Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 13

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	1
5	Terrorism	4
6	Political/Government Agencies	2
7	Murder/Assassination	12
8	Rape Incidents	7
9	Others	5

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Kidnap 2 Businessmen in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the kidnap of two businessmen – Labbo Giyawa and Murtala Dantata – by some unknown gunmen. Police spokesman, El-Mustapha Sani, March 27, disclosed that the two men were kidnapped at Giyawa, Goronyo LGA of the state on March 26. The victims were seized by gun-wielding men while they were reportedly sleeping in the frontage of their various houses. He added that the kidnappers were yet to establish communication with either their families or the police. Sani said that the command had taken stern measures to ensure the safe rescue of the captives. The police spokesman also confirmed the arrest of four gang leaders of street urchins at the Kwanni area of Sokoto. Sani said that the suspects were arrested following raids on their hideouts.

Kidnappers Demand N10m Ransom for Undergraduate

Kidnappers of a first year Accounting student of a private university in Lagos, Rachel Chukwuemeka, have reportedly demanded N10 million ransom for her release. The girl was abducted at her family’s residence in Epe area of the state on March 23 by six armed men that stormed the community at about 1am. The kidnappers used an axe to break down the Chukwumas’ door before making away with the 16-year-old girl. The kidnappers also inflicted machete cuts on the victim’s father when he attempted to stop them from taking his daughter. The parents have called for help in securing the safe release of their only child.

Togolese, Chadian Caught Plotting to Abduct Lagos Businessman’s Daughter

Two suspects, a Togolese woman, Idowu Dado, and a Chadian man, Abdullahi have been arrested by operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, while plotting to kidnap a 15-year-old girl in the Ilasamaja area of Lagos State. It was learnt that Dado contacted Mohammed, who worked in a sachet water factory owned by the girl’s father, Mike Ogbuachara. The duo then co-opted Ogbuachara’s security guard, Peter Okechukwu, into the plot. The gang reportedly planned to demand N10m as ransom for their victim. However, Okechukwu was said to have leaked the secret to his boss, who then alerted the police. Okechukwu said Dado promised to give him N2m if the plan succeeded. He explained that he continued to update his boss every time he spoke with Dado. The factory worker, Mohammed, said he was deceived by Dado. Dado, however, denied the allegations, saying Mohammed was the leader of the gang. The spokesperson for the Zone 2 Police Command, Dolapo Badmos, said investigations revealed that Dado was the leader of the gang. The AIG Zone 2, Kayode Aderanti, has ordered that discreet investigation be done.

Police Parade 4 Kidnap Suspects, 2 Cultists

The Nigeria Police has paraded a gang of four kidnap suspects and two cultists for kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism in Rivers and other States in the South-South zone. Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood said the IGP’s monitoring team raided a kidnappers hideout at Umuike Allu area of Rivers State on March 20 and 23, and rescued a victim and arrested the suspects. He stated that the team recovered one locally made revolver, one live ammunition, one expended ammunition, one locally made pistol, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge and N200,000. He disclosed that the suspects have been identified by their victims and would be charged to court when investigation into the matter is completed. In the same vein, the team in collaboration with other units of the force had clamped down on a confraternity group’s hideout in Ebitanwo/Rumuakude Communities and arrested two for cult activities. Moshood added that the two members of the gang -John Oteh and Atochi Oteh- were arrested, while one Military Lar Rifle No. 770786, one locally made double barrel gun, two locally made single barrel cut-to size guns, one (1) locally made pistol, seven cartridges, and one expended cartridge were recovered from them.

Epe Kidnap Suspects Nabbed

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested three suspected members of a kidnap gang in connection with series of abductions in the Epe area of the state. The suspects -Tola Samuel (26), Fekun Aboy (23), and Mimo Blessing (20) - were arrested on March 26 by a combined team of Anti-Kidnapping team and Mobile Policemen of the Lagos Command, while escaping with their share of the ransom. According to Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, four automatic rifles, one locally-made gun, N400,000 cash, three speed boats, several cutlasses and mobile phones were recovered from the suspects.

Ex-DSS Staff, 11 Others Nabbed over Kidnapping

A dismissed officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Abdulrasheed Maigari (35), alongside 11 members of his gang, have been arrested by Police Intelligence Response Team, led by ACP Abba Kyari, following the abduction of Alhaji Isa Salami, Chairman of Gateway Insurance. The kidnappers were reportedly arrested at a hideout in Suleja. The apartments, where their arms and the kidnap victims were kept, were rented by the former DSS officer. Maigari was dismissed and charged to court in November 2015 for robbing N310 million with some dismissed army personnel in Abuja. The Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, March 29, said that the gang was also responsible for other kidnap incidents in Abuja. Items recovered from the gang include one AK-47 rifle, three AK-47 magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62 live ammunition, two pistols and 14 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, while the two-bedroom flats at different locations in Suleja will be considered as exhibits.

Kidnappers Demand N10m for Abducted Woman in Delta State

The kidnappers of a woman in Sapele, Delta State, are reportedly demanding for N10 million. Odebalor, was, March 22, kidnapped by unidentified gunmen, while driving home from a friend’s house in Sapele. The gunmen shot repeatedly into the air before dragging her out of her SUV into their car.  The Chairman of Sapele LGA, Delta State, Ejaife Odebala, has called for her unconditional release, while he expressed concern over the upsurge in kidnapping in the area. The police has assured that they were doing everything possible to resolve the issue and rescue the woman unhurt.

Robbery

Ogun Police Arrest Two for Armed Robbery

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two men, Adigun John popularly known as Akoto and Idowu kalejaye, for alleged armed robbery. The suspects were arrested on 23rd March following a distress call to policemen attached to Ogijo Divisional headquarters that a robbery operation was going on in a bakery in the Eyita area of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, added that the DPO, Tijani Muhammad, led the anti-robbery team to the scene and engaged the robbers in a shootout. He said at the end of the encounter, the two suspects were arrested and a locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from them. Oyeyemi said that the suspects robbed the owner of the bakery, Taiwo Ogunyemi of N2,000 and a cell phone. He said that they also robbed a customer, one Bose Agboola of the sum of N15,000. The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad for further investigation.

Robbers Stab Driver, Attack Passengers at Abaji

A driver was attacked and brutally stabbed by suspected armed robbers near Yaba village in Abaji Area Council of the FCT. A resident of the area, Saidu, said the incident happened at about 12:20am when the victim, Dagami Amos ran into a roadblock a gang of suspected robbers had mounted.  He said after they had stabbed Amos, they went on to dispossess passengers of their monies, phones and other valuables. He said the robbers barricaded the road with logs of wood at Leventis Farms. The Abaji Divisional Police Officer (DPO), David Kolo, confirmed the incident. He said he was alerted by the police at Yaba outpost at about 12midnight, saying that the hoodlums fled the scene before his men arrived there. He said the police are still hunting for them.

Robbers Kill 2 Policemen in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command in Kogi State, March 30, disclosed that two of its officers were killed during an invasion of a commercial bank by suspected robbers. Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, disclosed that the police sergeants died while warding off the robbers that stormed a bank at Odo-Ere in Yagba East LGA on March 28. He also said that reinforcement had been sent to the town to enhance security of lives and property, saying that the robbers would soon be arrested.

Armed Robbers Kill Policeman in Bullion Van Attack

Gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers, March 30, killed a policeman in Rivers State during a shootout. The policeman was gunned down when the robbers intercepted a bullion van around Igwuruta-Ali area in Ikwerre LGA of the state. The robbers, who were said to be heavily armed, reportedly blocked the van, which was on delivery duty, before robbing it in broad day light. A source alleged that the robbers carted away some bags of money from the van. Police Public Relation Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said the police are still investigating the incident.

Drugs

2 Traders Arrested at MMIA with Heroin

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have arrested two persons for allegedly being in possession of illicit substance that tested positive for heroin. The Head of Public Affairs of the agency, Mitchel Ofoyeju, who confirmed the arrest on March 23, said one of the suspected drug traffickers, Roland Chukwudi Tochukwu (37), was apprehended for importing 2.045kg of heroin from Nairobi, Kenya. Tochukwu was allegedly found to be in possession of a fake travel ticket that indicated he was coming from China. Ofoyeju disclosed that the other suspect, Maduka Nnaemeka Peter (39), was also caught attempting to export 1.555kg of cocaine to Dubai. He said that preliminary investigation by the anti-narcotic agency revealed that Tochukwu deliberately replaced his ticket with a fake one showing that he was coming from China instead of Nairobi. This was intended to place him on a low risk profile. But his expectations were dashed as the heroin concealed inside his luggage was detected during screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight. The NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, while explaining reasons for the falsification of the ticket, said that drugs are more expensive in Asia.

Customs Intercept N242m Worth of Prohibited Drugs in Lagos

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs Service, March 27, intercepted a total of 5,056 cartons of prohibited drugs valued at over N242.7 million. Comptroller General of Customs, Colonel Hammed Ali (Rtd), said that the drugs are under complete prohibition adding that most people take them without doctors’ prescription. Ali also disclosed that the drugs were without the registered number of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Already, two suspects; George Odianose Eboigbe, the owner and Clement Okoeka the driver of the truck have been arrested in connection with the offensive import. The Customs boss explained that the agency has put three layers of defence measures in place so as to checkmate the influx of such offensive imports. The drugs, Tramadol Hydrochloride, which is taken by young and women to ease stress, is dangerous and completely under prohibition.

Militancy/Maritime

Two Policemen Nabbed for Oil Theft

Two mobile policemen were, March 24, arrested in Bayelsa State by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over their alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering. It was gathered that the suspects were three but one of them fled the scene abandoning a vehicle loaded with the stolen petroleum product and his service identity card. The suspects were said to have been ‎apprehended along Otuasega-Okaki Road in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State. Over 412 litres of suspected illegally-refined Automative Gas Oil (AGO) were reportedly recovered from them. A special squad of anti-illegal bunkering team of NSCDC were said to have conveyed the suspects and their stolen products to the headquarters of the security outfit in Yenagoa.

Terrorism

Boko Haram Kills Three Suspected of Spying for Nigerian Military

Suspected Boko Haram fighters, March 25, stormed Kalari Abdiye village, in the Konduga LGA of Borno state and killed three people on suspicion of collaborating with the military. Three locals had their throats slit while the fourth was left severely wounded, according to a member of the Civilian JTF. The gunmen identified themselves as being from the Boko Haram faction headed by Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, which has vowed to hit military and government targets, the militia member said. According to reports, they singled out the four men whom they accused of passing information to the military. The gunmen reportedly took the men outside the village where they slaughtered three of the men.

NSCDC Parades 17-Year-Old Boko Haram Suspect

A suspected Boko Haram member, Ali Mustapha (17), March 28, confessed to killing 18 civilians in various deadly attacks the terrorist group carried out in Kala Balge LGA of Borno State. Mustapha, who admitted to being a member of the dreaded sect during a parade by the Borno State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ibrahim Abdullahi, stated that he participated in a series of onslaughts against villagers by the terror group. Mustapha was arrested when he was sent to spy on Maiduguri for the leaders of the Boko Haram sect. Meanwhile, the Commandant of the NSCDC in Borno State, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, said suspected Boko Haram members had invaded Konduga LGA and abducted four women and six youths.

Terrorists Abduct 10 in Borno

The Borno State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, March 28, said suspected Boko Haram members had invaded Konduga Local Government Area and abducted four women and six youths. Abdullahi, who spoke in Maiduguri, noted that the insurgents also invaded Mittiri, Akalli and Arribbari villages in the same local government. According to him, Intelligence report indicated that the insurgents are now operating in Dalla Fatimiri on motorcycles. Further details of the attack and kidnapping were not immediately provided.

DSS Arrests Boko Haram Kingpins, Kidnappers

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it had arrested a suspected Boko Haram kingpin, Adenoyi Abdulsalam in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The DSS stated that the suspect was arrested by a Joint Military/DSS operation team. DSS spokesman, Tony Opuiyo, said that the arrest was carried out on March, 20. He disclosed that an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the suspect. He noted that Abdulsalam was on the final stages of kidnapping some high level targets in the state.

Political/Government Agencies

Buhari Approves Establishment of Operational Base for Navy in Lake Chad

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of an operational base for the Nigerian Navy in the Lake Chad area to enhance security along the Basin. The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, March 27, disclosed this in Abuja. According to Ibas, the Lake Chad area is a strategic location that provides means of livelihood to hundreds of thousands of people and the presence of the Nigerian Navy will help in consolidating on the security of the area.

IGP Redeploys Senior Officers

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has redeployed some senior officers. The officers involved are the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Command, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, Kayode Cornelius Aderanti; Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP), Taiwo Frederick Lakanu and the Commandant at Police College, Chris Okey Ezike. According to information from police high command, Aderanti would replace AIG Adamu Ibrahim of Zone 1 Headquarters in Kano while the latter moves to Zone 2 command. Ezike takes over from Lakanu, who has been elevated to the rank of AIG. All the officers are expected to conclude handing over by April 3.

Murder/Assassinations

Three Burnt Alive in Zaki Biam Reprisal

At least three persons were, on March 24, burnt to death in an attack on Tse-Chia village, near Kasar in Zaki Biam, Ukum LGA of Benue State. The attack is said to be a reprisal by victims of the March 20 massacre in Zaki Biam town. It was gathered that the attack also led to the razing of several houses in the community. The attackers of Tse-Chia were led by some youths in Zaki Biam main town, who identified and recognized all the masterminds of the attack, an eye witness said. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed incident, pleaded with youths of the state to desist from taking the law into the hands, he urged them to avail the police necessary information in the course of their investigations.

Couple Killed, Several Hospitalised as Eatery Operator Poisons Customers

A 37-year-old man, said to be an eatery operator, has been arrested for allegedly poisoning the food that killed a woman, Ana Era and her husband, Edward, with forty six others hospitalised at Mbube East in Ogoja, Cross River State. The suspect was expelled from the village of Oboso with all his belongings set ablaze by the villagers for hooliganism against residents of the area some weeks back and his action was described as a revenge for his expulsion from the village. The eatery operator, it was learnt, confessed to the crime. The suspect, Paul Armond, who has been arrested by the police, was said to be undergoing interrogation.

Herdsmen Invade Prison, Kill Inmate

The Benue Prisons Service, March 27, confirmed that herdsmen invaded its Jato-Aka Farm Centre and killed an inmate, Tersoo Agidi. Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Prisons Service, Benue State, Stephen Nwanchor, disclosed that the incident took place on March 25.According to him, the herdsmen invaded the place, destroyed property, shot and killed Tersoo Agidi, an inmate. He added that they had evacuated the remaining inmates from the farm centre to Gboko, pending the outcome of the investigation. The PRO said the service was investigating the invasion to ascertain the remote cause, noting that no arrest had been made. Nwanchor said the service had tightened security in and around all its facilities in the state, assuring that there was no cause for alarm.

Female Banker Arrested Over Alleged Death of Lover

The Police in Delta State have arrested a lady, who allegedly hired a notorious armed robber to kill a Warri based bank manager, said to be her lover. The lady was arrested by the police after the robbery suspect, upon his arrest, confessed that the lady was one of those who contracted him to kill the victim. He claimed that the lady paid him and others now at large N50, 000 to beat up the victim. He added that his gang carried out the operation by beating and stabbing the victim, but did not know that he would die in the process. However, when interrogated, the lady suspect who works in another branch of the bank in Warri denied ever knowing the suspect nor contracting him to attack the victim. Another male suspect in the matter also denied buying the GSM handset of the victim from the notorious robbery suspect. The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Mohammed Ibrahim, said that Collins December, based on a tip-off, was arrested in an uncompleted building at Habour Market in Udu. He said the suspect allegedly confessed belonging to a five-man gang hired by the lady to kill one Kolawale Tunde.

Man Beheads 72-Year-Old Woman over Parcel of Land

A man, who allegedly severed the head and wrists of a 72-year-old woman, identified as Funmilayo Shada, has been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command. The suspect, Adeoye Ikugbayigbe, told the police that he committed the act because he had been having a running battle with the deceased over a parcel of land. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said Ikugbayigbe severed the 72-year-old woman’s head and wrist in Abigi, Ogun Waterside. Oyeyemi explained that the arrest followed a report by the son of the deceased, one Ekundayo Shada, who disclosed that while he was on his way to the farm to meet his mother, he came across Adeoye Ikugbayigbe on the road holding a polythene bag. But as soon as he sighted the suspect, the suspect dropped the bag and ran into the bush. When he checked the bag dropped by the suspect, he discovered his mother’s head and her wrist in the bag. He quickly reported the case to police and after combing the bush, they found and arrested the suspect. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, claiming that he has been having a running battle with the deceased over a parcel of land.

One Dies in Mushin Gang War

A violent clash broke out between touts at Alamutu and Akala streets in the densely-populated Mushin area of Lagos, leaving one person dead and scores injured on March 27. The fight developed as a spill-over of a March 26 incident following an interruption of a candle light procession by the Alamutu Boys. It was gathered that the Alamutu Boys were having a candle light procession for one of their own, a conductor, who died in an auto crash when they were attacked by the Akala Boys. Gunshots rented the air, with both sides using dangerous weapons freely. Innocent passers-by were robbed. The prompt intervention of the police prevented the clash from degenerating. Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the death of one person. He added that normalcy had been restored in the troubled area.

Courier Killed while Delivering Phones

The corpse of a courier personnel attached to an online business establishment was, March 27, discovered in a septic tank in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The lifeless body was found around Ada-George area of Obio/Akpor LGA by operatives of Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The victim was said to have been killed when he went to deliver iPhones and valuables to customers in the area on March 25. The decomposing body of the courier agent was found in a customer’s residence after some people in the area complained of strange smell and movement. It was gathered that police swung into action and arrested three suspects, who are residents in the yard, where the personnel had delivered the phones. Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Command, Nnamdi Omoni, noted that the suspects were cooperating with police.

Police Arrest Woman, Son for Killing Vigilante Man

The Police in Delta State, March 27, arrested a woman and her 22-year-old son at Ukpude-Aviara, Isoko South LGA in connection with the murder of 26-year-old Dennis Omoefe, member of the community’s vigilante team. Omoefe was reportedly stabbed to death following an argument over the arrest and interrogation of three suspected bandits, who were alleged to have stolen the community’s solar lights and batteries. The woman’s son, Innocent, was reportedly angry with the deceased, who was among those that carried out the interrogation of the suspected bandits. An argument ensued and Innocent threatened to deal with Dennis. When Dennis got home, he found that his door had been locked with a padlock by Innocent’s mother. While trying to force the door open, Innocent came and stabbed him with a sword. Dennis was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he later died because he lost a lot of blood. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the arrests.

Three Killed as Suspected Herdsmen Attack Delta Farmers

Three persons were feared killed while six others sustained injuries as a group suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked Emuhu community in Ika South local council of Delta State on March 26. The herdsmen were also reported to have taken over farmlands at Abavo community and clashed with farmers whenever they were challenged. Residents of Emuhu community have protested against the incident, demanding state government’s urgent intervention to save them from frequent attacks by herdsmen. One of the victims, Chuks Okoye, reported that the herdsmen attacked them with daggers and guns. The state Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, said six herdsmen have been arrested over the incident, adding that investigation was ongoing.

Gunmen Kill boy, Injure Parents in Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command, March 31, confirmed the death of a two-year-old boy, Aondohemba Felix, in an attack at Maihula Ward in the Bali LGA of the state. Police Spokesman, David Misal, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen, who attacked Maihula on March 30 also shot and injured the boy’s father, Felix Mnguorga and his pregnant wife, Terwuese Felix. Misal said the command had deployed operatives to Maihula to hunt down the gunmen and bring them to justice. According to him, the injured husband and wife are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Bali. Misal advised residents of Taraba to always assist security operatives with information on criminal acts in their areas.

Suspected Killer of Edo Cleric Arrested

The Edo State Police Command has arrested the suspected killer of the Chief Imam of Egbeta Mosque in Ovia North-East LGA, Malam Saka Afolabi. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, disclosed this on March 30. Afolabi was killed on March 4 in the presence of his children by three gunmen, while on his way to his farm. Gwandu gave the name of the arrested suspect as Ajetena Moruf. He added that the other two suspects were still at large. He stated that the police were able to track down the suspect to Shagamu in Ogun State, where he was arrested. He urged other assassins in the state to repent as the police would do everything to nab them.

Suspected Herdsmen Kill Varsity Staff, Farmer in Delta

Unidentified hoodlums, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, killed a 50-year-old man, said to be staff of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, identified as Sunday Idama, at his cassava farm in Ovre-Abraka community in Ethiope East LGA of the State. Idama had gone to his farm on March 24 to mount surveillance after discovering that the hoodlums were constantly uprooting his cassava and feeding their cows with them. It was gathered that Idama, who went to the farm with his motorcycle encountered the herdsmen same night and challenged them. But they attacked him with machetes, hacking him to death. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the killing of Idama, saying that the investigations had commenced to unmask the killers. Aniamaka, however, disclosed that preliminary investigations showed that the 50-year-old was killed by thieves encroaching on his farm to steal yams, cassava and other crops.

Rape

Man Jailed 14 Years for Rape

A 32-year-old security guard, Kenechukwu Okonkwo, was on March 24, sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for raping a 29-year-old lady. Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye while passing the sentence at an Ikeja High Court, Lagos, said that there should be zero tolerance to any form of violence against women and vulnerable members of the society. Okonkwo was first arraigned in court on July 14, 2015. The prosecution led by Adeniji said that Okonkwo committed the offence on December 27, 2013 in his one-bedroom apartment located in Ketu Lagos. The complainant, then a 29-year-old saleswoman, became friends with Okonkwo, who was a security guard working at a supermarket where she supplied goods. She was experiencing accommodation problems and was about to be evicted from her home when he offered to keep some of her property in his apartment. She had gone to inspect the suitability of his apartment when he took the advantage to rape her. The noise and commotion in his apartment attracted Okonkwo’s co-tenant and landlord. The landlord’s knock on Okonkwo’s door enabled the victim’s escape and his arrest.

Court Convicts Two for Rape

A Magistrate Court in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State has convicted two persons found guilty of gang-raping a 16-year-old girl. The third suspect is still at large. They were sentenced to four years imprisonment each with an option of N400,000 fine after pleading guilty for the offence. The two convicts -Monday Ogedengbe and Dauda Iyamah- raped her while the third, who is still at large, covered her mouth and held her down. The culprits threatened to kill her to prevent her disclosure of the crime. She was said to have been dragged out of her school compound and gang raped by the two young men with the assistance of a third person. The culprits were apprehended by the Ososo Vigilante and the handed over to the Nigeria Police Igarra Division. Executive Director, Brave Heart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI), Priscilla Usiobaifo, who acted for the victim, however, expressed reservation with the court’s option of fines for such a serious case as rape.

Teenager’s Genitals Burnt for Raping Four-Year-Old Girl

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Sokoto state, says it has arrested a couple for allegedly burning the genitals of a 17-year-old boy for allegedly raping their 4-year-old daughter. The Commandant of the NSCDC, Babangida Abdullahi, said that the couple was arrested on March 28 at their Sama residence. The couple alleged that the teenager raped their four-year old daughter. So, they sponsored some boys who seized him on March 24, took him to the suspects’ house, where they severely tortured him and burnt his genitals. The victim was later taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he is responding to treatment. Abdullahi said that the couple was arrested on March 28, for allegedly taking the law into their hands.

Man Docked for Rape of 10-Year-Old Girl

The Kano State Police Command, March 31, brought a 20-year-old Painter, Ali Wada of Gulu village in the Rimin Gado LGA before a Magistrates’ Court in Kano for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl after luring her to a mango tree. The defendant is standing trial on a one-count charge of rape. The Prosecuting Officer, Rufa’i Inusa, told the court that Umar Idris of the same village reported the case to the Rimin Gado Police Division in Kano, on March 16. According to Inusa, the defendant had on that fateful day deceived and lured the complainant’s 10-year-old daughter a farmland situated in Gulu Village, where he raped her under a Mango tree. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate Muhammad Jibril, ordered the remand of the accused in prison custody. Jibril, thereafter, adjourned the case until April 10, for mention.

Vice-Principal Arrested for Impregnating Student

Nemesis has caught up with a 51-year-old Vice Principal arrested by the Police for allegedly impregnating a 16-year-old student of his school. The Vice Principal had lured the under-aged student to his office, where he had sex with her. The Vice-Principal, it was gathered, had been having sex with the same female student in his office in the past before the last encounter exposed him. Director-General of Niger State Child Rights Agency, Mariam Kolo, who confirmed the development, expressed dismay over the matter, adding that the suspect has been handed over to the police Criminal Investigation Department for interrogation and prosecution. She said there are evidences to also show that the same Vice Principal had been having affairs with six other female students of the same school. She added that the students involved have confessed and that they are even ready to testify against the suspect before the security agency.

55-Year-Old Stepfather Defiles 7-Month-Old Baby in Katsina

A nursing mother has accused her 55-year-old husband, Magaji Dansale, of defiling her seven-month-old daughter in Marmachi village of Musawa LGA of Katsina State. According to the baby’s mother, Zeenat Muntari, when she woke up to breastfeed the baby, she noticed blood in her genitals and promptly informed her husband about the matter. But in the morning, while she was washing the baby’s clothes, he also brought his trouser for her to wash and she noticed blood stains on it. According to her, the baby was later taken to Malumfashi General Hospital, where the doctor confirmed that she was defiled and informed the police. She accused her husband of raping the baby as they were the only people in the house when the incident happened. The baby was later referred to Turai Yar’Adua Maternal and Child Hospital, Katsina. Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isa, March 31, confirmed the incident.

Man, 42, Rapes, Impregnates 13-Year-Old Girl

A 42-year-old man, Lucky Emmanuel, has been arrested for raping a 13-year-old girl in Ajangbadi area of Lagos State. The victim was allegedly raped while she was hawking plantain. It was learned that management of the victim’s school contacted the police on noticing that she was pregnant. The suspect, who was paraded at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, took responsibility for the pregnancy, stating that he had planned to marry the child and that her parents consented to the whole arrangement. Meanwhile, the teenager’s parents denied knowledge of Emmanuel’s relationship with their daughter, and on interrogation, the suspect could not give the name of the girl’s school nor the address of her parents. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said that the suspect would be charged to court.

Others

Mother of 16-Year-Old Killed by Police Demands Justice

Catherine Iwuoha, the mother of 16-year-old Obinna, who was allegedly killed by a police sergeant, Wilson Ufere, on March 23 in Okohia community in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State, has demanded for justice. The incident occurred when the police sergeant went berserk and shot at Obinna Iwuoha while two others were severely injured from the gunshots. Two out of the three young men who survived the gunshots recounted their ordeal. The two survivors, Chukwuebuka Donatus, 24, and Tochukwu Uzoukwu, 25, said that the trigger-happy policeman shot the teenager at a close range which led to his instant death.

Police Arrest Two Traders for Falsifying Expiry Dates of Tyres

The Lagos State Police Command, March 28, arrested two men, who specialise in removing the expiry dates of vehicle tyres, engine and chassis numbers and falsifying new numbers on them. The men, who claimed to be traders at Ladipo auto market, Mushin, were arrested while changing the expiry dates of some tyres inside Ladipo market. One of the suspects, 19-year-old Samuel Obi, sells tyres, but always sends his expired tyres to the second suspect, Izuchukwu Iwueze, 25, to change the date with his machine. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, Bolaji Salami, confirmed the arrest, stressing that they will be charge to court soon.

