Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 10

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	6
2	Robbery	8
3	Drugs	2
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	1
5	Terrorism	5
6	Political/Government Agencies
7	Murder/Assassination	15
8	Rape Incidents	4
9	Others	2

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Abduct DPO in Delta

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the ‘C’ Division, Asaba, Delta State, Valentine Mbalu, was March 5, kidnapped by gunmen between Ekwoma and Umunede on the Benin/Asaba/Onitsha expressway. The Police Officer, who was said to be returning from Agbor, was reportedly taken hostage by suspected herdsmen at about 3:40pm. All the police divisions have been ordered to go in search of the victim, according to reports. A source said that the suspected kidnappers had established contact with his family making a demand of N5m as ransom. The police authorities have vowed to ensure his safe release.

Stray Bullet Hits One as Kidnappers Clash with Police in Lagos

One person was hit by a stray bullet as suspected kidnappers clashed with policemen at the Ejigbo area of Lagos State on March 8. The young man was reportedly hit by a stray bullet from operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), who went to arrest suspected kidnappers. It was gathered that the police operatives, acting on tip-off that some kidnappers were hiding in a building on Oboye Street, stormed the area at about 2p.m. However, the gang members attempted to prevent the policemen from arresting the suspects. Sensing danger, the policemen opened fire and in the process a stray bullet hit one of the youths in the area. An eyewitness said police operatives, after dispersing the crowd with the gunshots, succeeded in picking their targets. Police spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the incident, adding that the victim was only injured and was responding to treatment in a hospital.

Fulani Men, Others Abduct 52-Year Old Woman in Ibadan

Three Fulani men were among five other suspects paraded by the Oyo State Police command for allegedly kidnapping a 52-year-old business woman in Ibadan. While parading the suspects on March 6, the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, disclosed that the woman was kidnapped and some of her valuable documents were taken away by the kidnappers. He vowed to arrest other suspects involved in the crime. According to him, the suspects trailed their victim from her office in Ojoo area of Ibadan to her house in Akobo and kidnapped her around 10pm as she was about to enter her house on February 25, 2017. She was kept in Ogere forest for two days and prevented from contacting her family. But through diligent investigation in collaboration with the Lagos State Police Command, some suspects were arrested at Alausa in Ikeja, Lagos with the victim’s car on February 28, 2017.

3 Suspected Kidnappers from Oyo Arrested in Lagos

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, March 4, arrested three suspected kidnappers that fled from Ibadan to Lagos after kidnapping a lady and collecting N3 million ransom. The kidnappers, Adekunle Funsho, 31; Charles Ezeilo, 32, and Obioha Nnaji, were said to have been apprehended at Abule Egba, a suburb of Lagos. It was gathered that the suspects, after collecting the ransom, fled to Lagos. But the police in Ibadan, who discovered that the kidnappers were heading to Lagos with the victim’s Toyota Highlander, communicated with the Lagos Command for assistance. According to the RRS Commander, Tunji Disu, the RRS operatives tracked the vehicle and eventually arrested a suspect and recovered the vehicle. Disu stated that the first suspect assisted the police in the arrest of the other suspects.

Police Nab Herbalist with Connections to Notorious Kidnapper

Less than 72 hours after the end came for a deadly kidnap kingpin and serial killer, Henry Chibueze, popularly known as Vampire, his native doctor has been arrested by the police. Chibueze, who had killed over 200 people in the south-east and south-south geopolitical zones, was gunned down in the early hours of March 2 in the Ikwerre forest in Rivers state during a gun duel with the Inspector General of Police’s Special Response Squad. He was on January 27, 2017, freed in a commando style by gunmen suspected to be his gang members at the premises of Owerri High court where he was standing trial on kidnap and criminal offences. A source disclosed that the man who was behind the mystical powers of the gunned down kidnap kingpin was arrested by the police in Imo state on March 5. The suspect, Iweajuo Gad, who is a native doctor was the one who fortified Vampire and his gang members throughout their days of operations for over four years. Charms, amulets and other mystical items were recovered from the suspect by the police. The Imo State police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the arrest of the suspect.

Parents of Missing Children Identify Arrested Apprentice

Parents of four missing children in Lagos State, March 3, arrived at the premises of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad to identify an apprentice, Mary John, as the person that stole their children. The parents and some of their neighbours identified 28-year-old John as the woman who stole the children while pretending to be an apprentice at various points. John was arrested after SARS operatives tracked her to a building in the Badagry area of Lagos. John, whose real name is Gladys Austin had stolen one Oluwasemilore in the Alagbado area of Lagos a month ago. She had barely spent a week as an apprentice of Oluwasemilore’s mother, Tobiloba, when she absconded with the three-year-old. It was learnt that John, upon her arrest in Badagry, led the police to Anambra State, where she had sold the child. The alleged buyer was reported to have resold the victim. Oluwasemilore was later recovered from the fourth buyer. Parents of four other missing children visited the Lagos command and identified the suspect as the one who stole their children. Investigation is ongoing to track and rescue the other children.

Robbery

Police Arrest Lady Armourer, Armed Robbery Suspects in Calabar

The Cross River Police Command said it had arrested a female armourer, Hope Usang (25), who leases arms to armed robbers in Calabar. The state Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, March 9, disclosed that Usang and 21 other suspects were arrested at different locations across the state. Inuwa said that Usang was arrested following an armed robbery incident investigation where another suspect, Emmanuel Edet-Etim and Idoreyin Usa, were arrested. The suspects confessed that they got the arms from Usang. The police recovered three revolvers, four rounds of ammunition, one pistol, and one locally-made pistol, among other items from Usang’s residence. The suspects would be charged to court after investigations, he added.

5 Killed in Ondo Bank Robbery

Five persons, including a policeman, were killed during a deadly bank robbery in Ogbagi Akoko, Akoko North-West LGA of Ondo State, on March 7. Those killed include two security guards attached to the bank. An eyewitness account said the robbers blew open the main entrance of the bank and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) with dynamite, where huge a sum of money was carted away. The hoodlums, numbering about 15, got to the bank on five motorbikes shooting sporadically into the air to scare people away. On arrival at the bank around noon, the robbers shot dead one security guard and a policeman at the bank premises. Eyewitness account had it that two other persons killed may have been hit by stray bullets within the bank premises. They reportedly escaped through Omuo-Ekiti Road after the operation. Police spokesman, Femi Joseph, confirmed the killing of three persons, including a policeman. He added that detectives were on their trail.

Armed Robbers Kill Engineer, Injure 70-Year-Old Woman

A middle-aged man, Sanmi Ige, was, March 7, killed by armed robbers at his Ebute-Meta residence in Lagos, while a 70-year-old woman was also injured by the gunmen. It was gathered that the robbers, numbering 10, stormed the one-storey building on 2, Herbert Macaulay Street, at about 4am. The robbers also broke into Ige’s landlady’s apartment, where they reportedly hit her son with a cutlass. One of the robbers shot him in the head after he begged them not to take his laptop. Policemen from Denton Division, who were contacted, stormed the scene and removed the corpse.

Police Arrested Suspected Armed Robbers over Carjacking

The Ogun State Police Command, March 6, disclosed that it has arrested four suspected robbers, who allegedly snatched a Sport Utility Vehicle belonging to the Vice-Chancellor of the Crawford University, Professor Rotimi Ajayi. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the robbers had dispossessed Ajayi of his vehicle along Atan-Igbesa Road on January 27, 2017. The robbers were also said to have stolen his mobile phones, an iPad and some money. Oyeyemi said the robbers were arrested on March 1 at their hideout at Seme Border by the operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad after a gun duel. At the end of the encounter, four members of the gang were arrested. The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, commended the gallantry display of the FSARS men and advised them not to rest on their oars until the state was rid of crime and criminality.

Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspects in Abia State

The Abia State Police Command has arrested suspected armed robbers in the state. The suspects -Chibuike Uzodinma and Odinaka Nnamani- reportedly robbed one Elizabeth Ogbonna of her Horizon Blackberry phone at gunpoint. The suspects also allegedly robbed one Ogechi Uzodinma of her valuables. A police source hinted that the suspects were arrested with the complainants’ phones, adding that they have confessed to the crime, while efforts to arrest other members of the gang have been intensified. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adeleye Oyebade, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

FCT Police Nab Seven Suspected Armed Robbers

Operatives of the FCT Police Command have arrested seven suspected armed robbers at various points within the FCT. The suspects -Friday Adah, Jacob Daniel and Uche Egoronye- were nabbed for alleged armed robbery using locally made pistols. Police Public Relations Officer, Anjuguri Manzah, March 4, said two others -Idris Yahaya and Hukwu Hussein- were arrested with two cartons of double barrel cartridges and a pack of 525 cartridges carefully concealed in the carton at different locations in the FCT. Two others, Obinna Abel and Chukwudi Ilo, were nabbed while they were trying to rob passengers of their belongings using kitchen knife. Manzah attributed the recent successes of the Command to tip off and surveillance by police operatives. He said the seven suspects and exhibits recovered from them have been transferred to the Command Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation.

