Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 49

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Ex-Minister Regains Freedom after Six Days in Captivity

Former minister of foreign affairs, Mr Bagudu Hirse, who was abducted by gunmen on November 20 in Kaduna, has regained his freedom. Hirse was released on November 26 after six days in captivity. His daughter, Nanbam Bupwatda, who confirmed that her father was released by the kidnappers in the early hours of the day, however, declined to say whether a ransom was paid or not. Spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Aliyu Usman, said no ransom was paid. According to him, Hirse was released due to the pressure mounted by the police in the efforts to rescue him.

Military Task Force Rescues Six Abducted Persons in Bauchi

The Military Task force keeping peace in Plateau state and parts of Bauchi state have rescued six persons abducted on November 19 around Zango-Lere forests in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State. The families of the six persons rescued from captivity had earlier been asked to pay a ransom of N10 million, according to the task force Commander, Major General Rogers Nicholas. He also said the kidnappers had opened fire on security personnel during the rescue operation. The hoodlums, however, abandoned their victims and fled due to the superior firepower of the task force. The victims, who appeared dazed, gave their names as Adama Yunusa, Hajara Abdulrahman, Yakubu Manga, Musa Adamu, Habiba Mamman and Saleh Gwani. They were handed over to their parents and family members at the task force headquarters.

Customs Rescue 4 Children from Traffickers

The Nigeria Customs Services, Seme Border Command has rescued four children from suspected human traffickers. One Porsu David was arrested in connection with the crime and handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Speaking during the handing over of the rescued children, drugs and suspects to the relevant agencies, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mulima Aminu, November 27, disclosed that their action was in line with the inter-agency cooperation that existed at the international land border.

Police Kill 3 Suspected Kidnappers Disguised as Pastors

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command, November 25, killed three suspected kidnappers during a gun duel at the Agbogidi Motor Park along the Benin-Asaba-Onitsha expressway. The police officers, who stormed the park based on intelligence report, trailed and killed three suspected kidnappers, who had disguised as pastors. The suspects drove to a bar in the park and were waiting for their target, said to be a United Kingdom-based man coming home for Christmas when luck ran out on them. It was gathered that a mole in the family of the would-be victim had given out information about him to the gang. The suspected kidnappers, on sighting the police patrol team, opened fire and the police responded promptly, leading to an exchange that lasted for about 10 minutes. State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zanna, said his men acted on credible information, disclosing that his men were on the trail of the mole who reportedly fled the scene before he could be fished out by the policemen. One AK47 rifle, one pump action gun, one locally made pistol with 19 rounds of 7.6mm, eight live cartridges, one expended cartridge and church aprons were recovered from the suspects.

Apprentice Absconds with Employer’s Children

An apprentice, identified only as Grace, November 25, absconded with the two children of her employer, Mrs Suliyat Azeez, in the Okokomaiko area of Lagos State. The victims were identified as Farouk (4) and Kafayat (6). Grace allegedly fled with the children just a day after she resumed apprenticeship at Azeez’s hairdressing salon in Okokomaiko. Grace was said to have claimed she was going out to buy food and asked the children to accompany her when she disappeared with the children. Nobody had her contact or knew her place of residence. The victims’ mother, Suliyat, said she had gone for a meeting of hairdressers when the incident happened. The victims’ father, Fatai, a mechanic, said the family had reported the incident at the Ojo and Okokomaiko police divisions. He said other efforts at finding the children had been abortive.

Residents, NSCDC Foils Kidnap of Sokoto Businessman

Operatives of the Sokoto State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), November 28, foiled an attempt to kidnap a businessman, Mu’azu Danjabalu, the Sarkin Fadan area of Sokoto. The corps commandant, Babangida Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident, said that the four suspects who reportedly came from Abuja were arrested in connection with the botched kidnap of the businessman. The commandant disclosed that the kidnap attempt failed due to the combined efforts of residents of Magajin Gari road, Yar Gabas area of Sokoto. The NSCDC has since handed the suspects and the vehicle to the State Police Command for further investigations. The spokesman of the state Police Command, Al-Mustapha Sani, confirmed taking over the custody of the suspects and the exhibit vehicle.

