Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 1

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	3
2	Robbery	6
3	Drugs	2
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	1
5	Terrorism	7
6	Political/Government Agencies
7	Murder/Assassination	17
8	Rape Incidents	5
9	Others	1

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Abducted Corps Member Regains Freedom

A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, Grace Edegware, who was kidnapped alongside two other commuters in Kwali Area Council of Abuja, has regained freedom. She was travelling in a bus with others when they were robbed at gunpoint and thereafter taken into the bush. The abductors had reportedly demanded N15m from their family members. Her father, December 27, said he paid N200,000 to secure her freedom.

Man Kidnaps Nephew in Kaduna

A 23-year-old man, Kamal Bala Yunusa, has been arrested by the Katsina State Police Command over the kidnap of his three-year-old nephew. The victim’s mother and the suspect are siblings. According to the command, the child was rescued from a hotel in Katsina, where he had been drugged with a cough mixture on December 23. Police Public Relations Officer, Salisu Agaisa, while parading Yunusa and his accomplice, disclosed that the suspects, along with two other suspects, Abubakar Idris and Dabo Muhammed, conspired to kidnap the child for a ransom of N4m. The suspects were also accused of stealing the Peugeot 407 with which they allegedly ferried the victim from Kaduna. Kamal said his intention was to sell the car for N700,000, but that he only brought the toddler and the other suspects to Katsina to divert attention from his main intention.

Police Foil Kidnap of 2-Year-Old

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), have foiled an attempt to kidnap a two-year-old boy in Owode area of Ogun State and arrested the kingpin. It was discovered that the prime suspect, Suleiman Seidu (33), is also responsible for several kidnap cases in Kogi state. Seidu had allegedly contracted the service of an unidentified man to assist him to abduct a two-year-old boy. But the partner was said to have confided in a friend, who took him to the RRS in Lagos State, where Seidu’s plan was exposed. It was further gathered that a member of the RRS Decoy posed as a lady, in whose care the boy would be kept. The suspect assured the accomplice that he had gotten a motorcycle to use in the kidnap and that N10 million ransom would be demanded for the boy’s release. Seidu was reportedly apprehended by the RRS men on the purported day of the kidnap. Police Public Relations Officer of Lagos State, Dolapo Badmos, said that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of the Police investigation. The suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation.

Robbery

Police Sergeant, Bank Official Arrested for Attempted Bank Robbery

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one Sergeant Promise Ukwuoma and an employee of Access Bank, Samuel Ndudiri, over a recent attempted robbery at the bank. The suspects were identified as members of the criminal gang who attempted to rob the bank on December 22. The policeman and the bank worker were said to have been apprehended after a discreet investigation by operatives of the IGP Intelligence Response Team. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, December 23, confirmed the arrest. Police operatives, had on December 22, foiled an attempt to rob the Rumuolumeni branch of the bank and arrested three suspects. Other members of the gang, including a police corporal, Gabriel Igwe, are currently on the run, while two AK47 rifles belonging to the serving police personnel were recovered.

Six Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested in Imo State

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command, December 23, arrested Ugochukwu Nnaji and Chibueze Mgboji, for allegedly robbing a bank customer in Owerri. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, said that the suspects who were operating a motorcycle waylaid the customer who had gone to the bank to withdraw money. Upon the alarm raised by the victim, eagle-eyed police operatives immediately chased the suspects, apprehended them and recovered the loot instantly. In another incident, operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad nabbed four persons for robbery in a hostel near Owerri. The suspects had robbed some students of their laptop, phones, some cash and other valuables before their arrest.

Man Remanded for Alleged Burglary

A 30-year-old suspected burglar, Olajide Olatunde, was December 28, remanded in Ilesa prison custody by an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged burglary. Olatunde is facing a three- count charge of conspiracy, burglary and theft. The prosecutor, Inspector Fagboyinbo Abiodun, told the court that the accused person committed the offence on September 27 at Ofatedo Area, Osogbo. Abiodun said the accused conspired with others now at large to break into the house of one Faleke Kayode and carted away some household items. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him. The Magistrate, Mrs Sodamade Fatimoh, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to January 9, 2017, for mentioned.

Robbers Attack Anglican Bishop in Delta

Armed robbers, December 27, attacked the official residence of the Anglican Bishop of the Oleh Diocese, Delta State, Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, and made away with an undisclosed sum of money and valuables. It was gathered that the hoodlums, numbering five, scaled the fence of Aruakpor’s Bishop’s Court and forced their way into his apartment at about 1pm. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, said it was an incident of stealing and burglary. He said the security men attached to the Bishop’s Court had left their duty post and gave ample room for the hoodlums to operate. He added that some persons had been arrested.

Robbers Kill 3 Policemen at Abuja Checkpoint

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mohammed Mustapha, has ordered a manhunt for suspected armed robbers, who killed an Inspector and two Non-Commissioned Police Officers at a checkpoint in Karimo, Abuja on December 27, 2016. The three officers were on patrol in the Idu Industrial district that stretches up to Karmo, following information that robbers planned to attack residents of the area. Unknown to them, a vehicle carrying several heavily-armed robbers, emerged from the Karmo Forest, close to the checkpoint, pretended to be obeying the order to stop, before opening fire on the officers. The three officers died on the spot, while the robbers made away with their weapons.

Robbery Suspects Arrested in Aba

The Abia State Police Command has arrested one Ndubuisi Okpara for allegedly robbing some worshippers around Ariaria Market, Aba. Police Public Relations Officer, Ogbonnaya Nta, said that the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) while a cut-to-size locally-made gun was recovered from him. Similarly, operatives of the Central Police Station, Aba, arrested four men while robbing people coming back from church on Christmas Eve. Items recovered from them include two knives, a lady’s handbag containing a bible, a lady’s belt and a pair of eyeglasses, a desktop charger and a spanner. He explained that the suspects would be arraigned in court at the end of investigations. State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, the said that the arrests were made possible by the synergy between the police and members of the public. He urged people in the state to be vigilant, saying the police were on the alert to crack down on hiding places of criminals in the state.

Drugs

Customs Makes Huge Seizure of Cannabis from Ghana

Forty-three jumbo bags of cannabis worth N250m smuggled into Nigeria from Ghana have been seized along the Agbara/Badagry road by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service. The Controller of the Western Marine Command, Yusuf Umar, December 28, disclosed that the seizure was made possible following a report made available by some good Samaritans. Umar said on getting the intelligence report, he quickly mobilised his officers to the area, where they captured the boat carrying the cannabis but the suspects escaped through the river. The seizure was packed in 43 jumbo bags and the total worth is N250m. According to Umar, the seizure of the cannabis was the fourth in the last six months, adding that the command had so far made other seizures valued at N3.35bn in 2016.

Suspect Excretes 45 Wraps of Cocaine at Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), December 27, said it had arrested two suspects with cocaine at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. Agency’s spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said one of the suspects was arrested on his way to Hong Kong after ingesting cocaine, while the other suspect, residing in Greece, was also arrested with wraps of cocaine. The arrests were made during the screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight to Hong Kong and Egypt Airline flight to Athens. One of the suspects excreted 45 wraps of cocaine he ingested, weighing 935 grammes while the other excreted five wraps of cocaine weighing 215 grammes.

Militancy/Maritime

Police Arrest Mastermind, Others over Plan to Bomb Third Mainland Bridge

The police in Lagos state, December 28, said that it had arrested some suspects over alleged plans to bomb the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The prime suspect, Abiodun Amos (43), in his confession, stated claimed that the bridge would have blown-up on December 26. The feat was achieved by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT), which acting on a credible intelligence report, trailed and arrested one of the primary suspects and recovered rifles, explosives and the detonators. The suspect is alleged to be a top commander and chief explosives maker of a notorious militant group operating from the creeks of Ikorodu and Arepo areas of Lagos and Ogun States. Following days investigation, the police arrested three other suspects in connection with the foiled plot. Meanwhile, the marine police have intensified patrol around the bridge area to avert any attack from members of the gang.

