Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 20

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	5
2	Robbery	5
3	Drugs	4
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	2
5	Terrorism
6	Political/Government Agencies	8
7	Murder/Assassination	15
8	Rape Incidents	5
9	Others

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnapped Ondo Permanent Secretary Regains Freedom

The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Niran Ikuomola, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen, May 18, regained his freedom. Dr. Ikuomola was kidnapped alongside his driver on May 14 along the Lokoja/Abuja expressway. He was said to be travelling to Abuja for an official engagement when he was reportedly ambushed by the abductors. It could not be ascertained if any ransom was paid but the kidnappers had initially demanded for a ransom of N70million, which was later reduced to N20million.

IGP’s Crack Squad Storms Kidnappers’ Den

Operatives from the Inspector-General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team, (IRT), May 17, stormed house number 21, Pastor Asaye Close, New Igando, Lagos State, where an abductee, the owner of a multi-national pharmaceutical company, Donatus Dunu, was kept for months. The operatives, who were led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, were a large cache of arms and ammunition -four AK-47 rifles, two pistols and 40 fully-loaded magazines- were recovered. They combed the area for clues that would aid their search for fleeing members of the notorious kidnap gang. The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had placed a bounty of N30 million for information that could lead to the arrest of the gang leader, known as Evans.

Troops Rescue Victims from Kidnappers’ Den

Authorities of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Delta Safe, May 17, confirmed that its operatives had raided identified camps of pirates and kidnappers in the creeks of Bayelsa State and rescued two victims. Commander of the task force, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, who disclosed this, said that the troops conducted the successful raid around the Oluasiri and Agbidama creeks in Brass and Ekeremor LGAs, respectively. One of the victims sustained gunshot injury during the crossfire. Items recovered during the raids include one HK 21E Rifle, one Rocket-Propelled Gun launcher, four AK-47 rifles, three pistols, 61 pieces of 12.7/108mm ammo, five empty rifles magazine, one empty pistol magazines, 36 pieces of 7.62mm ammo, and 15 pieces of 9mm ammo among others.

Troops Raid Kidnappers’ Camps in Bauchi, Yobe State

Soldiers of 135 Battalion, 33 Brigade Nigerian Army currently on Operation Harbin Kunama II, deployed to Dangarfa, Ningi Local Government Area have cleared notorious kidnappers’ camps in Lame-Burra, Dangarfa and Dangardo forests, in Bauchi State, killing one suspect and arresting another. The Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 33 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Joseph Afolasade, said the suspected kidnappers attempted to escape on sighting the troops, but they were neutralised and one of them arrested weapons recovered. The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, May 14, said that four suspected kidnappers were also arrested at Mundu village in the state, following a tip off. The suspects were found to be in possession of 1 Locally made Six Loader Single Barrel Gun, 1 Empty Cartridge, 2 Machetes, a Knife, 2 Mobile Telephone Handsets, 2 Packets of Tramol Tablets and the sum of Three Hundred and Sixty Naira, while on their way to commit crime.

13-Year-Old Escapes from Kidnappers’ Den

A 13-year-old boy, Odunayo Sunday, has escaped from his captors two days after he was kidnapped in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The boy was reportedly found by a Good Samaritan at Ugbe Akoko, in the Akoko North East LGA of Ondo State. The kidnappers, who were inside a Sport Utility Vehicle had pretended to be interested in buying some vegetables from the boy. An eyewitness said the men bought vegetable worth N100 and gave the boy N1,000 note, expecting N900 change. But after looking for the change without success, the men beckoned on the boy to come. They forced him inside their vehicle and sped off. The boy disclosed that he was taken to a place inside a thick bush where the other gang members were waiting. According to him, he made his escape after the gang members began to quarrel amongst themselves. His guardian, Mrs. Rachel Balogun, expressed appreciation to God for the safe return of the boy.

Robbery

Police Arrest Notorious Bike Snatchers, Killers in Katsina State

The Katsina State Police Command have arrested Abubakar Dauda (33), and five others who specialise in killing commercial motorcyclists and snatching their motorcycles. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Gambo Isa, who disclosed this on May 16, said that the suspects were arrested in Funtua LGA following a tip-off. He said items recovered from the suspects included one gallon of petrol; two constructed iron mater keys; bunches of keys; one iron rod and a torchlight. He said that the suspects had confessed to robbing a number of persons of their motorcycles in the state. The PPRO said the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations. He also said that the command had arrested one Abdulaziz Ibrahim who specialised in robbing motorists at gun point on Funtua-Zaria road. He said the police engaged the robbers in gun battle and chased them up to near ABU Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Newborn Sold for N850,000; mother gets N250,000

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos Police Command, have arrested a 22-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Osoneye, alongside six other suspects over the sale of a day-old baby for N850,000. The commander of RRS, Olatunji Disu, May 15, said Onyinyechi was arrested on May 10 over the sale of her baby to a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ike Nwata. Onyinyechi allegedly connived with her mother, Joy Osoneye, to conceal the pregnancy from her father. It was gathered that Onyinyechi was admitted at Peninsula Hospital, Ikota, on Lekki-Ajah Expressway, where one Glory Ehinmi delivered her of a baby boy on March 1. The source further disclosed that Onyinyechi, when arrested, denied that she was ever pregnant. She later burst into tears and confessed that Mrs Ehinmi took the baby from her after delivery and gave him to another woman, Prisca Okocha, , who offered Onyinyechi’s mother N250,000. Okocha contacted another woman, Regina Anyanwu, who brought the buyer, Mrs Nwata. Okocha later confessed to investigators that she sold the baby for N850,000, but gave the mother N250,000. Meanwhile, the baby is with Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs, while investigations continue.