Kidnappers of Epe Farmers want N20m

The families of five of the seven persons kidnapped on November 27 in Kodjo Farm, located at Igbodu, Epe area of Lagos State, November 29, disclosed that the kidnappers had demanded N20 million as a ransom for the release of the victims. According to one of the family members, the kidnappers had contacted them by phone and allegedly demanded the said sum for five of the kidnap victims. About 20 armed men had stormed the area and abducted seven persons. One of the victims of the kidnap incident was said to be a 65-year-old security guard at the farm, Kakaja Joseph. The four other victims were said to be poultry farmers. The rest two were travellers, who were also taken when the attackers blocked the road linking the area.

Court Remands Herdsmen for Alleged Kidnapping

Two herdsmen, Usman Muhammed and Manu Saleh, were November 30, remanded in prison custody by a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja over alleged kidnapping. Muhammed and Saleh were arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and kidnapping. The Senior Magistrate, Mohammed Tahir, gave the order for the defendants to be remanded and adjourned hearing till December 8. The Prosecutor, Gambo Musa, told the court that one Saidu Adamu of Gwagwalada village, Abuja, reported the matter on November 21. Musa said that the defendants kidnapped the complainant and his son sometime in October. He said that the defendants later released the complainant to enable him source for the ransom that they had demanded for his son’s release. The prosecutor added that the complainant’s son later managed to escape but the defendants came back to the complainant’s house, hit his hand and head with cutlass and kidnapped his wife.

Police Intercept Four-Man Kidnap Gang in Port Harcourt

The police, November 28, intercepted a four-man gang of armed suspected kidnappers operating along waterways and hinterland in Rivers and Bayelsa. Force Public Relations Officer, Donald Awunah, who disclosed this in Abuja, said that the suspects were intercepted by the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team on Azikiwe Road, Port Harcourt, while on their way for an operation. He said that the IRT operatives, who acted on intelligence, were engaged in a gun battle by the suspects. One James Peter (30) was arrested at the scene, while the rest of the gang members escaped. The arrested suspect is reportedly cooperating with the police in their investigation by providing very valuable information on the membership of the gang and their mode of operation. Weapons recovered from the kidnappers include one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one AK47 rifle, chains of GPMG ammunition and two fully loaded AK47 magazines. Efforts are in top gear to arrest fleeing members of the gang and recover their cache of arms, he added.

Parents Chain 14-Year-Old Runaway Daughter

A teenage girl, identified as Onyeka John, has regained freedom after she was allegedly chained by her mother to the burglar-proof bars of their house for one month. Her parents reportedly tied her up by the neck and legs for habitually running away from home, which they ascribed to mental illness. Her parents had gone out on November 30 when the landlord of their rented apartment, Oladapo Olubajo, went to the backyard, where the family’s apartment is located, to check a pumping machine when he saw the girl. The landlord was said to have alerted a resident, who reported the case to the police. The landlord explained that he met the girl naked in the apartment, adding that the condition she was could frustrate her to commit suicide.

Robbery

8 Suspected Cattle Rustlers Arrested in Niger State

Eight suspected cattle rustlers have been arrested by the police in Niger State. The arrested cattle thieves were said to be among the gang that recently invaded Kukoki village in the Shiroro LGA during which they killed seven people and rustled over 700 livestock. The police made the breakthrough when the initially arrested four of the rustlers confessed, leading to the arrest of the remaining four. It was learnt that 50 cows, four locally made guns and some locally fabricated AK47 rifles, as well as 20 cartridges and 30 live ammunition, were recovered from the suspects. Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elikana, November 26, confirmed the arrest while assuring that the police operatives were still in the forest searching for the remaining rustlers.

Police Kill Three Suspected Robbers in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command, November 28, killed three suspected armed robbers during a shoot-out at the UTC Junction in Port Harcourt. The operatives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Response Team, also arrested a member of the robbery gang who confessed to have been responsible for the killing of a policeman, Corporal Ifeanyi Okoro, during campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in February 2015 at Okrika in Okrika LGA of the state. The policemen, acting on a tip of confronted the gang, whose vehicle was stopped by the electronic traffic light at the UTC Junction. An eyewitness said one of the suspects had come out of their vehicle on noticing that policemen were approaching their vehicle and opened fire on the security operatives. Police Public Relations Officer, Omoni Nnamdi, confirmed the incident and said the IGP Special Response Team intercepted the gang based on intelligence report. The suspect confessed that they were on a mission to attack Arik Airline cash office.

Police Arrest Three for Robbery in Lagos

Policemen attached to Ago-Okota Police Division of the Lagos Command, November 28, arrested three men for trailing and snatching money from a man at Mancity bus stop, along Ago Palace Way, Okota. The suspects -Emeka Ikemefuna, Kingsley Okechukwu and Joseph Victor- were arrested with a locally made pistol, four live cartridges and one stolen motorcycle. The suspects who were operating on a motorbike, allegedly trailed their victim, Kelvin Igwe, and accosted him at the bus stop. When attempts to rob him failed, the robbers fired some shots into the air which compelled the victim to surrender his bag containing an undisclosed amount of money and some valuables. Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said as soon as the information got to the divisional police officer, he detailed a patrol team to go after the fleeing gunmen.

Two Burnt to Death for Stealing Motorcycle in Imo

Two young men were November 28, set ablaze in Umuguma in the Owerri West LGA of Imo State for allegedly stealing a motorcycle from a commercial motorcyclist. An eyewitness disclosed that the two men, who were in their mid-twenties, had successfully snatched a brand new motorcycle from a commercial motorcyclist at the World Bank roundabout, near Owerri, the Imo State capital and were about escaping with the bike when they were intercepted. They were set ablaze by other commercial motorcyclists before security men could arrive at the scene.

Ekiti Police Arrest Two Suspected Bandits after Robbing Employer

The Ekiti State Police Command, November 28, arrested two suspects, who stole a Toyota Camry belonging to their employer. The robbers and their gang, numbering four, according to the Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, had on November 16, invaded a house located at Ureje, along Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti and dispossessed the inhabitants of valuables. He said upon receiving distressed calls from the residents of the area, the police immediately dispatched men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to the scene of the incident to rescue the people. The police boss explained that the SARS operatives had trailed the suspected bandits to Isua Akoko in Ondo State, where they were arrested. The suspects admitted knowing the complainant and had worked for him in his house.

Gunmen Storm Ex-Deputy Speaker’s Office

A group of five armed men dressed in military fatigues stormed the Abuja office of a private firm belonging to a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, and carted away cash and other valuables running into millions of naira. The robbery took place at the office located at Colorado Street, Maitama Abuja, on November 29. A worker said the five armed men dressed in military combat uniforms forced their way into the building after overpowering the security guards at the gate. The gunmen also made away with letter-headed papers, signed bank documents and the office camera. The Federal Capital Territory Police spokesman, Anjuguri Manzah, said investigation had commenced into the incident, adding that the command had increased patrols around the area.

Gang Incidents

Drugs

NDLEA Prosecutes Two Suspects for Unlawful Possession of Cocaine

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), November 29, said it was currently prosecuting two suspects for unlawful possession of cocaine. The state Commandant of the agency, Misbahu Idris, who made the disclosure in Sokoto, said that the suspects were being prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Sokoto, He stated that some of the drugs commonly abused include narcotics, stimulants, alcohol, tobacco, depressants/sedative, cannabis sativa and inhalants, among others. The drug problem has led to the increase of crimes in the society, armed robbery, kidnapping, assault, rape and stealing, among others, he added.

NDLEA Arrests Tricycle Rider, Trader with Heroin at MMIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on November 30, arrested a commercial tricycle rider and a trader with heroin at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. The agency’s spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the arrest was in connection with the unlawful importation of 6.390kg of substances that tested positive for heroin. Ofoyeju gave the names of the suspects as Edwin Chinedu (32), caught with 3.900kg of heroin and King Sunday (38), found in possession of 2.490kg of heroin. One of the suspected traffickers was caught on arrival from Kigali, Rwanda, while the other was nabbed on arrival from Nairobi, Kenya. The NDLEA spokesperson revealed that investigations indicated that drug trafficking cartels were gradually changing their mode of operation by turning to African countries in sourcing narcotics.