Terrorism

15 Terrorists Killed as Troops, Boko Haram Battle in Borno

At least 15 Boko Haram fighters were December 30, killed in Borno State, when troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and the terrorists engaged in a fierce battle which lasted about three hours. The battle began when some Boko Haram fighters launched a surprise attack on the troops’ location in Rann, Borno State, shooting sporadically. The gallant soldiers responded promptly, killing several fighters of the sect. Others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

Two Die As Vigilant Youths Foil Bomb Attack on Maiduguri

Two female suicide bombers were, December 26, killed during a failed attempt to bomb a cattle market in Maiduguri, Borno State. According to reports, the two suicide bombers were accosted by some of the vigilante members stationed at the market. The vigilante members had held the two female suicide on gun point from a distance, ordering them to remove the explosive stripped on them. It was while they were removing their wares that the bomb strapped on them exploded, killing the bombers instantly. A trader at the market, Mr. Aji Babagana, however, said there was another loud bang some moments after the initial explosion which killed the two females. The Police spokesman, Victor Isuku, confirmed the incident.

Army Arrests 1,240 Suspects in Sambisa

The Nigeria Army, December 27, said it had arrested about 1,240 suspected Boko Haram terrorists during mop-up operations by troops inside the Sambisa forest. The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major-General Lucky Irabor, who disclosed this, said that 413 of the suspects were adults; 323 were female adults; 251 male children, while 253 were female children. He said that the suspects were apprehended during a mop-up operation against the sect members in the forest. He added that the military was interrogating them to know whether they were Boko Haram members. He further stated that 30 fleeing suspected Boko Haram members had surrendered to the Niger Multinational Troops on the shores of the Lake Chad.

Suspected Boko Haram Fighter Arrested in Abuja

A middle-aged man suspected to be one of the fleeing fighters of the Boko Haram sect has been arrested by officials of a security agency recently established by the Abuja Municipal Area Council popularly known as ‘AMAC Marshal’ in the Federal Capital Territory. Spokesman of the AMAC Marshal, Kingsley Madaki, December 27, said the suspect who gave his name as Usman, was nabbed at 4.30pm at Utako Market. According to him, the suspect confessed that there are so many of his colleagues out to unleash mayhem on residents of the city. Madaki called on the residents of the FCT to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the security agents. The suspect has reportedly been handed over to the Nigerian military.

Boko Haram Terrorist Arrested in Lagos

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has disclosed that a Boko Haram terrorist was arrested at the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. Buratai said the terrorist, one of those fleeing from the hitherto Boko Haram stronghold of Sambisa Forest, was arrested on December 24. Meanwhile, the military has re-opened two major roads in Borno state that were closed since 2013 over Boko Haram insurgency. The roads are Maiduguri-Gubio-Damasak and Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga. Buratai charged the troops not to relent until all the terrorists who had waged a war against Nigeria since 2009 are arrested.

Boko Haram Fighters Surrender in Niger

The Interior Minister of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum, December 28, said that dozens of Boko Haram fighters have given themselves up to authorities in southern Niger. This comes days after the Islamist group suffered key losses as the Nigerian military brought down their stronghold in Sambisa forest, Borno State. The Sambisa forest and northern Borno borders Niger Republic. The Interior Minister reported that 31 persons from Diffa, who were Boko Haram member, decided to surrender to the government. The fighters arrived in the remote desert town of Diffa in groups and were being held by local authorities.

Army Alerts Borno, Adamawa, Yobe Residents over Fleeing Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army, December 23, alerted residents of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states to be vigilant and security conscious. The residents were advised to be wary of strange movements of Boko Haram insurgents fleeing Sambisa Forest into their communities. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen. Sani Usman warned that due to the on-going final clearance and military occupation of Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts in Sambisa Forest, quite a number of them are escaping the theatre of operations in the north-east to various parts of the country. He urged members of the public to report any suspicious person or group of persons to the security agencies for prompt action and interceptions.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Armed Bandits Kill Aged Couple, Dump Corpses in Well

Some bandits, suspected to armed robbers, December 21, invaded the Fate area of Ilorin, Kwara State and killed an aged couple before dumping their corpses inside a well in the area. While no arrest has been made, men of the state criminal investigation bureau have reportedly commenced a full investigation into the killing.  According to reports, the robbers that invaded the residence of the aged couple also took away valuables like television, electronic gadgets and their car. The couple was reportedly shot several times and they did not die. This caused the robbers to tie them up and dump them inside a well where they drowned. Police spokesman, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident and promised that the law would soon catch up with the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