Police Burst Robbery Operation in Ekiti, Kill One

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), March 5, killed an armed robber in Ekiti State during a robbery operation. The operatives, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, ran into the daredevil armed robbers along Ise/Ikere Ekiti Road. Adeyemi said one of the robbers named Barnabas was killed in the process, while another one called Wale Jelili sustained bullet wounds. The SARS was able to burst the operation acting on a tip off from the members of the public. The operatives recovered two cut to size guns, cartridges and motorcycles from suspects, he disclosed.  Adeyemi disclosed that his men are on the trail of other suspects that escaped with bullet wounds. The command appealed to members of the public to continue to volunteer useful information that can help the police.

Court Sentences Man to Death by Hanging for Robbery in Delta

The Delta State High Court of Justice sitting in Effurun, March 9, sentenced one Trust Abraham to death by hanging over alleged armed robbery. The court presided over by Justice Ebiowei Tobi sentenced Trust Abraham on seven count charge bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery. He was specifically sentenced to death by hanging, having been found guilty of four counts out of the seven count charge. Abraham had conspired with others now at large to rob six persons of their personal belongings and monies with knife and dangerous weapons in Okito Junction, Jakpa Road, Effurun within Effurun Judicial Division in May 2015. Abraham was arrested by a team of Policemen on routine patrol. Despite being flagged down by the police, they refused to stop their tricycle and were given a hot chase wherein Abraham was arrested as the other two escaped. After a thorough search of the tricycle, phones, knives and daggers were recovered from him while those he had allegedly robbed, identified him as the one who robbed them.

Drugs

Suspect Excretes 386 Grammes of Cocaine

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, arrested two suspected drug traffickers on March 8. One of the suspects, a 53-year-old man, Lekwauwa Mark Otaka, who was arrested, has confessed that he inserted 386 grammes of cocaine into his anus over a promise of N1 million to traffic the drugs to Cambodia. The other suspect, 57-year-old Odogwu Augustine Ike, was arrested with 2.150kg of heroin from Tanzania. The agency’s Commander at the Abuja Airport, Hamisu Lawan, explained that the duo tested positive for narcotic ingestion during routine screening. According to him, Ike was caught with 110 wraps of heroin weighing 2.150kg from Tanzania on an Ethiopian Airline flight, while Otaka was found to have inserted seven wraps of cocaine weighing 386 grammes into his anus on an Egypt Airline flight to Cambodia. Both suspects are currently under investigation.

Electrician, two Other Traders Arrested with Cocaine, Ephedrine

A 48-year-old man, who attempted to export 26.6kg of drugs suspected to be ephedrine to Tanzania, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. The suspect, Ogujiuba Zacchaeus, was arrested during search after the substance, concealed inside female foot wears, was discovered. Two other suspected traffickers were also arrested. One of them, Uchegbu Emeka, (33) , a  textile merchant was alleged to be smuggling 305 grammes of cocaine to Cambodia while  Okafor Emeka, (28) an  automobile parts dealer was arrested while allegedly  importing 1.370kg of cocaine from Sierra Leone. Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.), assured members of the public that the Agency would always ensure that offenders were severely sanctioned to deter others from engaging in drug trafficking.

Militancy/Maritime

Troops Destroy 80 Illegal Refineries in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States

Authorities of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, codenamed ‘Operation Delta Safe’ March 7, said that the special security forces have intensified raids on crude oil thieves with the destruction of 80 illegal refineries across Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states. The operation’s Joint Media Campaign Centre Coordinator, Major Abubakar Abdullahi, stated that its operatives would not relent until the mandate of ridding the region of oil thieves was achieved. According to him, troops on patrol around Obhoyohan and Ngiri Creeks in Nembe Local Government Area of the state recently discovered and destroyed seven illegal refineries containing 150,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. Three suspects were also arrested in connection with the illegalities and are currently undergoing investigation, he added.

Terrorism

Soldier Killed, Two others Missing as Troops Battle Boko Haram Terrorists

One soldier was   killed and two others declared missing in action during a fierce encounter between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram terrorists at Gwari and Ganye villages of Borno State. A senior Army officer and 13 other soldiers were wounded. The incident, which also saw two terrorists killed by the troops, occurred  when troops of OperationLafiyaDole were advancing towards Sa’ada village in their heightened efforts to clear the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in some locations within the area. Army spokesman, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, March 9, said the troops, while advancing towards the area, met heavy presence of Boko Haram terrorist in the area. They, however, engaged them and destroyed the terrorists’ makeshift camps at Gwari and Ganye villages. The troops had to withdraw to Forward Operation Base at Kerenoa.  One soldier was killed, while two others were missing in action.

Nigerian, Cameroon Troops Kill Several Insurgents in Border Villages
…Clear 6 villages along border of insurgents

Nigerian and Cameroonian military troops have carried out another joint operation to weed out Boko Haram terrorists along Nigeria and Cameroon border. The two days joint operation which was led by Col. Dourai and Lt.Col. Mohaman of the Cameroonian Defence Forces had troops drawn from the Cameroon’s Battalion Rapid Intervention, BRI, and 151 Task Force Battalion of 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army. During the operation which ended on March 7, troops of the two countries cleared Siyara, Kote, Sigawa and proceeded to Bulabundibe towns. Other areas cleared include AdeleKe, Tchatike and Lamukura villages. While conducting the operation the troops came in contact with Boko Haram terrorists and neutralized many of them, apprehended 2 others, while many other terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds. The Troops further recovered five Dane guns and five Boko Haram terrorists’ flags, four vehicle tyres, two motorcycles and vehicle spare parts. The team leader, Col. Dourai, commended the Nigeria Army and the conduct of the troops.

Nigerian Air Force Destroys another Boko Haram Logistics Base

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), March 6, disclosed that it had destroyed a logistics base concealed by fleeing Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in Sambisa forest. Two fleeing terrorists were tracked by NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to the concealed location where they had gone to retrieve some items before fighter aircrafts were called-in for strike. The coordinated assault was carried out by a formation of two Alpha Jet and an F-7Ni fighter aircraft while the ISR aircraft remained overhead the target location to guide the attacking aircraft as well as provide battle damage assessment. The latest air strike is another major feat in the renewed air effort by the NAF to neutralise the fleeing terrorists as well as decimate their capability to regroup for attack on own surface forces and people within the nearby communities.

Troops Capture 14 Boko Haram terrorists

Troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole have captured 14 Boko Haram terrorists and neutralised many others in Borno state. The Army embarked on clearance operations at Chikum Gudu in Northern part of Borno on March 3 when they captured the terrorists. Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, March 5, said that the troops captured many arms and ammunition from the terrorists during the operation. Usman listed arms captured from remnants of the insurgents by troops of 8 Task Force Division to include two Toyota gun trucks. He said the insurgent stole trucks from Niger Republic Defence Forces. Usman said the troops also recovered two Toyota Hilux gun trucks, one of which the insurgents earlier took from 153 Task Force Battalion of the Operation Lafiya Dole. Others, he said, were 25-horse power Yamaha outboard engine, two solar panels and five empty belts of anti-aircraft guns ammunition links. He said the troops recovered one gun bipod, 12 pairs of Boko Haram terrorists’ fighters uniform, five flags, 37 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 84 copies of Holy Quran and 270 books on Islamic literature.

Three Die in Suicide Attack on Maiduguri

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that three suspected suicide bombers were killed on March 3 in an early morning attack in Maiduguri, Borno State. The incident took place around the NNPC depot situated on Damboa road in the troubled town. NEMA spokesman, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said that three suspected suicide bombers died along Damboa Road Maiduguri as a result of the explosion. Three petrol tankers were also burnt as a result of the incident. The fire has been brought under control while casualty evacuation has been concluded. According to a resident of the area, the female bomber and two children came in the early hours of the day and detonated the bombs strapped on them. The witness said that the attack was targeted at parked petrol tankers. He added that the suicide bombers were the only victims of the attack.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Police Confirm Killing of DSP by Suspected Hoodlums in Minna

The Niger Police Command, March 4, confirmed the killing of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Aaron Sunday, by suspected hoodlums in Barkin-Sale area. Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, who confirmed the incident, said that the DSP was killed on March 3, while on his official duty. He added that over 13 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the late Sunday had led a police team to quell a disturbance by some suspected hoodlums, who invaded a wedding party at Barkin-Sale, when he was killed. According to reports, a distress call to the police that some hoodlums, intoxicated with Indian hemp and carrying dangerous drugs, were harassing guests at the venue of the wedding party, caused the police team to mobilise to the area. The eyewitness said that while the police team was trying to ensure law and order, one of the boys reportedly attacked the DSP with an axe from behind. The police officer died before reaching the hospital.

Policeman Shoot Truck Driver to Death

A truck owner, Alhaji Dan Jos, was, March 9, shot dead by a policeman at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. According to an eyewitness, Kabiru Alaba, the policeman shot Dan Jos for challenging his colleague, who urinated on a truck parked in the premises. According to Alaba, the police officer was urinating on a truck when Jos challenged him, leading to an altercation. The policeman then called his colleague from the division, who came and shot the deceased. The incident led to demonstration by members of the Road Transport Employee Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), who took to the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in protest. Police Public Relations Officer of the Maritime Command, Sadik Olatunde, said he was not aware of the crisis at the port.

Beggar Drugs Infant to Death

A rent-a-baby beggar, Hafsa Asirinka Ibrahim, has appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly drugging a baby to death. The accused is facing a two-count charge of murder and conspiracy. The plea of the accused was, however, not taken. The Magistrate, Mrs Helen Omisore, ordered that the accused be remanded at Ikoyi Prisons pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Prosecutor, Sergeant Edet Ekpo, told the court that the accused committed the offences in November 2016. He alleged that the accused was in the business of taking babies from their mothers for alms begging on the streets and after the day’s activity, she would pay them. The accused would drug the baby to sleep throughout the day while begging for alms on the road, he alleged. But on the said date, the accused administered a sleeping drug on nine-month-old Hassana Jemilo, but did not know that she had given her an overdose, leading to the death of the baby. The case was adjourned to May 16 for further hearing.

Court Sentences Policemen to Death others over Apo Killings

A High Court sitting in Abuja, March 9, sentenced two Police officers to death over the 2005 murder of six traders at the Apo mechanic village in Abuja. The victims were shot dead by a team of Police men stationed at Gimbiya Street at Garki Area 11 while returning from a night club on June 8, 2005, based on the order of a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Danjuma. The Federal Government had in a charge it filed eleven years ago, indicted six police officers over the incident. Aside DCP Danjuma, other officers charged with murder were DPO Abdulsalam Othman (now at large), Nicholas Zakaria, Emmanuel Baba, Ezekiel Achejene and Sadiq Salam. The Chief Judge of the high court, Justice Ishaq Bello, found only the 4th and 5th defendants, Baba and Achejene, guilty of culpable homicide, based on their own confessional statements. The court, however, discharged and acquitted the three other officers, including Danjuma, based on lack of evidence linking them to the actual commission of the crime. The 4th and 5th defendants were specifically convicted for the murder of two of the deceased victims, Anthony and Tina. Justice Bello described the action of the convicted policemen as “impunity of the highest order”, saying they showed no regard for the sanctity of human life.

Customs Officers Kill Driver while Chasing Smugglers in Ogun State

A commercial driver, Saubana Onila, was, March 8, killed after he was allegedly shot by officers of Nigeria Customs Service, who were chasing smugglers at Kobape area, along Sagamu-Siun Expressway in Ogun State. A witness, Shola Josiah, said Saubana and four other drivers, including himself, had left Kuto market in Abeokuta around 9:30am, with their vehicles loaded with 25 bags of rice, heading to Sagamu. He added that Customs officials started pursuing them at Sowo village, Kobape Road. According to him, Saubana’s car tyres were blown out with gunshots and his Mazda 626 car somersaulted into a ditch. He further alleged that the customs operatives still shot Saubana at close range, after he crawled out of the wreckage of his car with an injury in his thigh. But the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Usman Abubakar, said the allegation was not true and that there was no shootout.

Unknown Persons Kill 4 Students, Drain their Blood

Four boys were killed and their blood drained and taken away by suspected ritual killers, who invaded an Islamic school in Tungan Magajiya village, Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State on March 8. A fifth is said to be recuperating in the hospital. The boys, who are said to be between the ages of eight and 13, had their throats slit, their blood drained into containers and taken away. A man, whose two wards were among the victims, confirmed the incident, disclosing that the boys were attacked in their sleep. The state Police spokesman, Bala Elkana, confirmed the incident. He said investigation is ongoing and assured that the suspects would be arrested.

10 Feared Dead in Ile-Ife as Yoruba, Hausa Clash

About 10 people were killed in a clash at the Sabo area of Ile-Ife when a bloody clash between the indigenes of the town and the Hausa community erupted. A source disclosed that trouble started when one Hausa man living in Sabo area of the town was allegedly accused of having an affair with the wife of an Ife man, who was enraged when he discovered what happened. The incident degenerated into a bloody clash between the two communities leading to the killing and destruction of property from both sides. The Osun state government immediately declared a two day curfew in Ile-Ife. At the battle ground around Sabo area of the town, the Hausas were said to have used daggers, arrow and bow to confront the Yoruba who were said to be armed with Dane guns, cutlasses and other traditional weapons. Some of the persons killed in the mayhem were said to have been burnt while bonfire was also made by both sides. Police Public Relations Officer, Folasade Odoro, said that the police had drafted operatives to restore normalcy in the town, while soldiers from Ede were drafted to the scene of the crisis to quell further killings and destruction of property.

3 RTEAN Leaders Arrested over Death of Commercial Bike Rider

Policemen attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, on March 7, arrested three members of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) over the alleged killing of a commercial motorcycle rider, identified as Michael Ekpo, in Lagos. The arrested suspects are a deputy state Chairman of RTEAN, the Vice Chairman and treasurer. Ekpo was killed at the ANACOWA motorcycle park at Adamo community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State by gunmen, who wanted to take over the park. It was gathered that the family of the deceased and his colleagues petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, when the Lagos State Police Command reportedly failed to arrest the suspects.

Suspected Assassins Kill Banker in Udu

A 41-year-old banker, Tunde Kolawole, was murdered in by yet-to-be identified assassins at Ekete Waterside of Udu Council Area of Delta State on March 5. The incident occurred on his way home from a private meeting. Kolawole was allegedly called at about 7pm for a private meeting by a church leader, but was found dead at about 9pm. A relative added that he suspected assassination because only late Kolawole’s phone was taken away, while the money in his pockets were intact.

Worker Kills Boss in Lagos, Flees with Car

A 20-year-old worker at a bar in Lagos, Precious Victor, has been arrested for the murder of his boss, Kayode Oso (53). Victor was reportedly employed by Oso to manage a bar he opened at Ikeja, while Oso gets to the bar every evening. Victor was said to have invited two of his friends - Kelechi Kalu and Ahmed Abubakar - to the bar on March 4 when an argument ensued between the boss and the employee. The three men allegedly beat Oso and stabbed him severally before locking up his remains in the bar. The allegedly drove in his car to a hotel in the Abule Egba area where Victor and Abubakar reportedly changed their bloodstained clothes and returned to the bar as if nothing happened. However, a customer, who had noticed when they left the premises with the bloodstained clothes, raised the alarm, leading to their arrest. The Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing.

Assailants Kill Chief Imam in Edo

Unidentified gunmen, March 4, killed the Chief Imam of Egbeta Mosque in the Ovia North-East LGA of Edo State. It was learnt that the cleric, identified as Mallam Saka Afolabi, was on his way to the mosque when he was confronted by three men, suspected to be assassins, who shot him dead. He was said to have been shot at a close range in the presence of two of his sons. One of his sons, Mutiu, explained that the assailants came on a motorcycle and identified his father before killing him. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Nkombe, confirmed the incident. Nkombe said those identified in the murder would be invited to the police command for questioning. He said while investigation had commenced to apprehend the killers.

Killers of Ex-Councillor Arrested after Gang Member Stole Clothes

The police in Lagos have arrested four suspects for allegedly killing a former councillor, Nurudeen Sanni, in the Epe area of the state. It was learnt that the suspects had gone on a robbery operation on Musiliu Muritala Street, Poka, Epe, in December 2016, when the victim, who was not aware they were in a group, attempted to foil the operation. The 41-year-old was said to have been shot in the head before they fled the scene with some of his valuables. Nemesis caught up with them a few days after the operation, when a member of the group went to a neighbouring community to burgle a house. After successfully breaking into the house and packing some clothes, mistakenly locked himself inside and could no longer go out. The owner of the house alerted neighbours and he was arrested. The suspect confessed that it was his gang that robbed on Musiliu Muritala Street and killed the man. He gave information on the whereabouts of members of the gang, leading to their arrest.

Three Killed as Custom Officers, Car Dealers Clash in Kwara

Three persons were, March 7, killed when officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and smugglers of imported used cars, engaged themselves in a gun duel at the Bode-Saadu area in Moro LGA of Kwara State. Three other persons who sustained varying degrees of injuries from the exchange of gunshots, are currently receiving medical treatment. It was gathered that the motor dealers were said to be coming through illegal route from Cotonou, Benin Republic when they met the men of the NCS who had reportedly laid an ambush for them. Upon citing the men of the customs, the sources said the motor dealers decided to speed off so as to evade arrest, the action apparently prompted the men of the customs to give them a chase. Men of the customs were said to have opened fire on the smugglers, who then retaliated. Three persons were said to have been hit and killed by stray bullets. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident.

Undergraduate Sentenced to Death for Killing Fellow Student

A 200 level student of Lead City University, Ibadan, Moshood Owolabi, was, March 8, sentenced to death by hanging for stabbing his fellow student to death. Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte of an Ibadan High Court, condemned Owolabi to death by hanging for causing the death of one Seun Kolawole, in 2015. The judge held that the prosecutor from the Oyo State Ministry of Justice had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. He said that the evidence tendered before him showed that the accused committed the offence as charged. The prosecutor, A. Olawale, had told the court that the convict stabbed Kolawole with a broken bottle in the neck, following a misunderstanding between him and the deceased. He explained that the injury sustained as a result of his action resulted to the death of the victim.

NDLEA Official, 3 Others Arrested for Attempted Murder in Bauchi

An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and three others have been arrested by the police in Bauchi State for attempting to kill a 29-year-old man. The suspects were said to have attacked the victim, Isiaka Auta and stabbed him several times on his lower abdomen and head. The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, March 9, disclosed the attack occurred on March 3. He disclosed that Auta was left in a pool of blood, but was rescued by policemen and rushed to the hospital, where he regained consciousness. He added that the case was under investigation to uncover the motive behind their action, after which they would be charged to court.

Rape

Man, 30, Remanded for Allegedly Defiling His 13-Year-Old Brother

A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Kano State, March 9, ordered the remand of a 30-year-old man in prison custody for allegedly defiling his 13-year-old brother. Chief Magistrate Fatima Adamu ruled that Muntari Aliyu must remain in prison until the May 18. The accused, who is facing a one-count charge of unnatural offence, resides at Hagawa Village, Bichi Local Government Area in Kano State. The Prosecutor, Inspector Aluta Mijinyawa, told the court that the accused lured his 13-year-old brother into the house and forcefully had sexual intercourse with him through his anus. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

Man Rapes 3-Year-Old Step-Daughter

The Police in Niger State, March 8, arrested a 45-year-old-man over the alleged rape of his 3-year-old step daughter. The Police Inspector attached to the state Child Rights Protection Agency, Abdullahi Mayaki, said that the mother of the girl, Malama Fatima Bawa, reported the matter to the agency. He said that the suspect, however, denied the allegation during investigation. Bawa alleged that she caught her husband sexually abusing her daughter after he approached her for sex at night and she refused him. She stated that she had chased him out of the room in the night and locked the door when she heard her daughter, who was sleeping in the parlour, crying. She quickly ran to her only to see her husband raping the girl. The Director-General of the agency, Hajiya Mariam Kolo, said the victim would be treated in the hospital. Kolo also said that the suspect would be charged to court in accordance with the law.

50- Year-Old Man Docked for Defiling 9-Year-Old Girl

A security guard, Mikemon Solomon, who allegedly raped a nine-year-old girl, March 8, appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Solomon, who lives on Midan Road in Mile 12, is facing a one-count charge of defiling a child. The prosecutor, Ihiehie Lucky, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 3. The victim reported the accused to her stepmother, and the victim’s brother subsequently lodged a complaint at the Ketu Police Station. The little girl said that the accused held her on the neck and dragged her to a corner and raped her. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the Magistrate, Mrs O. Sule-Amzat granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties. The court adjourned the case to March 27 for further hearing.