Four NAHCO Staff Remanded in Prison for Illegal Drug Deal

Four members of staff of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) have been remanded in Kuje Prison after they pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting the exportation of 144kg of ephedrine to Mozambique. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) filed the charge against the officials after a failed attempt to export the drug to Maputo through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja. The Chief Security Supervisor of NAHCO, Audu Garba, two security assistants, Nasiru Ibrahim and Haruna Abdullahi, and a load controller, Victor Ahenje, who is at large, were arraigned before Justice Okon Abang. The case was adjourned until January 9, 2017, for hearing. The NAHCO staff, who are in charge of cargo safety and security, had allegedly conspired with suspected drug trafficking syndicate to swap already screened consignments by security agencies at the airport with similar packages that contained narcotics. The illicit action of the group was uncovered following an intelligence report.

NDLEA Uncovers, Intercepts Drug Dealers in Adamawa

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Adamawa says it has detected new modes of drugs trafficking adopted by drug dealers in the state. The State Commander of the agency, Yakubu Kibo, disclosed this on December 2 in Yola. Kibo said that the new modes detected included stuffing of vehicle compartments like doors, car oil tank and spare tyres by traffickers. According to him, his command was able to detect and intercept the drug dealers because of an intensive patrol approach adopted by the command on major highways across the state. The NDLEA recently intercepted a suspected drug dealer with bottles of the cough syrup stuffed in the spare tyre of the vehicle. He said the drug found on the Starlet included Cannabis Sativa 9.2 kg, Tramadol 8.4 kg, Diazepam tablets 453 grammes and Extol-5 tablets 200 grammes. Kibo appealed to the public to join hands with the agency in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

Militancy/Maritime

Militant Group Claims Responsibility for NPDC Pipeline Bombing

A militant group in Delta State, Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM), November 28, claimed responsibility for the November 27 attack on a pipeline operated by NPDC/ND Western in Otu-Jeremi, Delta State. The militant group said its fighters, ‘Akuma Strike Force Team’, bombed the facility. But the Joint Task Force (JTF), dismissed the claim, insisting that it was bush burning that sparked the fire which eventually caused the explosion in the old pipeline. Acting spokesman of JTF, Thomas Otuji, said that there were no such attacks carried out on the pipeline. The militant group vowed that it would not be deterred by a military offensive in the region to halt its pipeline attacks, threatening to continue its battle.

Navy Intensifies Clampdown on Crude Oil Thieves in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Navy, November 29, said it had intensified its clampdown on crude oil thieves, operators of an illegal oil refinery and other related crimes in the Niger Delta. According to officials, this is in consonance with its resolve to rid the oil region of all forms of criminalities and illegalities within the area. Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, reaffirmed the navy’s strong resolve to continue the on-going clampdown on crude oil theft and other crimes in the maritime zone. Ezekobe said the patrol team deployed by NNS Pathfinder destroyed a wooden boat laden with suspected illegally refined diesel around Wakama Village in Onne. Similarly, FOB Escravos raided an illegal refinery site at Tipo Village in Warri South West LGA, Delta State. During the raid, the illegal refinery site and 2 large Cotonou boats laden with an unspecified quantity of suspected stolen crude oil as well as 100 Jerry cans of illegally refined AGO were destroyed.

Police Uncover Illegal Oil Depot in Oregun, Arrest Suspected Kingpin

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered an illegal oil depot located underneath the Oregun-Opebi Link Bridge in Onigbongbo Local Council and arrested eight suspects in the process. The illegal oil depot was uncovered during a joint raid by men of the Lagos State Police Command and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), led by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Fatai Owoseni and the RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu. Owoseni said that the suspects had been engaging in adulteration of petroleum products, which they then sell to members of the public.

Navy Arrests Four Suspected Sea Pirates

The Nigerian Navy, December 2, arrested four suspected sea pirates at Masunkiri in Brass LGA of Bayelsa. The arrest was made as part of the ongoing operations in the Niger Delta, tagged, Exercise Eagle Eye. Exercise Eagle Eye was launched on December 1 in Warri, Delta State. The operation is the annual sea inspection operation by the Chief of Naval Staff, aimed at enhancing maritime security in Nigerian territorial waters. The arrest was effected by the Special Boat Service Unit of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operation Base, Formoso in Brass. According to Captain Mayowa Olukoya, Commander of the Forward Operating Base, the sea pirates had been terrorising the waterways before they were arrested. Among the items found on them are one pump action rifle, one AK 47 rifle, radio walkie talkie and a 115 horsepower outboard engine. Olukoya said the operation followed a tip-off.

