ court. The school principal, Haladi Abdullahi, had reported the rape incidents at the Ingawa Divisional Police Station. Abdullahi alleged that Muddaha lured two girls on their way to school to an uncompleted building and raped them, one after the other when he is fully aware that he is HIV-positive. The case was adjourned to January 24, 2017, while the presiding magistrate directed that the Police must bring Muddaha to the court on that day.

Man, Sneaks in, Rapes Neighbour

A 41-year-old man, Oladapo Ajiniran, was, December 21, docked before an Ikeja Chief magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly raping his neighbor. The accused is facing a one-count charge of rape. The Prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Onuoha, told the court that the offense was committed on November 30 at the residence of the victim when the accused went into her room, while she was dressing up. He allegedly shut the door, covered the mouth of the 20-year-old woman and raped her. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. B. O. Osunsanmi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Osunsanmi adjourned the case till January 18 for mention.

Factory Worker Rapes Job Seeker

A 33-year-old factory worker, Taofeek Olaiya, December 21, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for allegedly raping an 18-year-old girl at Ijaiye, Ojokooro area of Lagos. The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the accused committed the offense on November 23 at his residence when he invited the girl to his house under the pretense that he would secure a job for her. The victim had gone to his house to get the details of the job when the accused allegedly locked the door and raped her. The accused pleaded not guilty and the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. B.O Osunsanmi, granted him N300,000 bail with two sureties in like sum. Osunsanmi adjourned the case to January 18 for mention.

Teenager in Court for Defiling 11-Year-Old Girl

A 19-year-old man, Zion Emori, was, December 21, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the accused, a neighbor to the parents of the girl, committed the offense on December 6 at Gbeni Gbeni area of Oke-Odo, Abule Egba road. The accused had lured the girl into his room under the guise of sending her on an errand. The accused was caught by the victim’s mother who heard the cry of her daughter and rushed to the scene. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and the Magistrate, Mrs. B. O Osunsanmi, admitted him to a bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties. Osunsanmi adjourned the case to January 24 for mention.

Cleric Impregnates 16-Year-Old Daughter

A 56-year-old Christian cleric, Prophet Taiwo Oluboyode, has been arrested by the police in Ondo state after he allegedly raped and impregnated his 16-year-old daughter. Findings in the town of Odode at the Idanre area of the state showed that the cleric lived alone with his daughter after his wife left him. A family source hinted that the suspect had refused to remarry after the wife left and had preferred sleeping with his daughter instead. Neighbours said that the girl was always kept indoors to avoid suspicion from church members and their neighbors. It was revealed that one of the neighbors, who saw the girl with a protruding stomach, raised the alarm. Police laid ambush and arrested the suspect when he returned home. The suspect has allegedly owned up the crime.

31-Year-Old Brutally Rapes Girl in Abuja

A 31-year-old man, Eno Ita, was, December 20, arraigned in a Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Umah Unah, had opposed the bail application made by the defense counsel. Unah told the court that the victim reported the matter at Garki Police Station on December 4. He said that the defendant of the same address with the victim, called her to his doorpost as if he wanted to send her on an errand. But while she was at his door post, he pulled her into his room, stripped her and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her.  Ita pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of rape. The judge, Umar Kagarko, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200, 000. The judge adjourned hearing till February 13.

Man, 20, Docked over Alleged Rape of Teenager

A 20-year-old apprentice, Wasiu Bashiru, was, December 16, docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl at Ifelodun Close, Ajuwin Road, Ikola, Abule-Egba area of Lagos. The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the offense was committed on December 2 at the residence of the accused. The accused allegedly lured the 14-year-old girl to his room and shut the door. He then covered the victim’s mouth and raped her. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of rape preferred against him. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. B. O Osunsanmi, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Osunsanmi adjourned the case to January 18, for mention.

Police Arraign Driver for Raping Cleaner

The police in Lagos, December 20, arraigned a 26-year-old, Emmanuel Egwatu for allegedly raping a 21-year-old lady before the state Magistrate’s Court sitting in Igbosere. According to the police, Egwatu, who resides in the same house with his victim and worked as a driver, was said to have forced himself on the victim, a domestic staff in the house. The prosecutor, Corporal Friday Mameh, told the court that the defendant unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the victim without her consent on December 8 at Platinum Close Treasure Garden Ikate, Lekki in Eti-Osa LGA. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and Magistrate Patrick Adekomaiya granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was consequently adjourned until January 20, 2017, for mention.

Others

Togolese, Three Other Arrested with Arms for Land Grabbing

A Togolese man, Segun Sunday, has been arrested by the police in Lagos State in connection with a land grabbing in Oko-Olomi, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of the state. Three other suspects – Ben Michael, Segun Muda, and Toheeb Ololade – were apprehended alongside the Togolese. Muda, the ringleader, is said to be a leader in the community. Two locally-made guns were reportedly recovered from the suspects, who were arrested in a raid on December 21. Muda had reportedly confessed to the crime. The dwellers of the area had written a petition to the police complaining about the unlawful invasion of their property, asking the government to come against the hoodlums.

Herdsmen Attack Farmer at Aninri

Herdsmen, December 15, attacked and severely wounded a farmer in Aninri LGA of Enugu State. The rice farmer, Simon Chukwu, was alleged to have been attacked in his farm at Egu Ndi Eke, Okofia Oduma while trying to prevent the herdsmen from entering his farm with their cows. The herdsmen, who gave the victim deep cuts on his forehead, fled the area, thinking their victim was dead. The victim was rushed to the hospital at Oduma, where he is responding to treatment.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination incidents remained high on record with very sad incidents as was witnessed when the life of a 10-year-old girl, was cut short after she was beaten to death by her employer for a misdemeanor. The police were not left out as two officers turned their guns on innocent civilians they ought to have been protecting. In a twist, policemen also fell victims to killers as was witnessed in Enugu, where a police officer on his lawful duty was clubbed to death, and in Ekiti where the police paymaster was kidnapped and killed. In another gory killing, a policeman went haywire and turned his service rifle on his colleague, killing him instantly, along with a student. Other killings include cult and communal clashes, and some lone killings in feats of rage or robbery. Invasion by herdsman seem to have taken a nosedive following recent actions by the authorities and community vigilante groups.

Kidnap/hostage cases remained high with various incidents of abduction. A two-year-old child was reported to have been abducted during a church service and efforts to find him remain futile. In a bid to curtail activities of kidnappers within the country, the police apprehended a few suspects, some suspects were gunned down, while some others successfully took their victims away. The security agencies have vowed to apprehend perpetrators and rescue victims unhurt. These incidents were recorded across the regions of the country.

Rape incidents took an upward plunge on the crime index. A 69-year-old man was arraigned in court for allegedly defiling his neighbor’s 5-year-old daughter. It is disheartening as all victims on record were minors, including little boys. These were witnessed across the country. Parents and guardians are urged to be protective of the children, both male, and female, in their care to prevent them from falling prey to these rampaging rapists.

Robbery incidents took a leap up the crime index as attacks were witnessed across the nation. The authorities remained fearless in the fight against armed robbery making major arrest of suspects.

There is a persistent call on all to remain vigilante, as you can stop a crime by being observant taking preventive measures. Report all threats to the appropriate authorities for investigation. You may save a life.

Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding.