Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 11

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	8
2	Robbery	10
3	Drugs	2
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents
5	Terrorism	6
6	Political/Government Agencies
7	Murder/Assassination	15
8	Rape Incidents	6
9	Others	2

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Female Magistrate Kidnapped in Imo State

Unidentified gunmen attacked and kidnapped a female magistrate, Mrs. P. U. Adikibe and her driver, at Umuapu in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State. Adikibe is in charge of the Ihiagwa Magistrate Court, and was on her way home when the hoodlums struck, according to reports. The State Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, who confirmed the incident, however, disclosed that the woman and her driver were rescued less than 12 hours later and reunited with their families. According to him, when he got a distress call on the incident, he promptly raised a rescue team, which he led and they went after the hoodlums. According to the CP, the kidnappers, on sighting the rescue team, abandoned the magistrate’s driver and the car and took the magistrate away. But the police kept the chase. With the help of the driver’s narrative, they trailed the hoodlums to the forest where the magistrate was rescued.

Notorious Kidnapper, King Solomon, Arrested in Lagos

A notorious kidnap kingpin, popularly called King Solomon, alleged to have been responsible for the abduction of several residents of Festac Town in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State and environs, was arrested by police on March 15. The suspect, whose real name is Chukwudi Solomon, used his apartment on 46 Canal View Road as a den, where abducted victims were kept. He was trailed by undercover policemen from Festac Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Olukole Oladeinde, where he was arrested. Three suspected members of his gang, who attempted to prevent his arrest, were apprehended by policemen, while two abducted victims were rescued. Police sources further hinted that the suspect had several boys under his control, with members of other kidnap gangs bringing abducted persons to his apartment. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed the arrest.

Police Nab Four Kidnap Suspects in Enugu

Two notorious kidnap suspects have been arrested by police in Enugu State for their alleged involvement in a kidnap case during which one of the victims was killed. The state’s police spokesperson, Ebere Amaraizu, March 14, said that the suspects were arrested on February 24, after they were trailed to Asaba, Delta State. It was gathered that the suspects, alongside their fleeing colleagues, have been thorns in the flesh of motorists that operate along Obioma-Udi axis of the 9th Mile-Oji-River Old Road, Ugwuogo-Nike/Opi Nsukka Road and Awkunanaw axis of the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway. The state Commissioner of Police, Danmallam Mohammed, applauded his men and maintained that the state command, under his watch, would continue to partner with the public, sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders in the state.

Police Rescue Bishop, Wife in Botched Kidnap Attempt

Gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, March 14, attempted to abduct a bishop of one of the Pentecostal churches at the Isheri Osun area of Lagos State and his wife. The couple was rescued after a gun battle between the kidnappers and the police. It was gathered that the bishop was travelling with his wife when a Honda car intercepted them at about 4.30am. The gunmen jumped out of their vehicle, shooting. Two of them were said to have made for the couple’s car, opened it and attempted to drag them out, while others kept shooting. However, to their amazement, some police escorts on the bishop’s convoy replied with gunshots. A joint patrol team stationed at different locations in the area reportedly started shooting from different points. A reinforcement from Isheri Division joined in the battle, forcing the hoodlums to flee into a nearby swamp under the cover of the darkness, abandoning their operational vehicle. Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed the incident, said some of the kidnappers escaped with gunshot injuries, while the clergyman and his wife were rescued unhurt.

Ikorodu Kidnap Kingpin Killed

A notorious kidnapper, popularly known as Big Fish, who had been terrorising residents of Ishawo area of Ikorodu in Lagos State, was reportedly killed by members of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) on March 13. The deceased was alleged to have, among other atrocities, murdered an OPC member recently, during an operation. Confirming the incident, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Owoseni, identified the deceased simply as Timi. According to him, the police got a distress call that a group of robbers were operating in the area, but when policemen got there, they discovered that the local vigilante group had risen up to the challenge by facing the hoodlums. The police evacuated the corpse of Big Fish.

Kidnappers Demand N20m to Free Kidnapped Ekiti Government Official

A director in the Ekiti State Civil Servant, Olaniyi Ibidunmoye, was, March 8, abducted by gunmen in Ibillo, Edo State. Ibidunmoye, also a pastor in Agape Christian Ministries, was said to be on his way back from a pastoral meeting held in Abuja when he was waylaid by kidnappers and taken to an unknown destination. Family sources said the captors have contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N20 million. The gunmen initially took him away in his car, which they later abandoned. The abandoned vehicle is now with Ibillo Police Station in Edo State.

Police Break Child Trafficking Syndicate

A 50-year-old woman, Rita Eze, has confessed to being a member of a syndicate that allegedly involved in abducting children from Lagos and selling them in Anambra State. Eze was paraded alongside two others -Ogochi Nwekei and Gladys Augustine- at the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command on March 14. The fourth suspect, Elizabeth, who was said to be ill, was not paraded. Augustine connived with one Samuel, who is at large, to abduct three-year-old Oluwasemilore Adebiyi, from her parents’ residence. Augustine had enrolled for beads-making apprenticeship at Oluwasemilore’s mother’s shop in January, giving her name as Mary John. She fled to Anambra with the girl seven days after. The girl was handed over to Eze, who confessed to selling her to Elizabeth through Nwekei, for N500,000. The toddler was recovered by the police after Augustine was arrested on February 23. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the suspects would subsequently be charged to court.

Police Arraign Three over Kidnap of 16-Year-Old Girl

Three people were, March 14, arraigned in a Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly kidnapping a 16-year-old girl. The defendants -Ogei Blessing, Jennifer Ewenyor and Ogei Mabel- were arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation and kidnapping. They all denied committing the offences. The judge, Umar Kagarko, however, ordered the remand of Ogei Blessing and Jennifer Ewenyor, while he granted bail to Ogei Mabel in the sum of N600,000. The judge explained that he granted the defendant bail because she is a nursing mother. He said‎ that Ewenyor and Blessing should file their bail application and adjourned the case till May 3 for hearing. Prosecutor Umoh Inah, had told the court that two women -Cynthia Ogeide and Chioma Douglas- reported the matter at the Special Tactical Squad, FCT Command in January. He said the defendants conspired and kidnapped a 16-year-old girl and further gave her out for sex slavery. He said when the defendants were arrested; they gave the police false information, which misled the police from conducting a thorough investigation. The prosecutor added that one Miss Favour, who allegedly harboured the 16-year-old girl was still at large.

Robbery

Police Smash Vicious Armed Robbery Gang in Kaduna

Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) working in synergy with Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) have smashed and arrested three members of a notorious armed robbery gang that has been terrorizing travellers along the Kaduna-Abuja-Zaria road. The suspects arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State on March 15 include Nuhu Fulani, Yahaya Muhammed, and Aisha Bature (wife of the gang leader). Exhibits recovered from them include One AK47 Rifle, One Locally made pistol, Thirty rounds of live ammunition, Samsung S6 phone (belonging to their last victim), and Charms. Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, said that the gang had been on the wanted list of the Police. He added that investigation is being intensified to arrest the other members of the gang still at large.

Police Foil Robbery Attack in Lagos

Policemen from Denton Division, Lagos, March 16, foiled a robbery operation by a gang that has been terrorising residents of Iponri, Ebute-Meta area of the state. The hoodlums were on the verge of carrying out an operation when policemen swooped on them. On sighting the policemen, the robbers opened fire as they ran into a crowd, abandoning three of their operational vehicles. When searched, an AK-47 rifle, with 22 rounds of ammunition, three magazines, a revolver and charms were recovered inside the abandoned vehicles. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said that the robbers fired sporadically and escaped into the crowd.

Man Robs with a Toy Gun in Ogun state

A 25-year-old man, Oyatokun Wasiu, who allegedly robbed some people of phones and money with a toy gun, was on March 16, remanded in prison on the orders of an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court. The accused is facing a three count charge of armed robbery, impersonation and unlawful possession of Army camouflage. The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 1 behind the Railway Police Station, Lafenwa, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Eigbegiale alleged that the accused, armed with a toy gun, robbed a man, Abdullahi Ibrahim, of his Intel phone valued at N12,000 and N4,000 cash. He alleged that on the same day and place the accused unlawfully put on an army camouflage thereby impersonating a military officer. The Magistrate, Oriyomi Sofowora, who did not take the plea of the accused, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison pending his release on bail and legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The case was adjourned to April 14 for further hearing.

Soldiers, Vigilante Kill Robbery Suspect after Gun Battle in Ondo

Men of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, Ondo State, March 14, shot and killed a member of a six-man armed robbery gang operating along the Ilesa-Akure Expressway after over 20 minutes of gun battle. For over a month, the gangsters have been terrorising motorists plying the road, attracting public outcry. It was gathered that soldiers manning a checkpoint in Igbara-Oke stormed the robbery scene, following a distress call by motorists. One of the robbers was gunned down, while five others, who sustained injuries, fled into the bush. The Assistant Director of Public Relations of the Artillery Brigade, Captain Ojo Adelegan, confirmed the incident.

Woman Docked for Alleged Links with Robbers

Police operatives in Plateau State, March 14, arraigned a 26-year-old woman, Nantet Tongshak, in a Jos chief magistrate’s court over alleged links to a gang of thieves. The Police Prosecutor, Corporal Thomas Amuku, told the court that the police arrested the defendant after receiving information that she and one Lawrence Onoja of Dogon Dutse had been robbing and terrorising members of the public. Amuku said that the defendant was arrested at the residence of Onoja, who is said to be her boyfriend, but now at large. The prosecutor said a search was conducted in the house and a locally-made pistol and one live cartridge were found. He said that the defendant confessed that the gun belonged to Onoja, but denied engaging in any criminal acts. Magistrate Jovita Binjin admitted the defendant to N50,000 bail and a surety in like sum. The magistrate adjourned the matter till Match 28, for hearing.

2 Robbery Suspects Killed in Shootout with Police

A three-man robbery gang that attacked a supermarket in Opolo community in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State had two of its members killed in a shootout with the police, while the third member reportedly escaped. Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, while confirming the incident on March 13, said the hoodlums, armed with locally-made pistols, met their waterloo when they attacked a supermarket on March 9. According to him, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) swiftly responded to the distress call, leading to a gun battle between the robbers and policemen. Two locally-made revolver pistols, with three live .9mm ammunition, one female purse containing N10,500 and an earring, were recovered from the deceased suspects. A manhunt has been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect, he added.

Police Kill 3 Robbers in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command, March 13, confirmed the killing of three robbery suspects during an operation along Agbede-Oshokoso-Kabba Road. Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, disclosed that the robbers were killed by members of a vigilante group operating in the area. Aya said that the suspects, who were fully armed and masked, were robbing innocent Nigerians of their belongings when members of a nearby vigilante group swung into action. He said that the suspects engaged the vigilante men in a gun battle and it was in the process that a police detachment came to assist them. According to him, on sighting the police, the suspects, who were about 10, fled into the bush and it was while combing the bush that three dead bodies were recovered by the police. Aya said that police came to the scene after the Kabba Police Division received a distress call from the vigilante group. He said that the bodies were deposited at the Police Area Command Office, Kabba.

Court Sentences Four Armed Robbers to Death

Justice Rayo Taiwo of an Oyo State High Court sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan, March 17, sentenced four people to death for robbing a victim of cell phone while armed. The state counsel, Mr I. O Mojoyinola, said the defendants - Alaba Akinola (30), Sarafa Babalola (25), Sola Kolawole (27) and Ibrahim Gbedeogun (28) - committed the crime at Ayekale, Ibadan. Mojoyinola said the defendants robbed their victim of a cell phone valued at N10,000 on October 16, 2011 while armed with guns and cutlasses. The court also sentenced one Asumo Garuba (30) to death for the murder of one Rasaki Ayomo in September 2012. Justice Taiwo sentenced Garuba to death after being found guilty of hacking Ayomo to death. Principal state counsel, Mr O.S. Tella had told the court that Garuba killed Ayomo when he was about to buy bean cake at about 8.30pm at Oke-Are, Ijaye Moniya, Ibadan. “Garuba suddenly appeared and hacked Ayomo with a cutlass, leading to his death three days later at the hospital due to injuries sustained in the incident.’’

Police Arrest Salesman for Robbing Ex-Employer

A salesman at a restaurant in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Command for allegedly robbing his boss, one Paulina Paul. The suspect, 22-year-old Stephen Ochui, reportedly connived with one Ibrahim Mohammed and others at large to attack the woman in her residence. The gang stole Paul’s phone, Jewelleries and clothes, among other valuables estimated at about N2m. It was gathered that Paul started working in the restaurant sometime in January 2017, and after a week, he was sacked. He was said to have threatened to reduce her to bankruptcy. On January 22, the robbers reportedly stormed Paul’s house with a gun and cutlass and made away with her property. The incident was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of Ochui and Mohammed. But the salesman denied knowledge of the robbery, adding that his statement was a mere threat. The two suspects were brought before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on March 17 on two counts of robbery. The defendants pleaded not guilty and elected summary trial. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Akokhia, granted them bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case till April 28, 2017.

Police in Imo Kill Two Robbers, Recover Arms

The operatives of the Imo State Police Command, March 11, shot and killed two suspected armed robbers at a bank in Owerri, the state capital. A three-man gang of armed robbers had attacked a man who had gone to a branch of Diamond Bank to withdraw an unspecified sum of money, when they encountered policemen, who were on routine patrol. Police spokesman, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the deaths of the two of the robbers, noting that the police had launched a manhunt for the other robber who escaped with injuries. Enwerem said pistols, cartridges and other incriminating items were recovered from the gang.

Drugs

Grandmother Arrested with Cocaine at Airport

A 57-year-old woman, who was on a pilgrimage to Jeddah, Saudi-Arabia, has been arrested with 1.595kg of cocaine, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The suspect, Odeyemi Omolara Morayo, allegedly concealed the two parcels of white powdery substance that tested positive to cocaine inside her luggage. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) airport commander, Ahmadu Garba, said that Morayo concealed the cocaine in a false bottom of her bag, and that the substance was discovered during routine check on passengers at the departure hall. Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd), described the suspect’s action as condemnable, adding that it was good that she was arrested here because drug trafficking attracts capital punishment in Saudi Arabia.

NDLEA Accuses Man of Swallowing 935g of Cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), March 11, arraigned one David Achebe before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly trafficking in 935 grammes of cocaine. The agency claimed that Achebe swallowed the illicit substance and was arrested on December 21, 2016, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, while attempting to make his way out of the country to Hong Kong. The accused was arraigned before Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo on two counts. Achebe, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him. Consequently, Justice Oguntoyinbo adjourned till March 20, 2017, to hear the application for bail while she fixed May 3, 2017 for commencement of trial.

Militancy/Maritime

Terrorism

Deaf and Dumb Boko Haram Suspect Arrested in Borno

Nigerian troops have arrested a dumb and deaf suspected Boko Haram terrorist. Army spokesman, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, who disclosed this on March 17, said that the suspect was found to be in possession of eight functioning mobile telephone handsets, bunch of keys, two passport photographs, two amulet charms and a transistor radio. Usman further disclosed that a 45-year-old suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Makinta Ibrahim, was also arrested. Ibrahim is said to be the supplier of petrol and other items to the remnants of the insurgents. The suspect was arrested at Bay emeritus village in Yobe State. Both suspects are being investigated, he said. In other incidents, Usman disclosed that nine suspected Boko Haram terrorists from Tambashe village, Dikwa LGA of Borno State, voluntarily surrendered to military troops.

Many Feared Dead, Houses Razed as Boko Haram Attacks Borno Village

Many people were killed when Boko Haram terrorists, March 16, attacked a village in Borno state. According to reports, several persons were killed while many houses were set ablaze during the attack on Auno village in Konduga LGA. Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command has confirmed the killing of five persons, including four suspected suicide bombers, after an early morning attack in Usmanti village near Muna Garage in Maiduguri. Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, said about eight villagers were also injured during the attack. He said the teenage bombers had invaded the village in the odd hours of the day. According to him, four teenage girls, suspected to be suicide bombers, invaded the village in the odd hours of the day. The villagers gathered and tried to stop them but three of the bombers detonated explosives wrapped around their bodies, killing all the bombers on the spot. He added that the Police Anti-Bomb Unit had visited and rendered the place safe.

Two Killed, 16 Injured as 4 Female Bombers Attack Borno Town

Four female suicide bombers in the early hours of March 15 detonated explosive devices at Usmanti along Muna Garage axis, Maiduguri Borno State. Two men were killed as a result of the explosion while about 16 person were injured and later administered with the first aid. The spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) North-East zone, Abdulkadir Ibrahim confirmed the evacuations of the bodies and the injured.

Troops Rescue 455 Hostages, Kill Scores of Boko Haram Terrorists

Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, fighting to clear the remnants of Boko Haram in the north-east have carried out a major offensive against several hideouts of the terrorists in Kala Balge LGA of Borno State killing scores of insurgents. The troops also rescued 455 women and children held in the camps of the terrorists in villages located in Kala Balge LGA. Similarly, the troops encountered Boko Haram terrorists at Shirawa. The terrorists withdrew in disarray when they could not withstand the firepower of the troops and thereafter abandoned their newly constructed logistics base. The troops recovered two (2) freshly prepared suicide bombing vests and maize grinding machine after the shootout. Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, March 15, said that troops of 112 Task Force Battalion, 22 Task Force Brigade, carried out a major offensive against suspected hideouts of Boko Haram terrorists at Artano, Saduguma, Duve and Bordo. He added that the offensive also spread to Kala, Bok, Magan, Misherde, Ahisari, Gilgil, Mika, Hiwa, Kutila and Shirawa settlements, all in Kala Balge LGA of Borno State. According to him, the troops came under heavy attack at the Kutila village, and they responded and dealt with the Boko Haram terrorists by neutralizing and routing them out of the area.

Pregnant Suicide Bomber Killed by Army

Security operatives and members of Civilian JTF volunteer group, March 11, intercepted a pregnant suicide bomber and another woman in Borno State. The two female bombers were subdued when they refused to surrender and attempted to attack a security post. Spokesman of the Borno State Police Command, Victor Isuku, confirmed that the bombers were shot when they attempted to enter Maiduguri through Umarari in Molai, near Damboa road. The bombers were sighted by local vigilantes and consequently shot dead by security personnel on duty at the area, according to reports. The police Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team was mobilised to the scene to render the unexploded improvised explosive device safe, while normalcy has been restored to the area, the police said. A civilian member of the JTF was injured during the incident.

Policeman, Boko Haram Terrorists Die in Borno Clash

One police sergeant and scores of Boko Haram terrorists died on March 15 when hundreds of terrorists invaded Magumeri LGA of Borno State in six vans mounted with anti-aircraft guns and several motorcycles. Another police sergeant sustained gunshot wounds to his leg before the terrorists, who also set houses ablaze, were repelled by the military. Fleeing residents disclosed that the insurgents, who were armed with AK-47 rifles, Molotov cocktails (petrol bombs) and other dangerous weapons, unleashed terror, looting homes and shops before they were confronted by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku, confirmed that the attackers killed a mobile policeman, Sergeant Haliru Aliyu, deployed with the military in Magumeri on special duty, while another Sergeant sustained gunshot injury on his leg.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Police Arrest Muslim Cleric, Teenager over Ritual Murder of Three-year-old

A three-year-old boy, Chigozie Okereke, was on March 15 killed by a Muslim cleric, Kazeem Alimson, for ritual purpose. The incident occurred at the White Sand area of Isheri-Osun, Lagos, after a 15-year-old boy, Simon Kanu, stole the toddler and handed him over to the killer. Kanu confessed he was paid N500 by Alimson to bring the child to him. The bereaved mother, Chinasa Okereke, narrated that she had taken her children outside to bath them and only went inside for a moment to get wrapper to strap Chigozie when he disappeared. She was later informed that Kanu took the boy out. During interrogation, he owned up that he was given N500 to lure the child to Alimson. He added that he took the child to an uncompleted building where he was killed by Alimson. He alleged that Alimson tied up the boy, made some incantation before hitting him with a stone three times. But the Muslim cleric denied the allegation.

Kidnapped Delta DPO Found Dead, Suspect Arrested

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the ‘C’ Division, Asaba, Delta State, Mr Valentine Mbalu, who was kidnapped on March 5, has been found dead. The DPO, was reportedly kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen between Ekwoma and Umunede along the Benin/Asaba/Onitsha expressway. The decomposing corpse of the DPO was found in Umunede bush on March 17, according to reports, and one of the suspected kidnappers, a Fulani trader, was arrested. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the development, but did not give further details on the matter.

Herdsman Kills Farmer in Oyo

The fragile peace between herdsmen and farmers at Igbeti, Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State was ruptured on March 15 as one of the herdsmen hacked a farmer, Musiliu Aliu, to death on his farm. While the leader of the Fulani in the area said the deceased was befriending the wife of the herdsman, causing the anger of the herdsman, the Chairman of Igbeti Community, Alhaji Alawode Jimoh Fasina, said the dead farmer had preserved some yam seedlings for planting but the herdsman’s cows ate some, leading to a quarrel. It was gathered that the herdsman alleged that some of his cows were stooling, suspecting the late farmer of poisoning them. The leader of Fulani herdsmen in the area, Alhaji Saliu Kadiri, who is the National Chairman, Jamu Nati Fulbe Association of Nigeria, gave a different account of what triggered the fight between the herdsman and the late farmer. Kadiri alleged that the deceased farmer was befriending the wife of the herdsman, provoking the anger of the herdsman. Kadiri, described the action of the herdsman as condemnable. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Abiwsodun Odude, confirmed the death of one person, noting that peace had returned to the place.

5 Hacked to Death in Benue State

At least five persons were killed in a late night attack in Mbayongo, Nganbeya district of Katsina/Ala LGA of Benue State on March 16 by unknown armed men. It was gathered that the armed men stormed individual homes of their victims and hacked them to death in the presence of their families. The reason for the coordinated killings was yet to be known. The assailants attacked their targets with clubs and machetes with which they murdered their victims. The Sole Administrator of Katsina/Ala council, Vera Akua, who confirmed the killings, said she had informed the authorities of the development. She expressed hope that the security agencies would arrest those behind the killings. She called on the people to avail the police necessary information that would aide their investigation. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said the Command had commenced investigations into the matter.

Man Kills Landlord for Complaining about Property

A 46-year-old landlord in Itoki, Ogun State, Omotayo Sanda, was beaten to death by his neighbour’s son, Joseph Isiwele. Isiwele reportedly fled the area after the landlord slumped following heavy blows dealt him by the suspect. It was learnt that the suspect’s elder brother, Michael Isiwele, had packed some sand from a pit in the backyard of Omotayo’s house on March 11, without seeking his consent. Omotayo then approached Isiwele’s father, Edward, to complain. As Edward tried to placate the Omotayo, the suspect attacked him, leading to his death. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing prime suspect, adding that the Edward and Michael were under interrogation.

Suspected Assassins Kill Benin Pastor

Founder of Love Fire Ministry, a Benin-based Pentecostal Church, Pastor Godwin Emmanuel, has been killed by gunmen in Benin. He opened the church about 11 months ago. Pastor Godwin Emmanuel, who was also known as Prophet Speed, was shot dead on March 12 along Oko Central Road, off Airport Road, Benin, Edo state. Spokesman for the church, Festus Edema, disclosed that the pastor was on his way to distribute food items to members of his church when he was shot dead by yet-to-be identified gunmen. He explained that the gunmen pretended to be pushing their car that broke down, when Emmanuel stopped for them to allow them access. He did not know that the people were after him as they shot him in the chest and stomach. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, who confirmed the killing, said no arrest had been made. He, however, assured that investigation had opened into the incident.

Gunmen Kill Benin Trader

A middle-aged woman, Mrs Pat Oyo Omo-Osagie, was, March 12, killed by gunmen, who trailed her to her residence, located along Adesuwa road in Benin City, Edo State. Family members said the deceased was returning from her shop along Agenmomen Road, when the gunmen trailed and shot her at the entrance of her residence. Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, said that two persons have been arrested in connection with the killing.

Gunmen Kill Herdsman, Steal 10 Cows in Katsina

Unidentified gunmen reportedly killed a man identified as Bashiru Adamu in Angwan Ilu, Dandume area of Katsina State and went away with his 10 cows. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Usman Abdullahi, who disclosed this on March 14, said the incident was coming at a time when the state government was working round the clock to checkmate activities of cattle rustlers in the state. Abdullahi called on the cattle herders to report strangers, who carry out nefarious activities in their communities in order to apprehend the culprits.

8 Villagers Arrested over Killing of Herdsman in Abia State

Eight suspects, allegedly involved in the killing of a herdsman in Bende LGA of Abia State on March 12 have been arrested by the State Police Command. Police spokesman, Geoffrey Ogbonna, who confirmed the arrest in Umuahia on March 14, said that the deceased was killed during a clash between some herdsmen and people of Umuobasi-Ukwu Autonomous Community. He said that a Peace Committee, comprising representatives of the community, herdsmen, Hausa/Fulani community, the state government and security agencies, had been constituted to broker truce between the two parties.

Police Arrest 3 Suspected Killers of 2 Fulani Herdsmen in Kaduna

The Police in Kaduna State has announced that they have arrested three suspects that allegedly killed two Fulani herdsmen on March 11. The Commissioner of Police, Agyole Abeh, March 13, disclosed that the two Fulani herdsmen were grazing their livestock when they were killed at Unguwan Luka in Jema’a LGA. Abeh said the three suspects were arrested after a tip-off by Good Samaritans. The CP said that the suspects had made confessional statements and would soon be charged to court. He declared that peace was gradually returning to southern Kaduna and urged the public to go about their normal businesses. Abeh assured of the command’s readiness and commitment in providing secure environment to all citizens. He solicited for more support from the public to enable the police discharge their duties effectively.

Herdsmen Kill APC Scribe, Taxman in Benue

Two persons were killed in the Buruku LGA of Benue State in the raging clashes between herdsmen and local farmers in the area. One of the victims was the LGA Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ter Shirga. Also killed in the attack was a tax collector in the area and three children, some of whom were beheaded or hacked to death by the rampaging herdsmen. Among communities affected in the crisis were Wuav, Dogo, Bav Awuna, Tse-Igyura and Ortese Mbashiam. It was gathered that the invaders killed the APC scribe after storming his home at Mbagbaan, Tombo. The herdsmen went further to raze community, according to reports. The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, was reported to have led a team of police personnel and the military to Buruku to beef up security in the area.

Air Force Personnel Shoots Female Colleague Dead over Infidelity

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the arrest of an air force man, Kalu B.A, for allegedly shooting dead his girlfriend, Solape Oladipupo, in Markudi, Benue State. The incident happened on March 11 at the NAF Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, Benue State. It was learnt that the lady, also a serving NAF personnel, was allegedly shot dead by Kalu after he accused her of having a romantic affair with other men. The two Air Force Officers began their love relationship after they met at a military parade some months ago. The Air force Woman was rushed to NAF Base Hospital and later referred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, where she died. It was learnt that Kalu, who attempted suicide after the murder, had been arrested and in military detention. The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said investigations were ongoing into the matter.

Seven Killed as Herdsmen, Natives Clash in Benue

At least seven persons were feared dead in renewed battle between herdsmen and natives at Mkgovur village in Buruku LGA of Benue State. According to witnesses, the battle, which erupted on March 10, forced many in Buruku and Gboko LGAs to flee their homes. It was disclosed that the clash started after the herdsmen forcefully entered Mkgovur village to graze on farmlands but they were resisted by the youths. The herdsmen left, but returned to the village in large numbers, shooting sporadically. The state Chairman of Maiyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Garus Gololo, said the invaders were not indigenous Fulani. Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the attack.

Police Arrest Medical Doctor for Killing His Mother

The Ogun Police Command has arrested a Medical Doctor, Emmanuel Ogah, who allegedly stabbed his 62-year-old mother to death. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said that the arrest was sequel to a complaint by the elder brother of the suspect, Cletus Ogah. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who had just finished his national service, came back home three days earlier and had been having issues with the deceased. The suspect claimed that his mother was in the habit of insulting and disgracing him in the presence of her apprentices and that frustrated him into taking her life. Oyeyemi added that the State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, had ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation.