Terrorism

30 Insurgents Killed in Failed Ambush

About 30 suspected members of Boko Haram were November 26, killed when they attempted to ambush a convoy of local government officials and travellers along Bama road after Nguro-Soye in Borno State. Troops from 121 Task Force Battalion, Pulka were escorting local government officials from Pulka to Maiduguri when the incident occurred. The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Gwoza Local Government Area, Honourable Saeed Salisu Sambo, who was in the convoy, disclosed that the terrorists detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and followed it with sporadic gunshots which were immediately repelled by the gallant troops. The troops were reported to have pursued and overpowered the armed attackers. The soldiers injured during the encounter were rushed to the Brigadier Maimalari Barracks Hospital.

Two Vigilante Members, Several Boko Haram Terrorists Killed in Clash

Chairman of Damboa Local Council of Borno State, Yaga Yarakawa, has said that two members of a vigilante group from the council and several Boko Haram insurgents were killed in a fierce encounter between the two groups during a patrol in Shawa village on November 24. The attacked village, which is North East of Sambisa Forest, is one of the strongholds of Boko Haram insurgents, and where foodstuffs and livestock were looted before the village was set ablaze, Yarakawa disclosed. During the encounter, one of the vigilante group’s vehicles stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), planted by the insurgents. The device exploded and killed two men, while two others sustained injuries. Leader of the vigilante group, Aboku Shettima, who said Boko Haram members were always terrorising people in eight villages of Kuburmbula, Tsilari, Kamdzilari, Kuburnvwu, Kautikari, Kwada, Buftari and  Kakulmari, added that these settlements border Damboa and Chibok council areas, as well as the Sambisa Forest. He said this location makes it difficult to effectively monitor and apprehend the fleeing insurgents.

Political/Government Agencies

Army Launches ‘Operation Python Dance’ to Combat Criminality in South-East

The Nigerian Army, November 28, launched ‘Operation Python Dance’ in the south-east, with a warning to armed robbers, kidnappers, members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) against criminal acts, and acts capable of causing disturbance of the peace. The one-month operation which ends on December 27, the army said, will target; armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, herdsmen-farmers clash, communal clashes among others. It said the exercise had become necessary in anticipation of a rise in violent crimes during the yuletide period. The announcement of the launch of the military operation was announced by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa.

Murder/Assassinations

Unknown Gunmen Kill Aide to Anambra Businessman

About six unidentified gunmen, November 27, invaded Abagana in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State and killed one Chinenye Ikedimma, an aide to renowned business mogul, Prince Arthur Eze. The attack left some others with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Ikedimma was an assistant on local affairs to Chief Innocent who is the Personal Assistant to the oil magnet, Arthur Eze. Some of the villagers said that that the killing might be connected with the on-going communal battle between Abagana and Ukpo communities over a piece of land which has claimed scores of lives and property worth several millions of naira. The state Commissioner of Police, Sam Okaula, described the attack as an isolated murder case, adding that the police had started an investigation to fish out the culprits.

Two Killed in Auchi Polytechnic Cult Clash
...Police Apprehend Kingpins

Two persons were killed between November 25 and 26 following a bloody cult war within Auchi Polytechnic in Auchi, Edo State. The clash caused panic among students and other residents within and outside the institution. The State Police Commissioner, Haliru Gwandu, has, however, assured that sanity had been restored with the arrest of two cult kingpins allegedly behind the deadly fracas. The renewed clash was said to have started on November 24 following the completion of sessional examinations by students of the Polytechnic. It was gathered that while one was killed along the Benin-Auchi-Okene highway, the other person was said to have been shot dead at the back of an the Engineering School of Polytechnic.

Kidnappers Kill Principal after Collecting Ransom

Kidnappers, who abducted a 72-year-old retired school principal, Chief Sunday Festus, in Bayelsa State on November 14, have reportedly strangled him to death after getting a ransom from his family. A source revealed that a N4 million ransom was deposited at an agreed location before the suspects showed the family where the remains of the septuagenarian were deposited. The old man was taken by a four-man gang from his residence at riverine Bomo clan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state. During the operation, the hoodlums also injured a 13-year-old boy who was staying with the deceased and had attempted to resist the kidnap of the old man.

