Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 9

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	8
2	Robbery	7
3	Drugs	4
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	1
5	Terrorism	3
6	Political/Government Agencies	1
7	Murder/Assassination	18
8	Rape Incidents	6
9	Others	3

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

2 Germans Kidnapped, 2 Nigerians Killed by Gunmen in Kaduna

A German Professor of Archaeology, Peter Breunij, and his colleague, Johannes Buringer, were, February 22, abducted by gunmen at Jenjela village in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. It was also gathered that two hunters, who were at the scene of the abduction, were also killed by the hoodlums. Kagarko shares boundary with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and there had been repeated cases of kidnapping in the area in recent times. Breunij is the leader of a four-man team from the University of Frankfurt, Germany working in Nigeria in collaboration with the National Commission for Museum and Monuments and other institutions on the relics of Nok culture in Nigeria. An eyewitness disclosed that the workers had just resumed for work at Jenjela village when five armed men appeared from the bush, shooting into the air in order to scare people. The gunmen then asked the expatriates to follow them.

Gunmen Abduct Delta NUT Treasurer

The Treasurer of the Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Titus Okotie, was February 17, abducted by unknown gunmen along the Asaba-Ughelli expressway. The victim, who is said to be aspiring for the chairmanship position of the state NUT in the union’s election scheduled for July this year, was traveling from Asaba to Ughelli with his daughter when the kidnappers struck at the Kwale/Ozoro axis of the road. The gun-wielding assailants reportedly forced Okotie out of his vehicle into their waiting car and sped off, abandoning his car with his shocked daughter on the roadside. Police Spokesman, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident, saying police had commenced a manhunt for the criminals.

Kidnappers Abduct Army Officer after Shootout

A man, said to be an officer of the Nigerian Army, simply described as Lieutenant Gyang, was, February 20, kidnapped at the Ijedodo area of Abule Ado in Lagos State. According to eyewitness accounts at the Ijedodo axis, over 20 armed militants had stormed the area and dragged the lieutenant into their speedboat after engaging some soldiers in a gun duel. Operatives of Operation Awatse, a taskforce headed by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai, have since occupied various entry and exit points into the creeks, with a view to apprehending the kidnappers. Operatives of the army have also commenced an onslaught on the kidnappers after its personnel was abducted.

12-Year-Old Housemaid, Employer’s Daughter Disappears in Lagos

A 12-year-old housemaid, identified only as Mary, and her boss’s daughter, Faith Ayeh, are reported missing from their residence in the Iju Ishaga area of Lagos State. Mary was employed by the family through an agent about five months ago. Mary reportedly went out with her boss’s daughter on February 16, and their whereabouts has remained unknown. Faith’s father, Paul, said that efforts to locate them had been abortive. Mary and Faith are of the same age. According to him, his driver said he saw the girls with a bag and when he questioned them, Mary allegedly claimed that his wife, Glory, asked them to take the bag to her shop. Paul said the agent who brought Mary to the family had been arrested, adding that she was assisting the police with investigations. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, saying it had been transferred to the SCIID.

Gunmen Abduct Sand Dredgers in Lagos

Kidnappers, February 21, abducted two sand dredgers at Eleko Village in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State. It was gathered that the gunmen, who came through the lagoon, shot sporadically before they took the two dredgers away in their speedboat. It was gathered that those abducted were the dredging company’s manager and the machine operator. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police was called upon to deploy marine police personnel to the riverine areas of the state.

30-Year-Old Woman Steals 3-Day-Old Baby

A 30-year-old woman, Helen Ugah, who allegedly abducted a three-day-old baby, was on February 21, remanded in prison custody by an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The accused is facing a charge of stealing a child. She pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mr A. T. Elias, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and subsequently adjourned the case to February 27. Sergeant Kehinde Omisakin, the Prosecutor, told the court that the accused was caught with the baby boy on February 17 at Oke-Afa, Ori-Oke in Ejigbo area of Lagos and she could not give a satisfactory explanation on how she got the baby. The offence, she noted, contravened Section 275(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

Woman Kidnapped after Husband Escapes from Abductors

An aide to the wife of the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Ese Ogi, was reportedly abducted on February 19 after her husband, who was initially abducted, escaped from the hoodlums. It was learned that unidentified gunmen stormed their residence in Sapele, Delta State and kidnapped the man. But the man escaped form the kidnappers as they were trying to cross the Otor River. Angered by his action, the kidnappers returned to the house and abducted the woman. Further details of the incident were not immediately available.

