Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 12

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Notorious Kidnap Kingpin Arrested in Rivers State

Operatives of Rivers State Police Command have nabbed a notorious kidnapper, Sombari Appaulus, popularly called Manslaughter. The State Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed, March 23, said that the suspect had been unleashing havoc on the people of the state. Many residents have fled Ogoniland because of him. The police recovered four stolen vehicles, N10 million, 20 assault firearms and 100 ammunition from him. Ahmed, who noted that 14 other persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in kidnapping, robbery and cult-related activities, said the fight against criminality in the state is a joint effort and called for synergy between residents of the state and the security agencies.

DSS Apprehends Notorious Kidnappers

Department of State Services (DSS) has said it had apprehended notorious kidnappers in various parts of the country. The DSS, in a statement signed by Tony Opuiyo on March 22, said recent operations carried out in various parts of the country have significantly degraded the capabilities of hoodlums, especially kidnappers, whose activities have continually threatened the peace. He disclosed that a suspected Boko Haram kingpin, Adenoyi Abdulsalam was arrested in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State on March 20 by a Joint Military/DSS operation team. An AK47 rifle was recovered from the suspect, was allegedly on the final stages of kidnapping some high level targets in Ekiti State.

Secondary School Teacher Kidnapped in Ekiti

A teacher in one of the secondary schools in Ekiti State, Festus Olatunde Oke, was March 20, kidnapped along Ise-Ikere Road and led into a forest. Oke had visited Ado-Ekiti from his station and was returning with his wife and mother when the kidnappers intercepted them, dragged him out of the car and disappeared with him into the forest. Oke’s wife and his mother were abandoned in his car, while their phones were taken away by the kidnappers. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release. The Secretary of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ekiti State, Olugbenga Ajibade, confirmed that the family had been contacted by the kidnappers. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had commenced investigations.

Police Nab Kidnappers While Trying to Withdraw Ransom

The Abia State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers as they were trying to withdraw N500,000 ransom paid into their account in one of the new generation banks in Umuahia. The suspects, Kelvin Orji and Ezekiel Nnanna, were alleged to have threatened to kidnap and kill one Eze Nnanna, who lives in Aba, if he failed to pay N500,000, into a bank account that they gave. Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, March 23, disclosed that one Kelvin Orji was arrested at a bank in Umuahia, while trying to withdraw the ransom. He added that Ezekiel Nnanna, who is a brother to the victim, was named by Orji as his accomplice. On interrogation, Ezekiel Nnanna confessed to being the sole person behind the threat to kidnap his brother; that he simply collected an account number from the first suspect, which he sent to his brother to pay in half a million naira or risk being kidnapped.

Two on Trial over Plan to Kidnap Employer’s Daughter

Two factory workers, Idowu Azeez, and Abdullahi Jablet, who allegedly attempted to kidnap their employer’s daughter, were, on March 22, charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Azeez and Jablet are facing a charge of attempt to kidnap. The prosecutor, Sergeant Innocent Odugbo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 7. He said that the accused, who worked in a sachet water factory, conspired to kidnap a daughter of their employer. But a security guard at the factory heard their plans and informed their employer, who reported the matter to the police. The accused were apprehended when they were about to carry out the plan. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Otitoju, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 each, with two sureties each in like sum. She said one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused and both sureties should be gainfully employed.

Court Remands Traditional Ruler in Prison for Kidnapping

The Chief Magistrate Court 3 in Kaduna, March 23, remanded the Chief of Bugon of Kurama Chiefdom of Kaduna State, Damina Kurmi, in prison custody for alleged kidnap, assault and criminal conspiracy. Kurmi was dragged to court alongside three of his palace officials by the police over allegations of kidnapping one Usman Ori in Yalwa village, Yar Kasuwa area of Lere LGA of Kaduna State in September 2016. They had allegedly “arrested” Ori for an unknown offence and since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown. Chief Magistrate Abudu l-Aziz Ibrahim remanded the suspects when the case came up for mention. The case was adjourned to March 27, 2017 for further mention.

Police Parade Arrested Kidnappers

The Kogi State Police Command, March 23, paraded 3 suspected kidnappers in the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, said some of them were arrested for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and culpable homicide. The suspects were arrested a by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Those paraded include Musa Audu, Adamu Lamun and Bodori Ide for allegedly kidnapping one Aishetu Shehu on February 4, 2017. Inalegwu said the suspects collected N500,000 ransom before releasing her.

Robbery

Armed Robbers Kill Tricycle Rider, Escape with Tricycle

Suspected armed robbers, March 20, attacked and killed a tricycle operator in Ughelli, Delta State before making away with his tricycle. The victim, 44-year-old Samson Omoyibo, was left in a pool of his own blood at Esegine Street off Afiesere road. Giving details of the incident, a source disclosed that the hoodlums collected cash and personal items of the victim before absconding with his tricycle. His remains were deposited at the mortuary of the Ughelli Central hospital while police investigation has commenced.

Robbers Attack, Injure, Rape, Eat Victims’ Food for 2 Hours

A four-man armed robbery gang, March 18, stormed a building at Ijedodo area of Lagos, raped a female victim and injured a man before making away with property. The robbers gained entrance into the sitting room through the kitchen window, confronting the man that he had N15 million stashed the house. During the operation, said to have lasted two and half hours, the robbers tied six members of the family up in separate rooms before entertaining themselves with wine, juice, soft drinks and some loaves of bread. Luck ran out on the gang on their way out, when one of its members was apprehended by a vigilante group. Preliminary investigations by policemen attached to Isheri Osun Division revealed that the 24-year-old suspect, Joseph Nwadinobi, a trader at Alaba International Market, had been arrested twice by the market’s task force over allegations of theft.

Court Jails 2 Thieves in Lagos

A Mobile Court in Oshodi, Lagos has convicted and jailed two thieves for dispossessing passengers of their belongings, including phones, money, among others along Mile 2 area of the state. The two convicts -Chukwudi Ezeudo and Wilfred Ukpo- were arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on March 21 with 50 different brands of mobile phones. The duo had confessed to using a painted commercial bus to rob innocent citizens around Lagos. Following their guilty plea, Magistrate Lateef Owolabi sentenced both Chukwudi and Wilfred to a term of seven years imprisonment without an option of fine. He also confiscated the painted commercial bus with which they operated. The magistrate ordered that the recovered phones should be given back to their owners. Chairman of the Task Force, Olayinka Egbeyemi, said that the suspects were arrested after a victim reported that he was robbed inside a painted commercial bus, the Task Force enforcement team and KAI officials chased them and apprehended the suspects along Mile 2 area with 50 different stolen mobile phones.

17 Armed Robbery Suspects in Police Net

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, March 23, paraded 17 armed robbery suspects arrested at various points in the state. The suspects were arrested at Igalamela/Odolu, Ankpa, Ibaji, Odo-ere, Okene and Odo-Ape during security operations by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). According to him, four pump action guns, four AK47, two pistols, two double barrel guns, two Dane guns, 200 live cartridges, 150 wraps of Indian hemps, military cap, boots and belts are some of the items recovered from the suspects.

Drugs

NDLEA Nabs Suspect with 1.555kg of Cocaine

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, have arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly trying to export 1.555kg of cocaine to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The suspect, Maduka Peter, confessed that he went into drug trafficking to raise N200,000 to solve some family problems. The NDLEA Airport Commander disclosed that Peter had concealed 1.555kg of cocaine in his luggage on his way to Dubai on an Etihad flight.

NDLEA Uncovers New Tricks by Drug Traffickers

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered new tricks by cartels to beat security checks with the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker, Roland Tochukwu, who attempted to import 2.045kg of heroin from Nairobi, Kenya. The heroin, said to have been concealed inside his luggage, was detected during screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. During a search, the suspect was found in possession of a fake travel ticket, indicating that he was coming from China. However, preliminary investigation by the anti-narcotics agency revealed that he deliberately replaced his ticket with a fake one which indicated that he was coming from China instead of Nairobi. This new trick, as explained by Garba, is because it is economically unwise to bring narcotics from China, where the price is higher than it is in Nigeria. Roland, a trader in Onitsha, Anambra State, said that his friend introduced him into drug trafficking.

Militancy/Maritime

US Military, Navy, Others to Conduct Operations in Nigerian Waters, Gulf of Guinea

The United States military, the Nigerian Navy and other multinational forces across the African continent are to conduct a military exercise named Obangame Express around Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea. The operation is coming on the heels of US pledge to increase support for the Nigerian military. The exercise, according to Naval Headquarters, Abuja, is streamlined to raise security awareness within the West African sub-region, following recent rise in acts of terrorism and militancy in the zone. The move is also part of the US defence strategy through the US African Command as part of its overseas military engagement. Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Suleiman Dahun, explained that “a multi-national annual maritime exercise nick named Obangame Express starts on March 23.

Military Nabs Community Leader for Shutting down 11 Oil Wells

Soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have arrested a community leader in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA of Rivers State over alleged shutting down of 11 oil wells. The community leader, Chikeobi Alali, along with his lieutenants, were said to have disrupted production at an oilfield over unresolved issues with Agip, operators of the oil field. The spokesman of OPDS, Major Abdulahi Abubakar, who confirmed the arrest, explained that several oil wells belonging to Agip were shut down by the host community. Abubakar noted that it was wrong for the community to take laws into their hands, adding that efforts were underway to resolve the crisis as officials of the oil firm had visited the suspect. He said troops deployed in the area had reinforced security around the oil field and reopened the facilities for operations, adding that the military will not tolerate interference with oil facilities.

Terrorism

DSS Nabs Terrorists in the North

The Department of State Services (DSS) has said it had arrested high profile terrorists in various parts of the north. The DSS spokesman, Tony Opuiyo, March 22, disclosed that several Boko Haram suspects had been apprehended in various parts of Northern Nigeria, including Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Kogi states. Some of the suspects include a 29-year-old Boko Haram member, Usman Ladan Rawa, who was nabbed on March 17 at Lafia in Nasarawa State. Rawa was discovered to have rented an accommodation at Lafia for Abdullahi ISA, known for his notorious terrorist actions. His plan was to establish an effective base to conduct terrorism, kidnapping and robbery operations in Abuja, Minna, and other adjoining States. Another suspect, Nasiru Sani, was earlier arrested in Bauchi on March 15. Sani is a Boko Haram top commander, who escaped from Bauchi Central Prison in October 2010. Others include Adamu Jibrin who operated under the pseudonym of Dantata Sule. He served as a middleman for Boko Haram members and their commanders. Several others were arrested for various involvement in terrorism activities.

Four Killed in Borno Suicide Bombing

Three suicide bombers attacked Umarari village in Jere LGA of Borno State, killing a mother, her two children and a member of the Civilian JTF. The attack, carried out by an adult and two teenagers, on March 18, also left eight others injured. The spokesperson of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the north-east, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, disclosed that the bodies of the dead had been evacuated, while those injured were taken to a medical facility for treatment. The remains of the three suicide bombers were also deposited at the mortuary of the hospital. Police spokesman, Victor Isuku, confirmed that the incident occurred when three suicide bombers, a male and two female, attempted to infiltrate Maiduguri town through Umarari village in Molai general area. When they were sighted and challenged by a Civilian Joint Task Force member, the bombers detonated the explosives strapped to their bodies while running in different directions. Four persons, including the civilian JTF member, died in the process.

Multiple Bomb Blasts Rock IDPs Camp in Maiduguri

Suicide bombers, March 22, attacked a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Maiduguri, Borno State. Officials disclosed that there were four explosions inside the camp. The coordinator of the Muna camp, Tijjani Lumani, explained that the bombers struck at different locations around 4:30am and the explosion triggered fires which burned down many tents. Spokesman of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the north-east, Ibrahim Abduljkadir, confirmed the incident, adding that emergency service had been activated to salvage the situation. There have been several attempted suicide bomb attacks near Muna camp, which is not fenced off and is easily accessible.

5 Suicide Bombers Kill 3 in Maiduguri Multiple Attacks

Series of bomb blasts occurred in 3 locations around Muna Garage area of Maiduguri metropolis in Borno State on March 22. In one of the incidents, the bombers targeted Muna Kumbori, a camp housing 199 Internally Displaced Persons, where two persons were killed. The second location, Muna Dagalti, which was attacked by one suicide bomber resulted in the death of one person. And the third location, Muna Bulaya, was attacked by another suicide bomber who was the only casualty. A total of five male suicide bombers were involved in the incidents that claimed 3 innocent persons. At least 20 people with various degrees of injuries were administered with first aid by emergency response team and transported to the state specialist hospital while the remains of the dead have been deposited in the mortuary.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

61-Year-Old Cleric Beheads Client in Lagos

A 61-year-old man, Toafeek Hassan, was, March 20, arrested with the head and other body parts of a lady he killed at Ikoga community in Badagry area of Lagos. It was gathered that the deceased had approached Hassan, a cleric, for spiritual cleansing in Sango Otta when he rather murdered her. Hassan was on his way to hand over the body parts to another cleric when he was accosted by curious people who saw him with a bag dripping blood. The prompt intervention of the police saved the suspect from being lynched by the angry mob. In his confession, Hassan disclosed that it was his second time of killing clients for the unnamed cleric for ritual purpose. According to him, another herbalist, Baba Ronke, had brought her to him for spiritual solution. The cleric had deceived the woman from Sango Otta to Badagry, saying he was taking her to a senior colleague, who would perform some cleansing on her by the riverside. But as they dropped the woman by the riverside, with a promise that they would wait for her at the bus stop, he appeared and hacked her to death before dismembering her. Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the incident, saying investigation was ongoing.

4 Die in Kwara Farmers, Herdsmen Clash

Four persons have been feared killed in a clash between the residents of Yakira community in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State and herdsmen. It was gathered that the community killed three herdsmen in retaliation to the killing of an indigene. The man, whose corpse was found in his farm, had earlier complained of incessant grazing of cattle on his farm. The Chairman of the Transitional Implementation Committee for the council, Alhaji Musa Buge, March 20, confirmed the killings. He, however, noted that normalcy had been restored to the area. Buge said arrangement was ongoing to have a security meeting of the council to work out a way to forestall future occurrence. Police Spokesman, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed killings in the town, but did not give the number. He stated that the Commissioner of Police, Olusola Amore, had ordered an investigation with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

Gunmen Invade Market in Zaki Biam, Kill 50

Unknown gunmen, March 20, invaded a market in Zaki Biam, Ukum LGA of Benue State, killing over 50 persons, including women and children. The attackers also razed several buildings and a petrol station in the area, while several other people were said to have sustained injuries in the attack. An eyewitness reported that the attackers stormed the Zaki Biam International Yam Market area on motorbikes and cars, and opened fire on anyone within sight. The well-armed men entered the town from Shetile area of Katsina-Ala council, drove straight in their cars and motorbikes to the International Market area and started shooting. The motive for the attack and the masterminds were not immediately known. The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, confirmed the attack but did not give further information.

LASU Students Protest Killing of Colleague

Students of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus, March 20, took to the streets, protesting the killing of a 500 Level Law student, Ugwanyi Cyril Onyekachi, by a commercial bus driver at the Igando area. The protest disrupted activities marking LASU’s week-long convocation as the students insisted that the Vice-Chancellor must join them in the protest. The deceased was driving his Nissan SUV when a commercial bus hit him. An argument degenerated into a fight during which he was stabbed on the arm. Onyekachi was rushed to the Igando General Hospital, where he died. The students marched to the Igando Police Division, demanding to know if the assailant was arrested. In the process, some of the students went on rampage, destroying things around the area. President of the Students’ Union Government, Samuel Kappo, who led the protest, was arrested, which made the protest turn violent.

46 Killed in Ile-Ife as Yoruba, Hausa Clash

The Nigerian Police Force, March 20, said that 46 persons were killed and 96 others wounded during the clash that erupted between the Hausa and the Yoruba communities in Ile Ife, Osun State. Force Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh, who made the disclosure while parading 20 suspects of Yoruba extraction, arrested over the clash, said the suspects were picked based on information and interrogation during and after the crisis. Giving details of the arrests, Moshood said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) deployed Police Special Intervention Forces to the location following the clash.  And the operation was successful, leading to the arrest, detention and investigation of 38 suspects out of which 20 were found culpable for direct and indirect participation in the killing of innocent people, maiming, and destruction of properties. He said the 20 will be prosecuted on completion of investigations, while the remaining 18 suspects have been released unconditionally for lack of prima-facie evidence against them.

Herbalist Poisons 2 Brothers, Hit them with Pestle, after Refusal to Die

A High Court sitting in Koton-Karfi in Kogi on March 20, sentenced one herbalist, Ibrahim Muhammed, to death by hanging for murdering two brothers. The Presiding Judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, who sentenced the convict to death, described his act as “high level of exceptional wickedness”. Omolaye-Ajileye held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. This is more so, he said, as the convict had corroborated the prosecution’s submission that he poisoned Mohammed Kudu Abubakar and Umar Tanko Abubakar after snatching their car. The convict further hit their heads with pestle to hasten their death and in order to avoid any trace of his brutal and inhuman act, the accused buried the dead bodies of Tanko and Mohammed in his compound.

Family Demands Justice over Alleged Murder of Son in Warri

The Sini family of Warri, March 20, demanded for justice over the alleged killing of their son, Akporido Sini. Akporido was alleged to have been apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police, alongside two others -Efe Otikpo and Urhuemu- over a robbery incident on March 15, 2017. Akporido, Otikpo and Urhuemu, who were alleged to have stolen a Toyota Camry car, were apprehended at Ometa axis in Warri South LGA. Spokesperson for the family, Mary Odibo explained that the late Akporido, 36, who was a hair stylist, was returning from the service of songs of one of their in-laws at Ometa when he was arrested along with Otikpo and Urhuemu in the car. The alleged stolen car belonged to their landlord’s son and he bought it in 2016 in Warri with the original documents, she said. Meanwhile, a Warri-based human rights activist, Oghenejabor Ikimi, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to commence independent investigation into the matter.

Man, 20, Remanded in Prison over Alleged Murder of 14-Year-Old

A 20-year-old man, Waliu Ponkunh, who allegedly hit a 14-year-old boy with an iron rod on the head and killed him, was, on March 20, remanded in prison custody by an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court. The court said Ponkunh should be kept behind bars at Ikoyi Prisons pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Chief Magistrate O.O.A Fowowe-Erusianfe ordered that the case file should be sent to the DPP. The prosecutor, Sergeant Maria Dauda, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 15. She alleged that the accused had an argument with the deceased about who was older, and in the process, he picked an iron rod and hit the deceased, Emmanuel Akinola, on the head. He was confirmed dead when he was rushed to the hospital. The case was adjourned to April 20.

Calabar Cult Killings Claim Four Lives

The battle for supremacy between two rival cults in Calabar, Cross River State, March 19, led to the killing of four more people. The killings occurred at White House, where two people were reportedly shot dead and at Eta Agbo, where a young man was killed. It was gathered that another person was killed at a university’s premises on March 20. Meanwhile, one of the twins, who was shot on March 18, was reported dead on March 20. Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the killings, said the police are on top of the situation with five persons arrested. She added that calm had returned to the city.

Suspected herdsmen Kill Village Head, Youth in Nasarawa

Suspected herdsmen have killed a village head and a youth in Oshugu village in Uloko development area of Nasarawa Local Council in Nasarawa State. One of the villagers alleged that the suspected attackers were people of Ayile village and Fulani herdsmen. An eyewitness disclosed that four days before the attack, the village head, in company of other members of the village, went for a fishing exercise in a pond. According to the witness, the villagers met some Fulani people, who threatened that they should stay away because the pond had been sold to them by one Umanu from Uloko. He alleged that the matter was reported to the Nasarawa Police Station and two Fulani herdsmen were arrested with two AK47 rifles but were later released by the police. Police Public Relations Officer, John Kennedy, confirmed the killing, vowing that the suspects would be arrested and brought to justice.

Vulcanizer Kills Man over Phone Battery in Ogbomoso

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Ezekiel Oyewole, for allegedly using a pair of scissors to stab an apprentice to death over a mobile phone battery. The suspect, who is said to be a vulcanizer, is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Iyaganku, for allegedly killing the 18-year-old apprentice, Saliman Rafiu. Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the incident occurred on March 20 when the deceased and the suspect were fighting following allegation by the deceased that the suspect swapped his phone battery where they were charging their phones.

Policeman Kills Commuter in Aba

A policeman, identified as Ibe Uchenna, has been arrested by the Abia State Police Command for allegedly killing a man in Aba. Uchenna was said to have shot the victim identified as Chinedu Peters, while on routine patrol with his team, along Asa Road. The incident occurred when a police team accosted Peters and other passengers in a bus and ordered them to come out of their car and lie down. The victim obeyed, but later protested when another passenger in the bus was released by the police team. It was gathered that the deceased urged the police to release other passengers too, but in the ensuing argument, Ibe reportedly shot the victim dead. The police team was alleged to have later dumped the body in a secret location, unaware that the deceased’s girlfriend was monitoring their movement. Peters’ girlfriend later identified the killer cop when the Police Area Commander in Aba, Peter Wagbara, ordered the policemen on duty on the day of the incident to his office. Abia State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said the suspect has been arrested while the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.

One Killed as Tricycle Union Faction, RTEAN Clash

One person was, March 22, killed while others were injured after a clash in Ilorin, Kwara State when a faction of the Tricycle Association of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, engaged in a violent clash. The clash in the Gambari area of Ilorin, according to an eyewitness, started on March 21 and eventually spread to the Ipata and Amilegbe areas of the state. The deceased was reportedly hit by a stray bullet fired by one of the armed policemen deployed to keep the peace. The security operatives later arrested six suspects. Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the clash. He, however, added that peace had returned to the area. He further assured that the Commissioner of Police had beefed up security in the area to avert reprisal.

Cultists Kill Final Year Student in Enugu

A young man, Joseph Emmanuel, was hacked and killed by suspected cultists at Nsukka, Enugu State. The victim, said to be a final year university student, was in the company of his friends when persons, suspected to be cultists and armed with guns and machetes, attacked him. He was given several machete cuts before they shot him twice in the head. A resident in the area said the murder could be a retaliatory attack by rival cultists over a recent killing in the town. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ebere Amaraizu, March 23, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations and a manhunt for the suspects have begun.

Police Nab Killers of Kogi Miyetti Allah Chair

The Police have apprehended the suspected killer of the Kogi State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Jalido, who was murdered in December 2016. Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, disclosed this on March 23 while parading 20 suspects at the state police headquarters, Lokoja. Among the suspects arrested and paraded was an 18-year-old girl, who was paraded along with her three-man gang of armed robbers. Three others were arrested for kidnapping a lady, Hajia Aishatu Shehu, on February 4 and releasing her after collecting N500,000 ransom. Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) swung into action through intelligence gathering and arrested the suspects. They led the operatives to Igalamela/Odolu where the exhibits were recovered. Items recovered from the suspects were locally-made pistols, Dane guns, military uniform, 150 wraps of Indian hemp, 20 empty cartridges shell and cutlasses among other dangerous weapons.

Two to Die over Cynthia Osokogu’s 2012 Killing

A Lagos State high court in Igbosere, March 23, sentenced Okwumo Nwabufo and Olisaeloka Ezike to death by hanging for killing Cynthia Osokogu, who they lured from Nasarawa State to Lagos before strangling her to death at a hotel in Festac Town, Lagos, in 2012. Justice Olabisi Akinlade declared that after carefully analysing the evidence presented before the court, testimonies of prosecution witnesses and confessional statements the convicts made to the police, she was left with no doubt that the convicts killed Osokogu. The convicts were arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy, murder, stealing, recklessness, negligence and possession of stolen goods, alongside Orji Osita and Ezike Nonso.

Rape

Man in Court for Defiling 11-Year-Old

A 32-year-old man, Chibuike Marizu, who allegedly defiled an 11-year-old girl, was, March 20, granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 on the orders of a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Marizu is facing a charge of defilement to which he pleaded not guilty before ‎Chief Magistrate Ipaye Nwachukwu. The prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, had told the court that ‎ the accused committed the offence on February 23 in his shop. ‎She said the accused had sent the 11-year-old girl on an errand and on her return, he closed the door of the shop and assaulted her sexually. ‎ ‎Osayande said the girl reported the incident to her mother which led to the arrest of the accused. The case was adjourned until May 9.

Cleric Jailed 3 Years for Defiling Boys

An Akure chief magistrate court has sentenced a 32-year-old pastor, Sunday Waleola, to three years imprisonment without an option of fine for defiling male children in his neighbourhood. The prosecutor alleged that Waleola would seduce male students and suck their penis until they discharged semen in his mouth. The prophet said he had defiled more than four male students before he was apprehended by men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Waleola pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement and asked the court to forgive him. Magistrate V. W Bobmanuel, however, sentenced him to three years imprisonment without an option of fine.

Alleged Gang Rape: UNILAG Student Arraigned in Court

A 17-year-old undergraduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ugochukwu Daniel, who participated in the alleged gang-raped a 17-year-old girl alongside others still at large, was on March 23 arraigned before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A. Ipaye-Nwachukwu, who granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000, also ordered that he must produce two sureties in like sum. The suspect had pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of conspiracy, rape and sexual harassment. The prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, had told the court that the offences were committed sometime in January at High-Rise Quarters, University of Lagos. ‎She alleged that the accused with others at large conspired and raped the 17-year-old girl. She added that Daniel sexually harassed the girl with video clips in order to intimidate her. The magistrate adjourned the case until May 18.

Man Defiles 17-Year-Old Daughter

A 52-year-old trader, Eze Chukwuma, who allegedly defiled his 17-year-old daughter, was on March 23, arraigned in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. Chukwuma is facing a count charge of defilement. The prosecutor, Sergeant Raphael Donny, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at his residence. Donny said that the defendant had been forcefully having carnal knowledge of his daughters since their mother, his wife, died in February 2008. The victim said that their father regularly raped her and her younger sister after threatening to stab them and himself with a knife. Donny said the victim’s elder sister ran away from home because she could no longer bear the trauma. The case was reported to the police by a neighbour, who the girl had confided in. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Davies Abegunde, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned until March 29 for trial.

Man Arrested for Raping 13-Year-Old

A 35-year-old man, Kingsley Chigbo, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl, said to be his wife’s sister. Police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed this on March 19, said that the suspect committed the offence‎ at Ijoko Ota town of the state. Oyeyemi said the incident was reported to the police at Sango Ota Divisional Headquarters by Peju Osoba, the immediate past Ogun State Coordinator of Child Protection Network (CPN). A staff of CPN, who went for an enlightenment talk in a secondary school, gave her the information after the victim called the said staff to a corner and confided to her that her elder sister’s husband has been having sex with her under duress, with the threat that he would kill her if she ever told anybody. The suspect was subsequently arrested. Oyeyemi said when confronted by the girl, the suspect admitted committing the crime, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, had ordered further investigation of the suspect.

Others

Police Nab Fake Officer

Policemen attached to Area ‘C’ Command, Surulere, Lagos, have arrested a man who had been parading himself as a policeman for several years. The arrest of the suspect, Olayiwola Animashaun, was received with cheers by commercial bus drivers, tricycle operators and motorcyclists, who alleged that he had been extorting them for years. Police Spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, police operatives gathered that one Olayiwola Animashaun has, over the years, been parading himself as a police officer and extorting members of the public. He was intercepted under the bridge in Surulere near the National Stadium, where he was about to resume his criminal activities. On sighting the patrol team, the suspect took to his heels, but was chased and arrested. Famous-Cole advised members of the public to be wary of individuals who presented themselves as government officials or police officers with no official identification.

Lagos Task Force Arrests 43 over Adulteration, Illegal Oil Deals

The Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Taskforce said it had arrested 43 persons over illegal dealings in petroleum products in the state. Chairman of the Taskforce, Olayinka Egbeyemi, March 19, disclosed that the suspects were nabbed while adulterating diesel at the Alausa, Ikeja area of the state. He said that the taskforce acted on petitions on illegal oil activities in the area, adding that 2.5 million litres of adulterated diesel were recovered from the suspects. The 43 persons were reportedly caught while mixing original diesel with kerosene and selling at a reduced price to the public. He said that investigation revealed that the illegal oil business had been on in the area for over seven years.

Boy Rescued from Father’s Torture Cell

The Enugu Police Command, March 18, arrested a middle-aged man, Chinedu Okeke, for alleged constant torture and abuse of his 14-year-old son, Kelechi. Kelechi was rescued by the police after he was tied with rope with various degrees of injuries inflicted on him by his father. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, noted that Okeke was arrested by operatives of the Trans-Ekulu Division. He said the arrest of Chinedu Okeke became possible following intelligence report gathered by the police operatives who stormed his residence on March 15, 2017 and found his son, Kelechi, begging for his life.

Sacked Edo Pastor Plants Explosives in Church

The Edo State Police Command, March 21, arrested a 57-year-old pastor, Abel Eku, for allegedly attempting to blow up the headquarters of the Christ Chosen Church of God in Benin City with explosive devices. Eku was said to have planted the explosives inside the church auditorium on January 22, 2017, prior to the commencement of its international conference. His plot was reportedly foiled when the objects were detected, leading to his arrest by some policemen. The suspect blamed the act on what he described as bitterness over his dismissal from the church due to marital issues after 25 years of service. Pastor Abel said he did it out of annoyance but later regretted his action, which made him to call the church officials about the location of the bomb. Abel also said the bomb was not meant to kill anyone but to cause a scare among church members and elders.

Sokoto Records 104 Cases of Meningitis

At least 104 cases of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) have been recorded in three LGAs of Sokoto State. The State Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Balarabe Kakale, March 23, said the cases were recorded in Gada, Wurno and Bodinga LGAs. He said the state government had taken decisive measures to curb the ugly trend by deploying 15 rapid response health teams to all the 23 LGAs of the state. The commissioner, however, expressed satisfaction that the situation had been brought under control. Kakale further said that the teams would conduct state-wide, house-to-house extraction of patients for evacuation to hospitals for free treatment. The commissioner stated that the teams would also conduct massive sensitisation campaigns on the need for people in the state to ensure personal and environmental hygiene. The state government is also liaising with its Kebbi and Zamfara neighbours to make joint efforts to mitigate cross-border imports of cases.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination incidents have consistently topped our crime index with mindless killings across the country. It was an ugly sight as a 61-year-old cleric killed a woman, who had gone to him for cleansing and dismembered her corpse. He was arrested when vigilant neighbours observed blood dripping from his bag as he tried to take the head and other parts away. In Zaki Biam, Ukum LGA of Benue State, over 50 persons were killed when gunmen invaded a market. The motive for the killing remains unknown. A clash between the Hausa and Yoruba communities in Ile Ife led to the death of over 40 person. Several reasons were given for the clash as police commenced investigation. While the police tried to maintain law and order across the nation, saving lives, a policeman in Abia state, murdered a commuter following a mild misunderstanding. The trigger happy cop has, however, been arrested by the Police authorities. The incident occurred when a police team accosted Peter and other passengers in a bus and order the occupants out of the vehicle. Other killings include cult clashes and herdsmen attacks.

Very sad cases of sexual abuse of minors were recorded. The father of a 17-year-old girl was arrested for severally raping his daughter. The man is said to have been raping his 3 daughters since his wife died in 2008. The case was reported to the police by a neighbour, who the girl confided in. In another abuse of a minor, a 32-year-old man, who allegedly defiled an 11-year-old girl, was granted in the sum of N500, 000 on the orders of a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court. The accused had sent the 11-year-old girl on an errand and on her return, he closed the door of his shop and raped her. In a case of abuse of trust, a pastor was jailed 3 years without an option of fine for defiling male children in his neighbourhood. This comes as a 35-year-old man in Ogun state was arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl, said to be his wife’s sister. 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.

Kidnap/hostage cases was also on the high. The Police in Rivers State have arrested a notorious kidnapper, Sombari Appaulus, popularly called Manslaughter. The suspect had been unleashing havoc on the people of the state. In another incident, a secondary school teacher in Ekiti State was kidnapped while he was returning home from his station. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded for a ransom of N20m for his release. Meanwhile, a loyal employee blew the whistle on two of his colleagues after he overheard them plotting a kidnap of their employer’s daughter. In Umuahia, two suspected kidnappers were arrested as they were trying to withdraw a ransom paid into their account. In other incidents, the DSS apprehended notorious kidnappers in various parts of the country.

Robbery incidents were low on record. However, the few incidents on record were quite sad as armed robbers attacked and killed a tricycle operator in Delta State and stole the tricycle. In another sad incident, occurred when a four-man armed robbery gang attacked a building at Ijedodo area of Lagos, raped a female victim and injured a man before making away with property. The robbers operated four over two hours. However, one of its members was apprehended by a vigilante group. These were recorded across the south-west and south-south regions of the country.

The military has sustained its tempo in the battle to end terrorism in the north-east, making some form of progress. Department of State Services (DSS) has said it had arrested high profile terrorists in various parts of the north. But despite the arrests, pockets of attacks, mostly in the north-east, were recorded. Three suicide bombers attacked Umarari village in Jere LGA of Borno State, killing a mother, her two children and a member of Civilian JTF. The attack, carried out by an adult and two teenagers. In a related incident, a suicide bomber attacked a camp for IDPs in Maiduguri. The attack triggered four explosions inside the camp. Also in another area of Maiduguri, a series of bomb blasts occurred in 3 locations around Muna Garage area, claiming 3 innocent persons, including the bombers.

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