Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 14

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Rescue Kidnapped 90-Year-Old Man

The Abia State Police Command has rescued a nonagenarian, Jeremiah Adindu, from the den of kidnappers. Adindu is the father of the immediate past Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Godwin Adindu. The police also apprehended the mastermind of his kidnap, one Charles Uzodinma. Pa Adindu was said to have been abducted from his home in Obingwa Council area of the state last weekend. The State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, April 4, disclosed that the policemen from Ohuru Isimiri Division in collaboration with youths of Mgboko Umariogu, in Obingwa council, vigilante and hunters rescued Pa Adindu within the boundary between Obingwa and Osokwa in Osisioma council area on April 4.

Gunmen in Police Uniform Kidnap Corps Member, Three Others in Okene

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Becky Godfrey, and three other travellers were abducted on April 3 by gunmen along the Okene-Auchi Road in Kogi State. It was gathered that one of the assailants, who was in police uniform, had flagged down the bus. As the driver stopped, other members of the gang came out of a bush and seized the corps member and three others. It was gathered that the driver reported the incident at the Okene Police Division. A few hours after the abduction, the assailants contacted Becky’s father, Braima Godfrey, on the phone, and demanded N5m as ransom. But the victims were successfully rescued on April 4 after the Area Commander and some officers raided the area of the abduction. One of the suspects was arrested. Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, said two persons were arrested and had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.

Lecturer, Daughter Kidnapped in Omoku

A senior lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Isaac Messiah, and his daughter have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen. Messiah and his daughter were kidnapped at his resident around Lagos Avenue along Ogboo Road in Omoku, the headquarters of ONELGA. The kidnappers had stormed the residence of the victims on April 3 and took the duo to an undisclosed destination. Police Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed that there was a cult war in ONELGA, but could not confirm the kidnapping.

Police Arrest 5 Suspects, Rescue Kidnapped Victim in Anambra

The Police in Anambra State, April 3, announced that have arrested five persons for alleged kidnap and rescued a victim at Okpoko community. The Grand Commander, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in the state, Sunday Okpe, said that the suspects were arrested on April 2, following a tip-off. According to him, men of the FSARS stormed a major hideout of suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim. Five persons who are members of a kidnap syndicate, were arrested and they are helping with the investigation, he added.

Two Nigerian Women Arrested Trafficking Girls to Ghana

Two Nigerian women have been arrested for allegedly transporting six girls from Nigeria to Ghana for forced prostitution. The suspects, identified as Ify Mba (33) and Amanda Eze Chioma (23), were nabbed by men of the Baatsona Police Division in Accra, Ghana. The head of the police division, Chief Superintendent Felix Cosmos, said that his men acted on tip-off and raided a hotel in Accra where the victims aged between 21 and 26 were being sexually exploited. According to him, four victims were brought into the country on March 14, 2017 while the other two were brought to Ghana on March 22, 2017. He disclosed that the suspects would be prosecuted before an Accra Circuit Court. While, the victims would be handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit to be transported back to Nigeria, The victims alleged that they were lured by the suspects with juicy deals. Two of the victims, who refused to engage in prostitution, were locked up in a room and denied food by the mistresses. They said they were brought to Ghana by Ify Mba and Amanda Chioma on transit to Germany and Dubai to be employed as house helps.

Police Arrested Suspected Kidnapper who Lured Victim to Warri

A suspected kidnapper, Evidence, who lured his 20-year-old female victim, simply identified as Precious, from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Warri in Delta State, has been arrested. Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zanna, who confirmed the arrest on April 3, said that the suspect, through phone calls, lured the victim from Port Harcourt to Warri to visit him. According to the police, when the victim got to DSC roundabout, she contacted the suspect on phone. But he sent two boys on motorcycle, who took her to a remote place in the riverine area between Isaba and Epherigbala communities, where she met the suspect. The victim later pleaded with the suspect and his gang to allow her go, but they refused. She then raised alarm that attracted a vigilante man in the area. Zanna asserted that the vigilante man arrested the suspect, while the others escaped into the bush. The suspect has reportedly confessed to the crime.

Kidnappers Abduct Businessman in Imo State

Unidentified gunmen, kidnapped a Lagos-based businessman, Benedict Kpaduwa, at his hometown in Anara in the Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State. Kpaduwa was abducted around 9am on the premises of his firm, Mekcyn Investment. The gunmen reportedly trailed Kpaduwa to the premises of the firm and dragged him out of his car after shooting into the air to scare away his workers and passers-by. The source, April 3, said the villagers had reported the incident at the Police Division.

Nasarawa Police Arrest 52 Kidnap Suspects

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested 52 suspected kidnappers in various areas of the state. Parading the suspects on April 6, the state Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Sadiq-Bello, said a woman, alleged to be the caterer to the gang, was also apprehended in the joint operation carried out by a special police squad in collaboration with a vigilance group and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Association. Items recovered from the suspects include one AK49 military rifle with 24 rounds of live ammunition, a pair of military camouflage uniform and 13 motorcycles. The police boss added that 12 of the suspects were involved in the attack on a Chinese mining company at the Udege Mbeki area of Nasarawa Toto Local Government Council of the state.

Robbery

Bayelsa Residents Nab Robbery Gang, Recover Loot

An angry mob in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, March 31, apprehended a gang of armed robbers and recovered N1.3 million stolen from a cleric. The two-member gang was said to have trailed the pastor, identified as Andy Sese, from a bank where he withdrew the money to a supermarket along the Opolo Area of the Yenagoa, where they took the money. Luck ran out on the suspects, identified as Wero Paul (32) and Innocent Uche (34), when one of the private security guards attached to the Supermarket, raised the alarm and attracted the attention of members of the public. A mob immediately mobilised and went after the gang that attempted to flee in a tricycle.  A vehicle, alert to the incident, blocked the tricycle from getting away. A man, who saw the suspects with some heavy bags under their clothes, promptly apprehended them. The mob almost lynched the suspects before they were rescued by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The Bayelsa state police command confirmed the incident.

Police Parade 3 Suspected Armed Robbers

The Ekiti State Police Command, April 1, paraded three suspects for alleged armed robbery. The suspects include Tope Falua, Olaoluwa Fagbamila, Gbenga Faleye and Kehinde Adejuwon. The police recovered charms and Indian hemp from Adejuwon’s premises during a search. Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Chafe, said his men also arrested one Oyewumi Tope and Olayiwola Faluru, while allegedly siphoning diesel on the premises of the Ekiti State Water Corporation. The police also paraded one Olusoji Damilola, who was allegedly caught at the scene of a robbery, where a petrol station’s attendant, Oluwadare Adebayo, was robbed of N1.2m. He assured the public of the commitment of the police to ensure a safe society for all.

FCT Police Nab Suspected Robbers, Recover Arms

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers and recovered four locally-made pistols and other exhibits. The FCT Police spokesman, Manzah Anjuguri, April 2, said that three robbery suspects were intercepted at the Apo area of Abuja and found with two locally-made pistols, two live cartridges, one toy gun and some other exhibits by police operatives. The suspects were nabbed by the police on April 1 while responding to a distress call and during a raid on a criminal hideout at Garam. Effort is being intensified to arrest the principal suspect, who is still at large, he added. He further stated that the Commissioner of Police had ordered that the suspects in both cases should be transferred to the Command Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation and possible prosecution. In another development, police operatives on duty at Tunga Maje had a fierce gun confrontation with some dare-devil hoodlums, who escaped the scene with varying degrees of gun injuries. Two policemen were wounded during the encounter.

Police Nab Leader of Notorious Armed Robbery Gang in Ibadan

The Leader of an armed robbery gang, who was arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, has confessed to his role in various robbery operations, saying that a member of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) sold him a cut-to-size gun with which he terrorised residents of Ibadan before he was arrested. The suspect, Abdulkareem Wasiu and three others, Segun Odelotan, Afolabi Segun and Lekan Usman, were paraded by the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, on April 1. Odude, who was represented by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Kunle Ajisebutu, added that the gang was arrested on March 22 by detectives of the state Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department as they planned to carry out an attack. They are notorious for attacking victims and robbing them of mobile telephones, cars, motorcycles and other valuables.

Police Intercept Armed Robbery Suspects in Onitsha

Men of the Anambra State Police Command, April 1, intercepted two suspected armed robbers with four locally made guns. The suspects were arrested in a commuter bus during a ‘stop and search’ exercise by a Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) stationed at the Building Materials International market along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. The suspects, who were believed to have been terrorizing motorists and passengers who ply the highways in the state, thought they would beat the security (mobile policemen) standing along the road on surveillance when their commuter bus was flagged down for the stop and search exercise.

Police Arrest Notorious Armed Robber in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Sadiq-Bello, April 6, paraded a notorious armed robbery suspect, Hassan Adamu, who was arrested after the police raided a criminal hideout at Kumar in Azara Development Area of the state. According to him, some of his men under Ekye division arrested another suspected armed robber, Sule Musa, and recovered two AK47 assault rifles and four live rounds of 7.6mm ammunition and a Yamaha motorcycle. The suspects would be charged to court after investigations.

Police Nab Suspected Armed Robber for Attempted Murder

A Police Patrol Team attached to the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), April 6, foiled a car snatching operation by a gang of armed robbers. One of the robbers was nabbed while attempting to snatch a Toyota Camry at gun point at Oniru intersection on Lekki-Epe Expressway. The team, led by Inspector Adebisi Abraham, had responded to a distress call that a gang of robbers was operating at Oniru intersection. Operatives swung into action and sighted the three robbers in the car of the victim, Joseph Mican. The robbers were in the process of strangling Mican with a cable. As operatives moved closer to the scene, two of the robbers escaped while one was arrested. The suspect, Oday Francis, was arrested with the cable used for the offence. The suspected robber has been handed over to the Maroko Police Division for further investigation.

Drugs

NDLEA Discovers Cocaine in Passenger Shorts

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos has arrested a 57-year-old man with cocaine hidden inside his underwear. The suspect, Okonkwo Godwin, an importer of jewelleries, was caught with one wrap of cocaine in his boxer shorts and another inside his bag all weighing 750 grammes. He was arrested during the inward screening of passengers on a South African Airline flight from Brazil. Similarly, the NDLEA arrested one Nnaemeka David Chinedu, an auto part dealer for ingesting 94 wraps of heroin. NDLEA said that volume of heroine was one of the largest quantities of drugs ingested by a suspect at the Lagos airport lately. The commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, March 31, said that the suspect arrived from Uganda with heroin before his arrest during the screening of passengers on Rwanda Airline.  NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) said that the agency would continue to disappoint the plans of drug traffickers who wish to make money from drug the illicit trade.

Militancy/Maritime

Terrorism

Three Suicide Bombers Die in Failed Borno Attacks

Three suicide bombers were, April 2, killed in unsuccessful attacks on Muna general area and Dusuma village, both in Borno State. The first bomber detonated his explosive at Muna garage near Gujeri fuel station, destroying a 45,000-litre petrol tanker waiting to discharge fuel. The second bomber also killed himself but injured an 80-year-old man who was providing security watch to Muslim worshippers at Dusuma village. The bomber had attempted to gain entrance into the mosque but the old man accosted and stopped him. Police spokesperson, Victor Isuku, confirmed that two male suicide bombers detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) strapped to their bodies killing themselves alone. A third bomber died at Dusuma village in Jere LGA after he detonated his IED. He was also the only casualty.

Military Nabs Boko Haram Spies
…As Top Member Surrenders to Nigeria Army

The Nigerian Army, April 1, disclosed that two suspected Boko Haram terrorists on surveillance mission at Kareto and Dangalti villages were apprehended by troops of 158 Task Force Battalion of 5 Brigade on March 28. Preliminary investigation shows that they are on reconnaissance mission to facilitate possible attacks on the communities. Army spokesman, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, who disclosed this, also said that one Bulama Kailani Mohammed Metele, the number 253 on the Nigerian Army’s Wanted Boko Haram terrorists poster produced recently, had surrendered himself to troops of 145 Task Force Battalion, 5 Brigade, at Damasak, Borno State. Usman said that Metele, from Tumbun Bera in Borno, belonged to Mamman Nur’s faction of the terrorists group under the leadership of Abu Mustapha. He is currently undergoing interrogation, he added.

Boko Haram Kills Three in Borno Village

Boko Haram fighters, March 31, attacked the remote village of Kaye, near Gumsiri, in Damboa LGA of Borno State, killing three civilians. The insurgents reportedly abducted scores of young boys and girls, and some women during the raid that lasted for about one hour. A local hunter, Abubakar Mohammed, said that the insurgents razed down the entire village. He added that scores of residents remain missing after the attack despite frantic search for them.

Boko Haram Kidnap 18 Girls in Raid on Borno Community

About 18 girls were taken away by Boko Haram insurgents in attacks on two communities in Borno State. In the first attack on March 30, the insurgents raided the village of Pulka near border with Cameroon where they kidnapped 18 girls. According to witnesses, Boko Haram fighters from Mamman Nur camp arrived in pickup vans in the early hours of the day and seized 14 young girls aged 17 and below while residents fled into the bush. According to the official, the attackers were loyal to the faction headed by Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, the son of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf. They didn’t harm anyone during the raid and they made no attempt to shoot people running away from the village, a resident disclosed.

Boko Haram Fighters Kill Herdsmen over Levy

In an incident outside the village of Dumba, close to Lake Chad, Boko Haram insurgents attacked and killed a herdsman who had tried to escape after refusing to pay “protection money”. “When the Boko Haram gunmen came for the money they realised he had left with everything and they decided to go after him on their motorcycles and the caught up with him near Dumba where they slaughtered him and shot dead 50 of his cattle. According to residents, the attackers were loyal to the faction headed by Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, the son of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf. Al-Barnawi’s faction has reportedly promised to not harm anyone who was not against them.

Boko Haram Kills Troops in Deadly Raid

Four soldiers lost their lives following an ambush by Boko Haram fighters in Borno State. The troops came under attack near Gubdori village on April 3, a source disclosed. The Islamists opened fire on an army convoy heading to the small town of Gulumba in Borno state, when the incident occurred. The soldiers were outgunned and forced to withdraw from the base and allowed the gunmen, who were from Mamman Nur faction, to take over the base which they looted and set on fire. But military reinforcements were promptly deployed and the attackers were forced to withdraw after also suffering heavy casualties.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Police Arrest Man for Killing his Uncle

The Enugu State Police Command, April 5, announced the arrest of a man, Daniel Ekemezie, for allegedly killing his 83-year-old uncle, Patrick Odoh, over land dispute. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said that the killing happened at Ukpata community in Uzo-Uwani LGA of the state. He said that police acting on intelligence promptly nabbed the suspect, who confessed what transpired between him and his late uncle. The suspect also said that he and his uncle had been locked in a protracted land dispute. Amaraizu said that the suspect has been helping the police in their investigation. According to him, the suspect led police operatives to the grave, where the decomposed corpse of late Pa Odoh was recovered on 4 April 2017.

Suspected Assassins Kill Four in Imo

Yet-to-be identified gunmen suspected to be assassins, April 1, shot and killed four persons in Imo State. One of the victims, a 30-year-old man, Enyioma Okwudiri, in Okigwe LGA, was killed alongside a 38-year-old man, Nanman Lamak, when the gunmen attacked his vehicle. Okwudiri, who reportedly owned a guest house in the area, was on his way to drop off two guests, Lamak and a yet-to-be named female when they were attacked and killed by the gunmen who had trailed them in another car. Witnesses described it as a case of assassination, as the gunmen shot the victims repeatedly and did not steal any of their belongings. The lady was taken to the police station. In a related incident, the gunmen also killed two other persons at Njeagwake Okigwe town. The victims were reportedly making use of an Automated Teller Machine when they were shot dead. But the police in a swift response, tracked and gunned down the ring leader of the killer gang when he attempted escaping from custody. The state police had arrested the gang leader, identified simply as Amobi, on April 3.

Herdsmen Kill 10 in Cross River

About ten people were allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen that invaded Obio Usiere community in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State. The Village Head of Obio Usiere, Iya Effiong Orok, disclosed this on April 2. He lamented that the herdsmen normally come during the dry season to feed their cattle. He further lamented that the women were afraid to go their farms because the herdsmen rape them in the bush. These people are heavily armed and we are just helpless. He disclosed that the community had been deserted and that the people were afraid to return due to fear of the activities of the herdsmen. However, the Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the attack, however, said only one person was killed. Ugbo said normalcy had long returned to the community as policemen have been drafted to the area.

Two Killed in Osun Communal Clash

Two persons were feared dead in fresh outbreak of violence between Asipa and Ipetumodu communities in Ife North LGA of Osun State. It was gathered that some hoodlums, April 1, invaded the Akinola Market and razed it down before shooting sporadically, leading to the death of two persons. An indigene of Ipetumodu alleged that the fighters, who invaded the town were mercenaries hired by the people of Asipa. A leader in Asipa community, Chief Julius Ojerinde, had blamed the crisis on the people of Ipetumodu, who he said attacked Asipa community because the White Paper issued by the panel of inquiry into the 2015 clash did not favour them. He claimed that the people of Ipetumodu shot three indigenes of Asipa during the fight which erupted on March 30. The Police Public Relations in the state, Folashade Odoro, said that the Area Commander in charge of the zone had moved to the area to ensure that normalcy was returned. The police had earlier arrested some suspects in connection with the clash.

23-Year-Old Dies in Imo Cult Battle

A 23-year-old man, Decency Chibundu, was, on March 28, killed in a clash between two cult groups in Umuelele Irete in the Owerri West LGA of Imo State. Following the violent clash, residents of the community abandoned their homes fled for their safety. The killing is said to be a retaliation of the killing of a member of a rival cult gang in the community a fortnight ago. He said that the killing of the alleged cultist angered his cult members, who regrouped and engaged the rival gang in shooting spree, forcing the residents to flee for safety.

Policeman Allegedly Kills Fraudster over N8m Scam

A policeman has allegedly killed one Bashiru Ayedun for protesting against the arrest of his colleague, who duped an unsuspecting victim of N8 million in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Ayedun was said to have joined other friends to celebrate with the alleged scammer, who raked in the N8million before policemen stormed the scene to arrest him. However, the deceased met his death while leading others in a protest against the arrest. An eyewitness, said that the youths protested because the police took part of the loots and still went ahead to arrest the alleged fraudster. According to him, the police were offered N100, 000 but they rejected it, saying that the boy should give more than that since he got N8 million. This led to a fight during which one of the youths was shot dead by a policeman. This further led to a bigger protest in Ile-Ife. The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Osun state Afolabi Babawale confirmed that one Basiru Ayedun was shot dead in the protests.

Son Beheads Mother, Drains and Flees with her Blood

A man, said to be in his early 20s in Umuchagu Osokwa in Osisioma Ngwa LGA of Abia State, March 30, beheaded his mother, drained and collected her blood before fleeing the community. The victim, Cecilia Nwanjie, was said to have returned from her farm on that fateful day to meet her son, who visited home. After exchanging greetings, Cecilia, according to a community source, went into the kitchen to prepare dinner for the family. Having been assured that no one else was in the compound, her son allegedly attacked her with a machete and slit her throat, drained her blood into a container and fled the area. Neighbours were attracted to the scene by a loud cry from the Nwanjie compound at about 7.30pm after which the woman’s lifeless body was discovered surrounded with blood soaked items. A search party was said to have combed the surrounding bushes but the assailant was nowhere to be found.

15 Die in Fresh Benue Farmers/Herdsmen Clashes

At least 15 persons were killed in fresh crisis between herdsmen and farmers in Turan communities in Kwande LGA of Benue State. The Benue State Police Command claimed that two bodies had been recovered from the affected communities. It was gathered that the renewed crisis, which erupted on April 2, has led to the disappearance of many persons, while several houses, huts and farmlands have also been razed in the besieged communities. According to locals, the crisis started when suspected armed herdsmen invaded Ikyoawen community, where four persons were reportedly killed and houses razed. After that attack, the invaders reportedly moved into Nzaav and Alaba in Yaav council ward, where over 11 persons were hacked to death and several houses burnt down by the herdsmen. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the attack noted that only two deaths were recorded. Yamu added that Mobile Policemen have been deployed to the area to restore peace.

Gunmen Kill Policeman in Imo

Some highway robbers have killed a policeman attached to the Imo State Police Command.  Police spokesperson, Andrew Enwerem, who confirmed the killing, said that the incident occurred on April 3 on the Port Harcourt-Enugu Expressway. Enwerem said the gunmen, numbering about five, killed the cop while he was driving on the expressway. The police spokesperson said the fleeing armed robbers also made away with the officer’s Toyota Camry. He added that a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing killers. The police will bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice very soon, he assured.

Cultists Kill 2 in Rivers State

Suspected cultists, April 3, killed two persons, simply identified as Emma and Dele, in Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State. The incident happened after repentant cultists in the area threatened to deal with anyone who engaged in killing and kidnapping in the area. They had equally warned politicians to stop arming youths. A source claimed the killers laid siege to the area with heavy weaponry, and that three hours after the operation, the duo were found dead. According to him, security operatives later visited the scene of the incident and evacuated the remains of the two victims to the mortuary.

Police Stray Bullet Kills Female Trader in Lagos

A 51-year-old female trader was killed by stray bullet fired by a policeman while pursuing an alleged suspect. The deceased, who was identified as Kudirat Adebayo, was said to have been hit by a stray bullet in the presence of her teenage son, while she was frying food at Railway area of toll gate in Mushin, Lagos. The policeman, who was identified as Tboy SARS, had released his bullet when an alleged fraudster he was pursuing made to escape. Witnesses reported that the policeman, alongside others, recklessly shot into the crowd and the stray bullet hit the woman and also left two others injured. According to reports, the policemen fled to the station to escape the anger of the crowd. The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, who confirmed the incident, however said it was a case of mob action.

Man Hacks Mother to Death

A middle-aged man, Segun Odihiri, April 7, hacked his 83-year-old mother, Maria Odihiri, to death in Uzzeba Village in Owan LGA of Edo State. The suspect attacked his mother and hacked her head with a machete after she raised an alarm when she caught him raping his own daughter. The suspect was said to have always threatened to kill his mother each time they had a misunderstanding. It was learnt that the suspect was, however, caught by members of a local security outfit while trying to dispose of the remains of his late mother with a wheelbarrow. It was learnt that the suspect was later taken to the divisional police command in Sabongidda Ora.

Man Killed by Prostitutes in Ekiti over Pension, Savings

A brothel owner, Olayode Samuel, has been killed by some persons suspected to be prostitutes after dispossessing him of his pension, which he had just received. The attack took place in Odo Owa community in Ijero LGA of Ekiti state. An eye witness said the robbers tied the retired soldier to a steel bed and set him on fire after taking the money from him. But police investigations indicated that the victim was attacked by the prostitutes who he gave out some of his rooms to for their business. Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, April 7, said that the victim had just collected his pension and thrifts which the prostitutes became aware of. He alleged that the women dispossessed him of the money and tied him to a bed in the house. Neighbours were not aware of this until his body started decomposing. He said that the police were on the trail of the suspects and would ensure they are brought to justice. He further advised residents to be vigilant and report suspicious movement to the police for prompt action.

Mob Lynches Mentally Deranged Man for Hacking Woman to Death

An angry mob, April 7, attacked and killed a man said to be mentally deranged after he hacked a 40-year-old woman, Ifeyinwa Obalum, to death at Amaezike village, Mgbakwu in Awka North LGA of Anambra State. Police Public Relations Officer, Nkiru Nwode, confirmed the incident. She disclosed that the police received information that one Benjamin Madubueze, murdered one Ifeyinwa Obalum by giving her machete cuts on her head, hands and neck, which led to her death. She added an angry mob immediately killed the suspect and threw his corpse inside his house before setting it ablaze. A member of the community, Nduka Nzekwe, said that Madubueze, had been acting strangely and was seen on several occasions with a machete.

One Killed in Ilorin Cult Clash

Gunmen, suspected to be cultists, April 6, struck and killed one person in Ilorin, Kwara State. The victim, simply identified as ‘Abbey’ was shot dead around Ikokoro area when the unidentified gunmen, believed to be members of a rival cult group, stormed the area at about 2.45pm. The killers reportedly went straight to the apartment of the victim and shot him dead during a fierce gunfight. The victim was said to have been a member of another notorious cult group. Police spokesman, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the killing. He, however, said no arrest had been made. He assured that the command was on the trail of the suspects.

Man Masterminds Mother’s Murder

A man, Muntari Umar, has been arrested by the Kano State Police Command after he allegedly prodded his friend, Saleh Abdullahi, into killing his mother, Hajiya Zinab-Abu. Police spokesman, Magaji Majiya, April 6, said that Umar’s friend, Abdullahi, who allegedly killed the 70-year-old woman, was also arrested. Majiya said that the two suspects were arrested for allegedly conspiring to kill the old woman. Umar allegedly conspired with his friend to stab his mother to death after a heated disagreement with her. Umar was said to have been irked by his mother’s refusal to grant him permission to lease his farm. Majiya said the two suspects would be prosecuted after investigation was completed.

Rape

Man, 22, Arraigned for Raping Neighbour’s 14-Year-Old Daughter

A 22-year-old man, Ayobami Akindele, who allegedly raped his co-tenant’s 14-year-old daughter, was on April 5, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused is facing a charge of rape. The prosecutor, Sergeant Ajayi Emmanuel, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 23 at his residence. Emmanuel said the accused lured the girl into the bathroom and raped her. He said the girl narrated everything that the accused did to her to her mother immediately she returned from work. The accused was arrested and handed over to the police. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and the magistrate, Mr E.A. Azeez, granted him bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum. He ordered that the case file be duplicated and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) for legal advice. Azeez, however, adjourned the case until May 10.

Two Friends Drug, Rape Childhood Friend

Two friends, Chidiebere Ejide (18) and Chidi Amadi (22), were arrested and arraigned in court over the alleged gang rape of their female friend. The suspects were docked before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s’ Court in Lagos on March 31. The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Prosecutor, Cousin Adams, told the court that the offences were committed on March 27 when the suspects tricked their childhood friend to Haile Selassie Hotel at Aguda, where they drugged and raped her before stealing the money in her purse. He said the victim had followed Amadi, her childhood friend, to the hotel. According to the prosecutor, Amadi had connived with Ejide and another person, who is presently at large, to rape her. During investigation, the victim claimed that she woke up in the hotel room and discovered she had been drugged and gang raped, while the money, N150,000, which she kept in her bag, had disappeared. The Magistrate, Helen Omisore, admitted the duo to bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with two sureties in like sum. The case was then adjourned until April 24 for mention.

Niger State Protest One-Month Jail Term for Rapist, Murderer

The Niger State Government has ordered the re-arraignment of a man sentenced to one-month imprisonment for the abduction and rape of a nine-year-old boy, who eventually died. The convict, Nuhu Musa (37), was sentenced to one-month imprisonment with an option of N30, 000 fine by a Kontagora Magistrates’ Court for kidnap and rape of a minor. Public Relations Officer of the Niger Police Command, Bala Elkana, April 4, said that further investigations would be carried out on the case, and that Musa would be charged with murder, rape and kidnap. Director-General of the Niger State Child Rights Protection Agency, Hajiya Mariam Kolo, said that the deceased child was abducted alongside four other boys. She said that Musa had sex with the deceased and injured him severely. Kolo said that the child was consequently taken to a hospital and operated upon but died the following day. She said that Musa was arrested, charged to court and given a sentence of one-month imprisonment on a two-count. The agency had recommended Musa’s re-arrest and re-arraignment.

Police Arrest 51-Year-Old for Defiling 14-Year-Old Boy

Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested a 51-year-old man, Daniel Emeka, for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old boy identified as Ndubuisi. The State Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, who paraded the suspect on April 3, said he was arrested sequel to a tip-off that he lured and abused young boys in his hotel. The victim’s mother, Ifeoma, had reported the disappearance of her son on March 24, 2017, after which operatives placed the suspect’s hotel and house under surveillance. He was reportedly arrested when he attempted to escape to Lagos. The victim was also rescued. Emeka admitted to taking Ndubuisi to his hotel room, but denied having sex with him.

Police Arrest Two over Gang Rape of Minor

The Abia State Police Command, April 3, paraded two men - Chukwuemeka Obijiaku and Kelechi Udobi- who reportedly gang-raped a 16-year-old girl at gunpoint. The State Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, stated that the suspects were arrested in their hideout on April 1, 2017, following a complaint by the victim’s mother. Oyebade stated that the suspects confessed to have accosted the victim while she was returning from an errand and dragged her to an uncompleted building on Charity Avenue, Aba, where they raped her. The suspects are assisting with investigation, he added. They will be arraigned as soon as investigation is concluded.

Father Docked for Raping 17-Year-Old Daughter

A 36-year-old man, Okoro Sunday, who allegedly raped his 17-year-old daughter, was on April 4, brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. Sunday was also accused of hitting his wife’s head with piston, beating her and the other children when the woman challenged him after the girl reported the rape. The prosecutor, Sergeant Ajayi Emmanuel, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 28 at his residence. Emmanuel said that the accused forcefully had carnal knowledge of his daughter. He said that on the said date, the accused lured the girl to the bathroom and raped with her. He said the girl narrated everything that happened that day to her mother when she returned from work. “The woman confronted her husband with the allegation, but he pounced on her and used a piston to hit her forehead, which caused her head injuries. The case was reported to the police by wife of the accused. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Mr E.A. Azeez, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned until May 10 for trial.

Man Docked for Allegedly Defiling 6-Year-Old Girl

A 44-year-old man, Abdulroheem Abdulhamed, who allegedly defiled a six-year-old girl, was on April 4, arraigned before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that ‎the accused committed the offence at his residence on March 20. ‎‎Osayande said that the accused, who resides in the same premises with the parents of the girl, had sent the girl on an errand and on her return, he took her into his apartment, closed the door and raped her. She said that the victim reported to her mother what the accused did to her and he was arrested. ‎ The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.‎ ‎The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000, with two sureties in like sum.‎ The case was adjourned until June 8 pending the advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Others

Ekiti Police Arrest Three with Human Skull

Operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command have arrested three men for allegedly being in possession of a human skull. The suspects -Muhammed Isiaka, Ismaila Okoro and Abidemi Awolusi- were said to have been arrested with the skull and some weapons, including charms. The state Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Chafe, April 3, disclosed that the suspects were arrested by men of the ‘OperationFlush’ at Igirigiri, a farmstead in Ado-Ekiti. The suspects were among several others paraded by the police at the command headquarters.

Man Impregnates Daughter, Dumps Baby in Well

A 55-year-old man in Gamawa LGA of Bauchi State has been arrested alongside his 20-year-old daughter for attempted murder. The man, Abdulkadir Mohammed, was said to have impregnated his daughter, Dije Abdulkadir, and she gave birth to a baby girl. The father and daughter allegedly threw the baby into a well after birth with the intention of killing her. The State Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar, confirmed the incident, stating that the suspects were arrested by police officers after vigilant neighbours rescued the baby and reported the matter to the police. The 20-year-old suspect confessed that her father impregnated her and they decided to do away with the baby.

Military Joint Operation, Police Recover Arms in Benue

A cache of fire arms including over 3,000 rounds of live ammunition, 26 assorted fire arms, anti-aircraft guns, grenades and rocket launchers were recovered in a bunker near Gbishe in Katsina/Ala LGA of Benue state during joint operation of the Nigerian military and the Police. The cache allegedly belonged to the wanted militant leader, Terwase Agwaza also known as ‘Gana’. Displaying the recovered weapons, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Samuel Ortom, Colonel Edwin Jando (rtd), said the weapons were found following a tip-off in the course of the operation to fish out the masterminds of the several killings and violent crimes in parts of the state. Jando said that the bunker where this weapons were discovered is one of the several bunkers in the crisis torn Sankera axis of the state belonging to ‘Gana’ and his boys, we are making efforts to locate all of them in this operation.

Abia Police Arrest Killers of ‘Bakassi’ Men

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, April 3, disclosed that the command had arrested three kidnap suspects involved in the gruesome killing of four members of the state vigilance group known as ‘Bakassi’ in Aba. The deceased were reportedly attacked by the assailants, who allegedly ambushed them on Aba-Owerri Road sometime in February 2017. The Bakassi men were said to be returning to their office in their operational van when the hoodlums reportedly opened fire on them, killing three of them on the spot, while the fourth person died later in the hospital. The vigilance group allegedly drew the ire of the hoodlums, after it reportedly foiled their attempt to kidnap a prominent businessman in the city. Oyebade disclosed that two of the suspects -Chimezie Ezeigbo and Emeka Ukaegbu- were arrested while guarding a kidnap victim, one Christopher Duru. Duru was kidnapped on March 17 but rescued by operatives from Ndiegoro Divisional Police Station and the Aba Area Police Command.

Lagos Task Force Arrests Suspected Fake Army Officer

Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force have nabbed a fake Nigeria Army officer, who obstructed the enforcement unit of the agency from performing their duties at Lekki area of Lagos. Chairman of the task force, Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Superintendent of Police (SP), April 4, disclosed that the enforcement team nabbed the fake soldier during the demolition of shanties occupied by miscreants around White Sand School in Lekki. The suspect had obstructed the enforcement team and beat up a para-military officer attached to the agency. Egbeyemi noted that the suspect, impersonated himself as an army Staff Sergeant an army cap on a mufti dress, adding that it was discovered after diligent investigations that he was an impersonator, who has been terrorizing innocent members of the public around the area. The suspect, Usman Yaya (27), confessed that he stole the army cap from his brother in Abuja.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination incidents continue to top the crime index. Suspected assassins shot and killed four persons in Imo State. The victims were attacked and killed in cold blood. But the police in a swift response, tracked and gunned down the ring leader of the killer gang. In Cross River and Benue States, the menace of herdsmen continued as attacks communities claimed 10 and 15 lives respectively. In a devilish act, a young man in Enugu State killed his 83-year-old uncle over land dispute. The suspect confessed that he tied up his uncle in a bush and left him for days, leading to his death. In another act of extreme wickedness, a man, said to be in his early 20s in Abia State, beheaded his mother, drained and collected her blood before fleeing the community. As the killing spree continued around the country, our security agents were not left out as fleeing highway robbers killed a policeman in Imo State and made away with the officer’s car. Other killings include incidents of rage, cult killings and attacks. While some innocent victims fell to the stray bullets of Policemen, the police were able to arrest some murder suspects and they continue the manhunt for other suspects.

While armed robbers continued their robbery spree, security operatives remained steadfast with various arrests of suspects. While the Ekiti State Police Command paraded three suspects for alleged armed robbery, the Leader of an armed robbery gang in Ibadan, who was arrested has confessed to his role in various robbery operations. He further confessed to have procured his gun from a member of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC). The FCT Police Command also arrested four suspected armed robbers and recovered various weapons. The suspects were nabbed during a raid on a criminal hideout at Garam. Meanwhile an angry mob in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, apprehended a gang of armed robbers and recovered N1.3 million stolen from a cleric. In other incidents, the police continue on the trail of fleeing gang leaders. These were recorded in the south-west and south-east regions.

The menace of paedophilia continues at an alarming rate with innocent children suffering victims. A 44-year-old man was charged to court for raping a 6-year-old girl. Boys were also victim of rapists as a 51-year-old man was arrested for defiling his son’s 14-year-old friend.  It was a sad case for a 17-year-old girl that was raped by her father. A 16-year-old girl was attacked by two men and raped at gunpoint. The suspects were however arrested by the police. In a case of horror in Niger State, a man accused of raping and killing a 9-year-old boy was only jailed for one month with an option of N30m as fine.  The state government has ordered the re-arraignment of the man and the police has promised to charge him again.

The battle for the north-east continues as the terrorists continue their attacks on communities in Borno State. Three suicide bombers were the only casualties in their unsuccessful attacks on three locations in Borno State. In a raid on a Borno community, about 22 persons, mostly girls, were taken away by Boko Haram insurgents. Three persons were reportedly killed in one of the communities. It was a loss for the nation as four soldiers lost their lives following an ambush by Boko Haram fighters in Borno State. The insurgents opened fire on an army convoy heading to the small town of Gulumba in Borno state and the soldiers were outgunned and forced to withdraw from the base. However, military reinforcements were promptly deployed and the attackers were forced to withdraw after also suffering heavy casualties. But maintaining its resolve to wipe out the terrorists, the Nigerian Army arrested two suspected Boko Haram terrorists on surveillance mission to facilitate possible attacks on the communities. 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.