Baby Factory Uncovered in Jos

A baby factory syndicate around the Old Bukuru Park area of Jos, Plateau State, was busted by officials of Operation Safe Haven, with eight men and some pregnant women arrested. The Commander of the Operation, Major-General Rogers Nicholas, who paraded the suspects at the Headquarters of Sector 2, on February 20, said that the group specialised in producing babies and distributing them to other states in the country. The group was intercepted after intelligence report by the Operation Safe Haven troops. “During the interrogation, one of the suspects said the group had a network spread across the country and they usually entice unsuspecting young ladies with mouth-watering offers and in other cases drug them with substances that lead to forced labour.

Robbery

Five Persons Killed, Others Wounded in Owerri Armed Robbery Attack

About five persons including three policemen and two bank customers were, February 22, killed in a daring armed robbery attack on a bank along Wethedral Road in Owerri, Imo State. One of the suspected armed robbers was also gunned down in crossfire with security men attached to the bank before others escaped with unspecified amount of money. An eyewitness reported that about 12 gunmen in three SUVs, trailed a bank customer going to deposit money in the bank. Apparently acting on a tip-off and as soon as the customer got to the bank, the bandits opened fire on his car, killing him instantly. One of the vehicles conveying the armed robbers drove into the bank with the victim, while others parked outside. After shooting the victim, they opened the trunk of his car to collect the money when security men engaged them in a shootout. Those outside the bank started shooting to scare away passers-by, while those inside the bank shot their way out after killing three security men and a bank customer, who attempted to run out of the bank premises. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident, adding that the police are on the trail of the fleeing armed robbers.

Police Parade 12 Armed Robbery Suspects in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command, February 22, paraded 12 armed robbery suspects including a 22-year-old man, Dayo Adegbohun, who confessed that he organised for his uncle be robbed. The suspects were paraded by the Commissioner for the Ondo State Command, Hilda Ibuforo-Harrison. According to the police commissioner, Adegbohun belonged to the gang of suspected robbers, who had been terrorizing Okitipupa and environs adding that the gang confessed to have killed a policeman in Okitipupa and taken away his rifle. Other members of the gang paraded by the police are Ogunyemi Sola, Daisi Emetufo, Anifowose Alaba while one Emetufo Ajinde, died from gun shut injuries when he attempted to escape. Hilda-Harrison enjoined the people of the state to be vigilant on the movement of strangers in their community in view of the report of infiltration of suspected Boko Haram terrorists into some states.

Police Nab Serial ATM Robber

A serial ATM armed robber, Gbenga Babatunde, was, on February 19, arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command for targeting ATM users and robbing them. The 35-year-old has since confessed to have robbed about 35 persons in Alaba Rago Market, Ojo area of Lagos. The suspect was arrested after a failed bid to rob a lady at an ATM point in the early hours of the day. Police operatives, who were on routine patrol in the area gave the robber a chase and arrested him. A cut-to-size locally made shot gun with two live cartridges were recovered from him. It was gathered that the suspect, was not operating alone, as he had an accomplice, one Samson Baba Ramadan (28), who escaped the scene. The state police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the arrest, said the police would leave no stone unturned towards ensuring that criminals were brought to justice.

Abia Police Arrest Robbery Suspect Involved in Cultism

A member of a robbery gang, Uchechukwu Ukaegbu, who had been on the wanted list of the police, has been arrested by the Abia State Police Command. The state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said that the arrest was made possible through the synergy the state command had been having with other security agencies. According to Oyebade, officers of the Nigerian Army, 144 Brigade Ohafia, at a check point in Aba, arrested Ukaegbu (22) on February 3 and handed him over to the operatives of the Central Police Station, Aba. He added that when the suspect was interrogated, he confessed to belonging to a notorious robbery gang which was smashed in 2016. Items recovered from Ukaegbu, included a locally-made revolver pistol, a 9mm ammunition, a locally-made single-barrel shot-gun, 38 AK-47 ammunition, 16 live cartridges and nine SIM cards of various networks. He stated further that he would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations were completed.

Police Arrest 6 for allegedly Hijacking Truck

The Osun State Police Command, February 23, confirmed that they have arrested six men suspected to have hijacked a truck loaded with 33,000 litres of diesel along the Ife–Ilesha expressway. Commissioner of Police, Olafimihan Adeoye, disclosed that the armed gang had blocked a fuel truck with a Black Gulf car and snatched it from the driver. Adeoye said the truck driver and his motor boy were overpowered by the suspects when his vehicle became faulty at the toll gate area of the Ife-Ilesha expressway. He said two of the suspects were arrested with the truck at Iloba Junction in Ile-Ife and their confessional statements led to the arrest of four others connected to the crime. Efforts were on-going to recover the vehicle used by the suspects for the operation and apprehend the seventh suspect who remained at large.

