Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 5

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	8
2	Robbery	5
3	Drugs	1
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	1
5	Terrorism	6
6	Political/Government Agencies
7	Murder/Assassination	16
8	Rape Incidents	6
9	Others	3

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Nab 4 Kidnap Suspects over Turkish Colleague Staff and Students

The Nigerian Police Force Headquarters, January 26, disclosed that four members of the notorious kidnapping gang that abducted five students and three members of staff of the Turkish School, Isheri on January 13, have been arrested and the sum of N1.2 million being part of the ransom collected, recovered from one of them. Force Public Relations Officer, Donald Awunah gave the names of the suspects as Bekewei Agbojule; Philip Joel Kakadu, a militant leader; Romeo Council and Totki Okoda, the informant, who resides in the creeks behind the school. Awunah disclosed that the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Tactical Intelligence Unit (TIU) of the Nigeria Police Force successfully smashed the notorious kidnap gang and arrested the suspects. The suspects were trailed and arrested at different locations in Delta, Ogun and Lagos states for their various roles in the crime. The four suspects confessed to the crime, volunteered useful statements to the investigators and are cooperating with the Police, he added. Efforts are being made to arrest the remaining suspects who are at large.

Herdsmen Abduct Ex-Council Boss, 2 Others

The immediate past Transition Committee Chairman for Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, Chief Friday Akpoyibo, has been abducted by suspected herdsmen along the Auchi-Abuja Road. A younger brother to Chief Akpoyibo and an unidentified male passenger, who were both travelling with the former chairman, were also abducted by the hoodlums. A third passenger, female, who was said to have been with the victims, was left behind. An aide to Akpoyibo confirmed the incident on January 23. He disclosed that the former chairman was abducted on January 22 on his way to Abuja to attend the inauguration of the recently-appointed executives of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority (NDRBDA). The victims were reportedly taken into the bush after being disposed of their personal items.

Court Remands Man in Prison over Kidnap of 5-Year-Old Boy

A Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s Court, January 25, remanded a man, Abdulkareem Dahiru, in prison custody over alleged kidnap of a five-year-old boy. The Chief Magistrate, Alhassan Husaini, ordered that Dahiru be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe, and advised him to get a lawyer. The court did not take his plea because he did not have a counsel representing him. Dahiru is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping. Police Prosecutor, Mohammed Abaji, told the court that the accused committed the offences with three others along Okene-Lokoja Road. He alleged that the accused had been on the run since the boy was kidnapped, but was arrested at Okengwe in Okene following a tip-off. He said investigations showed that the accused and members of his gang belonged to a dreadful group that indulged in robbery in Okene. The magistrate adjourned the case to February 7 for mention.

Kidnapped Staff, Students of Turkish College Regain Freedom

The kidnapped students and staff of the Nigeria Turkish International School, Isheri, Ogun State, who were abducted on January 13, have regained their freedom. They were released on January 24 after a ransom was paid. It was revealed that the parents of the students had parted with an amount between N4million about N10 million to secure the release of the students and staff. The school’s Public Relations Officer, Cema Yigit, confirmed their release.

Agatu Militia Abducts Hausa Chief in Kogi

The Agatu militia men from Benue State, January 24, abducted Alhaji Audi Musa the Serikin Hausa Bagana in Omala LGA of Kogi State. The Chief of Hausa was abducted in his family house by hoodlums numbering over 20 that stormed Bagana town, shooting sporadically. They reportedly dragged the chief on the road for half an hour before he was whisked away to an unknown destination. According to a community source, they hoodlums, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community late in the night through the Benue State axis. They reportedly went straight to the residence of Alhaji Audi Musa, tied him to their motorbike and dragged him on a long distance before escaping through the foot path. Police Public Relations Officer, Williams Aya, said the police authorities had drafted fully armed policemen to the village to restore confidence while search has been intensified for the rescue of the chief.

Four Farm Workers Abducted in Epe

A young lady and three farmers in a farmland in Epe area of Lagos State, were January 20, kidnapped by gunmen, numbering 10 and kitted in military camouflage, who stormed the Tanda farm. The lady, Ifeoluwa Olabiyi (24) was employed at the farm two weeks before the incident happened. The kidnappers of the woman and farmers reportedly made contacts with the relatives of the victims on January 23 and have demanded for N5 million as ransom for the release of each of them. The kidnappers had come from the creeks and entered the farm.

