Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 18

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	11
2	Robbery	7
3	Drugs
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents
5	Terrorism	6
6	Political/Government Agencies	2
7	Murder/Assassination	13
8	Rape Incidents	4
9	Others	3

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

DSS Parades Kidnappers in Sokoto

The Department for State Service (DSS) has paraded a 7-man gang of kidnappers that had been kidnapping and terrorising villages in Goronyo, Isah and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State. The Director, Tijjani Kaffa, who paraded the suspects at the Command headquarters on May 28 advised them to surrender their arms. Kaffa who disclosed that the suspects  specialised in kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling, also said that the gang was led by Abdullahi Mohammed (a.k.a Hanaswa) of Zangon Arab with other suspects as Shabi Danmusa, Abdullahi Boka, Isah Aliyu, Sule, Tukur and Ibrahim Maye all of Taloka village in Sabon Birnii. Kaffa  said the arrests were made in separate joint operations with the military between April 15 and April 19, 2017 as a result of the abduction of  one Nasiru Aliyu Maigoro of Tolaka village after collecting a ransom of N1 million.

Police Rescue 2-Week-Old Baby from Trafficker

Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have rescued a two-week-old baby from a suspected child trafficker, identified as Gift, at Uratta Junction, along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. The suspect was arrested when she could not explain how she came about the two-week-old baby she was travelling with. The baby’s incessant cries was said to have aroused the curiosity of policemen, who accosted her. On interrogation, she confessed that she was not the biological mother of the baby, but that one Mr. Ntue handed over the baby to her for upkeep. The State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, April 30, said the suspect connived with the said Ntue, who was still at large, and stole the baby from her biological mother. Oyebade disclosed that the baby has been handed over to a motherless babies’ home in Aba for care, while efforts are on-going to re-unite her with her biological mother. He added that police have launched efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplice, Ntue. He urged members of the public to volunteer useful information that may lead to his arrest.

Gunmen Abduct Medical Doctor in Delta State

Unidentified gunmen, April 28, abducted a medical doctor at Ughelli in Delta State. It was gathered that the victim, Dr Felix Ukpeteru, attached to the Pediatric ward of the Ughelli Central Hospital, was abducted along Isoko road, Ughelli. A senior police officer at the Ughelli ‘A’ Division police station, disclosed that the victim was ambushed while driving home from work and whisked into another vehicle driven by the hoodlums. The police recovered his vehicle, which was left at the scene of the incident and efforts are already in motion towards rescuing him and bringing the perpetrators to book. The State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, disclosed that the abductors have already established contact with his wife.”

Police Arrest Kingpin of Kidnapping Gang in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command, May 3, said it had arrested the leader of a kidnapping gang that had been terrorising Dandango Town and its environs. Police spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, disclosed that the suspect Saidu Abdullahi (28) was arrested on April 30, 2017 at Dandango town by detectives attached to Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command, following a tip-off. The suspect had on April 27, conspired with other members of his gang and invaded the town, where they kidnapped three persons. Police detectives had traced the suspects to their hideout and rescued the victims unhurt. He said that one cell phone suspected to have been used by the suspect in negotiating for ransom and other incriminating items were recovered from the suspects. In a related development, the command arrested a leader of another suspected kidnapping gang terrorising residents of Ganjuwa and Darazo LGAs of the state. The suspect, Lawali Musa (30), had established a base at Balmo forest in Darazo LGA. The police spokesman added that the suspect had made a voluntary confession to the offence and was helping the police with useful information that would assist the command to arrest his accomplices

58-Year-Old Mother Jailed for Human Trafficking

A 58-year-old woman and mother of seven children, Joy Raji, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for Human Trafficking. The accused was arraigned on three count charge before the Benin High Court, in January 2016, for deceitful inducement to move from any place, receiving a person to be used for forced labour and slave dealings contrary to the provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2013, as amended. The accused person, who was arraigned before Justice Alero Edodo Eruaga, had pleaded “not guilty” to the charge. The accused allegedly collaborated with her brother, Evans Aghahowa, (now at large) and introduced to the victim, the idea of travelling to Kuwait for better living. In Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, the victim was sold from one person to another without proper care. In the judgement, the accused was found guilty and sentenced to four (4) years imprisonment on count I and two (2) years imprisonment on count 2 without option of fine.

Police Discover New Kidnappers’ Hideout in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command, May 5, said it had discovered a new kidnapper’s hideout where arms as well as police and military bullet proof jackets were recovered. The State’s Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said that the discovery was made during raids of creeks at Isawo in Ikorodu area of Lagos. Owoseni said that the hideout was discovered on May 4 by a team of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and Volunteer Police led by Superintendent Godfrey Soriweiu. He noted that the success came two weeks after the discovery of a similar hideout in Isawo. According to him, in continuation of its onslaught on militants operating from the creeks, the police raided and recovered seven army and police bullet-proof vests. The teams also recovered eight ballistic helmets and nine life jackets from a new kidnapper’s hideout in Lagos. The team also recovered a speed boat belonging to the suspected kidnappers. He said that the team thereafter destroyed the hideout before moving the recovered items out of the location.

Police Arraign Three for Child Theft

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arraigned three suspects before a magistrate’s court in Nung Udoe in the Ibesikpo Asutan LGA of the state for alleged child theft and kidnapping. The accused allegedly conspired among themselves to commit kidnapping, an offence said to be punishable under the law. The presiding senior magistrate, Glory Udonah, said the court lacked the jurisdiction to try the case. Udonah stated that the involvement of a minor in the matter made it the exclusive of the chief magistrate to sit on the case. She, however, ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison custody. The police prosecutor, Inspector Kufre Umoiyak, told the court that the police had concluded investigations on the case. It was learnt that the gang was apprehended in Ikot Akpaetok, Ibesikpo Asutan by men of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department. The suspects, Imo Daniel, Theresa Akpan and a minor, were said to have kept and operated a baby factory in Ikot Akpaetok.

Police Rescue Trafficked Boy Loaned by Parents Money

The Lagos State Police Command has rescued 15-year-old Ajala Samuel, who was reported to have been used by her parents to get N8,000. It was learnt that the police had already transferred the victim’s parents and others alleged to have been involved in the case to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba. It was gathered that Samuel’s parents ran into a financial crisis after his mother became sick and the stepfather lost his job. The family was said to have given him to a Lagos trader, Iya Meta, and collected N8,000 for him to work for the woman for two months. Iya Meta was alleged to have further loaned him to three women on Lagos Island, collecting N72,000 for his service. The trio were alleged to have further given him out to a woman in the Mushin area. It was alleged that two policewomen from the Ijora Badia division were involved in the illegal deal. Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, May 1, said investigations were ongoing into the matter.

Navy Searches for Eight Abducted Sailors in Bayelsa

Some officers of the Nigerian Navy are making frantic efforts to locate the whereabouts of eight sailors abducted by gunmen in Bayelsa State on April 19. The sailors were reportedly abducted in the Atlantic Ocean, close to Brass in Brass LGA of the state. The victims were identified as employees of Tethys Nigeria Limited and Sylver Global Limited. Their abductors were said to have forcibly boarded the vessel after firing several gunshots in the air to scare them. The abductors were said to have stolen their victims’ valuables, dragged them into their speedboats and whisked them off to an unknown destination. It was, however, learnt that troops of the Forward Operation Base, Fomoso, at Egweama in Brass had launched a manhunt for the abductors in order to free the hostages.

Gunmen Abduct Businessman in Imo

Unidentified gunmen, April 28, invaded Amaraku community in the Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State and kidnapped a businessman, identified as Odinaka Uzoeshi. Uzoeshi was reportedly abducted in his residence at about 1:45am. Confirming the kidnap, the Commander, Imo Security Network for Okigwe Zone, Uzondu Kaka, said the abductors, who came on a motorcycle, whisked their victim away in his car. Kaka said when the hoodlums arrived the residence of their target, they shot sporadically into the air to scare neighbours away before whisking him away. The security expert stated that the strategy deployed by the fleeing gunmen made it impossible for security men and people within to understand they were around for a criminal mission. Police spokesman, Andrew Enwerem, who confirmed the abduction, said the gunmen were three in number. Enwerem said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Chris Ezike, had ordered the immediate manhunt for the gangsters and the release of the victim. Meanwhile, Ezike has called for the assistance of other security agencies in the fight against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and other criminal activities in the state.

Police Nab Suspected Human Trafficker

The police in Bauchi said they had arrested a suspected human trafficker, Sadiya Umar (21), for luring a 13-year-old victim to Bauchi State to sell her. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, April 29, said Umar, who stayed behind NEPA office in Jos, Plateau State, brought the victim from Sabon Garin Saya in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The police spokesperson, Mohammed, said the suspect had confessed to the act and was assisting the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of her accomplices after which they would be charged to court for prosecution.

Robbery

Robbers Kill Corps Member Returning from Night Club in FCT

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), May 4, confirmed the death of a 25-year-old corps member, Charity Thilza, who was serving in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Charity was shot around 3am on May 1 while returning home from a nightclub. The deceased was reported to have attended a show at the club with four friends, identified as Lola, Bisi, Pooja (an Indian) and a man. Confirming the incident, the Director of Press, NYSC, Mrs Abosede Aderibigbe explained that Charity was killed by armed robbers, who trailed her and her friends from the club. The robbers had trailed them from the club, and when they could not get them, they shot at the car and the bullets hit her.

Herdsmen Attack Trader, Cart Away Money, Food Stuff

Suspected herdsmen armed with AK47 guns have stormed a provision store at Umuachi-Ogo community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, brutalizing its owner and making away with the sum of N350, 000 and half bags of rice and beans. Vanguard gathered that the owner, one Mrs. Ifeoma Ugo, had closed for the day at about 9.30pm on May 3 and was about locking her store when the herdsmen, numbering four, accosted her and started shooting at random. A community source said the gunmen were dressed like herdsmen, adding that the gunshots caused panic in the community as residents scampered for safety.

Police Parade Robbers, Nab Pastor with Human Head

The Oyo State Police Command, May 5, paraded a 55-year-old pastor over unlawful possession of a human head, buffalo horn as well as gun powder and charms. The police also paraded 18 suspects arrested for alleged armed robbery, stealing and cultism. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Odude,  disclosed that the pastor of  Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Idapomimo  Zion, Alagbado, Lagos,  was arrested by operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol during a “ stop and search’’  operation on May 4. The suspect, claimed that he got the human head during a demolition exercise in Alagbado, Lagos. Items recovered from other robbery suspects were eight vehicles, 14 cell phones and 106 rounds of ammunition.

Robbers Shoot Expatriate, Kill Inspector, Cart Away N10m in Imo State

Three gunmen on Friday attacked a Chinese expatriate in Owerri, the Imo state capital, and made away with the N10m he withdrew from a branch of Diamond Bank on Item Street. The gangsters shot the expatriate, believed to be a Chinese contractor working in the state and killed his police orderly, who was an inspector during the operation. An eyewitness disclosed that immediately the foreigner was driven out of the bank premises, the gunmen, who were already waiting double-crossed his vehicle and promptly opened fire, killing the policeman before escaping with their loot.

Car Thieves Escape Lynching in Abuja

Two suspected car thieves escaped death after they were caught and mobbed along the Solomon Lar Way in the Utako area of Abuja. The suspects were beaten with iron rods and stones, after they were caught trying to steal a car on May 2. Eyewitnesses said the suspects, who came in a Volkswagen Golf taxi, attempted to steal a stationary car and when the plan failed, they tried to escape in their operational car. The mob, however, blocked their path. A witness, identified only as Ibrahim, said, “The robbers knew they would be mobbed if caught and attempted to speed off in their car. However, in their desperation, they ended up crashing into a protective concrete slab. They thereafter abandoned the car and took to their heels, but the crowd caught up with them near a vulcaniser’s shed. Policemen from the Utako division later arrived at the scene and took the suspects away. The FCT Police spokesperson, Usen Perry, confirmed the arrest.

Police Nab Robbers, Rescue Victims in Niger State

The Niger State Police Command, May 4, said that it had arrested three armed robbers terrorising Lapai and Gurara areas of the state. It was gathered that the operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested the suspects, Abdullahi Sani, Mohammed Rufai and Jibril Elias in Lapai and Gurara communities, following a tip-off. The state Commissioner of Police, Zubaru Muazu, confirmed the arrest. Muazu said the suspects were arrested at different locations in the Lapai and Gurara councils of the state, adding that they confessed to receiving ammunition from one Dan Hajo to carry out their nefarious activities in the areas. The police, in collaboration with the military attached to Lapai, also rescued three persons kidnapped by the suspects. Muazu added that the operatives also rescued the kidnapped victims. He appealed to the members of the public to always give credible information that would lead to the arrest of hoodlums who were making life difficult for the people.

Cab Driver Nabbed While Robbing Passengers

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a cab driver, Kingsley Chijioke, while robbing his passengers at gunpoint along Goffina Village, Zuba, Niger State. The Force stated that Chijioke’s accomplices, however, escaped on sighting police operatives. The FCT police spokesman, Manzah Anjuguri, May 1, advised residents to be vigilant when boarding taxis. Anjuguri stated that efforts were being made to arrest the fleeing suspects, recover the firearm used for the operation and the items belonging to the victims. He added that Chijioke and his operational vehicle, a blue Mazda with registration number. YAB 426 BS recovered at the scene had been transferred to the Command Special Anti-Robbery Squad for investigation.

Drugs

Militancy/Maritime

Terrorism

NAF Destroys Boko Haram Artillery in Sambisa

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets, April 28, destroyed an artillery piece being sneaked into Sambisa forest by Boko Haram insurgents. Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, disclosed that the artillery piece was concealed under a tree and sighted by a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft while on daytime patrol in the Sambisa general area. He said that about seven insurgents were also observed to be moving out from under the tree. One Alpha Jet and one F-7Ni fighter aircraft were scrambled for air interdiction on the artillery piece. “The Alpha Jet and F-7Ni strikes were observed to have hit the target. Thereafter, the Alpha Jet strafed the area with rockets and the location of the artillery piece was completely engulfed in an inferno. Adesanya stated that with the successful attacks, attempts by the remnants of the insurgents to reinforce their capability with the artillery piece was thwarted.

Police Arrest Driver for Supplying Fuel, Food to Boko Haram Insurgents

The Borno State Police Command, April 29, that it had arrested a driver, Malam Modu Mustapha, suspected to be purchasing fuel and food items for Boko Haram insurgents. The State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, said that the suspect was arrested after a tip-off by members of the public. According to him, the Police had received information that one Modu Mustapha of Jumptilo village was a terrorists’ collaborator, who buys fuel and food for them at Alagarno and other hideout. The Police took action and arrested on the suspect, who later confessed to the crime. The CP said the suspect also named 15 other firewood vehicle drivers, who engaged in similar crime. He said because of the nature of the crime, it would be transferred to the Military.

NAF Jet Kills Boko Haram Commanders, Many Others

The Nigerian Air Force component of Operation Lafiya Dole, operating in the north-east, has killed many Boko Haram terrorists in an air raid targeted at their camps in Mangosum village. The Air Force troops had previously successfully provided air cover to troops of 27 Task Force Battalion thereby enabling them to repel an attack by the Boko Haram Terrorists. The huge success recorded against the terrorists was carried out by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft which trailed the remnants of the insurgents that attacked the Battalion to a village north-east of Mangosum in Borno State. The Nigerian Air Force troops had conducted the air interdiction mission with two alpha jets and one F-7Ni aircraft. NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the April 28 dawn raid carried out by its component of Operation Lafiya Dole was mainly on some remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists.

Army Confirms Killing of Boko Haram Leaders near Sambisa

The Nigerian Army, May 4, disclosed that several Boko Haram commanders were killed in several Operation Deep Punch attacks on hideouts and camps of the terrorists around the Sambisa Forest general area. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, said that the attack on the hideouts and camps which were jointly carried out by the Nigerian Air Force and Troops of Lafiya Dole, also destroyed logistics bases, arms stockpile and terrorist’s equipment in Mangusum and various parts of Sambisa including Balla and Parisu. Usman said reported that the Nigerian Air Force specifically has been carrying out excellent aerial bombardments with utmost precision to the point that they have destroyed the Boko Haram terrorist’s logistics, weapons, and equipment and neutralized quite a number of terrorists in Mangusum, various parts of Sambisa including Balla and Parisu. He added that there were indications that quite a number of the terrorist’s key leaders have either been killed or wounded.

3 Female Suicide Bombers Killed in Borno

Three suspected female suicide bombers were, May 3, killed while attempting to attack a military outpost near Muna garage at the outskirt of Maiduguri in Borno State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said. Malam Abdulkadir Ibrahim, NEMA North-East Information Officer, disclosed that three suspected female teenage suicide bombers attempted to attack military outpost popularly known as “Gontanamo” along Muna garage. The suspects were sighted trying to gain access to the premises and were shot by the security agents on guard leading to the detonation of their concealed explosives, killing all three of them. The State Police Command also confirmed the incident, adding that one soldier was also injured.

7 Killed in Borno Suicide Bomb Attack

The Borno State Police Command, May 5, confirmed the killing of seven persons after two suspected female suicide bombers attacked Mandarari ward in Konduga LGA of the State. Malam Murtala Ibrahim of the Borno Police Command Public Relations Unit, confirmed the incident in statement he issued in Maiduguri. Ibrahim said that the attack took place on May 4 when two suspected female suicide bombers detonated explosives strapped to their bodies at Mandarari ward in Konduga LGA, killing themselves and five others. Six persons sustained various degrees of injuries in the attack. The corpses and injured persons were evacuated to General Hospital Konduga, and normalcy restored to the area.

Political/Government Agencies

Troops Kill Notorious Militant Gang Leader, Ossy, Others in Ondo

Troops of Operation Delta Safe, in a special operation, repelled an attack on their location around Ajakpa community Ese-Odo LGA of Ondo State on April 30. The attack was led by one notorious gang leader, Ossy Ibori with a hideout at Ajakpa, a creek community. The leader was gunned down during the gun duel, along with some of his gang members. His body was identified by some of the locals in the area. Troops had recovered one AK-47 Rifle and 4 Magazines. Criminal gangs led by the late Ossy Ibori had been terrorising parts of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states prior to this operation. One soldier was killed, while 3 others sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. The injured have since been moved to military hospital for proper medical attention.

Soldiers Kill Eight Armed Youths from C’River

Soldiers have killed eight armed youths said to be from Ikot Offiong, Cross River State, who attacked Ikot Ada Akpan in Oku Iboku, in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State. The Ikot Offiong armed youths were said to have gone to Ikot Ada Akpan in six speedboats on April 29, throwing hand grenades, as well as firing shots at houses. It was gathered that some soldiers, said to be guarding the area, killed eight of the assailants. The attackers were said to have fled with the corpses of their cohorts and the injured. However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Chukwu Ikechukwu, said he was not aware of the incident.

Murder/Assassinations

Unknown Gunmen Kill 10 in Taraba in Separate Attacks

About 10 people have been killed by unknown gunmen in communities in Takum and Ussa LGAs of Taraba State. The attacks, which occurred on May 1 and 2 left eight persons dead in Tati community, a village in Takum while two persons were reportedly killed in Kwesati community in Ussa area. The gunmen reportedly stormed the communities in their large numbers with sophisticated weapons and shot indiscriminately at the residents who were largely unarmed. The attacks have paralysed business activities in Takum which is a commercial town while some of the residents were said to be leaving the town in droves for fear of further attacks. The Chairman of Ussa LGA, Rimansikwe Hassan Karma, commended the youths for not taking the laws into their hands, and promised that security agencies are putting machineries in place to bring the culprits to book just as he urged those fleeing the area to return back. Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), David Misel, confirmed the attacks but could not give further details.

Gunmen Storm Burial Ceremony, Kill Seven

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the killing of some residents at Ihuaje community in Ahaoda-East LGA of the state. Spokesman of the Command, Nnamdi Omoni said that the victims were killed during a funeral ceremony in Ihuaje on April 29. According to him, a group of suspected cultists stormed the venue of the funeral and shot at their targets, killing them and leaving many others with bullet wounds. The police deployed men to restore calm in the area, and have opened investigations into the killings, Omoni added. The Police also confirmed the killing of one person at Edi community in Egi area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA.

Armed Youths Kill Scores in A-Ibom/C-River Boundary Attacks

Fresh trouble erupted on April 29 as armed youths, from Ikot Offiong in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State, reportedly killed scores of fishermen during another attack of Ikot Ada Akpan Community in Oku-Iboku, Akwa Ibom State. An eyewitness disclosed that the attackers arrived in six speed boats from Ikot Offiong in Cross River and opened fire on the fishermen. The attackers were later repelled by the military. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Chukwu Ikechukwu, who confirmed the incident, however, said that no death was recorded.

Police Arrest 6 Suspects over Assassination Attempt on Dino Melaye

The police, April 29, said they had arrested six suspects in connection with an assassination attempt on Senatore Dino Melaye in his home in Kogi State on April 15. The Force Spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, disclosed that the arrested suspects included a Kogi local government sole administrator and his orderly. Moshood said that items recovered included one Hyundai Ambulance bus allegedly used in conveying the attackers, five AK47 rifles, One Beretta pistol and two locally made single barrel shot guns. Others were 25 expended shells of 7.62 mm ammunition, 13 expended shells of 9mm ammunition and 12 expended shells of gauge cartridge. Moshood said that the firearms had been sent for ballistic expert examination, test and analysis at the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Lagos. According to the police spokesman, the suspects used the telephone of the Sole Administrator’s orderly in planning the failed assassination on Melaye. Moshood said one of the suspects had confessed to the crime and admitted to have been sent by the sole administrator.

Judiciary Staff Sentenced to Death for Murder

A 49-year-old judiciary staff in Delta State, Mr. Narebor Stephen Donbrapade, has been sentenced to death by hanging for stabbing his flatmate’s wife to death by a Delta State High Court. The accused had on January 31, 2013, murdered one Stella Avwenayerhe by stabbing her on the chest at their residence after a minor disagreement after he walked on the rug in the sitting room without removing his shoes. She was confirmed dead by doctors at the Ughelli Central hospital, where she was rushed to by neighbours. The accused, in his defense, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of murder, alleging that the victim was stabbed to death by some unidentified hoodlums in the area. Delivering his judgment, Justice F. O. Ohwo found the accused guilty on the one-count charge preferred against him.

One Killed, Buildings Razed over Girlfriend

One person was killed and about six buildings razed following a row over a girl in Owheologbo community in Isoko North LGA of Delta State on April 30. It was learnt that the deceased, simply identified as Mr. Dennis, was killed at about 9:30pm in his mother’s house by assailants sent by a man he was allegedly feuding with over a girlfriend. It was learned that angry youths later mobilised and set fire to houses, cars and other properties of members of the family of those who participated in the killing, but the assailants promptly fled the community to avoid lynching by the mob. The Chairmanmof Isoko North LGA, Emmanuel Egbabor, confirmed that the incident was related to issues concerning a woman. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident, but did not give further details.

Cultists Kill 4 in Rivers

Suspected cultists, April 30, killed about four people during fresh cult clashes in Omudioga in Emohua LGA; Omademe in Ikwerre LGA and Ozuoba community in Obio/Akpor LGA, all of Rivers State. The cultists killed one Nna Assor and chopped off his head in Omudioga community, following earlier invasion of the community by Deygbam cult members. The Omudioga Youth President, Mr. Chinyere Amadi, disclosed that Assor was killed and beheaded by suspected members of the rival Iceland cultists. In a related development, cultists killed one Anele Ikezam and burnt down several houses in Ozuoba community. Similarly, two other persons were killed in cult-related violence in Omademe community in a clash yet between Icelanders and rival Deygbam cult gangs. Trouble reportedly started when members of the two cult groups engaged in an argument over which group is leading in the clashes in neighbouring Omudioga community. Police Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incidents, adding that the police had begun investigations.

Teenagers Kill 13-Year-Old Boy

Men of Ekiti State Police Command, May 3, arrested three teenagers in Ifaki-Ekiti in Ido/Osi LGA of the state for allegedly killing a 13-year-old boy, Abubakar Abdullahi, and burying him secretly. When police quizzed them, they claimed that one of the trees they felled killed him on May 1. It was gathered that Abubakar had been following the suspects to the forest to fell trees, but did not return with them on that fateful day. The three suspects were said to have claimed that Abubakar did not accompany them on that day, forcing the deceased’s parents to declare him missing. They reported the case at the police station and the police were searching everywhere for him without making headway. The police later arrested the trio, where they extracted information that the boy had been killed. Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti Command, Alberto Adeyemi, confirmed the incident.

2 Cattle Rustlers to die by Hanging for Murder

A Kogi State High Court sitting in Okene, May 4, sentenced two trans-border cattle rustlers – Muhammed Lawal Jauro and Yusuf Sanni – to death by hanging. The duo got the sentence after Justice Josiah Majebi found them guilty of cattle rustling and culpable homicide. The accused were arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and culpable homicide, contrary to various sections of the Penal Code. The prosecution had told the court that sometimes in January 2016, one Dauda Abdullahi made a report of a gruesome murder one Haruna and theft of his cows. He said that upon investigation, the accused persons were arrested in Kwara State, while their leader, Awaijo Wetti, escaped and remained still at large. The prosecution further submitted that the suspects, who had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges, later pleaded guilty. Majebi said that the not guilty plea by the accused during the trial could not be substantiated because the admission of the commission of the said offence by the accused persons in their respective statements was clear, specific and unambiguous.

Taraba Police Arrest Man with Roasted Human Parts

The Taraba State Police Command have arrested a 60-year-old man, Abubakar Abdulkadir, for allegedly being in possession of roasted human parts. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, David Misal, May 5, disclosed that the suspect was arrested at Alin-Gora Village, Ardo-kola Council Area of the state. Misal further disclosed that Abdulkadir was arrested with body parts suspected to be that of his nephew, Ali Gimba, who was reported missing on April 27. He had roasted part of the boy’s body and loaded it in a sack. Also recovered were a knife and a hoe, which the suspect used in digging a hole to pour and cover the boy’s blood, the police spokesman added.

Police Arrest Suspected Killer of Family of Three

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a suspected killer of a family of three in Ibeshe Titun, in the Ikorodu area of the State. It was learnt that the suspect, whose identity had yet to be ascertained, was arrested on May 2 in the community. The suspect has reportedly confessed to being a member of the gang that attacked and killed members of the family. He was beaten to a pulp by an angry mob as he also mentioned the names of their sponsors. A couple, Lucky and Margaret Ebhodaghe, alongside their son, Jonathan, was killed in their home in April. Jonathan, the only child of the family, was sitting for the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination when the incident happened. It was reported that the assailants tore the window net and cut some burglar-proof bars to gain access into the house. They were said to have inflicted severe machete cuts on the family members, causing their death.

Gunmen Kill Ex- Youth Leader, Friend in Rivers Community

A former youth leader in Eleme LGA of Rivers State, Isaac Obe, and another person have been killed gunmen suspected to be cultists, who stormed Alode community and unleashed mayhem on April 29. Following the killing, angry Alode youths went on rampage and about 10 houses, including the one belonging to a community chief, Donald Awala, were set ablaze by the youths. The former youth leader was shot while he was about to enter his residence, and the second person killed was a visitor to the community. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident and said security operatives had restored calm to the area. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zaki Ahmed, according to him, had directed that an investigation be carried out urgently on the matter.

Seven Arrested in Rivers Cult Killings

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested seven persons suspected to be cultists over alleged involvement in a cult clash that claimed five persons in Omudioga Community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Nnamdi Omoni, April 29, disclosed that seven suspects were apprehended during the operation of a special security team in the community. He also noted that lives were lost as a result of cult war, stressing that the development led to the drafting security operatives to the community. He assured that normalcy had been restored to the town and that the arrested suspects were helping the police in the investigations.

Rape

25-Year-Old Man Docked for Raping 5-Year-Old Boy

A magistrate’s court in Kano, May 3, remanded a 25-year-old man, Suleiman Bala, in prison custody for allegedly defiling a five-year-old boy. The prosecutor, Rufa’i Inusa, told the court that the father of the boy, one Abdullahi of Kofar Arewa village, reported the matter to the Dawakin Kudu Police Station on March 22. He said that on March 10 at about 2pm, the boy, who was on his way from a mosque, was allegedly lured by Bala into a nearby shop, where he performed an unnatural act with him. Inusa said that the victim was rushed to Dawakin Kudu Hospital for treatment. Bala, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and Chief Magistrate Muhammad Jibril adjourned the case until May 15 for mention.

Man Remanded for Sodomising Two Boys

A 35-year-old man, Balarabe Yusuff, was, May 2, remanded in the Katsina State prison custody till June 6, 2017, for allegedly having sexual intercourse with two nine-year-old boys. The police said Balarabe was arrested recently after he had lured a nine-year-old boy into having sexual intercourse with him. The Police First Information Report alleged that Balarabe lured the boy to an uncompleted building, where he forcefully had sexual intercourse with him. After his arrest, Balarabe also allegedly confessed to have had sexual intercourse with another nine-year-old boy in the same building, using the same methods of deceit and threat. The two boys were said to have been taken to the General hospital, Katsina, for treatment. The magistrate, Hajiya Dikko of the Katsina Senior Magistrates’ Court, who gave the remand order, said that  that the case would be tried by the high court after police investigation and on the strength of legal advice from the state Ministry of Justice. The plea of the accused was not taken.

25 Men Charged to Court in Bauchi for Rape

The Bauchi State Police Command says it has arrested and charged 25 men to court for raping victims, aged between four and 26 years old. It was learnt that some of the suspects had been remanded in prison while others were on bail. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, April 29, said the suspects were arrested between January 1 and April 28, adding that the rate of gender-related cases in the state was becoming alarming. He called on members of the public to be wary of suspicious persons. He called on members of the public, parents and guardians to caution their children against strangers and to be security conscious by reporting suspicious persons in their neighbourhood to the police.

21-Year-Old Gang-Raped by 5 Men in Lagos

A 21-year old lady has been hospitalised after she was gang-raped by five men on her way to work at Irawo area of Owode Onirin, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The victim suffered her fate while going to work as early as 5.30am to beat traffic. The lady was attacked while she was heading to the bus terminal. The suspects took her to an open corner, forcefully removed her pant and raped her in turns without any protection, and thereafter they let her go. The victim returned home to inform her parents of what happened. The matter was reported to the police who took the victim to the scene and she was able to identify one of the suspects. One of the suspects, a 21-year old Mathew Odunayo was arrested and charged before Ogba Magistrates court for sexual assault and unlawful penetration with others now at large under the Criminal Code. He pleaded not guilty. The presiding Magistrate, Mr J.A. Abegun granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. Odunayo was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail condition. The matter was adjourned till 19th May 2017.

Others

Police Apprehend 43 Cultists in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Command, May 4, paraded 43 suspected cult members, among them a 13-year-old boy. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba, said that the 13-year-old was a member of the notorious Greenlander cult group. The suspects were arrested within two weeks of a special security operation that was launched after the police noticed an increase in crime rate. The Police boss commended the various community vigilante groups for assisting the command in policing the state. Amba also announced the arrest of four suspected robbers involved in the killing of two policemen and an attack on a cameraman working with the Nigerian Television Authority, Oladele Olatunji, at Ebis Junction area of the state. He said two of the suspected robbers were arrested at a popular filling station in the state capital.

25 Injured as Muslims, Masqueraders Clash in Oyo

No fewer than 25 people were said to have been injured when followers of the traditional Egungun religion and some Islamic faithful clashed in Kishi town, in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State on May 3. The clash came at a time when the traditional ruler of the town, the Iba of Kishi, Oba Moshood Arowoduye, was celebrating his 20th coronation anniversary. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abiodun Odude, said that he had deployed policemen from the Ogbomoso division to ensure the return of peace to the area. He clearly stated that no life was lost during the mayhem.

Man Brutalises Maid for Eating Food with Meat

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, Mr. Olanrewaju Bakare, for allegedly brutalising a 15-year-old girl, identified only as Alaba. The victim had been taken by her parents to Ibadan, Oyo State, to live with her aunt, who shortly afterwards took her to stay with Bakare and his family in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. Bakare was said to have promised to take care of the victim for the time she would serve his family, adding that he would send her to a vocational school, but he later reneged on the promise. It was learnt that on April 24, 2017, some neighbours heard the cry of the teenager and intervened. The girl stated that the man used a part of a disused tyre to flog her for eating her meal with a piece of meat after he asked her not to. She sustained injuries on different parts of her body. Residents alerted officials of the Office of the Public Defender in Ita Elewa, Ikorodu. An official of the OPD, who did not want to be identified, said on receipt of the information, the agency alerted the police to join in the rescue of the victim.