Fake Military Officers Rob Motorist in Lagos Traffic

A suspected fake naval rating, Kingsley Chukwueke, has been arrested by policemen from the Zone 2 Command, Lagos, for allegedly robbing a motorist. The police said the suspect was aided by a fake soldier, Chidi Ibrahim. Chukwueke, Ibrahim and a tailor, Alaba Akanni, were paraded at the Zone 2 Command, Onikan, on Tuesday. Police operatives were on a routine patrol along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway on May 6 when the suspects were caught robbing their victim. The police were said to have recovered a bag containing a naval uniform, a naval cap, singlet and belt from the suspect. The complainant, Paschal Omuokafor, said he had closed from work on the day when he was attacked by the men. However, the suspects denied the allegations. Chukwueke, a 26-year-old indigene of Imo State, explained that he was called by Omuokafor for help after he hit another vehicle in the traffic.

Police Smash Car Snatching Syndicate in Abia

Men of the Abia State Police Command have smashed a car snatching syndicate, which specialised in bringing stolen cars from neighbouring states into Abia for sale. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adeleye Oyebade, who disclosed this on May 15, said operatives of the command had been on the lookout for the hoodlums in the state. He said the police had on April 27, 2017, arrested the duo of Emmanuel John and Onyeka Nnaji and recovered one Lexus RX 300 with number plate, ABC 472 LK, from them. Oyebade added that the suspects confessed to have allegedly received the car from one Don in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after the car was snatched from its owner in Asaba, Delta State. It was learnt that the suspect confessed to have bought the car on October 2016 from one Emmaunel Chigbu, who resided at Methodist Church Road in Abayi Aba.

Drugs

Suspect Arrested with Indian hemp in Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command, May 18, said they had apprehended a 13-year-old boy for being in possession of 29 wraps of weed suspected to be Indian hemp and seven wraps of weeds called ‘Sconge’. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Fimihan Adeoye, who disclosed this said one Akeem Ojuolape, who gave the ‘weeds’ to the minor to sell was also arrested by the police. He said one Ahmed Azeez was also arrested along with the duo on May 14, adding that the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation. The commissioner, however, said the minor would be rehabilitated.

NDLEA Intercepts 1,280kg of Narcotic, Seeks Approach to Anti-Drug War

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted a shipment of a narcotic called Khat, a stimulant said to have similar effects as amphetamine. It is a plant called Catha edulis cultivated in the Middle East and Africa for its leaves and buds which are chewed or used as tea. The NDLEA spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, May 12, said 1,280kg of the plant, which drug cartels began introducing into the country a few years ago, was intercepted during the week. Chairman of the agency, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (retd.), said that there is no better time to evaluate strategies for the effective implementation of drug law policies. No matter how vibrant the drug law policy may be, if there are no corresponding clearly defined strategies for implementation, the policy will be sterile. Abdallah said Khat was once a passive threat in the country initially until recently. According to him, there is need to fashion out new strategies to address the problem before it gets out of hand.

Court Remands 5 for Alleged Drug Trafficking

A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, May 16, ordered the remand of five men in prison custody for alleged trafficking in 22.170 kg of Indian hemp. Justice Joyce Abdulmaleek, who gave the remand order, separately adjourned the cases till June 7 for presentation of facts against the accused persons. Counsel to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Raphael Himinkaiye, said the accused persons were arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on unlawful dealing in Indian Hemp at different locations in Oyo State. According to the prosecutor, the accused persons deal in 22.170 kg of Indian hemp. He stated that the offence contravened Section 11 (C) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Law of the Federation 2004. The accused persons risk between 10 and 15 years in prison if convicted.

Navy Intercepts N40m Drugs, assures NDLEA of cooperation

Plans by a trans-border gang to export cannabis worth over N40 million through the nation’s waterways to other West African countries was foiled by the Nigerian Navy, following the recovery of two fibre boats loaded with 100 bags of the substance on May 13. The suspects were heading towards Benin Republic when they were accosted by Naval personnel at Igbooja village, close to Badagry area of Lagos State. On sighting the personnel, the suspects jumped into the river and swam for safety, abandoning their boats. The recovered bags of cannabis, which had different inscriptions, such as TMT, AI, PMAN, Gad and WK, on them to indicate the different owners, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), by the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Mauris Eno. The substance was packaged in 77 big bags and 23 medium bags, weighing about 4226.6kg with an estimated street value of over N40 million. Receiving the recovered substance, NDLEA’s Principal Staff Officer, Operations and Intelligence, Lagos State Command, Mr. