Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 25

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	11
2	Robbery	9
3	Drugs	1
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	1
5	Terrorism	5
6	Political/Government Agencies
7	Murder/Assassination	14
8	Rape Incidents	9
9	Others	2

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnappers Killed, Kidnap Victims Rescued

The Rivers State Police Command, June 22, said it has killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued nine kidnap victims in different operations in the state. Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Nnamdi Omoni, who disclosed this, stated that the nine persons rescued were abducted within the last two weeks from a commercial bus in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of the state. Omoni disclosed that the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit, led by CSP Igwe Benneth, had responded to a distress call in an estate around the University of Port Harcourt, and after minutes of gunfight, the three suspects were killed.

Lagos APC Councillorship Candidate’s Daughter Kidnapped

Kidnappers, June 20, abducted the 19-year-old daughter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) councillorship candidate of Odi Olowo Local Council Development Area, Mr. Bode Adeosun, at the Illupeju area of Lagos. The victim, simply identified as Bukola, who was in the company of her younger sister, went on an errand for her mother. While her younger sister went to collect the item from a trader, Bukola waited outside. But apprehension set in after the younger sister came out of the apartment, only to discover that Bukola had been taken away by unknown persons. Confirming the abduction of his daughter, the politician stated that someone called him and told him that his daughter was in their custody. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, said that the victim was reported missing to the Police.

Court Remands 5 Alleged Kidnappers of Ogun Students in prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja, June 21, remanded five persons that allegedly kidnapped some staff and students of Nigeria-Turkish International College in Isheri, Ogun State on January 13, in Kuje Prison. Justice John Tsoho remanded the five defendants in prison after they pleaded not guilty to a five-count criminal charge preferred against them. Those docked over the crime were; Bekewei Agbojule, Egbasimokumo Ayeomi, Godspower Olopele, Toki Okuba and Super Allen Baye.  The charges were read to them through an interpreter. Three of the defendants, Agbojule, Ayeomi and Baye, were said to be from Ijaw community of Arogbo town, in the riverine area of Ondo State, while two others -Olopele and Okuba, were said to be residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State and Isheri in Ogun State, respectively. Justice Tsoho fixed September 28 for full trial of the defendants.

NAPTIP Arrests Human Trafficker in Edo

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said it had arrested a 45-year-old woman, Rhoda Omorogie, alias Mama Bobo, for her alleged involvement in the trafficking of young girls from Benin City to Europe. The NAPTIP Head of Press and Public Relations, Josiah Emerole, June 20, said that the operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the NAPTIP arrested the suspect in an early morning operation. Emerole explained that Omorogie, was nabbed by the operatives at residence in Benin City. He said the suspected trafficker had been in hiding since June 16, following the arrest of one of her gang members and the rescue of three of victims. The suspect had, over the years, been involved in the recruitment of young women from Benin City to other places, including Europe. He said the report also revealed that she was connected to the recruitment of the three victims that were rescued recently.

Kidnappers want N500,000 Ransom for Sokoto Bizman

The kidnappers of 27-year-old businessman, Alhaji Abubakar Kakirko, who was kidnapped at his Kakirko village, Wurno LGA of Sokoto State, are reportedly demanding N500,000 as ransom for his release. The state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Babangida Abdullahi, June 20, said that the businessman was abducted in the early hours of June 16, in the presence of his wife and three children. Abdullahi said that the kidnappers had demanded for a N500,000 ransom, while the victim was said to be alive and unhurt. He assured that the command, in synergy with other security agencies, would try to secure his release. He further assured that the NSCDC would not relent in their efforts until he regains his freedom and reunites with his family.

Army Intercepts 4 Child Traffickers

The Nigerian army, June 17, disclosed that its troops intercepted suspected child traffickers in Yobe State. Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, June 17, said the four traffickers, who were arrested by troops of Bravo Company, 120 Battalion at Katarko, were conveying the 19 children from Potiskum to Garin Tuwo, Bungai and Buni Yadi in Gujba LGA of Yobe State and Galarabala in Biu LGA of Borno State. Both the suspected traffickers and their victims have been moved to the Brigade Headquarters for transfer to National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), he added.

Baby Sold for N650,000 Reunites with Parents

The police in Imo State, June 22, reunited a 10-month-old baby, Tochukwu Peter, who was stolen and sold for N650,000, with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Okechukwu Peter. Three suspects –Ogechi Chukwuocha (42), Calista Igwe (38) and Chimezie (32) – were paraded for their roles in the abduction of the child. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, June 22, disclosed that the child was stolen from his mother, Udoka Peter, on June 15 in Ogbaku Community, in Mbaitoli LGA of the state. He stated that the operatives of the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department raided the syndicate’s den in Orlu on June 20 and rescued the child unhurt. The prime suspect, Favour Nwekem, who allegedly stole the baby, remains at large, he added.

Police Rescue Abducted Priest

The anti-kidnapping unit of the Imo State Police Command has rescued a Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Charles Nwachukwu, who was abducted by some gunmen. The priest was abducted by the kidnappers on June 16, 2017, at Amauzari in the Isiala Mbano LGA of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said the victim was rescued from Agbaja forest in Nwangele LGA of the state on June 17. The Police boss disclosed that three suspects in the kidnap case of the Catholic priest were arrested by his men. He gave the names of the alleged kidnappers as Ogadinma Ajonuwma, Chinedu Odoemenam and Uzoma Mejuru. The CP stated that the priest had identified the suspects as his abductors, and the suspects had also made confessional statements. The priest said his abductors had demanded N100m ransom for his release. He said the suspects forcefully obtained the code of his ATM card and withdrew about a half a million Naira from one of his accounts. One of the suspects, Odoemenam, who confessed to the kidnap, said he was also involved in car snatching and other criminal activities.

Kidnapped Kaduna Students, Lecturer Regain Freedom

Three students and a lecturer kidnapped by gunmen on June 16, have regained freedom from captivity. The students and lecturer from the School of Midwifery, Tudun-Wada in Kaduna State, were kidnapped along the Birnin-Gwari road, Birnin-Gwari LGA of the state. They were travelling on a visit to one of their colleagues who was hospitalised in the area when they ran into the kidnappers, who abducted the three students and the lecturer. Senior Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, June 18, said they had regained freedom and were in good condition. The state government, he said, commended security agencies and community leaders for the sustained efforts that led to their freedom.

NAPTIP Nab Notorious Human Trafficker, Rescue Victims

Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) from the Benin Zonal Command have arrested a 33-year-old man, Monday Ugbo, for human trafficking. Three victims were also rescued from his residence. Operatives of the agency had been on his trail for several weeks, following regular mention of his name in a number of human trafficking cases being handled by the Zonal Command. Acting on intelligence reports that he was harbouring some girls in his house preparatory to their movement abroad, operatives swooped on the notorious trafficker on June 16 and caught him in the process of receiving a registration fee of N50,000 he had demanded from a prospective victim. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was also preparing to take the three girls to a river that morning for oath taking before they embark on the journey to Europe. NAPTIP said Ugbo, who claimed to be a bricklayer, has been in the business of human trafficking for a long time.

Police Arrests Fulani Herdsman for Kidnapping, Raping Housewife for 3 Days

A 22-year-old Fulani herdsman, Abubakar Mojumba has been arrested by Police for the alleged kidnap of a 22-year-old woman Sadiat Musa. He was said to have kept the victim in a thick forest, where he and his gang members raped her serially for three days. Mojumba was one of the 16 suspects paraded by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude. The other 15 suspects were arrested at different parts of the state for armed robbery and theft. Weapons such as guns, cutlasses, local bulletproof jacket, mobile phones, wrist watches, expended cartridges, cars, motorcycles and so on. Odude disclosed that Mojumba was arrested on June 7. While abducting the victim, the hoodlums also stole her husband’s motorcycle with which she was taken away. The suspect was later arrested with the assistance of the villagers while trying to negotiate ransom with victim’s family members. Mojumba confessed that he participated in the illegal operation because his gang members promised to give him motorcycle.

Wanted Kidnap Kingpin, Gang Led by Woman Arrested in Benue

The Police in Benue state has busted two kidnap syndicates of eight members in Makurdi and Katsina-Ala areas. The suspects include a gang of four allegedly led by a woman believed to be an associate of the wanted militant leader, Terwase Agwaza, also known as Gana. Also arrested in the operation were three women whose responsibilities were to provide food for kidnapped victims. While parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi on June 16, the state’s Police Commissioner, Bashir Makama, said a businessman was kidnapped alongside his son. He said the son was later released to source for the N20 million they had demanded as ransom for his father. According to the CP, the suspects were rigorously tracked and eventually arrested in their hideout after a gun battle.

Robbery

Police Apprehend Robbery Suspects in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command, June 21, said it had arrested a gang of notorious armed robbers and kidnappers on Jikamshi-Yashi road in Musawa LGA of the state. The state’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Usman Abdullahi, said three suspects were arrested on June 18 when the police went on a rescue mission following a road accident in Musawa area. The CP said a passenger bus was involved in an accident with an articulated vehicle, adding that a driver died, while many passengers were injured. According to him, the police became curious when one of the accident victims had gunshot wound. The situation made the police to conduct thorough investigation in the area. During investigations, a vehicle with three occupants came to the scene of the accident but on sighting the police, the occupants attempted to escape but they were arrested. According to him, the suspects confessed to have been terrorising people in the area at gunpoint.

Police Arrest 17 Suspected Motorbike Thieves in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 17 people suspected to be attacking tricycle operator and stealing their machines within the Kano metropolis. Police spokesman, Magaji Majiya, disclosed this on June 22 while parading the suspects. He said the arrest followed a special operation targeting areas of operation of commercial motorcyclists in Kano City. He said that among those captured include a notorious thief, who allegedly stole more than 100 motorcycles from schools, hospitals and other institutions. According to him, most of the arrested suspects had been attacking commercial tricycle operators with dangerous weapons before dispossessing passengers of their handsets and other valuables.

Police in Enugu Arrest Car-Snatching, Robbery Suspect

The Police in Enugu State say they have arrested a car-snatching and robbery suspect alleged to have been operating in Enugu and Benue states for many years. Spokesman of the Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu, June 20, said that the suspect was apprehended on June 18 at Obolloafor in Udenu LGA of the state by operatives of the Safer Highways Police Unit while on patrol. According to the spokesman, the suspect has identified himself as Solomon Aondo from Katsina-Ala in Benue, but is residing in Makurdi. The suspect was nabbed after his gang dispossessed the owner of a Toyota Highlander jeep of his property at gunpoint. It was gathered that the suspect later dropped off his gang members and started heading towards Enugu before the operatives, acting on the intelligence, nabbed him. Amaraizu further said the suspect had since been helping police operatives in their investigations in relation to his gang’s activities. He also said the stolen vehicle was recovered from him.

RRS Nabs Notorious Robbery Suspect in Lagos

A notorious robbery suspect, Nurudeen Kazeem, arrested by the operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, has narrated how his gang specialised in placing orders for phones online, and then go on to rob the delivery men. He also confessed to have shot an RRS officer at the LASU/Igando area, saying he learned his shooting skills as a cultist. Arrested along with Kazeem were: Bello (33), the gang’s armourer, and Hassan (26), the gang’s motorcycle rider. The 27-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the shooting of an RRS officer investigating chains of robbery cases in the state. Nurudeen had shot the officer in the leg, while trying to dispossess a delivery man of some expensive phones one of the gang members had ordered online for delivery at a specific address in LASU-Iba Road.

IGP Squads Arrest Gang Terrorising Abuja-Kaduna Highway

The Police have smashed one of the kidnapping gangs terrorising the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Squads comprising Special Tactical Squad led by ACP Abba Kyari and Intelligence Response Squad, Special Anti-Robbery squad were deployed to comb the suspected hideouts of the kidnapping gang in Rijana and other villages in Kaduna. Consequent upon the massive deployment of the special squads, 8 notorious kidnappers including the gang leaders were arrested between June 15 and 17 June. The suspects confessed that they decided to release their last victim and proceed to go and see their family members in their respective villages before IRT operatives arrested them.

Robbers Hijack Luxury Bus on Benin-Asaba Highway

The Police have arrested a member of a seven-man armed robbery gang that waylaid and hijacked a Young Shall Grow luxury bus, robbed the occupants, along the Asaba-Benin expressway and drove away with the bus on June 8. Delta State Commissioner of Police, who confirmed the incident on June 18, said that the police have since launched a manhunt for the other members of the gang. One of the suspects was demobilized by the team and was arrested with gunshots injuries on the legs while others escaped. The passengers identified the recovered items and the suspect. The exhibits recovered from the arrested suspect include a bag containing 17 handsets, 14 wrist watches, 5 necklaces, 5 rings and one car radio, 2 pairs of shoes, one drilling machine, 2 pairs of trousers, one Jean shirt, one Baby Lotion and 3 bottles of perfumes.

Robbers Kill Colleague in Gun Battle with Police

Suspected robbers, in the early hours of June 23, reportedly shot their colleague dead along Ometan Road in Warri South Local Government Area. It was gathered that the deceased robber, identified simply as Obus, was shot by his colleague in an exchange of gunfire with a vigilante member, who was in a joint patrol with the Nigeria Police Force “B” Division. It was gathered that the suspected robber was rushed by the Police to the Warri Central Hospital for treatment, where he died due to injuries he sustained. The Police also recovered a locally-made pistol and their victim’s tricycle. The deceased and three others had attacked, shot and injured a commercial tricycle operator, Paul Obidi, before dispossessing him of his mobile phone, driver’s license and other particulars with N6,000.

Police Parade Seven Suspects for Car Snatching, Arms Possession

The Ebonyi State Police Command has paraded seven suspects for their alleged involvement in car snatching, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of ammunitions. Parading the suspects on June 21, the Police Public Relations Officer, Jude Madu, said the suspects were apprehended at various locations in the state. Madu disclosed that two members of the Gang namely Kingsley Onubo (35) and Okechukwu Chika (28), were arrested following a tip-off which led to the recovery of a black Toyota Camry by the police. He said that the Police arrested one robbery suspect named Uchenna Kelechi, who was nabbed at Agubata Amagu in Ikwo LGA and specialised in robbing members of the public at gunpoint. Madu further disclosed that two dreaded cultists identified as Emeka Onwe and Chinonso Oge, who have been terrorising residents of Ohaukwu community were arrested with assorted arms and ammunition as well as military camouflage.

Three Travelling Traders Robbed, Killed in Niger State

Three female traders were reportedly killed by armed robbers following the collapse of Tantabu Bridge in Mokwa, Niger State. A witness, Farida Idowu, June 17, said the traders, while travelling in a vehicle, had chosen a bushy path, which served as an alternative route, to evade the gridlock caused by the collapse of the bridge. According to Idowu, the robbers waylaid and robbed the traders, then shot dead the three women. Idowu also lamented that she had spent five days on the road because of the gridlock on a journey that would normally last a day. Another trader, Mrs. Ebutope Ilesanmi, said she spent four days while embarking on a journey because of the gridlock. The two bridges collapsed after a torrential rainfall on June 11.

Drugs

NDLEA Intercept 868kg of Tramadol, Re-Arrests Notorious Dealer

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two men carrying 31 cartons of Tramadol. They were nabbed while conveying the drugs in a J5 vehicle at Kwande Village of Shendam LGA of Plateau state. One of the suspects, Mas’udu Isyaka, said the drugs were being conveyed from Onitsha. He said he and his colleague were to go to Gombe but operatives nabbed them in Plateau. The State NDLEA commander, Ibrahim Braji, who paraded them on June 17, also handed over counterfeit and expired drugs of about 5, 580kg seized from a suspect named Jude Okoye Okeke, to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The suspect had been arrested three times before but was either fined or released on bail. Zuma was granted bail on health grounds after his third arrest in 2016.

Militancy/Maritime

NSCDC Nabs Suspected Mastermind of Attack on NAOC Facility

The alleged mastermind of the May 30 attack on a facility owned by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at Lagosgbene in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The NSCDC state Commandant, Mr. Desmond Agu, June 22, said that the suspect, Suoyo Dickson, aka Hustler, was arrested at Agbigiba community on June 16 by men of the Anti-Vandal Crack team of the command, who had been on his trail after the attack on the NAOC pipeline. The vandals fled the scene shortly after the attack but the security operatives remained on their trail, combing the creeks and waterways for the fleeing suspects. He added that the suspect had confessed to the crime and was helping with the investigations.

Terrorism

Five Killed in Boko Haram Mine Blast, Ambush

Five people were, June 21, killed in a landmine explosion and a roadside ambush in Borno State. In the first incident, at least three persons were killed when their truck ran over a landmine outside Abbari village in the Konduga district of Borno state. The truck hit the landmine and immediately went up in flames, killing all three persons on board. In the second incident, Boko Haram fighters killed two men, including a police officer, and injured six others in an ambush on a convoy near Dalwa West village. Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, confirmed that the insurgents opened “indiscriminate fire” on a convoy of vehicles heading from Maiduguri to the town of Damboa, killing two persons. The dead officer was among a contingent of 58 policemen on their way to new postings in the state.

DSS Uncovers Plot to attack Kano, infiltrate Shiites

The Department of State Services (DSS), June 23, said it had uncovered a plot by suspected terrorists to infiltrate the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shiite and also attack Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Maiduguri during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. Spokesman for the DSS, Tony Opuiyo, said two suspects –Yusuf Adamu and Abdulmuminu Haladu– were arrested in Sokoto in connection with the plot. The DSS had earlier arrested one Bashir Mohammed, the facilitator of the Kano attack on June 20 at Unguwar Barnawa, Kaduna. Another suspect, Shekarau Madaki, was also arrested at Kumbatso LGA of Kano State. Opuiyo said that their plan, together with some who are currently at large, was to assemble explosives and use them on selected targets during the sallah celebration. He added that items recovered from Mohammed‘s house were eight AK47 rifles, 20 AK47 loaded magazines, 27 hand grenades and 793 rounds of live ammunition. Others were one gas cylinder, three laptops, one Lifan motorcycle, one Honda Civic car and one printer. He said the service had also uncovered plots by terrorists to infiltrate the ranks of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shiites.

17 Dead as Five Female Suicide Bombers Attack Borno Community

The Borno state Police Command has confirmed 17 people, including five female suicide bombers, dead with several others injured in multiple attacks, which took place in Kofa Community of Maiduguri metropolis on June 18. Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku, confirmed that five female suicide bombers had detonated the IEDs strapped to their bodies in Kofa community, along the Maiduguri-Konduga road. The first suicide bomber detonated near a mosque, killing seven persons. The second detonated in a house killing five persons. While two other suicide bombers detonated within the same vicinity, killing themselves only. A total of seventeen persons including the five suicide bombers died, while eleven persons sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital. The EOD team were mobilized to the scene and normalcy has since been restored.

Army Confirms Arrest of Suspected Terrorist

The Nigerian army, June 17, confirmed the arrest of a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Aliyu Ahmed, in Bauchi State. Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said that the suspect was arrested on June 16 in Yuga village in Toro LGA of Bauchi State, where he has been in hiding by troops of 33 Brigade following a tip off. The army also said that it intercepted four child traffickers and 19 under aged children in Yobe. The suspect was found to be in possession of one single barrel gun and one Dane gun. The suspect has reportedly confessed that he actively participated in several Boko Haram terrorists’ attacks and also owned an AK-47 Rifle which got lost during one of the recent attacks they carried out.

Two Female Suicide Bombers Intercepted in Adamawa

Two female suicide bombers were, June 19, intercepted by hunters in Tsamiya area of Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. The General Secretary of Adamawa branch of the Nigeria Hunters Association, Garba Tarfa, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the hunters spotted the women trying to enter the town but when they were shouted to stop, one of them immediately detonated her bomb and they both died.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Herdsmen Men Behead Woman in Ekpoma

Women in Ekpoma, Edo State stormed the streets, protesting the alleged beheading of a woman by Fulani herdsmen on her farm. The slain woman, Magaret Udiamehi, was said to have been murdered in her farm on June 20 and her dismembered body found in different locations at the farm by the police. The daughter of the deceased, who narrated their ordeal, said her mother left for the farm in the morning and did not return home, adding that it was when they became worried that the youths and elders of the community went in search of her in the farm only to discover that she had been beheaded. The Divisional Police Officer at Ekpoma, Franklin Akanonu, confirmed the killing of the woman. He appealed to the protesters to cooperate with the police in fishing out those behind the wicked act through useful information.

3 Men Docked for allegedly Strangulating Man to Death

The Benue State Police Command, June 23, arraigned three men before a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly strangulating a 65-year-old man Ambrose Abah, to death. The suspects -Alexander Okoh, Joseph Ochai and Innocent Audu- are standing trial on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and culpable homicide. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Godwin Ato, told court that the case was transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ugbokolo, Benue to the state CID, Makurdi for investigation. He told court that the son of the deceased, Christian Abah, reported the matter at Ugbokolo Police State on May 17. Abah reported that the armed men invaded his father’s compound and robbed all the residents of their valuables and money after which they strangled his father, who was contesting for the clan head of Ai-Akor to death. The pleas of the accused were not taken for want of jurisdiction. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Isaac Ajim, ordered that the accused should be remanded at the Federal Prisons in Makurdi. He adjourned the matter to July 18 for further mention.

Herdsmen Kill One in Delta Community

Suspected herdsmen, June 20, attacked a farm settlement at Umueze near Oloa-Ossissa community, Ndokwa East LGA of Delta State, killing a 15-year-old boy, Nnamdi Okonkwo, and inflicting bullet wounds on his father. It was gathered that the deceased was with his father, Anarobi Okonkwo, at their camp along Abalam-Ossissa Road when the herdsmen invaded. A source in the Ossissa said the herdsmen earlier chased farmers with guns at Azu-Anuga farmland area of Umueze-Ossissa. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident.

12-Year-Old Boy Kills Landlady as Condition for Initiation

A 12-year-old boy, who allegedly robbed and killed his landlady at Abraka in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State was among those paraded for various offences by the state Police Command on June 22. The state Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, said that the boy confessed that he committed the act because a cult group told him that one of the conditions for initiation was that he must have been involved in a criminal act. Ibrahim disclosed that one of the kidnap suspects, Sa’adu Alhaji, a national of Niger Republic, residing at Okpanam community, Oshimili North Local Government Area, was arrested by the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad in conjunction with men of Eagle Vigilante groups of Abraka Market, Asaba, over his complicity in some kidnap cases within Asaba and its environs. He said the suspect was connected to the kidnapping syndicates operated by suspected herdsmen and an ally of Musa Mohammed.

3 Killed as Arsonists Set Family House Ablaze

Suspected cultists, June 18, set a family house ablaze at Okpako-Ejemah in Eleme LGA of Rivers State killing the occupants of the house -Alhaji Hamza Garuba, his wife and step-son in the fire. Brother to the deceased, Sani, disclosed that the arsonists, five in number, invaded his brother’s house at about 10pm on June 18 and attempted to rob the family. Sani said the bandits had attempted to rape Garuba’s wife, but that the deceased stabbed one of the bandits to death. This infuriated the other gang members, who quickly ran out of the house, locked the entrance door and set the house ablaze. Nobody was at hand to rescue them as all of them were burnt beyond recognition. Muhammed stated that killing was not in connection of the clash between Hausa community and task force team in Onne, Eleme LGA, on May 19. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident and added that two persons have been arrested.

Suspected Cultist Arraigned in Court for Drowning Gang Member

A suspected cultist, Sulaimon Babatunde (24), was, June 20, charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly beating and drowning his cult member simply named Ahmed in the Lagos Lagoon. Babatunde was docked on charges of conspiracy and murder. The Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Cousin Adams, told court that the offences were committed on June 5 at Carter Bridge on Lagos Island. Adams explained that the victim and the accused had previously been members of a cult in Kwara. Babatunde claimed that the deceased had caused the death of his two-month-old baby sometime in January and upon sighting him, he solicited the help of two of his friends, who are now at large. The trio bundled Ahmed into a dark corner where they beat him up before carrying him to the lagoon side and throwing him inside, the prosecutor stated. Babatunde’s plea was not taken by the court. The magistrate, Helen Omisore, ordered that the accused should be remanded in custody pending a legal advice from the office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions. She adjourned the matter until July 24.

Villagers Kill 2 Herdsmen in Delta

Armed villagers of a community in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State have shot dead two herdsmen, Saidu Ibrahim and Malum Ali, while the police recovered 15 expended and one live cartridges, eight expended 7.62mm ammunition and a torchlight at the scene of the incident. The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the incident on June 20, said Ogbole-Ogume community denied complicity in the attack and the matter was under investigation. He said that after consultation with the state chairman of Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Maikudi Ningi, the corpses were taken to Saint Luke’s mortuary in Kwale, and that it was during a search in the bush that the police found two dead and five injured cows.

Son Kills Mother for Refusing to Pay Grandson School fees

A 37-year-old man, Alex Ederiene, June 13, struck his 59-year-old mother, Florence Ederiene, dead with firewood at Agbarha Otor community, near Ughelli, Delta State, for allegedly refusing to pay the school fees of his son, Godstime. The State’s Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, said that the police were alerted about the murder of Ederiene by a sister to the suspect, Blessing. He said that the deceased died on the spot and her remains were deposited at the mortuary of Central Hospital, Ughelli, for autopsy.

2 Killed, Church, Mosque Torched as Task Force, Clash with Hausa Traders

About two people were killed with places of worship burnt as Hausa traders and some youths, believed to be local government task force team in Eleme LGA of Rivers State, clashed. It was gathered that trouble started when some youths from Eleme, who are operating as a task force, went to Opaku Park in Onne to demand payment of taxes from Hausa traders doing business in the area. An eyewitness narrated that the youths became angry when the traders declined paying the tax and the ensuing argument resulted in a free-for-all. One of the tax officials died during the fight and his colleagues, on noticing that one of them had died, killed one of the traders in retaliation. It was also learned that a church and a mosque in the area were burnt down. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed that the two groups clashed in Eleme and that the incident led to burning of a Church and a Mosque. He added that the police had swung into action and deployed men to maintain calm in the area.

Police Confirm Seven Dead in Mambilla Violence

The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed the killing of seven persons in the violence that broke out on the Mambilla plateau between the Fulanis and the Mambillas. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), David Misal, who confirmed this on June 21 further disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Babas, had relocated to the Mambilla and would remain there until normalcy was restored. He added that three units of mobile policemen have been deployed to the area to maintain peace and ensure that the situation is brought under control and ensure the perpetrators of the crisis are brought to book. The violence erupted following a misunderstanding between a Fulani man and a Mambilla man at Nguroje leading to the remand in prison custody of the Mambilla man. His kinsmen, infuriated by the remand, were said to have demanded the unconditional release of their father from prison custody and insisted that justice must be seen to have been done in the matter which eventually sparked the crisis.

Kidnapped Ondo APC Chieftain Found Dead

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Olumide Odimayo, who was kidnapped on June 8 by unknown gunmen at his hometown in Igbotu has been found dead. Some local vigilante members, who confirmed this on June 19, said the corpse of Late Odimayo was found near Ogolo River, between Sabomi and Igbotu in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state. The APC spokesman in the state, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya expressed shock at the news, describing it as tragic. The police has arrested a man, identified as Bekewei Francis, his son, David, and six other suspects in connection with the incident. The suspects were paraded by the state Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison. The CP explained that one AK49 rifle with 21 rounds live ammunition was recovered from David, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the kidnapping gang.

Court Remands Lagos Pastor for Beheading Seven-Year-Old Boy

A Lagos State Magistrate’s Court sitting at Ebute-Meta has ordered the remand of two men, Adedoyin Oyekanmi (23) and Erinmole Adetokunbo (26), for allegedly beheading a seven-year-old boy, Kazeem Rabiu. The magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Fowowe-Erusiafe, June 22, said the two defendants should be remanded in custody pending the release of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. It was learnt that Oyekanmi and Adetokunbo, a pastor, had lured the boy from his parents’ house to the church’s premises on Oke-Oniburokun Street, Odokekere, Ikorodu.  They were said to have beheaded him and buried the head around the church’s altar, while the body was kept in a canal. Adetokunbo was later apprehended by residents. He was said to have confessed to the crime, naming Oyekanmi as his accomplice. The duo reportedly led detectives to the church, where the victim’s remains were recovered. A mob was said to have destroyed the church and asked the police to release the suspects to them for jungle justice. The suspects were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba.

Warring Youths Kill Eight in Cross River Community

At least eight persons have been killed following a communal clash between Uyanga and Ojor communities in the Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State. It was learnt that the fight which started on June 21, was already posing threats to commuters along the Uyanga end of the Calabar-Ikom Expressway as youths with guns and machetes were sighted on the road. It was learnt that a Catholic school, Stella Maris Junior Seminary, which is located in the Uyanga-end of the Uyanga/Ojor boundary, had been turned into a battle ground as youths from Ojor community had reportedly threatened to burn down the school, while their warring counterparts from Uyanga community said they would abduct the principal of the school and the over 180 pupils who were boarding in the school. It was learnt that policemen deployed to maintain the peace between the warring communities had left the area as of the time of filing the report.

Worker Kills Chinese Boss

A 28-year-old man, Okechukwu Amos, June 16, killed his 26-year-old boss, Alice Xu the company’s premises. The suspect, a worker at Green World, a drug manufacturing company in Lagos, sneaked into Xu’s apartment within the facility while she was asleep and covered her nose with a cloth until she suffocated. It was gathered that the suspect had complained that the boss usually harassed him, and decided to “deal with her” that day. Not done, Amos reportedly ransacked the apartment and allegedly stole about N800,000 and $2,000, which belonged to the deceased. Luck, however, ran out on him when a security guard discovered his identity and alerted the police. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the incident.

Rape

Man, 57, Lures, Rapes 8-Year-Old Girl

A 57-year-old man, Aminu Ibrahim, who allegedly raped a minor after luring her with N50 and milk, was, June 22, granted bail by a Jos Upper Area Court sitting in Kasuwa Nama. Ibrahim, who was first arraigned on May 6, denied committing the offences. The judge, Mr. J. Yahaya, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 and a surety in like sum and adjourned the case until July 21. The prosecutor, Inspector E. A. Inegbenose, told the court that the victim’s mother, Maryam Abdulahi, reported the matter to the police on April 26 after she noticed that her eight-year-old daughter had difficulties walking, then interrogated her. He said the victim told the mother that the accused person lured her with N50 and a milk after which he took her to his shop and raped her. The prosecutor said after the rape, the accused threatened to kill the victim if she ever mentioned it to anyone. He added that during Police investigations, the accused person confessed to have committed the crime.

Police Arrest 50-Year-Old Man for Defiling Toddler

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man who allegedly defiled a 15-month-old baby girl at the Swali area of Yenagoa. Police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, June 22, said that the case had been lodged with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and that investigation was under way. The suspect, identified as Oku Ekanem, was arrested by the men of the state Anti-Crime squad known as `Door Akpor’ on June 19. The accused, who was alleged to be a lover to Madam Blessing Joshua, the 40-year-old mother of the victim, was caught while defiling the child. The mother of the victim, explained that she had been watching television with my neighbour till late in the night when she heard the scream of her child and ran inside. According to her, she was shocked to find Ekanem defiling her child. According to her, Ekanem denied the act but a test carried out at the hospital proved otherwise.

Man, 68, in Docked for Allegedly Defiling 12-Year-Old

A 68-year-old man, Patrick Onyesom, who allegedly defiled his house-keeper was on June 21 arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offence was committed on April 12 at the accused residence. Ogu said that the accused defiled the 12-year-old house-keeper when his wife travelled. The girl later told one of the neighbours, who alerted the police and the accused was apprehended, he said. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted the accused N250, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum. Akanni adjourned the case until July 5 for mention.

Man in Court for Allegedly Raping Friend’s Sister

A 20-year-old man, Mathias Attah, was June 21, charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly raping a teenager. Attah is facing a two-count charge of rape and unlawful escape from custody. The Prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told court that the offences were committed on May 31 and June 7 at the residence of the accused. Ogu described the accused as a friend to the brother of the rape victim. The girl was on her way back from school when the accused called her into his room on the pretext of sending her to her brother. The accused then shut the door at her and raped her. The girl cried to her mother and the case was brought to the police. Ogu also said that the accused, who was arrested and remanded in police custody, however, escaped. He was later re-arrested and charged to court, Ogu said. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum. Akanni adjourned the case until July 17 for mention.

14-Year-Old Rape Victim Slashes off Attacker’s Scrotum in Katsina

A 30-year-old suspected rapist, Bishir Yau, had his penis slashed by his victim, a 14-year-old girl, in Katsina State. The incident occurred when Yau allegedly lured the girl, who resides in the same compound, with him into an uncompleted building, and forcefully raped her. While struggling to rescue herself, the teenage girl reportedly slashed off the attacker’s penis with a razor blade. Yau was arraigned before a Katsina senior magistrate court over rape. The magistrate, Hajiya Fadile Dikko, adjourned the case to July 19 for mention, directing that Bishir be remanded in police custody till then.

Entertainer, 38, Charged with Raping 20-Year-Old Student in Lagos

A 38-year-old entertainer, Christopher Agboro, June 19, appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for raping and assaulting his female friend. He was, however, released on a N500, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum. The Magistrate, Mrs K.A. Ariyo, who gave the ruling, said one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused and directed that a copy of the file should be duplicated and sent to the State Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. The accused is facing a two-count charge of assault and unlawful sexual intercourse. He pleaded not guilty the charges. The Prosecutor, Inspector Cousin Adams told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 8 when he tricked the 20-year-old student into his apartment and tore her trousers before raping her. The prosecutor also alleged that the accused hit the girl with an object on the head which weakened her. The case was adjourned until July 26.

Man, 30, Arraigned for Allegedly Defiling 9-Year-Old Girl

A 30-year-old man, Richard Abraham, who allegedly defiled a nine-year-old girl, was on June 19, brought before an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Abraham was arraigned on a two-count charge of indecent and unlawful deal, and unlawful sexual intercourse. The prosecutor, Sergeant Kehinde Omisakin, told the court that the accused committed the offences in November, 2016. Omisakin said that the accused had indecent and unlawful sexual intercourse with a nine -year-old girl residing in his neighborhood. The Chief Magistrate, Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted the accused N1 million bail with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned until July 17 for further hearing.

Rape Victim Attacks Serial Rapist, Reports to Police

A 36-year-old man, Henry Asuquo, alleged to have raped his 15-year-old half-sister, was June 21, arraigned at a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The accused is facing a two-count charge of rape and sexual harassment and assault. The prosecutor, Inspector Nurudeen Thomas, told the court that the offences were committed between March, 2013 and June, 2017 at the apartment of the accused. He said that the victim had been staying with her half-brother of same mother since she was brought to Lagos from the village at the age of five. He alleged that the accused had been sexually assaulting the girl since she turned 11 years. But on June 11, when he tried raping her again, the 15-year-old grabbed his scrotum and while he was writhing in pain, she had the opportunity to run to the nearest police station to report. The accused pleaded innocence of the offences. In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Kikelomo Ayeye, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties each in like sum. She adjourned the case until July 5 for mention.

Police Arrest Cleric for Defiling, Impregnating Minor

A pastor of a Pentecostal church in Rivers State, Legitom Doctor (44), has been arrested by the police for defiling and impregnating an 11-year-old girl. Doctor, who is the head of Greater Grace and Mercy Church in Rumuolumeni, had, In December 2016, allegedly raped his victim and impregnated her. The victim stated that Doctor raped her the day her father travelled home to bury his mother. The suspect admitted to raping the girl. He promised to take care of her until she gives birth and thereafter train her in school. The Divisional Police Officer of Rumuolumeni Police Division, Mr. Kingsley Chukwuegu, said the suspect would be arraigned in court at the end of the investigation.

