Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 27

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Kidnap Woman in Sapele

Armed kidnappers, July 2, stormed the residence of a staff of Seplat Petroleum Development Company in Sapele, Delta State, Anthony Owumi, and kidnapped his wife, Susan. According to a witness, Susan was kidnapped at about 6am at her gate by a five-man gang while she was on her way to church. The source said that the kidnappers shot several times into the air to scare people away before zooming off with the victim’s car. The kidnappers, however, released the victim’s son and one of her male tenants and his two kids, who were with her, before zooming off with their victim. Husband of the victim, Anthony Owumi, was said to have narrowly escaped from kidnappers along the Sapele/Warri dual carriageway penultimate week, while returning from an engagement in Warri.

Kidnappers Break into Principal’s House, Abduct Wife

Suspected Kidnappers, June 30, broke into the residence of the Principal of Gbanrainowei Grammar School, Okolobiri in Bayelsa State, Pereowei Moron, and abducted his wife, Edith. The incident occurred at about 2am at their Azikoro Village residence. The 12-man gang reportedly gained access into the house after breaking in through a window. It was learnt that after entering, the hoodlums pointed a gun at Edith’s brother, whom they used to lure the principal and his wife out of their bedroom. It was learnt that when the principal and his wife came out, the attackers shot at the house repeatedly. The gunmen also shot the woman in the leg before whisking her away after stealing some money. According to the source, the kidnappers have established contact with the family and have demanded N3m as ransom before her release.

Court Remands Man over Kidnap of Two

A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, July 4, ordered the remand of 32-year-old Ismaila Isiaka in‎ prison, for allegedly kidnapping two men. The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, who gave the order adjourned the case until August 14 for hearing. Isiaka was arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy and kidnapping, offences he denied committing. The prosecutor, Umoh Inah, told the court that the defendant was arrested based on a petition written to the Office of the Inspector General of Police. Inah said the defendant conspired with some of his gang members, who are at large, and kidnapped one Ajaka Musa and Musa Adamu on April 22. According to the prosecutor, the Police are still searching for the other gang members.

Siblings on Holiday from Cotonou Disappear in Lagos

Two siblings, Ridwan Adeleke (10) and Nimota Adeleke (8), went missing in Wera town, Eyita, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The children, who live in Cotonou, Benin Republic with their parents, were said to be on holiday in Nigeria when they went missing. It was learnt that their mother, Fatimoh Adeleke, had brought them to her sister in Lagos, about two weeks before their disappearance, while she returned to Cotonou. It was gathered that the children were playing on the premises of Morufu’s house on July 1, and soon disappeared. A neighbour said other residents joined the woman to search for the children, while the case was reported at the Owutu, Sagamu Road, Igbogbo and Ipakodo police divisions.

Man Jailed 11 Years for Child Theft

A chief magistrate court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, July 4, sentenced one Onyemachi Alor to 11 years imprisonment without an option of fine for conspiracy and child stealing. Alor was convicted on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit child stealing and child stealing, offences punishable under the law. Prosecution witnesses told the court that on May 21, 2014 the accused stole two young boys, aged five and seven and took them to Abia State, where he sold them for N700,000 and N400,000, respectively, to a woman. According to the witnesses, the accused person and his accomplice (the woman) were later arrested by two police officers, who disguised as potential buyers and recovered the boys. He disclosed that the culprits were afterwards taken from Abia State to Delta State Police Command where they were charged to court. The Chief Magistrate, Okonkwo Okanume, held that the evidence of witnesses established his guilt enough to sustain a conviction. Okanume sentenced the accused person to five and six years imprisonment without option of fine in counts one and two, respectively.

Kidnappers want N70m as Ransom for Abducted Pharmacist’s Son

The kidnappers of Uzodinma Nwagu have demanded for a ransom of N70million for his release. The victim, who is the son of Francis Nwagu, owner of a popular pharmacy in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, was kidnapped on July 3 along Goldie Street. The kidnappers reportedly trailed him to the pharmacy, swooped on him and bundled him into their vehicle before speeding off. Spokeswoman of the Cross River State Police Command, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident, adding that the police were on the trail of the hoodlums.

Kidnapped Imo APC Chieftain Regains Freedom

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Barrister Kingsley Ononuju, has been released after spending four days in captivity. Ononuju was abducted on June 29 after he left his Owerri residence at the Aladimma area of the state. The kidnappers later established contact with the victim’s family and made a demand of N6m as the condition for his release. A family source confirmed that the victim was released on July 3, but did not provide details. His vehicle was recovered in Etche, Rivers state, by the police.

Gunmen Abduct Two Lawyers in Rivers

Two executive members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Rivers State have been abducted while returning from the body’s national executive committee meeting in Abuja. It was gathered that the victims were kidnapped around Isiokpo community in Ikwerre LGA of the state. The bus was conveying passengers to Port Harcourt from Abuja and was hijacked at Isiokpo. The bus was later released after the two lawyers had been picked. The Chairman of JUSUN in Rivers State, George Sokari, July 5, called for the victims’ unconditional release. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nnamdi Omoni, said that the police have intensified efforts in the bid to ensure that the lawyers regain their freedom.

Robbery

Police Kill Two Suspected Robbers, Arrest Two in Imo

The Imo State Police Command said its officers have killed eight suspected armed robbers who had been terrorising people in various parts of the state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Enwerem, July 1, said the feat was recorded following the security measures, including whistle-blowing strategy. According to him, operatives of the command monitoring unit while on routine patrol near a petrol station at Irete in Owerri West Local Council on June 30, encountered a four-man gang of suspected kidnappers/armed robbers. In an exchange of gunfire, the suspects were overpowered and arrested with various degrees of injuries. Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one AK 47 rifle with breech No. BH-7812, one pump action gun, one cut-to-size locally-made gun, 17 rounds of AK 47 ammunition, 13 rounds of live cartridges, six expended cartridges, some charms and masks. Two of the suspects later died as a result of injuries sustained during the exchange of fire while the surviving two are co-operating with investigation, he added.

Police Arrest Robbery Suspect at Bone Setter’s House

The Zonal Intervention Squad of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, has arrested four robbery suspects in Ogunmakin, in the Ifo LGA of Ogun State. The suspects were arrested after detectives received information that one of them was being treated for a gunshot injury in the house of a local bone setter. The police operatives swooped on the house and arrested the suspect, who confessed to have participated in a robbery. The suspects confessed that he and his gang members had operated in the Abule Ilumeji community in late June when he got shot by a vigilante as they were escaping from the scene. The Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, while confirming the incident on July 1, said the suspects were arrested with a cut-to-size locally-made pistol.

NSCDC Official, Two Others Bag 6 Years Imprisonment for Robbery

A Kogi State high court sitting in Lokoja, June 29, sentenced a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Taiwo Babalola and two others to six years imprisonment for robbery. Sentenced along with Babalola were Kolawale Samson and Ainoko Paul. Justice S.O Otu found the accused persons guilty of robbing one Kadiri Mukailu in December 2016, carting away his Toyota Camry and other items. During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty. The prosecution and the defendants brought witnesses through their counsels to prove their cases. However, the presiding judge, Justice Otu, found the trio guilty of the armed robbery offence and sentenced them to six years imprisonment with hard labour.

Robbers Kill Father of 12 over Motorcycle

Gunmen, July 1, killed a father of 12, Mathias Abah, and stole his motorcycle along Oda Road, on the outskirts of Akure, the Ondo State capital. It was gathered that the deceased was killed while he was returning to his Isagba camp from Oda town. His brother, Friday Bernard, disclosed that the deceased was attacked by the robbers after he dropped-off his daughter, Esther. According to Bernard, his brother dropped his daughter at Ogbe High School, Oda, but was shot dead on his way back to his camp. Bernard said the remains of his brother were moved to the mortuary by policemen from Ala Police Division. Police image-maker, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident, adding that detectives had commenced investigation into it.

Vigilante Group Apprehends 7 Robbery Suspects in Abakaliki

The Ebonyi Neighbourhood Watch Group (ENWG), a vigilance outfit established by the State Government, has arrested seven armed robbery suspects operating in different locations in Abakaliki. A Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the state governor, Kenneth Ugbala, who disclosed this on July 4, said that the suspects had confessed to their involvement in criminal activities, and were handed over to the Police for investigation and prosecution. He said that a number of stolen items and dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspected hoodlums.

Man to Die by Hanging for Robbery in Ekiti

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, July 3, sentenced a middle aged man, Aanu Adu, to death by hanging for armed robbery. Handing down the verdict, Justice Segun Ogunyemi held that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt based on the evidence before the court. The judge also sentenced Adu to two years on each of two counts of malicious damage of property in the offence committed in Ilawe-Ekiti on October 28, 2015. Adu was charged with criminal armed robbery and malicious damage of property. The convict had robbed one Adeleye Funmilayo of N650,000 belonging to one Ogunniyi Titilayo and maliciously damaged a digital camera belonging to one Adeyemi Idowu.

