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

Week 8

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY


S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

9

2

Robbery

4

3

Drugs

4

Militancy/Maritime Incidents

1

5

Terrorism

4

6

Political/Government Agencies

7

Murder/Assassination

20

8

Rape Incidents

7

9

Others

6

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Mastermind of Isheri Abduction Arrested

The mastermind behind the kidnap of the Isheri North Estate Association Secretary was, February 14, arrested by security operatives. The suspect, Joseph Omoni, was arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led by Abba Kyari, with the support of technical intelligence unit of the force. The 38-year-old suspect was arrested at Century Village in Ogijo Town, Ogun state. In his confession, the suspect admitted his participation in the kidnap of the Nigerian Turkish school girls and members of staff. He also admitted that he participated in the December kidnap operation at Ikorodu, where a popular TV presenter, Aisha Ali-Balogun was shot dead and her daughter and friend kidnapped. The suspect also said he only got N250,000 from ransom paid for the release of the Isheri North estate secretary, Dayo Adekoya. Adekoya regained his freedom on February 13.

Five Farmers, Two OPC Members Kidnapped in Lagos

Five farmers and two members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) were, February 14, kidnapped at the Epe area of Lagos State. The five workers at Elias farms were abducted while at work alongside the OPC members, who were the local security on ground. It was gathered that they were abducted by gunmen numbering about 15, who dressed in military camouflage. After abducting the OPC members and the farm workers, they were taken through the forest into a waiting boat at the riverside. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded for N50 million ransom for their release. The kidnappers, as gathered, contacted the manager of the farm, threatening to manhandle the victims if the ransom was not paid. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the incident, said that efforts were on to rescue the victims.

Kidnapped FRSC Officer, Wife Regain Freedom

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer, Oluwafemi Ojo, and his wife, who were abducted by some gunmen on February 11 along Ogotun-Igbara Odo Road in Ekiti West LGA, have regained freedom after four days in the kidnappers den. The couple was released after the family paid a ransom of N1.5 million. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million when they contacted the family shortly after the couple was abducted. An eyewitness said some residents were robbed of their money and other personal effects before the couple was abducted. A motorcyclist in the community, Ojo Olabisi, who ran into the kidnappers, had an accident and died while trying to escape.

High Court Registrar kidnapped in Delta

Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped the Registrar of a Delta State High Court, Pastor Ufuoma around Ogume community in Ndokwa West LGA of the State. The Registrar was returning from Obiaruku to Kwale where he resides when he was abducted on February 9. A security source said the Registrar was driving in his vehicle with a worker of a Customary Court when they were intercepted by the gunmen. The Customary Court worker reportedly escaped into the bush while the Registrar who was only recently transferred from the High Court in Kwale, was taken by the kidnappers.

Couple Steal Four-Year-Old School Boy

A four-year-old Nursery 1 pupil, Godwin Monday, was, February 13, stolen around Kadapa Market, Mararaba, Nasarawa State. The incident occurred when his 9-year-old sister, who went to pick him up from school, was deceived by a man and a woman. The man was said to have pretended to be endeared to the boy, saying that he would like to enrol his child in the school. The man allegedly asked the girl to lead him to the school, while Godwin stayed with the woman. The girl later parted ways with the man after showing him the school, only for her to return to the spot where she had left the boy and the woman but discovered that the woman had disappeared with Godwin. It was, however, said that his school bag was recovered at the scene of the incident. Godwin’s father, Serkida Monday, said the family had not got any hint of his whereabouts, adding that the incident was reported at police formations in Nasarawa and Abuja.

Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest in Akwa Ibom

Gunmen, February 16, kidnapped a Catholic Priest in Akwa Ibom State, Reverend Father Felix Akpan. It was learnt that Akpan was abducted by yet-to-be identified gunmen along Abak-Ukanafun Road when he was returning from the school, where he teaches. A witness, said that the hoodlums forced him out of his SUV at gunpoint and bundled him into their car and sped off. The Commissioner of Police, Donald Awunah, who confirmed the incident, said a team of police detectives had been deployed in the area of abduction to ensure that the priest was rescued unharmed. He said the priest’s SUV was recovered at a mechanic workshop, adding that some suspects, who were found with the vehicle, had been arrested. He stated that the suspects were aiding the police in their investigation. The CP appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the police by volunteering useful information on criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers in Enugu
…Victim Remains Missing

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two kidnappers in Nimbo for the alleged kidnap of one Enechi Ejiofor in Nimbo, Uzouwani LGA on December 13, 2016. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, February 16, said that the suspects abducted Ejiofor on his way to an official assignment at Ugwuiyi Ekoro. The kidnappers had demanded for N10m ransom on December 14, but later reduced it to N2m, which one of the suspects collected. The police spokesman said that the two suspects were helping the police in their investigations. He said that the first suspect revealed that they allegedly collaborated with the community vigilance group to kidnap the victim. Amaraizu said that the first suspect confessed that he played a big role in monitoring the victim’s movement because he knew him very well. The police spokesperson added that the suspects, however, claimed not to know the current whereabouts of the victim, who is still in captivity.