Others

Police Arrest Six in Imo Deadly Cult Clash

About six persons have been arrested by the Joint Military Task Force in Assa community in the Ohaji /Egbema LGA of Imo State over inter cult war which had allegedly claimed three lives. The cult war which started on June 14, had claimed three lives, while about seven houses were vandalised. The state Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, however, said that only one person died in the clash. According to a source, some villagers had fled their homes, while others are living in apprehension. The CP said that suspects would be transferred to the police headquarters in Owerri for investigations. Ezike said that the security Agencies had taken positive measures in arresting the situation, adding that the heavy presence of security personnel in the community was one of the measures to restore normalcy in the volatile community.

Suspected Criminal Burnt to Death by Angry Mob in Calabar

A suspected criminal was on June 21 lynched and burnt to death by angry mob at Edim Otop, a suburb in Calabar, Cross River State capital. The incident occurred some metres away from where another was burnt on June 18. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State Irene Igbo, said that four persons were arrested and that investigations were on going. The incidents occurred in an area where offices of most of the security agencies are situated. These agencies include Immigration, Air Force and the Police‎. It was however, alleged that the deceased was a hardened criminal, as some of people were seen jubilating over his death.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination incidents continue to top the crime index with alarming incidents on record. A 12-year-old boy in Delta State killed his landlady as a condition to be initiated into a dreaded cult group. Also on record is the beheading of a woman in Edo State by persons suspected to be herdsmen, who went further to dismember parts of her body. In a contrary incident in Delta State, armed villagers of a community in Ndokwa West LGA shot and killed two herdsmen. Still in Delta, a man hacked his mother to death over her refusal to pay his son’s school fees. In Rivers State, a gang reportedly killed a family of by locking them in their house and setting it ablaze. In Lagos, a suspected cultist was remanded for beating up and drowning his gang member. While many of the killings were lone incidents, and the police has made good arrests with some suspects charged to court; other killings include communal clashes as recorded in Taraba and Cross Rivers State and attacks by rampaging herdsmen.

While the menace of kidnapping for ransom remains on the high, security operatives are not resting on their oars as they continue to comb kidnappers den and hideouts to rescue victims. This was played out when the Rivers State Police Command, killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued nine kidnap victims in different operations in the state.  In the FCT, a court remanded five persons in prison over the January kidnap of staff and students of a school in Ogun State. Meanwhile, the anti-human trafficking agency in Nigeria, NAPTIP, arrested two notorious suspects in Edo and rescued three girls about to be trafficked to Europe, while in Yobe, the military intercepted four child traffickers and rescued the children. However, in Sokoto State, where kidnapping had been, low, a businessman was kidnapped and a ransom has been demanded for his release

While armed robbers continued their robbery spree, security operatives remained steadfast with various arrests of suspects. The Katsina State Police Command arrested a gang of notorious armed robbers and kidnappers on Jikamshi-Yashi road in Musawa LGA of the state. The suspects were arrested on June 18 when the police went on a rescue mission following a road accident, where the police observed a victim with gunshot wounds and thereafter combed the bushes. In Kano, Enugu and Lagos states, the Police arrested several vehicle and tricycle robbery suspects. Some of the suspects were nabbed while robbing car owners, operators and commuters. Similarly, in a sting operation, the Inspector General of Police Special Squads smashed one of the armed gangs terrorising the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. Various calibres of arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects across the country.

The menace of paedophilia continues at an alarming and very sad rate with innocent children suffering victims. A 57-year-old man allegedly lured raped an 8-year-old girl in Jos. He was further alleged to have threatened to kill the minor if she ever revealed the assault to anyone. In a heart breaking incident, the Bayelsa State Police Command arrested a 50-year-old man who allegedly defiled a 15-month-old baby girl. Other cases involved old men defiling young children in their care. In a twist, a 30-year-old rapist had his scrotum slashed with a razor by his 14-year-old victim who fought her way out. The suspect after receiving treatment, has been remanded in prison. Another young girl, defended herself from her half-brother who had persistently raped her for four years. AT his last attempt, she found courage to fight back and grabbed his scrotum, causing him severe pain before she fled to the police. These incidents were mostly recorded in the north and western parts of the country.

The battle for the north-east continues as the terrorists continue their attacks on communities in Borno State. Five people were, June 21, killed in a landmine explosion and a roadside ambush in Borno State. In the first incident, at least three persons were killed when their truck ran over a landmine, while the second incident had Boko Haram fighters kill two men, including a police officer, in an ambush. Similarly, 17 persons, including 5 suicide bombers died in multiple bomb attacks in Maiduguri. But as the terrorists continue plotting and executing attacks, the military and various security agencies remain resolute to stamp out the threat as they continue to make arrest and foil their plans with several arrests of the terrorists and their collaborators. The military apprehended a wanted suspect, who was hiding out in Yobe state, while local vigilante intercepted two suicide bombers in Adamawa state. As the north-east continues to bear the brunt of terrorism, Army spokesman, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, has continually assured of the resolve of the army to defeat the terrorists.

As insecurity abounds in the society, Villeworth calls on the general public to remain vigilant. Take cognizance of your environment and stay safe.