Kidnappers Arrested while Attempting to Withdraw Ransom

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested suspected kidnappers, Chinobi Sebastian and Emma Blessing, for allegedly abducting an eight-year-old boy. It was learnt that the suspects were apprehended by policemen attached to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad in a bank in the Oyingbo area of the state as they were about withdrawing the ransom paid by the boy’s family. The police, however, did not give the name of the bank and the victim. Upon their arrest, the suspects led the operatives to a hotel in the community, where the boy was held hostage in one of the rooms. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the hotel had been shut off, adding that efforts were on-going to arrest other members of the gang.

2 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Delta

Police operatives from the Zone 5 headquarters, Benin, have arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnap of a couple on New Year Day along DSC Roundabout, Effurun, Delta State. The couple, Blessing Dukuye and his wife, Joy, were returning from New Year church service, when they were abducted. The Zone 5 Public Relations Officer, Emeka Iheanacho, said the suspects were arrested at their hideouts along Alaka area and PTI Road in Effurun, Delta State. The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Ogbeni and Osimi Enakhiru, were arrested at their respective hideouts on January 17. The couple was said to have been rescued while the sum of N1,080,000, including an amount said to have been paid as ransom, was recovered. Several arms and ammunition, including one AK47 rifle, one Lar rifle marked, 1633972 and 3869, respectively, and one pump action were recovered during a search on the premises of the suspects. Iheanacho said the suspects had made useful statements and would soon be charged to court.

Robbery

Gunmen Invade Owerri High Court, Free Notorious Robbery, Kidnap Suspect

Gunmen believed to be members of a notorious armed robbery gang invaded the Owerri High Court on January 27 and freed a notorious member of the syndicate, Henry Chibueze, who is known as Vampire. The suspect and about 50 others had been brought into the court premises to face heinous criminal charges before the attack. About six bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons invaded the premises, opening fire on the armed prison officials as the suspects were being moved into the respective courtrooms, where their cases were scheduled for hearing. The bandits escaped with Chibueze after a shootout with security operatives, which left several persons with injuries. Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Prisons Service, Owerri, Maduba James, confirmed that the suspect escaped and that over six people were critically injured during the gunfight. The State Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, said that policemen were immediately mobilised to rescue the situation, and some fleeing suspects were re-arrested. Witnesses disclosed that two persons are killed during the shootout.

4 Arrested as Mob Lynches Suspected Thief in Bayelsa

Police in Bayelsa State have arrested a 25-year-old man and three others at Twon Brass in Brass LGA of the state for allegedly beating a suspected thief to death. Though about 33 suspects were reportedly arrested by the police over the incident, the four were accused of beating the suspect, which led to his death. The Chairman of the LGA, Bello Bina, who confirmed the development on January 23, said the incident, which occurred a fortnight ago, nearly triggered a row between the Hausa community and their hosts on the Brass Island. According to him, the arrested persons were accused of tying up the suspected thief before beating him to death for allegedly breaking into a petty trader’s shop. He also confirmed that the suspects have been transferred to the Homicide Unit of the State Police Command and autopsy is expected to be conducted on the corpse.

Man Remanded in Prison for Armed Robbery

An Osun State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo, January 25, ordered that a crime suspect, Segun Oluwalogbon, be remanded in the Ilesa Prison for alleged murder and robbery. The accused was arraigned before the Magistrate Falilat Sodamade on three counts charges bordering on armed robbery and murder. Police Prosecutor, Mereti Wilson, said the accused hit the head of his victim with a cutlass, leading to his death. The prosecutor told the court that Oluwalogbon and others now at large, on April 7, 2016, had conspired to commit felony to wit; murder, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under the law. The court did not take the plea of the accused and ordered his remand in the Ilesa Prison. The case was adjourned till March 20, 2017.

FCT Police Arrest Six for Armed Robbery Suspects

The FCT Police Command, January 26, said that it had arrested six suspected killers of a police corporal, who was murdered on December 29, 2016. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Mustafa, who paraded the suspects, said that they were arrested on January 14 by operatives of the command. He said that the syndicate stabbed the deceased, who boarded a vehicle, on the chest with a dagger after robbing him of his belongings. The syndicate, which used unpainted taxi for its operations shuttled between Berger, Airport road or Area 1 and Gwagwalada in search of victims. The commissioner said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be charged to court on conclusion of investigation. Mustafa said items recovered from them included, one blue colour golf car marked KWL 421 TC, one Nokia handset, belonging to the deceased policeman and three knives. In a related development, Mustafa said the police had arrested some other armed robbery suspects at the Banex Junction, Wuse II, on January 22. Items recovered from them include, two locally made pistols, one Beretta pistol and one cartridge.

Enugu Police Arrest 3 Youths for Stealing Truck Load of Fuel

The Police in Enugu have arrested three youths for allegedly stealing a trunk load of petroleum product. It was learnt that the suspects were picked up by the law enforcement agents at Obollo-Afor in Udenu LGA of the state following a tip off. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, January 23, confirmed the arrest and gave the names of the suspects as Lazarus Odinaka, Emodilichukwu Eze and Ifeanyi Ilo. Amaraizu said that the three suspects allegedly conspired amongst themselves to steal a “Mack tanker truck” belonging to SAKO oil and Gas Onitsha from where it was packed at Onitsha-Owerri Road, Onitsha, Anambra state. Through intelligence information, the suspects were promptly nabbed by the police operatives at Obollo-Afor, and the said tanker was recovered. The suspects are helping the police in their investigations, he added.

Drugs

NDLEA Nabs Suspected Drug Dealer

A 47-year-old textile merchant has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) with 4.4kgs of methamphetamine, valued at over N300 million at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The drug, which was concealed inside food stuff was detected during the outward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight. The suspect, Ifeka Charles Obi, was on his way to the kingdom of Cambodia when he was nabbed. Describing the seizure as the first at the airport in year 2017, NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamisu Lawan, explained that the 40 parcels of suspected whitish substance found on the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 4.4kgs.

Militancy/Maritime

Troops Kill 2 Militants in Bayelsa

The Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), January 24, said its troops killed two notorious militants in a shootout along the Obama Flow Station in Nembe, Bayelsa State. Troops of Sector 2, deployed in the area, reportedly raided the camp of the militants, following a tip-off by the locals and vigilante, which resulted in a shootout and death of the militants. Spokesman of the OPDS, Lt.-Col Olaolu Daudu, described one of the suspects as a notorious leader of criminals, popularly known as Labista. Labista and his cohort dove into the river in a bid to escape, while the raid was ongoing and were engaged by our troops. Items recovered from the raid included two single-barrelled guns, cutlass and four speed boats. The Commander of OPDS, Rear Admiral Apochi Ogabu Suleiman, has assured the people of the region of their safety and security. Apochi encouraged them not to condone any form of sabotage, vandalism or acts of criminality because of the negative effects on the environment and economy. The commander urged the people to report any act of criminality promptly to the Joint Task Force.

Terrorism

DHQ Alert on New Boko Haram Strategy of Strapping Babies on Back

The Defence Headquarters says female suicide bombers in the north-east now carry babies on their back to pass off as innocent nursing mothers. The Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, January 27, disclosed that the two recent suicide bomb attacks in Madagali, Adamawa State were instructive in this regard. The DHQ appealed to members of the public to be patient and cooperate with the military and other security agencies while carrying out thorough security search and checks to prevent the murderous intention of the Boko Haram suicide bombers. He further called on members of the public to always volunteer useful information to the military and other security agencies that would assist in exposing Boko Haram and their evil machinations in order to make the communities safe and secure for all to live.

Boko Haram Sacks Military Base, 3 Soldiers Feared Dead in Borno

Suspected members of Boko Haram terrorist sect, January 25, attacked a military base/camp in Kamuya village of Buratai ward of Biu LGA of Borno state, where they killed three soldiers and carted away arms and ammunitions. It was gathered that the attackers first succeeded in sacking the soldiers at their duty post, after which they invaded the camp and carted away with huge arms and ammunitions. It was also gathered that three soldiers were killed as the terrorists set the entire camp ablaze.

Emir Hands Over 3 Boko Haram Suspects to Military

The Nigerian Army, January 26, said it had taken into custody three suspected Boko Haram terrorists handed over to it by the Zurmi Emirate Council in Zamfara State. The Commanding Officer, 223 Light Tank Battalion of Tactical Operation Unit, Gusau, Col. Abdullahi Adamu, said the suspects were apprehended by the local vigilante in the area. Adamu, who displayed the arms recovered from the suspects, said the three suspects had been moved to the 1 Division, Nigerian Army Kaduna for interrogation. He said the arms recovered were AK47 riffles, over 600 ammunition, illicit drugs, charms and other belongings. He commended the emirate council and local vigilantes for their efforts in arresting criminal elements in the state. The Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku said the arrest of the suspected Boko Haram members was part of the directive to district heads of the emirate to monitor and report to security agencies any new face or suspicious movement in their respective communities. The emir said information on the suspects was first forwarded by the District Head of Mashema about five days ago, when he reported that 11 suspicious persons were seen hiding in the bushes.

4 Killed in Botched Borno Suicide Attacks

The Borno State Police Command, January 25, confirmed the killing of four persons after three separate suspected suicide bomb attacks were foiled by the Military in Maiduguri on January 24 and 25. Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, who disclosed this, explained that the first attempted suicide attack took place around midnight on January 24, while the other two took place in the early hours of January 25. Chukwu explained that the first incident occurred when a suspected suicide bomber tried to penetrate the metropolis through Usmanti village but was gunned down by the soldiers on guard. The shooting triggered the explosive he was carrying, killing him alone. The second attempt occurred during the morning prayers on January 25 when two suicide bombers, a male and female, attempted to enter a mosque. They were spotted by security volunteers who accosted them. The terrorists detonated their explosives which killed them and one security volunteer.

Boko Haram Terrorists Invade Borno Village, Kills 8, Abduct Women, Children

Boko Haram terrorists, January 23, invaded Dzaku village of Askira Uba LGA of Borno State, killing eight persons. They also abducted an unspecified number of women and children. It was revealed that the terrorists entered the Dzaku village in two Hilux vehicles, armed with AK-47 rifles and petrol bombs, with which they wreaked havoc unchallenged. An indigene of the area residing in Maiduguri, Amos Ali, disclosed that one of his sisters was amongst those abducted by the attackers. The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, said officers had been deployed in the area to forestall further attacks. He revealed that homes and vehicles were burned in the attack which made villagers run into the bush. The raid was the latest in a string of assaults or attempted attacks in Borno state by suicide bombers, often young women.

Troops Kill 15 Terrorists, Recover Arms

Nigerian troops have killed 15 members of the Boko Haram terrorists, who were part of insurgents responsible for the mistaken deployment of rockets by the Nigerian Air Force in Rann on January 17. They also captured one terrorist, suspected to be a foreigner. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, confirmed the killing and capture of the terrorists in Rann on January 20. Buratai said the insurgents came again to the town in two gun trucks, but were repelled by the soldiers, who killed 15, while others escaped with one gun truck. He added that the troops recovered the other truck with weapons, including one General Purpose Machine Gun, three AK47 rifles and ammunitions.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

4 Arrested over Murder of Businesswoman in Delta State

The police in Delta State have arrested four persons who allegedly murdered a business woman who traded in metal scraps and for also inflicting wounds on the driver of the truck conveying the materials. Youths from Abuedo quarters of Ubulu-Uku community had attacked the woman and the driver with cudgels and other weapons after the vehicle conveying the materials hit an electricity pole in their community. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, January 23, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the youths. He added that the police were on the trail of other suspects who escaped after the act. The lorry conveying the metal scraps from Umuokwe quarters in Ogwashi-Uku was said to have hit the electricity pole, which affected power supply in some parts of Abuedo. The situation reportedly angered the youth who gave the lorry a chase, caught up with it and attacked the deceased, whom they beat to a pulp using various weapons.

Man Remanded in Prison for Killing Lover, Child

A 30-year-old man, Aihuaen Elvis, was on January 20, remanded in Kirikiri Prisons for allegedly killing his lover, Blessing Ajayi Iyomieju (28) and her five-year-old son, Ogomide Ajayi. Elvis was alleged to have, on August 21, 2016, beaten the late Blessing to death and dumped her lifeless body inside a septic tank. He was also alleged to have on the same day, killed the son of the deceased by strangulating him and hitting him on the head with a big stone and thereafter dumped the lifeless body of the boy in a bush near Iba Bridge along LASU-Iba road. The Chief Magistrate, Oluwayemisi Adelaja, ordered the remand of Elvis in prison, pending when Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) would issue advice on the matter. The matter was adjourned till March 1, for mention.

Many Feared Dead in Cross River, Benue Communities Clash

A misunderstanding over a portion of farmland between the people of Obudu in Cross River State and their Mgberedem neighbours in Kwande LGA of Benue State has led to a communal conflict, which has left many people dead while several others sustained gunshot injuries. The conflict, which began on January 24, started when the Mgberedem people allegedly destroyed farms cultivated by the people of Obudu in the disputed land. A witness disclosed that the Mgberedem people invaded the farmland and destroyed crops on January 22, but when the Obudu people reportedly sent a delegation to the Mgberedem on January 24 to find out who destroyed their crops, a fight broke out. Machetes and guns were freely used. Policemen and soldiers were dispatched to the communities to restore normalcy.