Police Confirm Release of Abducted NTA Driver, Two Others

The chief driver with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Port Harcourt, Eze Wilson, who was kidnapped by gunmen and held captive for two weeks has been released. Wilson was kidnapped on January 20, 2017 along Apara Link road in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State while driving home from his office in a Hyundai car belonging to his boss. The Police Command confirmed that Wilson and two others, who were kidnapped on January 20, were rescued on February 10 after a gun duel with the abductors. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, identified the other two victims as Timi Endure and Nasi Fatima.

Gunmen Kidnap Ex-Lawmaker, Demand N200m as Ransom

A six-man gang of kidnappers, February 16, ambushed and abducted a former lawmaker, Emeka Ukpe, along Kwale-Ughelli Road in Delta State. The kidnappers were said to have taken him away in his own vehicle to an unknown destination. It was gathered that several attempts had been made on the life of the ex-lawmaker in the past. Police spokesman, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident, adding that efforts were on-going to rescue him unhurt. A family member said the kidnappers had established contact with them, demanding N200 million as ransom.

Robbery

Robbers Attack, Injure Delta Catholic Priest

The 73-year-old priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Okpare-Olomu, Delta State, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Ekakabor, was on February 12, axed in the head by gunmen that invaded the mission house. The septuagenarian priest was taken to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara after he was rejected by other hospitals due to the gravity of the injury he sustained. The assailants reportedly cut his head with a battle axe after robbing him of cash and other valuable items in the house. The attack was reported at the Otu-Jeremi Police Station, according to reports.

Police Nab Women for Car Theft

Operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a lady in Agbor, Delta State for allegedly drugging a medical doctor in a hotel in Ojodu, Lagos, and stealing his car, laptop and mobile phone. The suspect, Michelle Harold (37), was arrested after the operatives traced her through a car dealer in Lagos, whom she had engaged to help perfect import papers for the stolen car. According to police report, the suspect and the doctor had, on January 19, checked into a hotel in Ojodu, Berger to spend the night when Michelle drugged his drink while he was taking his bath. When the doctor woke up around 2pm the next day, he discovered that the lady had fled with his belongings and his car. Another suspect arrested with her, was one Adesanya Gbenga, a generator repairer, who she allegedly engaged to drive the stolen vehicle. Gbenga confessed that he had helped her drive other cars before but did not know that she stole them as she had lied to him. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the arrest, said the case had been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, for further investigation.

Soldiers Arrest Suspected Robbery Kingpins in Abia

Soldiers of the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State have arrested two suspected robbery kingpins that had been terrorizing motorists along Opobo–Azumini highway, in Ukwa East LGA. The suspected robbers, Victor John and Nsikak Johnson, were nabbed by soldiers at a checkpoint along Azumini highway and handed over to Abia State Police Command. The state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, confirmed the handover of the suspects to the police. He confirmed that officers of the Nigerian Army, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, on checkpoint at Azumini Road in Ukwa East arrested the suspects and handed them over to the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section of the State Criminal and Intelligence Department. The suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime and effort is being intensified to arrest other members of their gang.

Police Parade Five Robbery Suspects in Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command, February 16, paraded five suspected armed robbers accused of terrorising residents of Calabar South. Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, said about 20 suspected armed robbers had invaded the Ephraim area in Calabar South to rob shop owners. Following a distress call, men from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) swung into action and engaged the robbers in a gun duel. Five of the suspects were arrested, while others escaped with bullet injuries. Residents caught and burnt two others to death. Five cartridges and four locally-made pistols were recovered from the suspects, she added.

Drugs

Militancy/Maritime

Nigerian Navy Hands Over 12 Suspected Oil Thieves, 4 Vessels to EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), February 10, said it had received twelve suspected oil thieves, a vessel marked MV OMISAN 1, an un-named barge and two wooden boats from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) in Pathfinder Naval Base, Port Harcourt, Rivers state for further investigation and prosecution. The EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the handing over of the suspects to them. Commander of the NNS Pathfinder, Commodore W. O Kayode, said the suspected oil thieves were arrested on February 6 by the Navy patrol team deployed for Anti-Crude Oil Theft, Illegal Oil Bunkering operations around Taraba Jetty, Borokiri, Port Harcourt. The suspects who were crew members of MV OMISAN 1 and the wooden boat were arrested in the process of trans-shipping an estimated 60,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO) from the wooden boat to MV OMISAN 1. The anti-graft agency said the suspects will be arraigned in court after investigations.