Bar Attendant, Friend, Arrested for Killing Boss

A bar attendant in Lagos, Precious Victor, has been arrested for killing his employer. Victor, March 10, confessed to his role in the killing and gave a startling account of how he invited two of his friends to murder his boss at the Anifowose area of Ikeja. The suspect was paraded alongside alleged accomplice, Ahmed Abubakar, while the third suspect remains at large. Victor, revealed that the initial plan was not to kill his boss but to threaten him with a knife in order to get N63,000 from him. So he invited his friend, Kelechi, to act as a robber by threatening my boss with a knife in his apartment. But things went wrong and his boss was stabbed. Abubakar, however, denied being in the know of the plan to kill owner of the bar. He explained that Victor had approached him, asking if he could drive. After an affirmative response, he said the keys to the car, were flung at him. But on realizing what Victor and fleeing Kelechi had done, he said he decided to return the car to the bar, only to be arrested as an accomplice.

Rape

Father Rapes Under-aged Daughters for Two Years

A 15-year-year-old girl, March 16, narrated how her 42-year-old father had been raping her and her elder sister since their mother left them two years ago. Her father, I. D. Idowu, was arrested by policemen at Ketu Division after a concerned neighbour reported the act. The suspect’s wife reportedly left her matrimonial home two years ago when she discovered that her husband was having sex with their 17-year-old daughter. But her husband was said to have insisted that she left without either of their three girls, who were aged 17, 13 and eight, respectively. The eldest child, unable to bear the abuse, reportedly left their Ketu residence, abandoning her siblings to their fate. It was learnt that a curious neighbour, who suspected something wrong, interrogated the girl and she opened up, consequent upon which her father was arrested. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed the arrest, said that the man would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.

6 Students Charged with Gang-Rape; get Bail

Six undergraduate students, who allegedly gang-raped a 17-year-old female colleague, were, March 15, granted bail by a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos. They were released on a N9 million bail. The accused - Simeon Omowole (18), Randy Chukka (17), Samuel Oyefara (18), Peter Adeboyega (17), Chuka Chukwu (19) and Peace Nwakanma (18), a female - pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, rape and sexual harassment. The prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that the offences were committed sometime in January 2017. She alleged that the accused, with another man still at large, conspired and raped a 17-year-old fellow student. Osayande said that Nwakanma, the only female among the accused persons, was the one that lured the girl to where she was raped. The six students raped the girl with video clips in order to intimidate her. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A. Ipaye-Nwachukwu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.

Man Jailed 14 Years for Rape

A magistrate court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State, March 15, sentenced a 23-year-old man, Benjamin John, to 14 years imprisonment for raping an under-aged girl. The convict was said to have raped the 16-year-old girl on September 25, 2016 in Ikorodu axis of Lagos State. When the convict was arraigned before Magistrate B. O. Osunsanmi, the prosecutor, Sergeant Raimi Idowu, told the court that Benjamin met the victim on the road, beat and dragged her to an uncompleted building, where the act was perpetrated. When the charges were read out to the perpetrator, he pleaded guilty and pleaded with the magistrate to temper justice with mercy.

Tenant Accused of Impregnating Landlord’s Under-aged Daughter

A 49-year-old man, Ajibade Adefioye, was, March 15, arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s court for allegedly raping and impregnating his landlord’s 15-year-old daughter. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offence was committed at the apartment of the accused. Ogu said that the victim told her parents that the accused had raped her and was responsible for her pregnancy. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate Taiwo Akanni granted the accused N250,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till March 22 for hearing.

Man Rapes, Impregnates 16-Year-Old

A 37-year-old man, Joe Pelle, was on March 15, docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for raping and impregnating a 16-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused committed the offence in November 2016 at Ikorodu. Ogu said that the mother of the victim took her to the house of the accused for deliverance. The accused took the victim to a river, bathed her before taking her to a hotel. The accused raped the girl and threatened to kill her if she tells anyone of what transpired. Ogu said that, thereafter, the 16-year-old victim felt sick. She was taken to the hospital from where it discovered that she was pregnant. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Chief Magistrate Taiwo Akanni granted the accused N300,000 bail with two sureties in like sum. She ruled that the case file be duplicated and sent to the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. Akanni adjourned the case to April 5.