Man Kills Commercial Sex Worker in Lagos Brothel

A yet-to-be named man, January 24, killed a commercial sex worker, Janet Etim, at the De Love Hotel on in Ejigbo area of Lagos over her refusal to satisfy him for the N500 service he had paid for. According to witnesses, the late Etim had led the customer to her apartment in the brothel when trouble started after the customer, who said he was not satisfied, continued the romp in spite of Etim’s resistance. The deceased reportedly stood up and returned the N500 to the customer, asking him to go elsewhere after she discovered that he was on drugs. But he refused to leave. This led to a quarrel and in the process he attacked her and injured her in the head. Following her screams, her colleagues rushed in to find her bleeding profusely. She was rushed to the hospital where she died. Policemen from Ejigbo Division have arrested a staff of the hotel and Eberline, the deceased’s sister, while, the suspect remains at large.

Man, 32, Found Stabbed to Death in Jalingo

A 32-year-old man, identified as Dogora Maikano, was discovered stabbed to death along River Magwei in Magami area of Jalingo, Taraba state. The youths within the area who are close friends to Dogora have threatened that those behind the killing of their friend must be fished out in less than 24 hours. Traces of hard drugs and splash of blood were found at the scene where the body was discovered. Three pairs of foot easy wears were also found at the scene. There was a sign of where he was stabbed and also prints that depicted struggle up twelve meters where he fell down and died. The Police Public Relations Officer, David Misal, confirmed the incident. He said the police went to the scene of the incident and the command was waiting for useful information.

Farmers/Fulani Herdsmen Clash Claims 15 Lives in Benue

At least 15 persons were feared killed in an outbreak of fighting between suspected Fulani herdsmen and farmers at Ipiga village in Ohimini LGA of Benue state. It was gathered that the crisis erupted on January 22 when some armed herdsmen stormed the Ajegbe village where they grazed their cattle and destroyed farmlands. They reportedly moved into Ipiga village the following day, shooting sporadically, but met a stiff resistance from the locals. A bloody battle ensued, leading to the death of two herdsmen and 13 the villagers. Several others are reportedly unaccounted for. The Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Fulani Matters, Alhaji Garus Gololo, confirmed the death of two herdsmen in the crisis.

5 Students Killed in Southern Kaduna Ambush

Five students of the College of Education, Gidan Waya, Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State, were on January 22 shot dead in Gidan Waya when a commercial car taking them to school from Kafanchan was ambushed by suspected herdsmen. It was gathered that the herdsmen ambushed the taxi carrying six passengers near Gidan Waya, in the troubled southern part of Kaduna State and shot five of the commuters, but spared the life of the driver. The Senator representing Southern Kaduna, Senator Danjuma Laah, said that he was notified of ambush and killing, but that the Kafanchan Police Area Commander has denied the incident. A relation of one of the victims, Michael Joseph, said his brother, James Joseph (26), was returning to school when he was killed in the ambush after their car developed a problem. The killers disappeared back into the bush.

Hunter Arrested for Shooting 2 Colleagues in Ekiti

A local hunter, Joseph Adeyemi, has been arrested after he allegedly shot two of his colleagues, killing one while on a hunting expedition for wild swine in Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The hunters had gone on the expedition on January 19 when the incident happened. One of the victims, Bayo Oyegoke, was said to have died at the spot, while the other, Stephen Aroso, sustained gun-shot injury. The reason for the shooting has not been ascertained. Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the Ekiti State Police Command, Alberto Adeyemi, January 23, said the suspect had been arrested while investigation was on-going.

13-Year-Old Boy Killed in Fresh Kaduna Attack

A 13-year-old boy, Yahaya Musa, was reportedly killed in the latest violence in Kaduna State. The incident occurred in Zankan village, a Fulani settlement in Kaura LGA of the state. Five people were also said to have sustained injuries. It was gathered that gunmen stormed the village in an unidentified car and opened fire on the residents, a witness said. The witness called on the authorities to as a matter of urgency live up to their responsibility of securing the lives and property of citizens. Police spokesman, Aliyu Usman, confirmed the attack.

3 Arrested over Killing of Security Man in Calabar

Police have confirmed the arrest of three persons in Calabar over the stabbing to death of one David Agama, a chief security officer with Cross River State Cultural Centre Board. Police Spokeswoman, Irene Ugbo, January 22, said that the arrest of the suspects, including the man’s girlfriend, is to facilitate investigation and fish out the culprits. She said the girlfriend was the last person seen with the man and the two men arrested are those whom he usually sends on errands, who were seen by some people walking towards his apartment shortly before he was found dead at the main bowl of the Cultural Centre Board. Ugbo revealed that several items, including plasma television set, ATM card, mobile phone and his car were removed by the assailants and none of those items had been recovered.