Terrorism

Man Burnt Alive as Boko Haram Razes Borno Village

Boko Haram fighters, February 10, invaded Mussa village in Askira-Uba LGA of Borno State, setting ablaze dozens of houses.  A man, believed to be trapped in one of the houses, was said to have been killed. Askira Uba shares common border with Chibok and Damboa LGAs with some of the communities located on the fringes of Sambisa Forest. The insurgents were reportedly in a convoy of vehicles on which were mounted anti-aircraft guns and carrying AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons.

Military Kills over 30 Boko Haram Insurgents, Loses 7 Soldiers in Borno

Seven Nigerian Soldiers lost their lives as over 30 Boko Haram terrorists were killed in a bloody clash in Borno State on February 10. The terrorists were armed with dangerous weapons and rocket propelled grenades during the ambush. Spokesman of 7th Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col Kingsley Samuel, confirmed the death of the seven soldiers. According to him, the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole gallantly fought their way through a Boko Haram Terrorists ambush along Ajiri-Dikwa road in Borno State. The troops encountered the ambush while conducting routine rotation of troops. The gallant troops fought their way through, killing many of the terrorists. He added that 19 soldiers sustained various degree of injuries and have been evacuated to Military hospital in Maiduguri for treatment. Additional troops were mobilized for aggressive pursuit of the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists, he further disclosed.

Nine Suicide Bombers Killed in Borno

At least nine suicide bombers were killed in Maiduguri, Borno State between February 16 and 17. About13 stationary trucks were burnt after a bomber attacked at a truck station at Muna Garage. The Borno State Police Command said the suicide bomber detonated the explosive in the midst of 13 trucks along Maiduguri-Mafa road leading to their destruction. Police spokesman, Victor Isuku, said that only the bomber was killed during the incident as the vehicles were empty. A police patrol team was promptly deployed to the scene. One witness, Ibrahim Ali, reported that the explosion came from three points simultaneously and that three bombers were involved while two other persons died. He added that six people including the security volunteers, were injured. In the outskirt of Maiduguri, six suicide bombers were killed by soldiers that repelled a Boko Haram attack. Six of the suicide bombers were killed when Nigerian soldiers fired at gunmen on motorcycles escorting the bombers. The six suicide bombers were intercepted at a security point a few meters from the scene of the first blasts.

Fighter Jet Kills Boko Haram Insurgents after Attack on NAF Helicopter in Gwoza

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its helicopter conveying personnel on medical outreach programme at Gwoza came under attack by members of the Boko Haram Terrorist group. NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, February 17, said the Mi-17 helicopter was shot at severally by the insurgents. However, there was no casualty recorded except for an airman, who sustained bullet wound. Following the attack, the NAF immediately scrambled a fighter aircraft and helicopter gunship to the location between Bama and Gwoza to neutralise the threat. Ground troops confirmed that scores of the terrorists were killed, signifying that the air attack on the threat location was successful.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Scores Killed in Renewed Clash between Akwa Ibom and Cross River Communities

More than twenty persons were feared killed as the people of Oku Iboku in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State and Ikot Offiong in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, February 10, engaged in a bloody clash. The clash led to casualties on both sides as dangerous weapons were freely used. The highest number of casualties were said to have come from the people of Ikot Offiong as they were ambushed in the attack and chased to the neighbouring community in Odukpani LGA. Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, Cordelia Nwawe, confirmed the crisis and added that security operatives had been drafted to the area to maintain peace.

Unidentified Killers Slit Woman’s Throat in Delta

The mutilated body of a woman was, discovered at her farm in Okwagbe community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, with her head almost cut off. The victim, Atisin Opviarho, was said to have gone to farm in company of some of her neighbours. On getting to their respective farms, which share common boundaries, everyone went to work until it was time to go home. They called out to her, but there was no response. So the others decided to check on her in her farm, only to discover her lifeless body in a pool of blood with her throat cut open. Residents suspect a ritual attack, as it was observed that her assailants were about removing some vital parts from her body, but probably fled because others were approaching. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, February 10, confirmed the incident. Aniamaka said police detectives were already investigating the case, appealing to residents of the community to remain calm. He advised them against taking laws into their hands.

Mother Kills Her Day-Old Baby

A 40-year-old woman and mother of two, Foluke Owolewa, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for killing her one-day-old baby. The woman claims that she killed the baby because her two other children were not being taken care of by her husband and the new baby would be an additional burden to her. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed that the incident on February 15, said the suspect delivered and killed the baby on February 14 at Ipamesan area of Sango Ota. The crime was reported by the Vice Chairman of the Community Development Association in the area. Further investigation revealed that this was not the first time the woman would attempt killing her child as she had previously thrown one of her daughters into pit latrine on delivery, but the baby was rescued.