Police Nab 9 Inter-State Robbery Suspects

Operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have smashed an inter-state armed robbery gang that specialised in snatching vehicles across the country. The nine suspected members of the gang were arrested with seven stolen cars and victims’ personal effects. The arrest was made following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who received several complaints by residents of Mabushi in the FCT, Abuja about carjacking. The operatives arrested a member of the gang, Lawal Peter, and on interrogation, Peter reportedly led operatives to his gang’s hideout in Mabushi, where eight other suspected members of his gang were arrested.

Policeman Kills Bandit in Rivers

An unidentified policeman, July 4, gunned down a member of a five-man armed robbery gang in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the incident occurred around the Ebony Hospital Road, Orazi by Rumuola. The armed robber, who was said to be clutching an AK-47 rifle, had aimed at the gallant cop, who suddenly jumped into the dirty gutter. It was gathered that while the hoodlum, who was wearing a hood, was shot in the chest, four other members of his gang escaped. Satisfied that he got his target, the policeman came out of the drain with his uniform drenched with smelly liquid from the gutter.

Drugs

Police Arrest 9 over Indian Hemp Festival

The Kwara State Police Command, July 2, arrested nine persons for organising Indian hemp festival in Ilorin. It was also gathered that the suspects had circulated posters informing intending members about the event and rebuffed calls by prominent citizens and organisations to call it off. The culprits were rounded up in Aiyetoro and Asa-Dam area of Ilorin. Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident. He reiterated that the command would continue to ensure crime prevention to make the residents live in peace and harmony.

Militancy/Maritime

Troops Uncover Local Arms Manufacturing Hideout in Delta

Authorities of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta codenamed ‘Operation Delta Safe’ have said that their operatives have uncovered a local arms manufacturing hideout in Arhavwarien Kingdom, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, leading to the arrest of 18 suspects. The JTF Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral, Apochi Suleiman, July 3, said its operatives also arrested a wanted oil bunkering kingpin ‘Godspower’ after successful raid operations on identified local arms manufacturing hideout in Arhavwarien Kingdom in Ughelli South, Delta State.

Pirates Kill Mother, Son in Delta

Suspected pirates, July 3, shot and killed a woman, Anetorofa Morkor, and her son, Doutimi Asaba, at a fishing camp along Ekologbene creek of Ayakoromo community in Burutu LGA of Delta State. The hoodlums invaded the camp in an attempt to rob the fishermen and women, but ended up killing the victims following a brawl with one of them. Giving details of the incident, one of those fishing at the camp stated that the hoodlums sneaked into the camp and pointed a gun on the woman’s head, while barking on her to give them her cash and other items. According to reports, Asaba was angered by the way his mother was being manhandled, and subsequently engaged the hoodlums in a brawl, which resulted to both of them being shot dead.

2 Soldiers Killed by Militants in Sapele

Suspected militants killed two soldiers attached to the 19 Battalion, Koko, Warri North LGA of Delta State. The attack on the soldiers by a gang of suspected militants along the river between Abigborodo and Arouwun communities in Sapele has caused tension amongst residents, who fear an invasion by the military. A source, July 5, disclosed that the two military personnel died on the spot, while the civilian driver of the boat they were traveling on is receiving medical attention after sustaining gunshot wounds on the head. According to reports, the military operatives, on sighting the boat of the suspected militants close to a spot near the Shell Jetty, drove there to ascertain the identity of the occupants only for the hoodlums to open fire on them at close range while the driver escaped with gunshot wounds.

Terrorism

1 Officer, 3 Soldiers Die in IED Explosions

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that it lost an officer and three soldiers in Borno State on June 29 when their patrol vehicle encountered IED buried on the road between Kangarwa and Alagarno village. The Army Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who confirmed the incident, said three other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries, while the patrol vehicle was completely damaged. Usman, however, said three suspected terrorists who planted the explosive and hid themselves had been fished out and neutralised. The army spokesman added that the troops also handed over one Miss Jada Hachaba, who was abducted by the terrorists to her mother at Gulak in Adamawa. The army spokesman explained that Hachaba escaped from the terrorists’ captivity.

Five Terrorists Killed as Boko Haram Loots Borno Village

Five suspected Boko Haram terrorists have been shot dead by troops of the Nigerian Army after the insurgents attacked Mussini village in Borno State to loot goods and food items. Troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade ambushed the insurgents in Mussini, while the terrorists were looting and burning a truck loaded with assorted goods. Five of the terrorists were reportedly killed, while others were said to have escaped with gunshot injuries. The insurgents were ambushed and killed following a tip-off. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, while confirming the incident on July 1, said that weapons recovered from the insurgents include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 27 bicycles, 10 machetes and one dagger. He further disclosed that troops of the 82 Task Force Battalion on patrol along Ngoshe-Pulka Road, discovered three Improvised Explosive Devices buried by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on the road. The army said the unit’s Explosive Ordnance Device team safely detonated the three IEDs.

Boko Haram Fighters Infiltrate Refugees

Boko Haram fighters have been found among refugees returning to Nigeria from neighbouring Cameroon, the Borno State Emergency Management Agency disclosed on July 1. The agency’s head, Ahmed Satomi, stated that at least nine Boko Haram insurgents and 100 accomplices were identified among 920 Nigerian refugees, who returned from Marwa in Cameroon on June 28. The suspects were arrested during screening of the returnees at the Nigerian border town by security personnel, he added.

Boko Haram Terrorists Surrender to Troops

Following sustained bombardment on suspected location of Boko Haram terrorists by troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, over 700 members of the terrorist group have surrendered. The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig Gen. Sani Usman, July 4, explained that “out of the 700, 70 have come out of hiding and are being profiled. The rest are expected to come out from hiding the coming days”. Preliminary investigation has shown that among them were key commanders and influential members of the terrorists group, one of whom matches suspect number 225 on Boko Haram terrorists most wanted list released by the Nigerian Army. The surrendered terrorists have been making useful statements and it is expected that many more of them will surrender, Usman stated.

Troops Neutralise Mercenaries Hired by Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army, July 4, said its troops have neutralised a number of mercenaries hired by the Mamman Nur faction of the Boko Haram terrorist group at Gulumba Gana in Bama LGA of Borno. Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, July 4, said that the terrorists’ mercenaries met their Waterloo on July 3 when they attempted to attack 81 Division Task Force Battalion’s location at Gulumba Gana. The troops successfully dealt with the terrorists and pursued those that escaped and recovered two AK-47 Rifles and two magazines of nine round of ammunition, two AGL bombs, several empty cases of Shilka gun ammunition, AGL bomb and one damaged mobile phone handset. In a similar incident, troops of 3 Battalion located at Logomani, Dikwa LGA, Borno State, neutralized 3 Boko Haram, captured one alive and recovered three AK-47 rifles from Mamman Nur faction that dared to attack their location.

Three Suicide Bombers Attack UNIMAID Hostel Again

Two out of three male suicide bombers, July 7, detonated their explosives at the students’ hostel of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), killing themselves. The terrorists found their way into the new male hostel block of the institution despite trenches dug to fortify the security of the school. The Public Relations Officer of the Borno Police Command, Victor Isuzu, confirmed the incident. Isuzu said that the bombers were repelled by security operatives at the University and that the third terrorist was gunned down by security operatives while trying to flee the scene. Only the suicide bombers were killed but they caused damage to the building, the eye witness said. He said security men shot dead the bombers before they crossed the university’s fence.

Political/Government Agencies

Police, OPC Nab 100 Badoo Cult Members

About 100 suspected members of the dreaded Badoo Boys cult were arrested on July 1 during a joint raid on the group’s hideouts by Police operatives and members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), alongside vigilante groups in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Members of the cult had laid siege to Ikorodu and environs, killing their victims in very brutal manners. The raid followed a meeting between the National Coordinator of the OPC, Chief Gani Adams, and Onyabo leaders, with security chiefs in the state. Over 30 persons, including whole families and babies, have been killed the Badoo boys. Their modus operandi included storming victims’ residences while they are asleep. Spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the arrests, adding that the suspects were helping with on-going investigations into the gang.

Edo, Taraba, Anambra, Kwara get new CPs

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the redeployment of four Commissioners of Police to Edo, Taraba, Anambra and Kwara States. The Head of Press of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, disclosed this on July 5. According to him, those affected are Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, who is now in charge of the Edo State Command; David A. Akinremi, who was moved Taraba State Command; Garba Baba Umar redeployed to Anambra State and Lawan Ado, who has been posted to the Kwara State Command. The Commission noted that postings have been communicated to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, for implementation. The Chairman of the PSC, Mike Okiro, urged the affected officers to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.