Police Parade Illegal Arms Dealer

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Olafimihan Adeoye February 23, paraded a 42-year-old man for unlawfully being in possession of firearms. The police boss said the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) patrol arrested the suspect, a blacksmith, who allegedly specialized in making local guns for armed robbers. According to him, three locally-made single barrel guns, one shot gun, one live ammunition, an empty cartridge and two iron rods were recovered from the suspect’s home at Ode-Omu in Osun. Adeoye said the suspects would be charged to court after the investigations are concluded.

Drugs

Man Excretes 73 Wraps of Cocaine

An Anambra State indigene and father of five, 49-year-old Tochukwu Nwafor, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for ingesting 73 wraps of cocaine, weighing 1.699kg. NDLEA spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, February 17, said that the suspect was on his way to Dubai, when he was nabbed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja during a routine check on the passengers of an Ethiopian Airline flight. NDLEA commander at the airport, Hamisu Lawan, said that when the suspect was discovered to have ingested drugs, he was put on observation after which he excreted 73 wraps of cocaine that weighed 1.699kgs. The NDLEA said Nwafor would soon be charged to court.

Man, 46, Remanded for Sale of Fake Syrup

A 46-year-old man, Ejike Okereke, was February 23, remanded in prison for alleged production and distribution of fake cough syrup known as Codrux Cough Syrup. Okereke, who was arraigned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, was charged with a five-count charge. Counsel to NAFDAC, Jombo Adumen, said the accused, had on February 2, produced, packaged and sold, fake Codrux Cough Syrup in a manner that was misleading. The accused, who appeared without any counsel, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. In his ruling, Justice N. I. Oweibo ordered that Okereke be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter to April 11.

NDLEA Nabs Electrician, Welder with Cocaine, Cannabis at Airport

Two suspected drug traffickers have been apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos while attempting to smuggle 2.035kg of cocaine and 2.485kg of cannabis concealed in cassava flour to Kenya and Qatar, respectively. NDLEA commander at the airport, Ahmadu Garba, said Oluwasheto Abiodun, a 39-year-old electrician was found in possession of 2.035kg of cocaine, while Ibe Divine, 33-year-old welder was caught with 2.485kg of cannabis. Oluwasheto told officials that he was asked to send the drug to Nairobi, Kenya by his childhood friend, who had asked him to buy perfumes, sunglasses and shirts for him. The friend further directed that somebody would give him cassava flour to add to the items and send to Nairobi. During the search operation, two parcels of cocaine weighing 2.035 was hidden inside the flour. The second suspect, Ibe Divine, said he wanted to sell the cannabis in Qatar for a high profit.

NDLEA Arrests 19 IDPs for Illegal Drugs Dealing

The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it had arrested 19 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State for alleged drug abuse and sale in camps. The Commandant of the NDLEA, Ona Ogilegwu, February 23, said the suspects were arrested during a raid by men of the command. Ogilegwu said the suspects were nabbed in Bakkasi and Mogolis IDPs camps in the Maiduguri metropolis. He said that illicit substances like cannabis sativa, rophenol, and diazepam, benylin with codeine, suck and die solution and several other substances, were seized from them. Those arrested with large quantity of drugs would be prosecuted while the ones with a negligible quantity would be counselled and released, he added.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Destroys over 40 Illegal Refineries in Delta

The Nigerian Navy, February 20, destroyed over 40 illegal refineries at Jones Creeks in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State. The operation was carried out by operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA in a renewed effort to frustrate the activities of oil thieves in the area. The illegal refineries were first discovered by the intelligence unit of the NNS Delta on February 9. Commander NNS Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, February 21, confirmed the operation. He said they had to set the suspected crude oil ablaze because the navy did not have equipment to evacuate such a large quantity of product.

Terrorism

Scores Killed as Military Foils Attempt by Boko Haram to Invade Maiduguri

Scores of people were, February 16, killed as Boko Haram unleashed eight suicide bombers in Maiduguri, Borno State. A small group of Boko Haram fighters also attempted to invade the town but were repelled by the military. Eyewitnesses said many of the terrorists and civilians lost their lives in the attack by heavily armed Boko Haram fighters as they attempted to enter Maiduguri through its border with Mafa. The terrorists tried to gain access into the town after infiltrating a newly constructed Customs House where IDPs from Mafa were camped. The district head of Anadua in Mafa LGA, Zanna Lawan, confirmed that scores of civilians, including all the Boko Haram fighters that carried out the attack were killed in the encounter. The Borno state Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku, confirmed the incident.