27-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Rape

A 27-year-old man, Samuel Adedeji, March 7, confessed to raping a 20-year-old lady in lady. Adedeji entered a guilty plea when he was arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on a charge of rape. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, remanded Adedeji at the Kirikiri Prison pending sentence. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 8 at his residence. According to him, the accused lured the 20-year-old woman into his apartment with a promise to assist in securing a job for her. But immediately the lady entered the room, Adedeji shut the door and raped her. Sexual assault by penetration carries life imprisonment. The case was adjourned to March 20 for sentencing.

Others

Police Arrest Fake Soldiers in Ogun State

Men of Ogun State Police Command, March 9, arrested two persons for allegedly impersonating men of the Nigeria Army. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said that the suspected fake soldiers, Joseph David and Adebayo Ojoye, allegedly extorted and maltreated innocent people in Agbado area of Ogun State. The suspects were arrested following a complaint that the two suspects, who wore military camouflage accosted, beat them up and inflicted injuries on two residents over a minor disagreement.

Security Guard Docked for Torturing Woman

The Lagos State Police Command, March 6, arraigned a 19-year-old security guard, Muhammed Useni, for allegedly torturing woman. Useni was brought before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on a charge of assault, occasioning grievous harm. The accused, who pleaded not guilty, was granted bail in the sum of N20, 000 with one surety in like sum. The Magistrate, Mr Omolaja Kazeem, said that the surety must be a family member of the accused and must be gainfully employed. The Prosecutor, Inspector Philip Osijiale, told the court that the accused had on February 28 unlawfully assaulted one Miss Folashade Kolawole. He alleged that the accused flogged Kolawole with a horse whip, inflicting serious bruises on her. The prosecutor said that Useni beat the complainant to pulp, claiming that she used his duty post to solicit customers after his warning failed to make her leave the spot. The case was adjourned to March 22 for mention.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination incidents remained top on the crime index as several persons, including law enforcement agents, lost their lives in various attacks. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was attacked and killed by hoodlums in the course of his official duty. The police, in carrying out its investigations, arrested 13 suspects in connection with the killing. It was a disheartening case as an innocent baby was drugged to death by a woman, who hired him from his mother for a token to disguise as a beggar. The woman would normally drug the baby to sleep, but on this fateful day, she overdosed the baby girl and she didn’t wake up again. Other incidents include, ritual killings, communal clashes and cult wars. The north-central and south-west regions of the country recorded more of these heinous crimes.

Robbery incidents also went up the index as a lady armourer was arrested in Cross River State over her alleged involvement with armed robbers. She was arrested alongside 21 other suspects at different locations across the state. In a separate incident, five persons, including a policeman, were killed during a bank robbery in Ondo State. The robbers reportedly blew-up an ATM with dynamite and made away with an amount of money. It was a sad scene as a middle-aged man was killed by armed robbers at his residence in Lagos State, the daring armed robbers also injured a 70-year-old woman and her son. The police at different locations successfully arrested some suspects while a number of them remain at large. The south-west saw more of this incidents.

Kidnap/hostage cases was also on the high. It was a sad incident as a pedestrian was hit by stray bullet from operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), who went to arrest suspected kidnappers at the Ejigbo area of Lagos State. In another incident, a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Asaba, Delta State, was kidnapped by gunmen while on his way home from Agbo. The kidnappers are reportedly demanding a ransom of N5m for his release, however, the police authorities assured that the DPO would be rescued unhurt. In a seeming breakthrough for the police and relief for some parents, a serial child trafficker was arrested in Lagos and one of the stolen children recovered. The police have intensified efforts to find and rescue the other children. In other incidents across the country, the police were able to arrest suspected kidnappers in various incidents.

Terrorism took a rise as troops continue to fight hard to flush out the menace of extremist within the north-east. Nigerian and Cameroonian military troops carried out a joint operation against Boko Haram terrorists along Nigeria and Cameroon border, killing several insurgents in border villages. Many other terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds. Some weapons were recovered from the regained territories. The troops also arrested major of Boko Haram members in Borno state while others were killed in parts of Sambisa forest by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in a clearance operation. 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.