Four Killed in Fresh Attack in Mile One Village in Kaduna

Four persons were killed while several houses including the house of the village head were burnt when unknown gunmen attacked Mile One Village in Tafan District, Kaduna State on November 25. The Interim Chairman of Jema’a LGA, Bege Katuka, confirmed the incident. Residents of the neighbouring villages of Gidan Waya, Ungwuan Ninzo and Ungwuan Kagoro have fled for fear of possible attacks. The Kaduna State College of Education was also deserted for fear of attack. A similar attack on Pasakori Village, which shares boundaries with Mile One Village, took place on November 23.

Robbers Strangle Widow, Steal Money, Bags of Rice

A widow, Florence Ede, has been strangled by suspected robbers on her farm in Chikanda, a border community in the Baruten LGA of Kwara State. A resident of the area, Mayor Akonobi, disclosed that Ede was strangled by the assailants, who had trailed her to the farm on November 25. He said the mother of four had a huge amount of money on her and had wanted to pay the labourers before she was killed. He stated that the attackers also made away 12 bags of rice harvested from the victim’s farm. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the incident, said the police had commenced an investigation into the crime.

40 Killed in Communal Clash in Kogi

Over 40 people were November 28, killed while many houses were torched in Bassa LGA of Kogi State when a violent clash ensued between the Ebira Mozu and Bassa Komu people. Dangerous weapons like guns, knives and arrows were said to have been freely used in the clash that lasted for several hours. The clash was said to have led to casualties on both sides and wanton destruction of property in the community. It was learnt that the crisis and the destruction were aided by the peculiar terrain of the community which could only be accessed by water. The state Police Public Relations Officer, William Anya, confirmed the clash but added that the police were yet to have full information.

Gunmen Kill Chinese Miner, 3 Others in Nasarawa State

Gunmen, November 28, ambushed and killed four workers of a mining company, including a Chinese at Alongani village in Nasarawa Eggon LGA of Nasarawa State. Police Public Relations Officer, Kennedy Idirisu, confirmed the killing. Idirisu said the victims were returning from their mining site in a company truck when the assailants shot at them from different directions. Idirisu said a Chinese, a police escort and two others were killed during the ambush while another Chinese survived with a bullet wound. He said the Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Sadiq-Bello had deployed officers to the area to work in collaboration with other security agencies as well as the vigilantes to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Man to Die by Hanging for Killing 8-Year-Old Boy

Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court, November 28, sentenced 24-year-old man, Onyeka Patrick, to death by hanging for the gruesome strangulation of an 8-year-old boy, Ayuba Erikitola. Justice Ipaye delivered the verdict on the grounds that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt the death of a human being and the act of death being caused by the intention of the accused. Patrick, who had earlier pleaded not guilty, was convicted on a one-count charge of murder levelled against him by the Lagos State Government. According to the charge, Patrick did murder the little boy by strangling him to death on January 12, 2013. Patrick, who lived in the same neighbourhood with the deceased, had kidnapped the boy. However, on realising that the boy might identify him as his kidnapper, he killed him and buried the body in a septic tank in an uncompleted building, and thereafter proceeded to demand N5 million as ransom from the father of the boy.

Man Arrested for Hacking Motorcyclist to Death

A 20-year-old man, Cephas Appaf, has been arrested by the police in Edo State for allegedly hacking a motorcyclist to death in the Ovia South-West LGA of the state. It was gathered that Appaf, a rubber tapper, had asked the victim, Aniete Okon, to give him a ride to Benin City on November 3. It was gathered that the suspect had told his unsuspecting victim to make a stopover on the way, where he picked up a cutlass and dealt him severe blows in the neck, before fleeing on the motorcycle. However, he was said to have run out of luck when he put up the motorcycle for sale. One of his potential buyers was said to have suspected his claim of ownership of the property. He was later said to have been arrested by some security operatives attached to an agro-allied firm and handed over to the police in the area.