Boko Haram Kills Seven Soldiers in Borno

At least seven soldiers were, February 22, killed when Boko Haram fighters attacked a military position in the town of Gajiram, in Borno State. A source said three Boko Haram fighters were also killed and troops were combing the area to find other rebel fighters. According to the security source, the insurgents went door to door collecting recently distributed food aid for residents. The source further said that the arrested Boko Haram suspects disclosed that they sourced most of their food from Gajiram and Monguno, a garrison town.

Army Arrests 2 Boko Haram Members in Kogi

The Nigerian Army, February 22, paraded 17 criminals, including two kingpins of the BokoHaram terrorist sect in Kogi State. Other suspects arrested include the hoodlums that attacked a police station in Eika, Okehi LGA of Kogi State, where two police officers were killed recently. The Commander, Army Record Command, Lokoja, Kogi State, Brig-Gen Henry Ayamasowe, while parading the suspects, said they were picked up following a special operation that lasted for about three days. Ayamasowe stressed that insurgents had been trooping down to the state in the last three years. He said the Boko Haram kingpins were arrested in one of the sect’s cell in Okene, after a manhunt by men of the Nigerian Army. Dangerous weapons including AK47 rifles, EIDs, 19 face masks with BokoHaram Arabic inscription, locally-made guns, phones, SIM cards, among others, were recovered from the criminals.

Political/Government Agencies

Army Jails Personnel for Beating up Woman

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has sentenced a soldier, Private Suleiman Olamilekan, to 28 days’ imprisonment with hard labour for beating up a lady, Ebere Ohakwe on January 30, 2017. The army said Olamilekan was tried and found guilty of maltreating Ohakwe at the Omagwa checkpoint along Port Harcourt-Onitsha Road on January 30. Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, stated that the soldier’s misconduct was reported on the social media. Suleiman’s salary, according to the statement, would be forfeited to the Federal Government for the same number of days that he would be in jail. The General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Enobong Udoh, ordered the immediate arrest of the soldier and his Guard Commander for investigation. Iliyasu assured the public that measures had been put in place to forestall a recurrence of such a misconduct.

Murder/Assassinations

Man Shoots Rival to Death over Woman

A 43-year-old man, Adebisi Akinrinmola, has been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly shooting another man, Ademola Asimiyu, to death over a woman both of them were reportedly dating. The incident occurred on February 19 at Ajebo Village in Ijebu-Igbo area of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the suspect claimed that the deceased had been threatening him and had warned him to leave the woman. Oyeyemi said trouble started when the deceased met the suspect with the said woman while returning from the farm and a hot argument ensued between the two men. He said that the suspect claimed that it was the deceased that brought out a machete and made attempt to hit him which prompted him too to bring out a Dane gun, which he used to shoot him. The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered that the suspect be transferred to Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation.

22 Killed in Fresh Attacks in Southern Kaduna

Armed herdsmen, again launched attacks on four communities in the southern part of Kaduna State, killing 22 persons between February 18 and 19. Many houses were also set ablaze during the incident. The affected villages include Ashim, Nissi and Zilan in the Atakad District of Kaura LGA and Bakin Kogi in Goska District of Jama’a LGA. The attacks in Ashim, Nisi and Zilan were said to have occurred February 18, claiming 15 lives, while the attack on Bakin Kogi occurred on February 19, claiming seven lives. The President, Takad Community Development Association, Enock Andong, confirmed the attacks on the three villages in his area. Andong added that one of the attackers was killed by soldiers in the area. The Kaduna State Government immediately announced the relocation of the Garrison Commander of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ismaila Isa and the state’s Commissioner of Police, Agyole Abeh to the southern part of the state to coordinate a determined response to the attacks by the armed bandits.

Man Beheaded in Edo

A middle-aged man has been beheaded by suspected cultists in Oredo LGA in Benin City, the Edo State capital.‎ The incident was said to have occurred on February 19 around First Junction, off Sakponba road. The identity of the deceased could not be immediately ascertained. There were several bruises on the severed body of the victim, indicating that he may have been pulled along a tarred road. ‎Some security operatives from the Adesuwa police station were said to have evacuated the remains of the victim.

Four Docked for Alleged Murder

A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court in Benue State, February 17, remanded four persons in prison for alleged criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. The suspects are Monday Paul, Samuel Sunday, Enokela Samuel and Alechenu Agbo. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Joel Yerima, told the court that one Sunday Ugbaha of Unwaba Eokpa Village with one other person reported the incident at the Otukpo Police Station on January 28. The accused persons with others who are now at large allegedly got hold of the victim, Paul Okewu, and beat him seriously for allegedly stealing some tubers of yams. The victim died from injuries sustained during the assault. Alechenu Agbo voluntarily confessed to the crime, Yerima added. The prosecution said that investigation into the matter was on-going and asked the court for another date for mention. The Magistrate, Mrs. Ajuma Igama, adjourned the case till March 24 for further mention.