Murder/Assassinations

Cultists Kill Vulcanizer in Ughelli

Gunmen, suspected to be cultists, July 1, killed a 36-year-old vulcanizer at the Osia Junction area of the Ekuigbo-Warri Road, Ughelli, Delta State. The victim, Sunny Imoniwe, was said to have resumed for the day’s activity when the hoodlums accosted him and shot him at close range with a pump action riffle. The gunmen immediately fled the scene on their motorcycle. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, confirmed the incident, describing the attack as cult related. The victim was rushed to the Central Hospital, Ughelli, but was confirmed dead on arrival.

Police Nab 2 Cultists in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two notorious cult kingpins in Ezeagu LGA of the state. The Police recovered one cut-to-size single-barrelled locally-made gun, two axes and one machete concealed in the suspects’ bags. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, July 2, disclosed that the suspects were strong members of Egede Ayes Confraternity. Amaraizu said that the suspects were nabbed on June 22 through information and partnership from members of the public. According to him, the suspects had allegedly gone with four other members of their gang to a certain man’s house to demand for his son. But the man, on seeing them, became suspicious and raised an alarm, leading to the arrest of the two, while four others escaped. He said that the suspects had been helping the police in their investigation. The spokesman added that a manhunt on the other fleeing members of the gang had been intensified within the state.

Suspected Badoo Gang Member Set Ablaze

Residents of an estate in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, June 30, lynched a suspected member of a dreaded gang popularly known as Badoo. The incident occurred along the Ikorodu- Mile 12 Express road. The Head of security of the Igbo-Oluwo Estate, Adewale Adejumo, disclosed that the suspect was arrested around 6:30am with black oil all over his body and stone on his hand. Several other gang members, who were seen together, however, ran away. According to Adejumo, the suspect was to be handed over to a nearby police station, but angry residents set him on fire. According to him, the estate security men had kept the suspect till morning to hand him over to the police. But when the residents saw him, they were angry and forcefully took him, put tyre on him and set him on fire. The Badoo gang has been terrorizing residents of Ikorodu and are largely involved in killing and smashing their victim’s head with a grinding stone and collecting the blood for rituals.

18 Killed in Cross River Communal Violence

The violent clash between two communities, Wanikade and their Wanihem neighbours in Yala LGA of Cross River State, has claimed over 18 lives and left more than 3,000 people homeless. The conflict, which began on June 27, was allegedly caused by squabbles over a piece of farmland situated in the boundary between the two communities. So far, five villages on both sides are said to have been razed. A traditional ruler in the area, Chief Obok Okem, disclosed that a man from Utolo, a village in Wanikade community, cleared a portion of land thought to be his own but one of his Wanihem neighbours said the land belonged to him  and went ahead to cultivate the land cleared by the Wanikade man. This led to an altercation between the two and from there youths from both communities got involved. He said that efforts by elders of both sides to stop the youths were fruitless until a full scale conflict ensued leading to killings and burning of houses on both sides. The state Security Adviser, Jude Ngaji, said soldiers that were drafted from the Brigadier Ally cantonment in Ogoja to the area, had halted hostilities.

Gunmen Kill 2 in Akwa Ibom

Two persons were reportedly killed by gunmen in Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State on July 2. One of the victims, a youth leader, simply identified as Paragi, was reportedly shot dead at about 6pm by gunmen at a barbing salon at Nkek Urua Uko Village. The second victim, Mfon Etukudo, from Idung Nneke Village, was also killed by the rampaging gunmen in Ukanafun. Police Public Relations Officer, Chukwu Ikechukwu, while confirming the incident, described the killings as unfortunate. He added that the police had begun a man-hunt for the perpetrators.

Residents Chase Policemen, Lynch Three Badoo Suspects

Angry residents of Ikorodu in Lagos State, July 2, killed three suspected members of the notorious ritual cult, Badoo, in the Odogunyan area. It was learnt that the residents, who had decided to keep vigils in securing themselves and their families, flagged down a Honda-CRV with three occupants at about 2am on Oduyebo Street, near Odogunyan bus stop. It was said that when the occupants could not give convincing answers, the residents beat them up and eventually set them and the CRV ablaze. A resident of the area, Olakunle Wahab, said the suspects confessed to being members of the cult before they were lynched. According to a resident, the three persons were in a CRV without a number plate and a big stone was found in the vehicle. The mob chased away a police patrol team that came to rescue the suspects.