Rapist, Father, Arrested in Niger State for Rape of 3-Year-Old, Negligence

A father in Niger State forgave a 62-year-old man, who raped his 3-year-old daughter after the rapist promised to treat the girl. The culprit, Mohammed Sani, a resident of Cool-Cat area in Maitumbi of Bosso Local Government Area, was, however, arrested after the girl’s brother-in-law insisted the matter be reported at the state’s police command. Police Public Relation Officers, Bala Elkana, said, march14, said that Sani committed the offence on March 4, and was arrested on March 8. He added that the suspect, while in police custody, admitted guilt and had been charged to court. Reacting to the incident, Hajia Maryam Kolo, Director-General of the Niger Child Rights Protection Agency, said that the agency would file charges against the victim’s father for negligence. Kolo advised parents to ensure proper monitoring of their children and the peer groups they associated with.

Others

Army Detains Six Soldiers over Alleged Brutality of Woman

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, March 15, said it had set up a Board of Inquiry (BOI), and detained six soldiers over the brutality of a woman in Lagos state on March 12. Spokesman of the 81 Division, Lt.-Col. Olaolu Daudu, said that the incident, which took place in Ikorodu, Lagos State, involved soldiers of 174 Battalion and the woman attacked has been identified as Ruth Orji. According to reports, the Joint Legal Action Aids, which is representing her, has already sued the military authorities and asking for N250million in damages. Daudu described the alleged incident as highly regrettable, even as the division under the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for inhuman treatment. He confirmed that a Board of Inquiry had been constituted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu, to look into the incident.

Police Corporal, Fake Soldier, Others Arrested in Rivers

One police corporal and eight kidnappers were among 18 suspects currently cooling off their heels in the custody of the Rivers State Police Command. The police corporal, Edonwa Timi, got into trouble by involving himself in car snatching. Also apprehended was a fake soldier, who was identified as Azubuike Ihejirika, from Isiala Ngwa, Abia State. Ihejirika was arrested recently by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad while in a military camouflage. The State Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said the other suspects were arrested in various parts of Rivers State between January and March, 2017. He listed the suspected hoodlums as eight kidnappers, six armed robbers and four cultists, disclosing that three kidnap victims were rescued during raids of kidnappers’ dens by operatives of the state police command. Omoni, March 16, disclosed that the police corporal was attached to C4i Unit in the state capital. Omoni explained that the suspects would be charged to court after investigation.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination incidents have consistently topped our crime index with mindless killings across the country. One of the saddest incidents on record was the killing of a toddler, who was stolen by his 15-year-old neighbour and sold to a ritual killer for N500 in Lagos. Another sad one was the killing of a Divisional Police Officer, who corpse was found recently after being killed by kidnappers in Delta State. Another senseless killing occurred when an Air Force man, in a feat of rage, shot his lover and colleague over jealousy. Suspects have been arrested in these incidents. Other killings include herdsmen attacks on lone farmers and even in communities, communal clashes and worse are killings by family members and trusted neighbours over very mild disputes. These gory and heinous crimes were committed across the regions of the country.

Robbery incidents also went up the index, but the police remained on top of the situation with various arrests of notorious suspects. Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) arrested three (3) members of a notorious armed robbery gang that had been terrorizing travellers along the Kaduna-Abuja-Zaria road. In Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo and Ondo States, security operatives killed dare devil armed robbers in gun battles, while in Lagos, police operatives foiled an armed robbery attack. In other incidents, the law caught up with some suspects as they were arrested and some given jail terms by the court. These were recorded across the regions of the country.

Kidnap/hostage cases was also on the high. Daring kidnappers attacked and seized a magistrate and her driver in Imo state, but the police, led by the State Commissioner of Police, quickly swung into action, trailed and dislodged the gang. They successfully rescued both victims unhurt. It was a tough week for kidnappers as hostages were variously rescued and suspects arrested or killed. The police also foiled an attempted kidnap, while they broke a child trafficking syndicate. However, a civil servant in Ekiti state remained in captivity as he was kidnapped in Edo state with the kidnappers demanding a huge ransom of N20m. The south-east and south-west experienced most of these incidents.

Troops continue to battle to end terrorism in the north-east, and they successfully rescued several hostages from the Boko Haram terrorists. Scores of terrorists were also killed in various clashes with the insurgents. However, pockets of Boko Haram attacks are on record as a community was razed and several people were killed when Boko Haram fighters invaded a community in Borno State. In another community, four female suicide bombers killed themselves and two persons. A policeman paid the supreme price and was killed during a clash with the insurgents. Borno State in the north-eastern region bears the worst of the brunt of terrorism in Nigeria.

Very sad cases of sexual assaults, especially on minors were recorded. The father of a 14-year-old girl was arrested for severally raping his daughter. In a similar incident, the father of a 3-year-old girl, who was raped by a neighbour, was arrested for negligence after he received payments and decided against pursuing the case. In other incidents, children were variously assaulted and raped by trusted relatives and neighbours, while a female student was lured by her friend to be gang raped by four men. Security operatives have maintained their call on parents and guardians to be very watchful over their young ones to prevent them from falling victims to paedophiles.

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