Angry Youths Kill Three after Eight Die in Boat Accident

At least three elderly people lost their lives when angry youths protesting the death of eight of their loved ones during a boat accident, pounced on them in the Guma LGA of Benue State on February 16. The boat, carrying 13 passengers, was said to have capsized midway into the journey, killing the victims in the process. Confirming the report, the Sole Administrator of Guma, Anthony Shawon, said that the accident was caused by overloading coupled with windstorm. He said that the passengers were also drunk and they refused to heed the advice of the boat paddlers for them to be ferried in two batches. The Public Relations Officer, Benue State Police Command, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident, saying there was a mob action in Gbajimgba Town but that normalcy had been restored to the area.

5 Die, 2 Injured as Man Sets Family House Ablaze

A 26-year-old man, Monday Daniel, February 26, set the house of his family members at Budo Alaka village, Kisi, in Oriire LGA of Oyo State on fire, killing five of its occupants. The casualties of the fire incident were reported to be asleep when the suspect carried out the act. While the dead five victims were burnt to ashes, the two survivors, Samuel Daniel Ode (24) and Mariam Samuel Ode (21), were said to be receiving treatment at the Muslim Hospital, Kisi. According to an eyewitness account, the suspect had on the previous day approached a member of the family for some money to travel to an undisclosed destination but the request was turned down. Angered by this, the suspect allegedly returned when the family members were asleep, and set the thatch-roof house on fire. The suspect initially escaped from the scene but was later apprehended by the police. Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said that the Daniel confessed to the crime but claimed he did not know what came over him.

Five Charged for Robbery, Murder

Five people, including three teenage boys, who allegedly robbed and killed a man in Epe in Lagos State, were, February 23, charged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court. The accused — Tosin Olabisi, 19; Jimoh Ibrahim, 19; Rasheed Odumade, 19; Sheriff Agbomeji, 20; and Rasaki Ayinde, 40 — are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and murder. The prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Nwadione, told the court that the accused committed the offences in December, 2016. He alleged that the accused, who were armed with a locally made pistol, robbed a man, Nurudeen Sanni of his phone valued N37, 250 and shot him on his forehead. The Chief Magistrates, Mrs Oluyemisi, ordered that the accused should be remanded in Ikoyi Prisons and that the case file should be sent to the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The case was adjourned to March 17.

Pastor Remanded in Prison for Killing Widow

An Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court, February 21, remanded a 47-year-old pastor, Joshua Ayobami, over the alleged murder of a widow with whom he had had an amorous relationship. The court did not take plea from Ayobami. The Magistrate, Risikat Olayemi, ordered that the suspect be kept behind bars pending the legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The police prosecutor, Inspector Elisha Olusegun, had told the court that the accused committed the crime on January 11, at Christ Evangelical Ministry Church, Fashina Area of Ile-Ife. He further explained that the accused strangulated one Racheal Ajayi, a widow and an official of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) which led to her death. The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case to March 9 for mention.

Two Suspects Arrested for Alleged Murder of Police Corporal

Two suspects in the murder of a Police Corporal, Michael Olujimi, have been arrested by operatives of the police division in Okitipupa, Ondo State. The deceased was shot while on his way from work on February 5 at Okitipupa. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Oluwole Ojo, while confirming the arrest, said the case had been transferred to the SCID in Akure for further investigation. The suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms. The DPO stated that a rifle that looked like that of the dead officer was found on one of the suspects. He further appealed to residents to turn in any useful information to the police as he promised to rid the state of criminals terrorising Okitipupa and its environs.

Suspected Ritual Killer Nabbed over Death of Wife

One Shakiru Bello, who was arrested for allegedly killing his wife, Sherifat, in Lagos State, is reported to have confessed to killing the woman for rituals and burying her corpse in a shallow grave. The Commissioner of Police (CP), Fatai Owoseni, February 20, confirmed the incident saying it was not Bello’s first attempt to kill his wife. Owoseni disclosed that a team of police officers recovered Sherifat’s head and neck in Yaba, while other parts of her body were recovered in another uncompleted building in Somolu. The suspect had confessed that he cut his wife into pieces to save himself. He had stated that a truck had hit them on Third Mainland Bridge and she died in the house and because he was afraid of her father, he could not report her death. According to him, he decided to put her body in a sack and dispose of it after dismembering it.

27-Year-Old Man Sentenced to Death for Killing Human Rights Lawyer in Lagos

An Ikeja High Court, February 24, sentenced a 27-year-old man, Oluwaseun Oladapo, to death by hanging for murdering a Lagos based human rights lawyer, Kunle Fadipe and his mother-in-law, Cecilia Owolabi. Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye found Oladapo guilty on a five-count charge of murder, armed robbery and assault occasioning harm preferred against him by the state. Oladapo murdered the lawyer on July 4, 2014 at his Ifako-Ijaiye residence. Oladapo, was also charged with the murder of Cecelia Owolabi, but the charge of murder was commuted to assault occasioning harm by the court. Justice Ipaye held that the prosecution did not prove a direct link between the actions of the defendant and the death of Owolabi. During the trial, the wife of the late lawyer, Kemi Fadipe, gave graphic details of how the lawyer was murdered.

Suspected Killer of 12-Year-Old Boy Remanded in Prison

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court, February 24, remanded a 21-year-old man, Tosin Oluwafemi, in prison for alleged murder. The Prosecutor, Inspector Caleb Leranmo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 14 at Ifaki-Ekiti. He said that the accused was charged with conspiracy, unlawful possession of human head and murdered of a 12-year-old boy, Joshua Ojo. He said that the accused went to pick the boy from his school at Ifaki community primary school in Ifaki-Ekiti, murdered him and cut off his head. The plea of the accused was not taken. The Chief Magistrate, Adesoji Adegboye, remanded the accused in prison till the outcome of the advice from Director of Public Prosecution. He adjourned the case till April 5 for mention.

Police Arrest Suspect over Killing of 3-Year-Old Girl in Makurdi

A suspect has been arrested over the alleged killing of a 3-year-old girl in Benue State. The Police, February 23, said they had recovered the body the girl, Khadijah Abdulrahman, in an uncompleted building at Wadata, near the bank of River Benue in Makurdi. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Iyamu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect, Hadiza Mohammed, said that the motive of the crime was not immediately established. Mohammed had reportedly confessed to the killing. He said the suspect was currently assisting the police in their investigation and would be charged to court upon the completion of investigation. The PPRO said the investigation had already begun.

Police Arrest Suspected Killers of UNIPORT Lecturer

Two members of a notorious kidnapping gang terrorising Rivers State, Patrick Koyi and Chituru Ferdinand, have been arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team, (IRT), for kidnapping and killing a lecturer of the University of Port Harcourt, Emmanuel Chinasa Obi, in September 2016. The lecturer was murdered by his kidnappers after a ransom of N1.1 million was paid in two instalments to the kidnappers. Relatives of the lecturer became apprehensive after paying the second instalment and the kidnapped lecturer was not released. They reportedly sent petitions to the IGP, who drafted the IRT to the state. Koyi was arrested in Port Harcourt with a Techno mobile phone belonging to the lecturer and he confessed to the crime before leading the operatives to his home where Ferdinand, who he said was one of the masterminds, was also arrested.

Police Nab Killers of Retired DSP

A member of a dreaded cult group operating in Rivers State, Sunday Ogbonda, has been arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team, (IRT) deployed to the state by the Inspector General of Police to track down high profile criminals. Ogbonda was arrested for allegedly taking part in the January 9 murder of retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Ikechi Dornata. Dornata was killed when a gang of cultist attacked him in his home town in Kono-Boun area of Khanna LGA of the State. Ogbonda was arrested when a mobile phone belonging to the late DSP was traced to him and he was allegedly tricked to a hotel in Port Harcourt, where he was eventually arrested.

25-Year-Old Mechanic Found Dead in Waste Bin

A 25-year-old mechanic, identified as Okon, has been killed and his lifeless body dumped by a refuse dump site on White House Street in Calabar South. Okon, who resides at 25, Webber Street, also in Calabar South, was allegedly dumped by the dump site in the early hours of February 20, with blood still gushing out from the back of his head and hand. An eyewitness, Ogechi Ogbuji, disclosed that she discovered that there was a body by the waste bin at the junction when she got out for her business at about 6am. A neighbour to the deceased, disclosed that Okon was allegedly beaten to death on February 19 by a group of boys.

Gunmen Kill 14 Persons in Kaduna

Gunmen, February 20, attacked and killed 14 persons in Ashim village in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State. Chairman of the interim management committee of the LGA, Alexander Iya, disclosed that the gunmen stormed the village in the early hours of the day and launched a massive attack. He said that most of the victims were women and children, whose corpses had been deposited at the Kafanchan General Hospital. Several others, who were injured are being treated at the Kaura General Hospital, he added. He said that the attackers also burnt many houses and destroyed crops. Iya further disclosed that one of the invaders was killed by security personnel deployed to contain the situation.