Artisan Sentenced to Death for Murder

An Osun State High Court, December 1, convicted and sentenced Kayode Idowu, a 35-year-old artisan, to death by hanging for armed robbery and murder. Idowu and his partner allegedly robbed one of their victims of N200 before they killed her. The Police had arraigned Idowu and his partner, Femi Adebowale, before the court on three counts of conspiracy, murder and armed robbery. Idowu, who was found guilty by Justice Kudirat Akano, was said to have broken into the apartments of one Rachel Aina Ogbomoniyi and Florence Ajayi on August 3, 2009, and stole N200 from Aina’s room. The duo of Idowu and Adebowale were said to have stolen the N200 and headed to another room where they found Ajayi and eventually killed her. The Principal State Counsel, Moses Faremi, told the court that the convict and the second accused person, who died during the trial, forcefully entered the house of the deceased at midnight and committed the crime.

Four Policemen Arrested in Adamawa over Villager’s Death

Four policemen suspected of causing the death of a villager in Fufore LGA of Adamawa State, have been arrested. The Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, December 1, said that the suspects, who were operatives of the State Anti-Robbery Squad, were currently under investigation. Kimo said during the launch of the Police Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit, that the four policemen were arrested following a report by the community. He said the suspects were accused of harassing the villager to death for riding a motorcycle, which was banned in the state. The police commissioner warned that the command would not tolerate any act of human rights violation, and would not tolerate any form of criminal activities. He explained that the core objectives of the complaints unit was to receive and solve all complaints of police professional misconduct emanating from policing activities.

10 Feared Dead As Armed Men Storm Two Imo Communities

At least 10 persons are reported dead, when unidentified hoodlums stormed two communities, Umuokeduru and Imeni in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State in the dead of the night. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, December 2, said he was yet to be briefed on the matter, and could not confirm the details.

Rape

19-Year-Old Rapes Minor in Lagos

A 19-year-old man, Yusuf Adewunmi, November 29, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl. The accused, an apprentice, who lives at Arobaba Street, Ikotun, was arraigned in court for a one-count-charge of alleged rape. The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Inuoha, told the court that Adewunmi committed the offence on November 2 when he raped a 14-year-old girl in his room. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs B. O. Osunsanmi, granted the accused bail of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Osunsanmi adjourned the case to January 17, 2017, for mention.

3 Students Allegedly Gang Rape Female Colleague

An Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court, November 29, granted three students N500,000 bail each after they were docked over the alleged gang-rape of a female colleague. The accused, Samuel Omodele (21), Olabanjo Balogun (21), and Divine Francis (20), all students of Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos, are facing charges of conspiracy and rape. Chief Magistrate B. O. Osunsanmi, ordered the accused to also produce two sureties each in the like sum. Osunsanmi adjourned the case to January 17 for mention. The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the students committed the offences on November 3 at the school premises. He said that the accused gang raped one of their colleagues aged 20, adding they also forced her to perform oral sex on them.

Man, 25, Rapes 13-Year-Old Neighbour

A 25-year-old man, Idowu Mohammed, who allegedly defiled a 13-year old girl, was, November 29, docked at a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos. Mohammed, however, pleaded not guilty to a count charge of defilement. The prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on November 11 at Abule-Egba, where he was a neighbour to the girl’s parents. The defendant allegedly called the victim to his apartment and sent her on an errand, and defiled her upon her return. The Chief Magistrate, Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She said that one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the defendant, while the other should be a community leader. The Magistrate adjourned the case till January 31, 2017, pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions.

Teacher Allegedly Rapes Two-Year-Old Pupil, Arrested

A 46-year-old teacher, Adenekan Adegboyega, has been arrested by the police in Lagos State for allegedly defiling a two-year-old girl. The supervising teacher was alleged to have defiled the little girl under the guise of teaching her sex education. The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed the arrest on November 30, said the suspect was arrested following a complaint lodged by the victim’s parents. He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the teacher allegedly defiled the girl, stressing that the suspect would be charged to court soon. The suspect, however, denied the allegation and implored the Nigerian Police to do a thorough investigation.