Father Kills Twin Daughters, Alleges Witchcraft

A 35-year-old man, Festus Anyanime, has been arrested by the Cross River State Police Command after he killed his 11-year-old twin daughters, Emediong Festus and Mfoniso Festus, in Uyanga community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state. Confessing, the man stated that he did not mean to kill the girls but to free them from witchcraft. It was gathered that the man, who had been out of job for a while, was told by a spiritualist that his twin daughters were witches and he needed to set them free. The Acting Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, alleged that the suspect killed his twins for confessing to being witches on January 11.

Suspected Oil Thief Kills Policeman in Delta State

A policeman was, February 13, killed by a barber during an attempt to arrest the suspect on allegation of oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in Delta State. According to the Burutu community Public Relations Officer, Napoleon Kanerekedi, the policeman simply identified as Akintunde, in company of his colleague, had gone to the residence of the suspect to arrest him. The suspect, who pretended he was going into his apartment to dress up, came out with a gun and shot the policeman at close range. Akintunde was confirmed dead after he was rushed on a motorcycle to the Burutu General Hospital. Condemning the incident, the Burutu clan chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Binebai Princewill, disclosed that the parents of the suspect, who is from Kiagbodo community, had been detained at Burutu Police Station, while youths from the town, in collaboration with security agents, were searching for the suspect. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident.

Police Arrest Brothers for Killing 10-Year-Old Boy

Two brothers, Modu Bakura and Adam Bakura, have been arrested by police operatives for kidnapping and killing a 10-year-old boy in Maiduguri, Borno State. The boy was killed as his father could not pay the ransom demanded. The suspects were trailed and arrested in Custom area of Maiduguri and Monguno Town by operatives of the Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT) after pictures of the mutilated body of the boy went viral on social media. The boy was kidnapped on January 14 by the brothers, who contacted his father and demanded a ransom of N10 million for his release. The IRT operatives, led by ACP Abba Kyari, tracked a mobile phone used by the gang for the ransom negotiation to Customs area of Maiduguri and subsequently arrested Modu Bakura, who led the operatives to Monguno Town, a stronghold of the Boko Haram, where his brother was picked up. Adam Bakura confessed that they killed their victim because he knew them. Force Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh, February 15, said the suspects would be charged to court at the completion of investigation.

Bike Rider Killed by Passenger in Enugu

A 40-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Sunday Eze, was February 11, killed by his passenger at Enugu Ezike in Igboeze North LGA of Enugu State. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed this on February 14. According to reports, Eze was killed by a passenger he was conveying to an unknown destination at about 9pm on that fateful day. While the deceased was conveying the suspect, he was allegedly hit with an iron rod on his head over a yet to be established issue, which made the motorcyclist to fall unconscious. The victim rushed to St Mary’s Hospital, located within the axis, where he was later confirmed dead. A full scale investigation has commenced into the incident, while the suspect, who has been arrested, is helping the police in their investigations.

Man Arrested for Murder, Necrophilia

Operatives of the Cross River State Police Command, have arrested a 35-year-old man, Sunday Ushie for killing his female friend, whom he alleged collected huge amount of money from him. According to the suspect, the woman had severally collected money from him but refused to make love to him.  The suspect revealed that after he killed her, he went ahead to have sex with the dead body. Ushie was arrested after the landlord of the deceased reported to the police that his tenant, Nnenna Samuel, was killed by the suspect, with her right hand, left leg and mouth severed. The state Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, disclosed that the suspect was arrested following a report at Ikom Divisional Police headquarters from one Cletus Etta, who said his tenant, Nnenna Samuel, had been murdered. The Commissioner added that the suspect, when arrested, confessed to have killed the woman, adding that investigations are on-going after which he will be appropriately charged to court.

26-year-old Man Sentenced to Death for Murder

Justice Raliatu Adebiyi of an Ikeja High Court, February 13, sentenced a 26-year-old man, Anuoluwapo Samuel, to death for killing his friend during a brawl in 2012. The judge found Samuel guilty of a count of murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government. Justice Adebiyi said that prosecution established the ingredients necessary to secure a murder conviction. According to the judge, the defendant, from the facts of the case, did not set out to kill the deceased but must have known that the machete wound he inflicted caused a grievous bodily harm. The defendant left the scene of the fight to fetch a machete, that action was a proof of his intent to inflict the maximum injury on the deceased, the judge stated. The prosecution, led by Mr. Akin George told the court that the convict committed the offence on May 2, 2012 at Oke-Afa Secondary School, Badagry, Lagos State.

3 Die as Tricycle Operators, Transport Union Clash in Lagos

Three persons have been killed following the outbreak of violence between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and tricycle operators at the Kola area of Alagbado, Lagos State. A member of one of the warring factions was killed on February 13 just as it emerged that two persons, who were severely injured from the February 11 clash at Abule-Egba, had died. Fight broke out following a protest by tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke Marwa, to resist alleged extortion by the NURTW. The operators accused the union of increasing daily levies, lamenting that they were not able to meet up with the weekly payment to owners of the tricycles. The operators decided to stop the payment, announcing that they would want to be on their own. But this resulted in a fight at Abule-Egba and escalated to Alagbado. The fight disrupted commercial activities and vehicular movements, until the arrival of policemen. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed that three persons had been arrested in connection with the fracas at Alagbado.