Several Killed as Masked Gunmen Invade Zamfara Community

About 29 people were reportedly killed in Yanware town, Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State following an attack by masked gunmen suspected to be cattle rustlers. The attackers, who were said to have been fully armed with dangerous weapons including AK47 riffles, injured several others during the invasion. Eye witnesses disclosed that the criminals wore black masks to avoid recognition even as it was suspected that some of them were members of the community. The witnesses narrated that after killing their victims, the cattle rustlers proceeded to the neighbouring village where they robbed people of their money. Police spokesman, Shehu Mohammed, February 18, explained that only three people were killed, adding that efforts were being intensified by the police command to arrest the fleeing suspects.

Rape

Man Confesses to Raping 4-Year-Old Girl in Lagos

A 32-year-old man, Michael Okon, on February 24, confessed to defiling a 4-year-old girl in Lagos. Okon confessed before Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Ipaye Nwachukwu of a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 2 at No.8 Adepoju Street, Iyana-Ipaja area of the state. She said the accused, who resides in the same compound with the victim, took her to a dark corner in the compound and defiled her, but a neighbour trailed and caught him in the act. ‎The accused person pleaded guilty to the offence. In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate said since the accused had pleaded guilty to the charge, the court had no choice than to sentence him. Nwachukwu adjourned the matter till May 22 for facts and sentence.

Man Jailed for Raping 80-Year-Old Woman

An Ekiti State Ekiti High Court in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a 45-year-old man, Lawrence Adedapo, to seven years imprisonment for raping an 80-year-old woman, Grace Asaolu. Justice Dele Omotoso convicted Adedapo after finding him guilty of raping the old woman in November 2013 at Oke Erimope Street, Ogbese, Ise-Ekiti. Adedapo, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, gave evidence in his own defence but called no witness. In his testimony, he described the old woman as his “mother as well as his concubine” whom he had been dating for many years. The prosecution led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi, tendered the blood-stained clothes of the victim which was recovered from the scene of the incident. The trial judge resolved all issues for determination against Adedapo and consequently sentenced him to jail for seven years.

Man Defiles Neighbour’s 7-Year-Old Girl in Lagos

A 35-year-old trader, Reuben Odigwe, was on February 23, brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling his neighbour’s 7-year-old daughter. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offence was committed on February 5 at the residence of the accused he called the 7-year-old girl to his room under the pretext of sending her on an errand. The accused shut the door on her and inserted his finger in her vagina. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted him bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Akanni adjourned the matter to March 13 for mention.

Police Parades Student for Luring Friend to be Gang Raped

A student of the College of Science and Technology, Ijero Ekiti in Ekiti State, Yetunde Kayode, was arrested for allegedly tricking her friend into the hands of a 10-man gang of rapists, who forcefully had carnal knowledge of the victim with sinister intention to initiate her into a cult group. The Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, disclosed this while parading 26 suspects in the state police headquarters in Ado Ekiti on February 20. Inalegwu said that the suspect, who was arrested in Ijero Ekiti few days ago was accused of recruiting vulnerable girls for some gang to rape in turns, particularly members of Aiye Cult Group.

Police Arraign Man for Allegedly Raping Sister-in-Law

A 35-year-old man, Wasiu Ibrahim, was, February 22, docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly raping his sister-in-law. The Prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told court that the offence was committed on January 26 at the residence of the accused. Ogu said that the victim is a 15-year-old girl, residing with her sister, the wife of the accused and the accused. Ibrahim allegedly raped the minor when his wife travelled. Ogu said the accused came home drunk and forcefully raped the victim. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Taiwo Akanni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Akanni adjourned the case till March 15 for mention.

55-Year-Old Man Rapes 13-Year-Old Trader

A 55-year-old man, Garba Ali, was on February 20, arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly raping a teenager. The accused was docked on a three-count charge of rape, sexual assault and breach of peace. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offences were committed on February 11 at the residence of the accused. Ogu said that the victim, a 13-year-old girl, was hawking her wares after school hours when the accused called her and buying from her. The accused then told her to come back for her money. But on her return, the accused lured her to his room and raped her. Ogu added that the victim cried all the way back to her house and told her mother what the accused did. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case till March 13, pending issuance of legal advice by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Others

Explosion Rocks NLNG Pipeline, Several Feared Dead

An explosion, February 22, rocked a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) at Rumuji and Evekwu communities in Emohua LGA of Rivers State. Residents of the communities disclosed that the incident claimed several lives and destroyed the economic life of the people of the area. The communities accused the companies, NLNG and Agip, who are jointly operating the gas line of neglect, stating that the companies have not visited ascertain the level of damage done to the people. A community leader in Evekwu, Chris Idika, disclosed that over four people died during the incident. The paramount ruler of Rumuji community, Eze Oha Christian Elechi, had recorded over nine deaths, both in the bush and from people who inhaled the gas and got choked. Several people got various degrees of injuries. He called on the government to come to their aid. The NLNG, while confirming the incident, stated that it was investigating the cause of the explosion. Emergency response procedures were immediately activated and the relevant authorities notified. Communities closest to the area of the incident have been advised not to approach the site in the interest of safety.