Gunmen Attack Police Station in Plateau, Kill Officer

Armed men, January 22, attacked a Divisional Police Station at Dengi, the headquarters of Kanam LGA of Plateau State killing a Police Officer and carting away seven rifles. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Matthias Tyopev, confirmed the incident without giving further details. The State Commissioner of Police, Adekunle Oladunjoye had gone to Dengi to assess the situation. A resident of the area, Dadu Solomon, lamented the rising insecurity in the area, saying that the area was under siege by armed gangs that molest, beat, and rob their victims. Solomon said a resident of the area was recently shot dead by the gang. He called on the police to come to their rescue by beefing up security in the area.

One Dead, 2 Injured Isaba in Ogbe-Ijoh Aladja Clash

One person was feared dead and several others injured when Aladja community in Udu LGA of Delta State clashed with the people of Isaba and Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South West LGA. According to reports, Isaba and Ogbe-Ijoh communities allegedly attacked Aladja community on January 20, leaving a vigilante member, identified as Mr. Amama, dead. Former President of Aladja community, Hon. Dennis Etabuko, disclosed that the attack started at about 3.20pm when groups of persons from Isaba and Ogbe-Ijoh attacked Aladja with sophisticated weapons. It took the intervention of the Mobile Policemen stationed at Aladja to avert a full blown war. Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, confirmed the incident, saying that shots were fired from both communities in the bush of the disputed land, which has been a source of constant clashes.

Octogenarian Kills Scrap Collector in Lagos

An 85-year-old man, Mohammed Bello, was, January 20, remanded in Prison custody by an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for allegedly clubbing a scrap collector, Ismaila Ibrahim, to death. The accused was arraigned before Magistrate K.A. Ariyo on a charge of murder. Ariyo, who did not take the plea of the accused, ordered that he should be remanded at Ikoyi Prisons pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Prosecutor, Corporal Hafsat Ajibode, said the offence was committed on January 17 at Ogudu Grammar School after a fight ensued between the deceased and another man over scavenging in the school environment. According to her, Bello had stepped in to settle the fight but it did not go down well with Ibrahim, who felt Bello’s involvement had given the other man an upper hand in the fight. The deceased started abusing Bello, who got angry and picked up a plank with which he hit the deceased on the head, leading to his death. The case was adjourned till February 28.

Sales Boy Beaten to Death

A sales boy at a shop on Ojekunle Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, was killed by a three-man gang that attacked and beat him to death. It was learnt that the sales boy was sent on an errand to a neighbouring street, when the gang confronted him. The assailants were said to have beaten him up and stabbed him in the armpit before they fled the scene. The deceased had lost a lot of blood before he was taken to a hospital where he died. The source said one Adeshile, who was allegedly involved in the attack had been arrested, and the police were on the trail of his cohorts.

Farmer Arraigned for Murder of Four-Month-Old Baby

A 38-year old farmer, Sylvester Tyokyaa, in Tyodugh village of Makurdi, Benue State was on January 26, arraigned in a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court for alleged murder of a four-month-old baby boy. The prosecutor, Inspector Michael Iorundu, told the court that the case was reported to the police by one Isaac Kwaghga on January 10. Iorundu said Kwaghga told the police that on January 9, that the accused person went to the house of his younger brother and hit his four-month-old baby boy’s head on the floor. The baby was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) for treatment, but later died. According to the prosecutor, the accused was arrested and he voluntarily confessed to have committed the crime. However, when the case came up, the plea of the accused was not taken for lack of jurisdiction of the court to entertain such matters. The Magistrate, Mrs. Lillian Tsumba, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till March 14 for mention.

Jilted Man Sets Ex-Girlfriend and Her Lover on Fire

A 51-year-old man, Akinade Omole, and his concubine have been killed by the estranged boyfriend of the woman. The scorned boyfriend, January 22, attacked the duo at a beer parlour in Ijaiye area of Lagos State where he reportedly sprayed them with petrol and set them on fire. The attacker, Ogundare, was the estranged lover of the woman, Oriyomi Folarin, popularly known as Iya-Corner, who owned the beer parlour. According to a witness, the jealous ex-lover of the woman, also got his cloth burnt as he was running out. The woman died in the beer parlour, while her lover died the following day at the Gbagada General Hospital. Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the incident, said the police had launched a manhunt for Ogundare.