Bar Owner Kills Girlfriend

Residents of Halleluyah Estate in Ido Osun, in the Egbedore LGA of Osun State, have apprehended an operator of a drinking bar, Sikiru Adeosun, while he was hiding inside a bush after killing his girlfriend. Adeosun was arrested while fleeing his residence after allegedly killing his girlfriend, who he beat to death. A resident of the estate stated that when Adeosun was questioned, he was incoherent, adding that his conduct raised suspicion, making the residents to raise the alarm. Leaders of the community, who were said to have prevented the residents from lynching him, took Adeosun to the Dada Estate Police Station where the police allegedly stated that the suspect had been declared wanted for allegedly killing his girlfriend, who was also his salesgirl at the joint. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Folashade Odoro, confirmed the incident.

3 Die during Church Service in Warri

The Police in Delta State have confirmed that three worshippers died during deliverance service at a Church located on the outskirts of Warri. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident on July 4. He said that one of the deceased drowned, while the other two died during prayer session in the church. The deceased include a 10-year-old boy, identified as Emmanuel Odili, Mrs Beatrice Nwachukwu and Mr Antonio Abba. The boy had accompanied his mother to the church on June 30, but fell into a pit inside the church premises and died. The church authority said that Nwachukwu slumped during the prayer session; they also claimed she had high blood pressure but her husband denied it.

Badoo Strikes at Owode Ajegunle, Kills Three in Church

Suspected ritual cult members, Badoo, who have been terrorising residents of Ikorodu in Lagos State, have struck at Owode Ajegunle, where, at least, three people were killed. The cultists initially went to a Celestial Church at Victoria Anibaba Street, where they stole some items before striking at Crystal Church of Christ (C&S) Aladura located at no 4, Victoria Anibaba Street, Owode Weighbridge, along Ikorodu Road, leaving sorrow, tears and blood on their trail as four family members were hacked. According to witnesses, the cultists attacked the wife of the founder of the church, Mrs. Ajidara, her two-year-old daughter and another woman who lived in the church with her daughter, killing the other woman and the two girls.

Two Killed in Kwara Communal Clash

Two people were reportedly killed in a communal clash among indigenes of Odo-Owa and Ilofa communities in Oke-Ero LGA of Kwara State on June 28. It was gathered that the clash originated from disagreement over who had the authority to sell harvested yams from the farm of the traditional rulers of the two neighbouring communities before the other. One of the traditional rulers had reportedly felt offended that his colleague was already at the market selling his own harvested yams without deferring to his own seniority. The two communities, it was gathered, had a common market located to serve as border between them. Spokesman for the state police command, Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the development but said the command was yet to ascertain the level of casualties. He explained that security operatives had been deployed to the communities to keep the peace. Meanwhile, the State Government, July 1, imposed a 6pm-to-6am curfew on Iloffa and Odo-Owa communities in Oke-Ero LGA, following the violence. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Isiaka Sola Gold, who announced the curfew, further said the government also ordered the suspension of all activities related to the yam festival in Oke-Ero LGA.

Man Escapes Assassination Attempt

A gang of five armed men suspected to be assassins, July 3, stormed the Yenagoa residence of a confidant of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Dikivie Ikiogha. The suspects reportedly broke into the house through the fence and seized a rifle belonging to a police on guard duty after tying him up with a rope. Ikiogha, currently a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was, however, out of the house when the assailants, who were armed with AK47 rifles, gained access into the compound located at Kpansia. The gunmen cut the iron protective device in one of the windows and entered the room. They held one of the domestic servants at gunpoint and ordered him to lead them to the chief’s room. The hoodlums operated for about an hour between 2am to 3am before leaving the house. He added that before the attack, the chief complained that his life was being threatened by some unknown persons.

Cultist Kill Suspected Rival in Delta

A suspected cult member was reportedly stabbed to death along Isoko Road in Ughelli, Delta State on July 2 by members of a rival gang. The killing took place after the gang, believed to be on the trail of a rival cult group members, robbed unarmed policemen in the area. A witness disclosed that the hoodlums allegedly dispossessed the policemen of their mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of money during the attack. It was gathered that the policemen were at a drinking bar when the suspects, armed with different weapon, accosted them.