Police Arrest Notorious Cultist for Murder

The Edo State Police Command, February 13, paraded was a dreaded cultist, who is said to have carried out cult-related killings within Third East Circular and Ogie areas in Benin. Items recovered from him were two locally-made guns, two live cartridges and one battle axe. Edo State Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, said the suspects would soon be charged to court. Also paraded was a secondary school student for selling Indian hemp. He was arrested at a brothel in Lampese, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, where he apparently went to sell the drug. He alleged that his grandfather gave him the drugs to sell.

Court Remands Two Suspects for Murder

An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, February 13, ordered that a teenager and his accomplice be remanded in Ikoyi prison over alleged murder. The accused, Bidemi Adefor (17), and Lekan Sanusi (21), were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder. The plea of the duo was, however, not taken. The Magistrate, Mr. T.A. Elias, ordered that the duo should be remanded for the next 30 days pending the legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The police prosecutor, Inspector Moses Uamdemevbo, alleged that the accused persons committed the offences on February 1 at Iddo terminus. He alleged that the duo and six others now at large had rounded up the deceased, Idris Aloma, stabbed him with broken bottles and rip his intestines. The case was adjourned till March 23 for legal advice.

IPOB Alleges Invasion of Meeting, Killing of Comrades by Soldiers

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), February 13, alleged that soldiers from Asaba invaded the venue of a meeting of their members at Okwe Primary School, Oshimili North LGA of Delta State and opened fire on their members, killing five people and injuring over 20. The Media and Publicity Secretary of the IPOB, Emma Powerful, stated that the IPOB members were having a meeting in Okwe Primary School when the soldiers invaded the place and opened fire on them without interrogating anybody.  Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, said there was an altercation between some soldiers and Biafra militants, who tried to dispossess a soldier of his rifle at Okwe Central Primary School. Aniamaka said one of the Biafra militants was killed during an exchange of fire with the soldiers, who came to rescue their colleague.

Court Sentences Ex-Soldier to Death for Homicide

An Abuja High Court has sentenced a soldier, Lance Corporal Oge Etudo to death by hanging after he was found guilty of rape and culpable homicide. The convicted soldier was said to have on March 27, 2014, at Dei-Dei suburb of the FCT, abducted, stabbed and raped a married woman identified as Binta Usman Kadede to death inside the bush. Justice A.S. Adepoju who declined plea of allocutus by the defence lawyer, stressed that pictorial evidence adduced before the court showed that the defendant gruesomely murdered his victim. Consequently, the court convicted the defendant on a two-count criminal charge that was entered against him by FCT Commissioner of Police. The defendant had earlier pleaded not guilty to all the charges. He equally entered a no-case-submission after the prosecution closed its case after it called four witnesses and tendered 21 exhibits. One of the prosecution witnesses, Usman Ishaq, a security guard at a block industry in Dei- Dei, told the court that he saw the defendant force the deceased into the bush.

Police Arrest Man for Hacking his Mother to Death

The Osun State Police Command, February 11, said that it had arrested a man who allegedly killed his 85-year-old mother with a machete. The police spokeswoman, Folashade Odoro, alleged that the suspect killed his mother, Taibat Ayiola, at Akinleye Village near Osu on February 10. The reason for the killing was yet to be ascertained. The police also disclosed that it had arrested a 45-year-old man in Ikirun for allegedly killing a man who bought a piece of land from him. The police said the man was killed when he asked for a refund.

Man to Hang for Killing Wife

A Plateau State High Court, February 16, sentenced a 37-year-old man, Benjamin Toma, to death by hanging for killing his wife, Vicky. Justice Samson Gang said that Benjamin Toma mercilessly and in a calculative manner took the life of his wife in cold blood. Toma was first arraigned on October 13, 2014, to answer a one-count of culpable homicide punishable with death. He was said to have committed the crime on March 4, 2014. Toma was specifically accused of using an iron rod to kill his wife and also using a rope to tie her neck before hanging her in the store, to give the impression that she killed herself. The suspect had initially pleaded not guilty to the allegation of killing his wife and claimed that she took her life by hanging herself. But while standing in court as a prosecution witness, Sergeant Sunday Abu, who investigated the case, however, told the court that Toma, in a confessional statement, had said that on the said date (March 4), he demanded sex from his wife, at about 1am, which she refused. He reportedly told investigators that on that night, he struggled with his wife and later used an iron rod to hit her.