Rape

65-Year-Old Man Rapes Girls Aged 8, 10

Men of Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 65-year-old man, Alosuposo Louis, for allegedly raping two minors, aged 10 and eight years. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, January 26, disclosed that the 65-year-old was arrested following a complaint from the mother of one of the victims. The complainant questioned her daughter when she noticed a strange behaviour from her, only for the girl to tell her mother that the suspect raped her. Upon complaint, the DPO of Ayetoro Division, Makinde Kayode, led a team of policemen to effect the arrest of the suspect. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had done same to another minor, aged eight. The two victims were lured into his apartment, where he carried out the act. He has reportedly confessed to committing the crime. In another incident, three teenagers, who are said to be students of Ajagbe High School, have been arrested for allegedly raping a female student of same school. The PPRO said their arrest followed a report by the father of the victim, who complained that his daughter was forcefully dragged into a bush by the suspects, where they raped her.

Two Jailed in Kano for Raping 3 Under-Aged Girls

Two men, who allegedly raped three under-aged girls, were on January 25, remanded in prison custody by a Kano magistrate’s court. The accused, Babangida Ubale (30), and Isyaku Musa (35), both resident in Bichi LGA of Kano State, are facing a charge of rape. The prosecutor, ASP Rufa’i Inusa, told the court that Ubale and Musa on December 14, 2016, deceived and lured the three girls, who were food hawkers, into an uncompleted building at Unguwar Yamma Quarters in Bichi LGA and had unlawful sexual intercourse with them one after the other. The victims were taken to Bichi General Hospital for treatment. The duo pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate Muhammad Jibril ordered them to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to February 22.

Man Jailed 2 Years for Defiling Six-Year-Old Girl

An Upper Area Court sitting in Gwagwalada, January 24, sentenced one Moses Habilah (29) to two years’ imprisonment for raping a six-year-old girl. The presiding Judge, Alhaji Alhassan Kusherki, sentenced the convict after he had pleaded guilty to the offence. He, however, gave the convict an option to pay N50,000 fine. The Prosecution Counsel, Abubakar Tanko, told the court that Habilah of Passo Village was arraigned on a one count charge of procuring a minor. He said that the act resulted to injury in her vagina. Tanko said the offence contravened the provisions of section 275 of the Penal Code was reported at the Gwagwalada Police Station by one Queen Emmanuel of Passo village.

Man Sexually Abuse Two Brothers in Niger

A 20-year-old man has been arrested by the Niger Child Rights Protection Agency for alleged sexual harassment of two minors in the state. The agency’s Director-General, Mrs Mariam Kolo, January 27, said the suspect was arrested in Randan Ruwa Bosso, in Bosso Local government area where the incident occurred following a tip off by neighbours. The suspect lured two brothers between the ages nine and 13 to his room under the pretext of wanting them to assist him with house chores. Malama Sailha Mohammed, the mother of the two boys, contacted the agency after she received distress call from her eldest son. She said the children were living with her ex-husband, Malam Kasim Adamu. According to the mother, her 13-year-old son reported that the suspect asked them to suck his penis, threatening him with a knife. Kolo said the case had been reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for investigation. She said that the victims had been treated after undergoing medical examinations. Kolo described the incident as `ungodly and disgusting’.

Two School Workers Docked for Defiling Six-Year-Old Pupil

Two employees of a Montessori school, who allegedly defiled a six-year-old pupil, were, January 25 arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on a three-count charge. The suspects, Stanley Iheanacho (42) and Hassan Olakunle (26), both pleaded not guilty before Magistrate O.A. Ogunbowale. The prosecutor, Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the school workers took turns to insert their fingers in their pupil’s vagina in December, 2016 in the school’s premises in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. The accused were further alleged to have sexually assaulted the girl by giving her their penises to suck. The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 each with two sureties in like sum. She said that the sureties must be blood relations of the accused and should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. Ogunbowale adjourned the case to March 1 for advice of the state Director of Public Prosecutions.

76-Year-Old Arrested for Defiling Siblings

A 76-year-old man has been arrested by the Police in Lagos for sexually abusing two siblings aged 10 and 13. The suspect, simply identified as Achiroko, lives in the same compound with the parents of the victims. It was gathered that Achiroko would give the victims N300 to share each time he defiled them and threatened to stab them if they revealed the act to anyone. It was gathered that their parents became suspicious when they noticed that the gift was frequent and asked the children why the suspect gave them the money. According to their mother, the children opened up after much assurance that they were safe. They reportedly revealed that whenever their parents were out, the man would call them to his apartment, defile them, clean their vagina with a handkerchief, and give them N300. The suspect, who had initially denied the act, later confessed that he only defiled the elder sister and fiddled with the genitals of her younger sister. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, adding that he would be charged to court.