Property, Vehicles Destroyed as Two Anambra Communities Renew Hostility

No fewer than 10 persons sustained injuries while 10 houses and 11 vehicles were destroyed on Thursday following renewed hostility between two communities - Ikenga-Ogidi and Umusiome-Nkpor - in Idemili North LGA of Anambra over land dispute. The Divisional Police Officer, in-charge of Ogidi Police Division, Hassan Musa, who confirmed the incident, advised the two communities against any form of criminality. He warned that anyone found causing mayhem would be arrested and prosecuted. An eyewitness said sporadic gunshots were heard at the boundary of the disputed land which made the residents take to their heels. Chief Humphrey Aghuna, the chairman, Dynamic Landlord Association, Umusiome, Nkpor, said police and the army from 302 Artillery Regiment Onitsha later arrived at the area. The President-General of Ogidi Town Union, Chief Chuka Onubuogu, attributed the crisis to the activities of alleged land grabbers and gangsters from both communities.

Woman Arrested for Burning 8-Year-Old over Piece of Meat

A 35-year-old staff woman is being quizzed by the Niger State Child Right Protection Agency for burning with hot charcoal, the palms of her eight-year-old housemaid, whom she accused of stealing meat from the pot. The Director-General of the agency, Mariam Kolo, February 18, said the accused, Grace Edeh, was arrested by the staff of the Minna branch of the National Human Rights Commission and later brought to the agency. According to her, someone saw the girl’s burnt hands and scars on her thigh in the market and interrogated her. The maid led the woman to her boss’s house. Kolo said that the matter was reported to the National Human Rights Commission, which transferred the case to Kolo’s agency.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination remained top on the crime index with very dreadful events on record. About 65 persons were killed in Zamfara and Kaduna States following invasion by armed men on helpless communities. It was pathetic as a 3-year-old girl was killed by a woman in Makurdi. It was sad as couples also on their spouses as a man allegedly killed his wife for rituals. A sad incident was when a man allegedly set his family house ablaze, burning five persons to death. Other incidents include the killing of law enforcement officials and some lone killings. Cheering, is the fact that most of the suspects were apprehended. The authorities have vowed to prosecute them after investigations. These were recorded across the nation.

Kidnap/hostage incidents were also high on the index, cutting across the various strata of the society. Sad was the abduction of expatriates in Kaduna. This happened when a German Professor of Archaeology and his colleague were abducted by gunmen while they were on a research programme at Jenjela village. Two hunters were reportedly killed at the scene of the abduction. It a twisted incident, hoodlums returned to a home in Sapele, Delta State to kidnap a woman a few minutes after her husband, who was initially abducted, escaped from the hoodlums. Other incidents include child theft, child trafficking and other lone kidnap incidents. Security agents maintain that efforts are being made to arrest suspects who remain at large and rescue all the victims unhurt. Kidnapping and hostage incidents were recorded across the regions of the country.

Armed Robbery incidents also hit a high on the index with daring attacks. Five persons including three policemen and two bank customers lost their lives in a daring armed robbery attack on a bank in Owerri, Imo State when robbers trailed a customer to a bank and opened fire on him. The robbers escaped with their loot. However, one of the armed robbers was gunned down during an exchange of gunfire with the police. With collaboration amongst security agents in the country, the military helped in arresting some notorious suspects, who were handed over to the police for prosecution. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) also made some arrests and recovered weapons from suspects. The south-east and south-west regions experience more of these incidents.

Rape incidents are also on the high and minors persistently remain easy targets. Sad is the fact that the rapists are known persons including close relatives and trusted neighbours. Parents and guardians are persistently charged to take extra care in protecting their young against predators. Also on record is the luring of girls by a female student in Ekiti State. This girl was arrested for tricking her friend into the hands of a 10-man gang of rapists. These were mostly witnessed in the south-west region of the country.

Terrorism is low on the index. However the few incidents on record are sad as many lives were lost to Boko Haram terrorists attacks. Some soldiers, battling to rid the nation of terrorism paid the supreme price in their bid to keep the nation safe. They died when their team was ambushed by scores of insurgents. But despite the seeming regrouping of the terrorists, the military has assured that they remain undeterred in their resolve to defeat terrorism in Nigeria. The north-east remains the endemic 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.