Missing Varsity Student Found Dead

The corpse of a 400-level student of the College of Education, Osun State University, Ipetu Ijesa campus, Rofiat Adebisi, was December 23, found in Iragbiji in Osun State. Adebisi went missing a week before her remains were found. The police have started an investigation to unravel the cause of the death and those behind it. The deceased had left her campus in Ipetu Ijesa to attend a religious programme at Ikoyi town, off Ife-Ibadan Expressway in Osun State on December 15, but was declared missing when nobody could locate her afterwards until her corpse was discovered. The Commissioner of Police, Fimihan Adeoye, said the police were working to unravel the cause of the death.

Several Arrested over Killing of Policemen in Abuja

Scores of people, including farmers, have been arrested in the Karimo area of the Federal Capital Territory in connection with the killing of three policemen by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers on December 27. It was gathered that some of the people arrested by the police were residents of the area who had farms close to the spot where the police officers were killed. The gunmen had attacked and killed an Inspector and two Sergeants and also dispossessed them of their rifles at a checkpoint along Idu-Karimo Road. The FCT Police Command had since commenced an investigation into the incident and also launched a manhunt for the criminals. A huge number of operatives, including men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), were said to have been deployed in the surrounding bush to search for the fleeing assailants.

One Killed as Gunmen Attack APC Chieftain, Kill One

One person was killed on December 28 when gunmen attacked the convoy of Alhaji Adamu Mohammed, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibi LGA of Taraba state. Police Public Relations Officer, David Misal, December 29, confirmed the incident, which occurred at Mala village. Three persons were critically injured in the attack. Adamu, a former local council chairman, was earlier assaulted by some youths when he visited Dampar ward to fraternise with APC supporters for the yuletide. No arrest has been made in connection with the attack. The police have, however, commenced a full investigation to unravel the perpetrators.

Cattle Rustlers Kill Herdsman in Delta State

Hoodlums suspected to be cattle rustlers. December 23, killed a Fulani herdsman at Emu-Ebendo community, Ndokwa-West LGA of Delta state. The hoodlums, who dumped the body in a nearby river, also made away with two of the victim's cows. Security was immediately beefed up in the area to prevent reprisal from the Fulani community in the state. The rustlers shot the herdsman repeatedly before throwing him into the river. The suspects thereafter shot and slaughtered two cows belonging to the victim at an uncompleted petrol station in the community. They were two herdsmen that went for the grazing but one of them went to buy food, and before he returned his colleague had been killed. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the killing on December 26. Aniamaka, said police was on top of the matter, assuring that those involved in the dastardly act would be brought to book.

Gunmen Kill 11 in Kaduna Community

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen invaded Goska village in in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing six people. A daughter of Mr. Gimbia Morik, a former Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly and one-time council chairman of Jama’a Local Government, was among those killed during the attack on December 25. Several people sustained injuries from gunshots while many houses were burnt by the bandits. Four boys and two women were still missing after the raid on the village. Two suspects have been arrested, while the GOC One Division Nigerian Army, Major-General Adeniyi Oyebade, ordered immediate deployment of troops in Ninte, a Southern Kaduna community where renewed attacks were being carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The two middle-aged men were said to be driving in a maroon Volkswagen vehicle, through the front of the Chief of Kagoma’s palace when troops nabbed them.

Gunmen Invade Omoku, Kill Eight in Shooting Spree

Unidentified gunmen suspected to be members of cult groups, December 24, killed eight people in Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that the bandits invaded the community and simultaneously attacked three streets at about 9pm, shooting indiscriminately. A resident of the area disclosed that the killers specifically invaded Palace road and two other streets in the area. A witnessed described the shooters as well armed and wearing military uniforms. The Rivers State Police Command, however, said it was not aware of the incident.

Gun Kill Ex-Plateau Commissioner

A former commissioner for agriculture in Plateau State, Sargwak Wazhi, has been killed by armed robbers along the new Mangu-Barkinkadi Road in the state. Wazhi and the Chairman of Langtang South LGA, Nicholas Vongsing, were returning from a peace meeting on December 22 when they were ambushed. The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Mathias Terna, confirmed the incident. He said the council boss and the driver survived the attack with bullet injuries.