Cleric, Two Others Confess to Killing UNIOSUN Student

A Muslim cleric, Sakariyau Abdulrofiu, alongside two other - Ibrahim Ayuba and Yusuf Aliu - has confessed to killing a UNIOSUN student, Oluwafemi Shonibare. The confession was made on July 4 when the trio was paraded at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo. The trio said they wanted to use the student for money ritual. Abdulrofiu said that they hit Shonibare with a pestle on the head and later butchered him. He stated that the deceased’s head was roasted but said that luck ran out on them and they were apprehended by the police.

Man Strangles Pregnant Wife to Death

The Plateau State Police Command, July 6, confirmed the arrest of a 40-year-old man, Victor Dashit, who allegedly strangled and killed his eight months pregnant wife, Irene. Police spokesman, Terna Tyopev, confirmed the arrest of Dashit, adding that investigation is on-going. Dashit allegedly killed his wife, a 33-year-old teacher, at their farm in Kangang, on June 2. The investigation revealed that Dashit, after killing the woman, invited his brother to help him to convey her to hospital after lying that she slumped few minutes after she complained of feeling dizzy. The doctors confirmed her dead on arrival, but further investigation by the hospital revealed marks on her neck, which suggested that she was strangled. The doctors quickly reported the matter to the police and Dashit was arrested. The suspect later confessed to strangling his wife. He reportedly confessed to holding the woman by the neck, but said he did not intend to kill her.

Rape

Police Arrest 27-Year-Old Man for Raping 6-Year-Old Girl

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man at Akegbe Ugwu in Nkanu West LGA of the State for allegedly raping a six-year-old child. The suspect, simply identified as Ogbodo, was arrested following a report made by the father of the child. Police sources said that the man reported that Ogbodo raped his daughter at an undisclosed location, adding that the girl had been in pains since then. The matter has been transferred from the police station at Nkanu to the state police headquarters, where the suspect is being detained.

Siblings Allegedly Abduct, Rape 14-Year-Old Girl for Four Days

A 28-year-old man, Ifeanyi Nwaneze, and his sister, Ginika Ojukwu, who allegedly conspired to abduct a 14- year-old girl, were on July 5, brought before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court on Lagos Island. The first accused, Nwaneze, who resides at Tapa Street, Orile-Iganmu, was also charged with rape of the 14-year-old girl. The Prosecutor, Inspector Ben Ekundayo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 16 at Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island. He said the accused abducted the girl on her way to the mosque. According to Ekundayo, the accused held the girl hostage for four days at his sister’s house and raped her. The accused kept the girl at Ojukwu’s house for four days and the sister was aware that her brother kidnapped the girl, he alleged. The duo pleaded not guilty to the three-count of conspiracy, abduction and rape. The Magistrate, Ade Adedulire, granted the accused N500,000 bail each with two sureties each in like sum. He adjourned the case until July 8 for mention.

Man Faces Child Defilement Charge

A 52-year-old man, Dickson David, who allegedly abducted and defiled a 12-year-old girl, was on July 5, granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 by a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The ‎ Chief Magistrate, Ipaye Nwachukwu, who gave the ruling, also ordered that the accused must produce two sureties in like sum. Nwachukwu said one of the sureties must be a civil servant on at least Grade Level 14, while the other surety must be a community leader or a cleric.‎ In addition, the sureties should provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. ‎‎The prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 25 at his apartment when he unlawfully and indecently treated the 12-year-old girl by defiling her. ‎The offences contravened Sections 135 and 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. David pleaded not guilty to the charges of defilement and indecent treatment of the minor. The case was adjourned until Sept. 19 for mention.

Pastor Docked over Alleged Rape of 16-Year-Old Girl

A Minna magistrate’s court, July 6, ordered that a 33-year-old man, Paul Aderinwa, be remanded in prison for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl. Aderinwa, said to be a pastor, was arraigned before the court on a single-count charge of rape. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Gunduma Ibrahim, had told the court that the case was reported to the Kpakungu Police Station on June 28 by one Oluwatoyin Joseph. Ibrahim said the accused allegedly invited the girl to his house under the pretext of sending her on an errand, but lured her into his room and raped her. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Mariam Kings, said her court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter and, therefore, ordered the Police to forward the case file to the State Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. She ordered the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till August 2 for further hearing.

Retired DSP Allegedly Defiles 9-Year-Old Girl

The Cross River Police Command has arrested a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Christopher Archibong, for allegedly defiling a 9-year-old girl. The State Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, while parading the suspect on July 6, said that the crime was committed on May 31, 2017 in Calabar. Inuwa alleged that the 55-year-old Archibong lured the victim into his uncompleted building to park woods for him and defiled her after threatening to kill her spiritually if she resisted. But the girl, who could not bear the pain, informed her mother of the incident and the case was reported to the police. Upon his arrest, the suspect confessed to the crime, the CP added. The police added that the suspect would be charged to court soon. But Archibong, while being paraded, denied raping the minor, describing the allegation as a set up.