Four Die in Ondo Fuel Tanker Fire

Four persons were killed and burnt beyond recognition when a fuel-laden tanker exploded along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on March 28. It was gathered that the incident occurred when the tanker reportedly fell on its side. An eyewitness disclosed that the tanker was travelling to Ibadan and that the driver was trying to overtake another fuel tanker, when he lost control of the vehicle. The state Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Clement Oladele, and the Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the accident. Akinbiyi said four persons trapped inside the ill-fated tanker were burnt beyond recognition, while two others escaped with varying degrees of burns. He said the timely intervention of men of the fire service saved the other tanker.

Surety Turns Accused for Allegedly Aiding Escape of Two Suspects

A 42-year-old man, Taiwo Idowu, who allegedly aided the escape of two men he stood surety for, was on March 31, granted a N1 million bail by an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused is facing a two-count charge bordering on perversion of justice. The Prosecutor, Inspector Ingobo Emby, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 29 after he stood surety for two of his friends, Sikiru Balogun and Taiwo Taiwo, in a case of alleged malicious damage. Emby said Idowu promised to produce the suspects on March 29, and other subsequent dates they would be needed at the station but failed to do so. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Mr. W.B. Balogun, granted the accused N1million bail with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case until May 3 for mention.

Kano Judge Releases 20 Inmates from Prison

The acting Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Nura Sagir, has freed 20 inmates from Central Prison located in Kurmawa. The judge freed the inmates while on a visit to the prison where he rolled out the parole of mercy in consonance with the provision of the Criminal Custody Act. The Kano State Command of the Nigeria Prison Service had listed 107 inmates on the proposed parole list as part of efforts to decongest the central prison facility. Those released were inmates alleged to be involved in minor offences, alongside those inmates held under custody for four years and above without being subjected to trial before a competent court of jurisdiction. The CJ also referred delayed cases for accelerated hearing.

Review/Analysis

It was a gory sight as three persons were burnt to death in an attack in Benue State. The attack is feared to be a reprisal over the recent attack on Zaki Biam that claimed scores of lives. In a most wicked act, an eatery operator in Cross River State poisoned his customers to death alleging anger over his expulsion from the community. Several persons were also hospitalised after eating the poisoned food. The police successfully made some good arrests of murder suspects including a man, who severed the head and wrists of a 72-year-old woman following a disagreement over a parcel of land. Also arrested were two young men and a lady after the corpse of a courier agent was discovered in a septic tank in their compound. The victim was killed when he went to deliver iPhones and valuables to them. Other incidents include lone killings, cult clashes and herdsmen attacks. These were recorded in all the regions of the country.

While various security agencies collaborate to curb the menace of kidnapping around the country, kidnapping seem to have maintain its pace with various incidents on record. The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the kidnap of two businessmen, who were attacked while sleeping in their veranda and taken away by the hoodlums. This is as the kidnappers of a 16-year-old girl in Lagos and those who kidnapped a woman in Delta State have separately demanded for N10million to release their victims. In an act worthy of commendation, two suspects, a Togolese woman and a Chadian man were arrested by police operatives for plotting to kidnap the 15-year-old daughter of their employer. The whistle was blown when a security guard that they had co-opted into their plan, reveal the plot to their employer. These acts of kidnapping were mostly recorded in the south-west with pockets of incidents in other regions of the country.

Under-aged children, especially girls, remain the most targeted in recent rape and sexual assault incidents. These girls are lured and defiled by trusted persons. It was a sad case as a 16-year-old girl was impregnated by the vice principal of her school. It was most disheartening as a 55-year-old man in Katsina State was arrested for raping his 7-month-old stepdaughter. How low can a rapist get? However, justice was served on some rapists, who got various jail terms for gang raping an under-aged girl, and another for raping a 29-year-old woman. Two angry parents were arrested by security operatives after they allegedly took the law into their hand by burning the genitals of a 17-year-old boy who had raped their 4-year-old daughter.

The military continues its battle to end insurgency in the north-east, making some form of progress. But despite these progresses recorded, including several arrests and razing of Boko Haram enclaves, the terrorists continue to spring pockets of attacks and lives were lost. The north-east remains the endemic region.

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