Police Arraign Bricklayer for Defiling 12-Year-Old

A 44-year-old bricklayer, Tunde Babalola, was, November 30, arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court, Ogba, Lagos, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl. The victim, who lives in the Mushin area of the state, had returned from school on October 21 but did not meet her parents at home. She was said to have approached Babalola, who was working on a building under construction on the premises, to call her parents who were with the key to the house. Babalola was said to have told Victoria to sit on his laps before he could render any help. He allegedly dragged her to the uncompleted building and raped her. The defendant pleaded not guilty. The presiding magistrate, S.B. Bakare, granted him bail in the sum of N250, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

Others

16 Get Life Sentences for Adulterating Diesel

Sixteen people were, November 29, sentenced to life imprisonment, without an option of fine by the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State for adulterating 100 tonnes of diesel. The convicts, Egbayelo Charles, Lawrence Sosoo, Iboho Allen, Obiora Sunday, Akpan Wisdom, Isaac Esien, Kingsley Anighoro, Simeon Ohinomado, Ime Ubong, Joseph Thomas, Nseh Obot, Second Philip, Undubiri Prebai, Emmanuel Abel, Edmund Okoye and Baba Mathew were charged to court by the Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Delivering judgment, Justice Inyang Ekwo found the accused guilty and sentenced each of them to 10 years on count one, 10 years on count three, life imprisonment on count two, and another life imprisonment on count four. Ekwo ordered that their sentences are to run concurrently from July 7, 2014, with no option of fine. The judge declared that all asset recovered from their arrest would be handed over to the Federal Government.

Suspected Thief Electrocuted in Kano

A suspected cable thief, identified as Jamilu Adamu, was November 30, electrocuted at Kawon Maigari, Hotoro Area in Kano while trying to vandalise a fenced public transformer. The spokesman of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Mohammed Kandi, confirmed that the deceased was found dead with some tools including sizes 17 and 20 ring and flat spanner in his possession. An eye witness disclosed that the deceased was seen loitering around the substation area three days earlier, and claimed that he was there to visit his relative.

Fulani Herdsmen Attack another Abia Community

The Ozu Item community in Bende LGA of Abia State was attacked by suspected herdsmen on December 1, leaving scores of farmers with life-threatening injuries. Crops worth several thousands of naira belonging to Ozu Item farmers were also destroyed by the herdsmen and their cattle. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Eme Okoro, who is from the community, has condemned the invasion and attack. One of the victims, Sunday Oru, who had a fractured arm and chopped fingers, disclosed that the herdsmen invaded their farmlands, plundered their crops including rice, cassava, okro and plantain and fed their cattle with them. He alleged that thousands of cattle were led into Ozu Item community by herdsmen and when the farmers confronted them and asked them to leave the community, they ignored them and invaded their farms. Police Public Relations Officer, Nta Ogbonnaya Nta, confirming the attack, assured that the police had commenced investigation.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination remained high on the index with ugly incidents on record. It was a sad scene in Kwara state as a widow was reportedly strangled to death by suspected robbers on her farm. In another incident, two persons were killed after a bloody students’ cult war in Auchi, Edo state. However, the police arrested two cult kingpins allegedly behind the clash and were able to restore normalcy. Others killings include communal clash and invasion by unknown gunmen. These were recorded across various parts of the country.

Kidnap/hostage incidents took an upward plunge even as the authorities fight hard to curtail the menace. A former minister of foreign affairs, who was kidnapped by gunmen, regained his freedom after six days in captivity. Similarly, the Nigeria Customs Service was able to rescue four children from suspected human traffickers along the Seme Border. Despite the unrelenting posture of the various security agencies to tackle this menace in the society, some kidnap suspects made good their escape with their targets. There was also the case of an intern who absconded with the two children of her employer and has remained elusive. Parents of the children have cried out for help to rescue their children. Kidnap and hostage incidents were variously recorded in different parts of the country.

Robbery attacks took their toll on the citizens as the criminal gangs daily devise new means of hitting their targets. This was witnessed in a case where some robbers who disguised in military garbs stormed the Abuja office of a private firm belonging to a politician and carted away over cash and valuables running into millions of naira. But the police remained steadfast as they made an arrest of some gang leaders and suspected armed robbers. Others sadly escaped with their loot. The police have assured that they remain on the trail of fleeing suspects. The south-south and south-west recorded most of these criminal activities.

Rape incidents were also on record as the police paraded a 44-year-old bricklayer, who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl. In a horrendous incident, a 46-year-old teacher was also arrested by the police for defiling a two-year-old girl. The victims of rape are mostly minors, who are defiled by domestic staff, trusted neighbours and relatives. Parents are advised to exercise due diligence in protecting their young children from predators, even within the household.

The government charges every Nigerian and persons that are resident in Nigeria to be security conscious.

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