Assailants Kill Varsity Student, Watchman in Jigawa

A 27-year-old university student, Muhammad Garzali, was killed by unidentified assailants at Kafinhausa town of Kafinhausa LGA of Jigawa State. Police Public Relations Officer, Abdu Jinjiri, said that Garzali was murdered alongside a 60-year-old watchman, Ali Dan-Katsina, at a motor park in the area. Jinjiri said that the former was a student at the Sule Lamido University, Kafinhausa, while the latter served as a night watchman at the park. He said that preliminary investigation showed that the deceased were throttled to death by the assailants. He added that their corpses were recovered at the park by the people who went there for their routine businesses on February 16. The PPRO said that investigation into the case was in progress. He called on the people to be vigilant and report suspicious persons to the police.

Police Stray Bullet Kills Painter in Port Harcourt

A painter, Ese Akpan, was on February 14, killed by a stray bullet fired by a police team escorting a bullion van to a bank at the Rumuomasi area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. According to a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera, which captured the scene, Ese was walking along the road while the police van came behind. There was a sudden gunshot which hit the 60-year-old, while a frightened woman fled the sight. About two minutes afterwards, some sympathisers, including workers of First Rivers Hospital that were close to the scene, rushed to help the victim. A witness said the escort team was coming from an eatery at Rumuokoro where the operatives had gone to pick some money. He said they were heading towards a bank in the area and he was driving behind the van when they fired the shot. Efforts by the hospital to save Ese were abortive as he had lost a lot of blood with the bullet destroying his internal organs. The hospital reported the matter to a police station in the area. The family of the victim are currently crying for justice to be done as the police authorities have allegedly not attended to their report.

Homeless Woman Hacked to Death in Lagos

A homeless woman, said to be in her 50s, was found killed on Adewale Kuku Street, Millennium Estate in Gbagada, Lagos State on February 13. The victim, identified simply as Vivian, appeared in the community about a year ago and usually slept in an abandoned white truck parked in a bush. She reportedly had deep machete cuts in the head, neck and hand. Residents reported the matter to the police. The assailant had smashed the glass window of one of the side doors. A resident explained that Vivian, who hawked engine oil in jerry cans, was killed in the wee hours of the day. A welder on the estate, who was alleged to be Vivian’s boyfriend, was arrested by the police. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident. She added that the police were investigating and seeking the relatives of the slain woman.

Gunmen Kill Man, Injure Son in Edo State

Unknown gunmen, February 10, shot dead a middle-age man along Siluko road in Oredo LGA of Edo State.  A witness said that the deceased was in a white Hilux vehicle with his family when a group of armed men suddenly emerged from a black Toyota Highlander and shot him at a close range. He was said to have been shot in the head while his son was reportedly injured after he was hit by the same bullet. The ‎incident was said to have attracted a crowd of sympathisers as the distraught wife of the deceased screamed for help. A pump-action gun was said to have been found at the back seat of Hilux vehicle belonging to the victim. The Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Nkombe, confirmed the incident. Nkombe, however, dismissed the speculation that the killing was cult related, adding that it may have been a case of an assassination. The injured son was rushed to the hospital and is said to be responding to treatment.

Rape

Man Arraigned for Raping 4-Year-Old Girl

A 21-year-old man, Sunday Uche, was on February 13, granted bail in the sum of N500,000 after he was arraigned before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly raping a 4-year-old girl in Lagos. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ipaye Nwachukwu, added that the suspect must produce two sureties in like sum.‎‎ Uche was arraigned for child defilement to which he pleaded not guilty. Police Prosecutor Anthonia Osayande told the court that ‎ the accused committed the offence at No. 57, Olowolagba St., Iwaya on February 2. ‎Osayande said the accused, who lives in the same compound with the parents of the girl, was at home in the afternoon on the fateful day to commit the crime. The victim’s mother, who noticed blood stains on the girl’s pants, quickly interrogated her daughter. The girl reported that the accused had defiled her. The mother quickly raised the alarm and the suspect was arrested.

UNIUYO Students Protest Invasion, Rape by Gunmen

Angry students of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State, February 13, staged a mass protest over the invasion of the institution by unknown gunmen on February 12 at about midnight and lasted nearly 2 hours. The students, who were preparing for their semester examinations, were said to be reading at the Onyema Ugochukwu Hall, when the assailants attacked and took their laptops, phones and other personal belongings including petty cash and jewelleries. At the adjoining Annex campus, the gunmen invaded the female hostels and carted away laptops, phones and cash. Some of the girls were reportedly raped. The protesting students, who complained about the porous security situation on the campus, recalled that such ugly incidents had been a recurring on the campus.  The Director in the Directorate of Information at UNIUYO, Godfrey Essien, confirmed the incident.