Others

Policemen Shoot Two UNIOSUN Students

Two students of the Osun State University, Osogbo, identified as Kazeem Adesola and Ibrahim Ajao, have been hospitalized, following the injuries they sustained from gun shots by some policemen. It was gathered that the students were playing football at a pitch off-campus around Oke-Baale when the policemen suddenly came in mufti and accused some of the students of engaging in internet fraud. One of the students, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said the policemen were in the habit of harassing UNIOSUN students and extorting them. He stated that an attempt by the students to resist the harassment led to the shooting. Osun State Commissioner of Police, Fimihan Adeoye, January 23, confirmed the incident and disclosed that the policemen had been arrested and would face the full wrath of the law.

3 Arrested as Secondary School Students Injure Policemen in Cult Clash

A policeman was, January 24, injured by some secondary school students in Ikoyi area of Lagos State after they went on the rampage during a cult clash. The students were suspected to be cult members who were on a reprisal at another secondary school in the area. Three of the students, ages 16 and 17, from a community secondary school in Ikoyi were arrested by the police. The suspects, who are all Senior Secondary School 3 students, had gone to avenge the alleged attack on some of their colleagues. Weapons recovered from the suspects included a cutlass, an axe and a sledgehammer. In his confession, the leader of the gang, identified as Korede, disclosed that they had gone on a reprisal attack on rival cult gang members who were students of another senior secondary school in the same area. He disclosed that some female students of his school had engaged some female students of the other school in a shouting match while in a commercial bus. This reportedly led to a fight between the girls, but some male students of one of the schools joined in the fight and injured three girls from the suspect’s school.

Immigration Officer Attacks Worship Centre with AK-47 in Taraba

The police in Jalingo, Taraba State, January 22, confirmed the arrest of an immigration personnel by a local vigilance group after he allegedly attacked a worship centre while in possession of an AK-47 rifle. Police spokesman, David Misal, said the suspect, Mahmood Idris, broke into a place of worship and destroyed some properties. Misal explained that Idris, who sustained injuries during the incident, was receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo. According to him, police preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect signed and collected the rifle on January 21 while on duty, only for him to engage in the dastardly act. Misal added that Idris was possibly suffering from a mental illness and would be subjected to medical examination. The Director of Security of the place of worship, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed, had earlier stated that the suspect was nabbed at 2am after two members of his syndicate had fled.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination remained top on the crime index with very dreadful events on record. It was pathetic as a local hunter was arrested by the police after he allegedly shot two of his colleagues on a hunting expedition, killing one on the spot. A sales boy was hideously mobbed to death by a three-man gang yet to be ascertained reasons. Other incidents involved invasion by herdsmen, solitary kills and ambush by gunmen as was the case of five students who met their early demise after they were ambushed by herdsmen while on their way back to school in Southern Kaduna. This was witnessed across the country.

Kidnap/hostage incidents maintained its pace on the index as abduction remains prevalent especially within the south-west region of the country. Following the kidnap of staff and students of the Nigerian Turkish International College (NTIC), the police successfully arrested four members of the notorious kidnapping gang and recovered the sum of N1.2 million being part of the ransom collected by the gang. Efforts are being made to arrest other suspects who remain at large. It was also cheering as the kidnapped students and staff have regained their freedom. There were notable arrest of suspects by the police in various parts of the country as was the case of two kidnappers who allegedly abducted an eight-year-old boy, the suspects were arrested in a bank as they were about withdrawing the ransom paid by the boy’s family.

Terrorism took a slight leap on the index as the fight with boko haram insurgent group lingers. In a bid to quell terrorist activities within the north-east, Nigerian military troops killed about 15 members of the Boko Haram terrorists’ sect. One of the terrorist suspected to be a foreigner was also captured and weapons were recovered from the group. There were trickles of attacks by the insurgents, which left a few innocent victims as well as security operatives dead. Despite the seeming regrouping of the terrorists, some arrest of suspects were made by the military. The north-east remains the endemic region.

Rape incidents took an upward plunge as the young and minors persistently remain easy targets. A 65-year-old man was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly raping two minors between the ages of ten and eight years. In another incident, three teenagers, who are said to be students of a secondary school, were arrested for allegedly gang-raping a female student of same school. It was soothing as most culprits were caught and taken to custody while some were charged to court.

Robbery incidents took a soft pedal with few cases on record. All tributes should go to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for their effort in the arrest of suspects, vandals and gang leaders in the south-west region.

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