Others

Police Parade Suspected Criminals in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command, July 1, paraded different criminal suspects, including a vigilance group member, who buried a victim in a shallow grave. Parading the suspects, the State Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar, said his administration owed the people of the state a duty of peaceful and crime-free society. He disclosed that the vigilante member had, on the night of June 22, killed a person yet to be identified at Ekwulobia in Aguata LGA. The suspect reportedly buried the corpse in a shallow grave within the premises of the NBL, where he worked. He failed to report the incident to anyone including his employer and co-workers. The crime was noticed four days later when an offensive odour within the premises compelled the workers to a search revealing an unusual earth work in a portion of the premises. The workers confronted the security man on what they found. He said he defecated into the ground and covered it. He was asked to open the ground. He did and confessed to killing an intruder who came into the premises.

Imo Youths Destroy Cultists’ Homes, Hand 4 Suspects to Police

Youths of Irete autonomous community in Owerri, Imo State, July 3, destroyed the family homes of two suspected cultists and handed over four others to the Police for investigation and prosecution. The traditional ruler of the community, Eze Ethelbert Ekwelibe, said the community has zero tolerance for cultism, lawlessness and all manner of crime. He added that the destruction of their homes is in line with the resolutions reached on July 1 by leaders of thought, women leaders, youth leaders, chairmen and secretaries of villages, village heads and heads of traditional institutions. He alleged that one of the cultists had invited his members from a neighbouring community to inflict severe injury on a resident.

Air Force Helicopter Crashes into Pool of Water

One of the helicopters belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), July 6, crashed into a pool of water in Borno State. The helicopter, Agusta 109 Light Utility helicopter, was operating in the on-going fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East. There was no life lost or injury sustained in the incident. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, is said to have immediately constituted a board of inquiry to unravel the cause of the incident. The Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, confirmed the crash, stated that the helicopter had suffered a mishap while undertaking a liaison mission targeted at further enhancing the synergy between the Nigerian Army and the NAF in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North-East. He stated that the incident was as a result of an airborne technical fault with the helicopter. The experienced NAF pilots, however, successfully ditched the helicopter into a pool of water to minimize damage and loss of lives.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination remained high on the index with very sad incidents on record. A suspected member of the dreaded Badoo gang was lynched by an angry mob in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. The mob snatched him from the vigilante operatives after he was arrested by the security men in an estate. In Akwa Ibom State, two persons were reportedly killed by unknown gunmen. Investigations revealed that one of the victims, a youth leader, was shot dead in a barbing salon. While no arrest had been made, the police have vowed to carry out thorough investigations, while they have begun a man-hunt for the perpetrators. Other cases involved cult wars and communal clash. The authorities also managed to arrest some crime suspects in different events as they fight hard to curb the menace of murder in the society. The south-west and south-south geopolitical areas witnessed more.

Kidnap/Hostage thrived as elites in the society remain prime targets. This was evident in a case involving two executive members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), who were abducted in Rivers State. Also in another event, kidnappers broke into the residence of a school principal and abducted his wife. It was learnt that the suspected gang men shot the woman on her leg before whisking her away after stealing some money. A ransom of N3m has been demanded for her release. Meanwhile, it was cheering news as a kidnapped Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State was released after spending four days in captivity. The south-south and south-west recorded more of this ugly incidents.

Robbery maintained was also on the high but security operatives remained tight and offensive in their fight against armed robbery. Some officers of the Police Command in Imo State killed about eight suspected armed robbers that had been terrorising people in various parts of the state. Further investigations led to the arrest of two other suspects who had close ties with the armed men. It was encouraging as most robbery suspects got arrested by the police. A member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), alongside two others, was sentenced to six years imprisonment for robbery.

Terrorism also hit the red mark as scores were feared dead and several others injured in separate attacks by the Boko Haram terrorist group in the north east. About three soldiers in Borno State were killed when their patrol vehicle encountered IED buried on the road. In other developments, the military arrested nine insurgents and their accomplices who hid amongst 920 Nigerian refugees returning to Nigeria from neighbouring Cameroon. Others incidents saw the military engaged in gun fight with the insurgent groups killing a few and arresting the others.

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