Security Guard Arrested for Defiling 10-Year-Old

A security guard in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State, Covenant Dako, escaped death after he was attacked by an angry mob for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl. Policemen from the FESTAC Town division rescued the 45-year-old suspect from the angry mob and took him into custody. The suspect had allegedly lured the victim with N50 on February 6 and had rounds of sex with her in the generator house of a restaurant where he worked when he was sighted by a passer-by, who alerted residents. The victim said it was the second time that he would defile her. The girl was taken to Mirabel Centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, where test were conducted on her. The suspect confessed to the crime. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding the investigations were on-going.

50-Year-Old Man Rapes, Impregnates 15-Year-Old Girl

A 50-year-old man, Tukur Mohammed, has been arraigned before a Kano Chief Magistrate’s Court for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The suspect had asked his victim to accompany him to his farm where he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. The teenager subsequently became pregnant after the rape. The police said that the incident was reported by on Abdulhamid Adamu, 4 on January 31, 2017. The police prosecutor, Inspector Umar Tahir, informed the court that the rape victim became pregnant as a result of the sexual assault, a development that prompted her parents to report the matter to the police. Mohammed admitted before the court that the allegation was true. Chief Magistrate Mariam Sabo ordered the suspected rapist to be remanded in prison custody. She further ordered that the medical expenses incurred by the victim, from the date of the incident till when she gives birth should be offset by the suspect. Sabo directed the court registrar to liaise with the relations of the accused to ensure the enforcement of the order.

Man Arrested for Raping 10-Year-Old Boy

A 22-year old man, Sani Dahiru, was February 13, remanded in Katsina prison for allegedly having anal sex with a 10-year old boy. Dahiru allegedly committed the offence on his farm located in the outskirts of Bakori town. It was learnt that the accused was apprehended by a passer-by, who dragged him to the Bakori Divisional Police station. The police said Dahiru, a resident of Unguwar Tofa quarters in Bakori town committed the offence when he met the victim on his farm fetching firewood. Under the pretext of punishing the boy for illegally entering his farm, Dahiru ordered him to remove his trousers and allegedly had anal sex with him. Dahiru allegedly whipped the victim and forced him to lie down, asked him to remove his trousers, then inserted his penis inside the victim’s anus and had carnal knowledge of him. The suspect confessed to have committed the offence. Police prosecutor, Inspector Kabir Mohammed, said investigation into the incident was still in progress. The case was adjourned to February 27 for mention at a Katsina Senior Magistrate’s court.

Police Arrest Man for Alleged Rape of 16-Year-Old Housemaid

A trader at the Alaba International Market, Lagos, Afrobest Chinedu Eze, was February 8, arrested after several efforts by the police to track him down for alleged rape. His victim, a 16-year-old girl, was brought to the home of the Ezes to work as a housemaid about three months ago. The victim accused the man of forcing himself on her at three separate times when his wife was not around. The man’s wife allegedly accused the girl of seducing her husband and went ahead to torture her. But Eze denied the girl’s claims. Executive Director of the Esther Child Rights Foundation, Esther Ogwu, who is handling Janet’s case, called on the Lagos State Government to find her a proper home.

51-Year-Old Man Rapes, Impregnates 13-Year-Old Girl

A 51-year-old man, Emeka Kanu, was, February 16, arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on a charge of rape.  The accused pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him. The prosecutor, Sergeant Raphael Donny, told the court that the accused, on December 30, 2016, invited the 13-year-old girl into his room on the pretext of sending her on an errand. But when she arrived, he shut the door against her and raped her. Donny said the teenager told her mother when she missed her monthly menstruation and was taken to a hospital. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Davies Abegunde, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to March 15.

Others

Soldiers Sack Agatu Villages, Recovers Remains of Soldier Killed in Agatu

The military has recovered the remains of the soldier, Private Badamasi Aminu, who was killed at Oweto in Agatu LGA of Benue State on February 12. The Commander, 707 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General Clement Apeere, February 14, said Aminu was killed while trying to rescue a colleague, who was being molested by a gang of militant Agatu youths. The militants fled the scene with the soldier’s weapon and two magazines of ammunition of 30 rounds each. Consequently, the troops conducted cordon-and-search operations to apprehend the youth militia that committed the act and also recover the soldiers’ rifles and ammunition they carted away. Some of those responsible for the attack were arrested, while the weapons carted away were recovered including police and military kits. Other weapons recovered include two AK-47 rifles, two SLR rifles, two G3 rifles, one fabricated pistol, three locally-made pistols, two short-barrelled local revolvers and 14 Dane guns. Others include 14 AK-47 magazines, three SLR magazines, one AK-47 magazine filler and different types of ammunition.

NSCDC Arrests Dealer of Adulterated Kerosene in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command has arrested the leader of a syndicate that specialised in dispensing adulterated kerosene in the state. The Operation Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in the state, Bassey Nkanga, who disclosed this on February 14, said the female suspect was arrested in Ikot Ekpene LGA of the state. Nkanga alleged that the suspect had been adulterating kerosene resulting in deaths and injuries through kerosene explosions in the state.