Policeman Shoots Man Dead over Missing Phone

A middle-aged man, Friday Nduka, was, December 26, shot dead by a Police Inspector, Mike Edem, attached to the NNPC Filling Station at the Control Post in Owerri, Imo State. According to reports, the deceased, who had driven into the filling station to buy petrol, had an altercation with one of the pump attendants over his missing iPhone 7. An eyewitness said that the argument degenerated into a fight, which left the pump attendant badly injured. The Police Inspector, who was furious about the incident, fired gunshots at the deceased’s vehicle, and a bullet hit Nduka. The Inspector immediately fled the scene. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident and described the action of the inspector as very unruly. Enwerem stated that the Inspector General of Police had mandated the state Commissioner of Police to make sure that the fleeing inspector was apprehended and justice was done. The state Police Command has declared the killer policeman, Inspector Mike Edem, wanted.

Three Killed as Community is Attacked by Gunmen

Yet-to-be-identified gunmen killed three natives of in Uratta Umuoha community in Isiala Ngwa North council area of Abia State. The gunmen had, December 21, invaded the community, but were resisted by residents who caught one of them while others escaped.  The arrested gunman was allegedly killed by youths of the community who also set a motorcycle he was trying to escape with ablaze. But the gang regrouped and attacked the community again on December 25, shooting sporadically. At the end of the shooting spree, three persons were found dead and 10 others critically wounded. However, the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Ogbonnaya Nta said he was yet to know about the incident.

Policeman Kills Wedding Guest

A Police Corporal, Stanley Akhigbe, who allegedly killed one Imalele Osemwingie, at a wedding ceremony in Benin City, Edo State, has been arrested and will be charged to court. Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, who disclosed this on December 27, said he has instituted an investigation into the circumstances that led to the alleged shooting to death of Osemwingie. The Corporal, Akhigbe, was alleged to have attended the wedding with a police rifle. He had a disagreement with some of the guests, which resulted in an argument and out of anger he allegedly pulled the trigger and a shot hit Osemwingie, killing him on the spot. He tried to escape the scene but was overpowered by the crowd after he had exhausted his ammunition. He was then handed over to the men of the Ikpoba Hill Police Division.

Herdsmen Kill Bike Rider, Farmer in Delta

Suspected herdsmen killed two persons in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State. One of the victims, said to be a commercial bike rider, was, December 26, shot and killed at Ohoror. The victim, Rufus Erooni, was said to have been shot dead and butchered by his assailants, who left his remains at the scene of the incident. The remains were discovered by some members of the community going to their farms. The assailants reportedly left their trails at the scene of the incident, including cattle footprints, according to an indigene of the community. In other incidents, a farmer, Kester Orobevwe MacPherson, was killed at his farm in Agadama community of Uwheru in the same LGA by herdsmen, who were reported to have seized his corpse. According to the chairman of Agadama community, Sunday Iniovogoma, attempts to recover his corpse by a combined team of youths from the community and security agents, were repelled by the herdsmen, who engaged them in a shootout.

Man Kills Mother over Land Sale

A 70-year-old woman, Regina Daniel, was December 25, killed by her son, Clement Daniel, as she prevented him from selling a portion of their farmland in Delichim Community in Bazza, Michika LGA of Adamawa state. A resident of the community said when Clement approached his mother to sell the said land which she used for farming after the demise of her husband, she advised him not to sell the land. Angered by the action of his mother, Daniel strangled her with rope and slit her throat. The Adamawa state Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Othman, confirmed the incident. He said investigations is in full gear.

Customs Officer Killed at Lagos Port

A Customs Officer, Aliyu Adamu, attached to the Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, was, December 22, attacked and killed by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The officer was reportedly on his way home after the close of work when he was ambushed by some men at the second gate of the Tin-Can Port. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Uche Ejieseme, confirmed the incident. According to him, the officer was blocked while on a bike around National Filling station close to Tin-Can, adding that the late officer had a little scuffle with the assailants while they attempted to snatch his backpack. Ejieseme said that the matter had been reported to the Trinity Police Station while his remains were transported to Katsina and buried according to Islamic rites.

Siblings Killed at Home by Unknown Persons

Two people have been confirmed dead while two others were hospitalised after a family of five was attacked by yet-to-be identified men on December 25 at Adegbose Estate, Igbogbo/Ikorodu. The mother of the house, who slept in her room, was said to have woken up at about 1.30am to ease herself when she saw her four children in their own pool of blood and raised the alarm, which attracted neighbours. They were perceived to be injured with grinding stones and other dangerous objects after which two of them Azeezat (21), and Abeeb (16), died on the way to the hospital.

Three Killed as Akwa Ibom, Cross River Communities Clash

Three persons were said to have died following a violent communal clash between Oku Iboku community in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State and Ikot Offiong community in Odupani LGA of Cross River State. The two communities have been involved in several clashes which had resulted in loss of lives. The representative of Itu constituency in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Idongesit Ituen, described the attack as criminally-motivated because it occurred when the people of Oku Iboku and adjoining villages were about to harvest their crops. He alleged that the assailants also stole farm produce and boat engines after scaring the people away. The council’s caretaker chairman, Elsie Esara, said that the situation had been brought under control by the military and police.

2 Confirmed Dead in Enugu Market Fight

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of two persons following a clash at the Gariki Market in Awkunanaw on December 28. Police Public Relations of Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident, explained that one of the dead men had, during a quarrel, stabbed the other to death, prompting a mob to descend on him. Amaraizu said that the person who was severely beaten by the mob later died in hospital. The deceased persons were identified as one Ali, a Fulani man and Ifeanyi Ifeacho, an Igboman. Trouble started after Ali came to Gariki abattoir where Ifeanyi worked as an attendant to slaughter his cow. According to an eyewitness, when Ali finished slaughtering his cow, he gave Ifeanyi N400 instead of the N500 fee. An argument ensued and degenerated into a fight during which Ali stabbed and killed Ifeanyi. Some outraged Igbo traders in the market grabbed Ali and mobbed him to the point of death. He later died in the hospital. Normalcy has however returned to the market, following the deployment of anti-riot policemen to the market and its environs.

Rape

Cleric Remanded for Allegedly Raping 5-Year-Old

A 53-year-old pastor, Gabriel Asateru, was December 28, remanded in prison custody by an Ado-Ekiti magistrate’s court in Ekiti State over the alleged defilement of 5-year-old girl. The police prosecutor, Inspector Bayo Ajiboye, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 23, 2016, at Ifisin-Ekiti. He alleged that the accused, on the said date, unlawfully had canal knowledge of the victim by petting her to sit on his lap. The plea of the accused was not taken as his counsel, Mr. Tunde Olayemi, sought a date for adjournment pending the outcome from DPP.  Magistrate Modupe Afeniforo, who frowned at the incessant cases of rape in the state, consequently ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.  She adjourned the case to February 15, 2017, for further hearing.

Man, 40, Remanded for Defiling 8-Year-Old Stepdaughter

A Kano State Magistrates’ Court, December 28, ordered the remand of Ado Sa’adu (40) in prison for allegedly defiling his eight-year-old stepdaughter. The prosecutor, Rufa’I Inusa, had told the court that the wife of the accused, Hannatu Ibrahim, had reported the case to Hisbah Board Office on November 17 after she caught the accused tearing the pant of her eight-year-old daughter who was sleeping. However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. Chief Magistrate Muhammad Jibril ordered the remand of the accused and adjourned the case till January 12.

Four Suspects Arrested over Gang-Rape of 14-Year-Old

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, has announced the arrest of four suspects who allegedly abducted and gang-raped a 14-year-old girl and thereafter placed a N2 million ransom on her before she could be released. The suspects include one Kelvin Nmor Nzete (28), Onyeka Ossai (20), Enyadike Emeke (27) and Ozuem Chukwutem Ogwu (29). The suspects were said to have lured to the victim from her parent’s home in Kwale. Security operatives, acting on a tip-off, stormed the criminals’ hideout at Isumpe Utagba-uno, where the victim was rescued after six days in captivity.

Man, 61, Turns 10-Year-Old to Sex Slave in Aba

A 61-year-old man, Timothy Onyeukwu, has been arrested by the Abia State Police Command for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl and keeping her as a sex slave in a hotel in Aba. Onyeukwu was alleged to have tricked the victim into the hotel and held her hostage for months. The suspect was apprehended after the police got a tip-off and swooped on him. The victim was said to have been rescued and reunited with her parents. The suspect was among many others paraded at the command headquarters in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, on December 28. The suspect blamed the devil for the act. Police Public Relations Officer, Ogbonaya Nta, said intelligence report gathered by security operatives, led to the arrest of the suspect, adding that the victim had been taken to a hospital for treatment.

60-Year-Old Blind Man Arraigned for Rape

The Niger State Police Command has arraigned a 60-year-old blind man, Idris Usman, before a Minna Chief Magistrate Court over unlawful sexual intercourse with two under-aged boys. The two victims, ages 10 and 12, in separate interviews, had confirmed the rape, alleging that the blind man used to invite them for sexual intercourse. Residents of the PZ area had hinted the Director-General of the Niger State Child Right Agency, Maryam Kolo, on the crime of the man. Kolo had followed up on the matter, leading to his arrest. The suspect had reportedly confessed to having anal sex with the boys and pleaded for leniency. The magistrate adjourned the case till January 5, 2017, for further mention and ordered the blind man to be remanded in prison custody.

Others

Benue Police Arrests 24, Recovers 20 Fire Arms

The Benue State Police Command announced that it had arrested 24 alleged criminals and recovered about 20 different calibres of firearms in different parts of the state. One of the suspects arrested was Terkura Agwaza, elder brother of a wanted militant leader in the state over alleged conspiracy, culpable homicide, forgery, and armed robbery. Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, December 27, said that Agwaza was nabbed for his involvement in the snatching of cars and sale of same. Makama stated that the police operation also led to the arrest of one Kasua Mkarga and his accomplice, who disguised in military camouflage to rob unsuspecting members of the public. One G3 rifle with four rounds of live ammunition, a pair of military camouflage, charms, a bag and N30,380 cash were recovered from the suspects. Makama who said all the suspects were undergoing interrogation assured that they would be made to face the law at the end of Police investigations.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination in recent time have been on the rise, retaining its place on the index. The horrible incident involving the murder of an aged couple. The husband and wife were allegedly shot by the assailants, but they did not die. This infuriated the killers, who tied them up and drowned them in a well. It was also a sad case of a woman who lost two of her children in a mysterious attack on four of her children right inside her house, with no trace of the killers. Also sad was the brutal killings by herdsmen of a bike rider and a farmer in Delta State. The herdsmen, however, had their share of attack in the state when suspected cattle rustlers killed and impaled a herder. For yet to be ascertained reasons, gunmen in military fatigue, opened fire on residents of three streets in Omoku, Rivers State, leaving 8 people dead on their trail. Another sad incident was the killing of a septuagenarian by her son over a piece of land. Law enforcement agents also recorded a share of losses as gunmen, in separate incidents, killed police officers on their lawful duty. Sadly, some police officers also turned their weapons, meant to protect the citizens, on the people they were meant to protect, killing a number of innocent persons. Other killings include cult and communal clashes, invasion by herdsmen and some lone killings. These were recorded across various regions of the country.

Terrorism took an upward plunge. But the Boko Haram terrorist suffered heavy losses as the military continues to clear their enclaves following the reported fall of their hitherto stronghold, the Sambisa forest. Other security groups have supported the military and successfully foiled what would have been mass casualties in suicide attacks as was seen in the case of a suspected terrorist who tried to bomb the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The military was also successful in the battle against terrorism as about 15 suspected terrorists were killed during a heavy gun battle between the terrorists and the military in Operation Lafiya Dole. Notable arrest of suspects was recorded as the north-east remains most endemic region.

Robbery incidents maintained its pace as there were trickles of attacks across the nation. The law enforcements agents did not sleep on their duty as they captured and took some robbery suspects into custody, while some were fell to the superior fire power of the police during gun battles. However, many others made good their escape. It was a sad scene as about 3 policemen were gruesomely murdered by armed robbers at a checkpoint in the Federal Capital Territory.

Rape incidents linger with suspects arrested and charged to court. The prevalence remains worrisome as young girls and boys are continually defiled by close relatives and trusted persons.

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

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