Kerosene Explosion Claims 50-Year-Old Woman in Cross River

A 50-year-old woman, Jenny Ibor Okpa, February 15, died from kerosene explosion at Ofalosi village in Nko, Yakurr LGA of Cross River. It was gathered that the deceased attempted to light a lantern with a matchstick when it exploded and flames engulfed her entire room. Her cry for help attracted her husband and neighbours, who fought hard to put out the fire on her body. But she had reportedly suffered severe burns. She was taken to a clinic, where she later died. A resident of the area, Philip Elemi, disclosed that the explosion was caused by adulterated kerosene, which was in circulation in the area. He added that there has been more than 12 kerosene explosion since the beginning of 2017.

Police Arrest Woman for Torturing 9-Year-Old Maid

The police have arrested the executive Secretary, Kogi State Scholarship Board, Rebecca Omacho, for allegedly torturing her nine-year-old housemaid, Favour Omakolo. The woman allegedly pressed the soles of Omakolo’s feet against a stone that she had heated on fire, which caused her serious injuries. Omacho had forced the girl to perform some domestic chores at the detriment of her education, making her to be absent from school on a regular basis. It was gathered that sometime in January, she warned the victim against going to school, lining up some chores for her while she left for work. Omakolo was said to have defied the order and gone to school. Enraged by the girl’s action, Omacho reportedly burnt her soles and locked her up in her apartment in Lokoja, until the incident came to the notice of a welfare organisation, Community Life Advancement Project (CLAP), which reported the case to the police, leading to her arrest. Police Public Relations Officer, William Ayah, February 13, confirmed the arrest of the suspect.

Suspected Cultists Attack Edo Police Station, Rescue Detainees

Gunmen, suspected to be cultists, who attacked a police station in Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State and freed two of their colleagues that were in detention have been arrested by the police. It was learnt that the attackers had gained access to the police station after disguising as relatives of their colleagues on February 2. Upon entering the police station, they opened fire, shooting sporadically, killing a woman in the process before they successfully freed the detainees. The State Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, said that the freed suspects had been re-arrested for alleged rape. Some of the attackers were later arrested on February 8. He also said that more policemen had been deployed in the affected police station to prevent a recurrence.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination have persistently remained the high with gory incidents, event as law enforcement agents continue to make arrests of known suspects. Except for a few incidents of communal clash in Anambra State and a clash of transport union workers, other incidents were mostly lone killings in feats of rage. Others include killings for rituals. It is sad that the value of love and family is fast depreciating with records of children hacking their parents to death and that of parents killing their own biological children. The law enforcement agents were not left out as they equally fell victims to heartless killers. Some suspects, especially those involved in the killing of their parents/children, were successfully arrested, while a few others remain at large. The police authorities have promised to prosecute the suspects after investigations, while efforts remain in top gear to apprehend those at large. These were recorded across the nation.

Kidnap/hostage incidents, which were also high on the index, were recorded across the regions of the country. Farm workers and residents of Epe and Isheri have become major targets for kidnappers, who brazenly attack and abduct persons for huge ransoms. The spate of kidnapping across the country is becoming alarming as no group is selected as targets. The recent trend includes the abduction of law enforcement agents, children, farmers, drivers, judiciary workers and even the clergy class. While some suspects were apprehended, security operatives assure that efforts are being made to combat the trend. They have further assured that abducted victims would be rescued unhurt.

The rising wave of rape incident involving under-aged children in the south-west and northern regions of country is alarming with the perpetrators being known persons, relatives and trusted neighbours. Children as young as four years or less continually fall victims to these wicked persons. Parents and guardians are constantly called upon extra precaution in protecting the female and male children and wards against these predators, who seize any opportunity to destroy the lives of children who trust them. It is a good thing that most of the suspects were caught and are being investigated. Others have been charged to court.

Armed Robbery incidents were low on record as the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) made some arrests and recovered weapons from suspects. The south-south and south-east regions witnessed these arrests, while a woman, who steals cars in Lagos, was arrested in Delta State where she sends the stolen cars and attempts to sell them.

The activities of Boko Haram terrorist group has been drastically degraded by the unrelenting military onslaught in the north-east. However, in pockets of attacks by the terrorist in their bid to fight back, some innocent lives were lost. The military also lost some men to the attacks by Bok Haram. But the military has continued in battle, killing scores of insurgents. The Nigerian Air Force has also remained committed rendering air support with fighter jets that greatly helped in taking out known terrorists enclaves and further degrading the capacity of the insurgents. The military still assures that victory against terrorism is sure. The north-east remains the endemic region.

We are constantly charged to be security conscious. It is the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch. Play your role. Observe your environment and promptly report any perceived threat for investigation by the authorities.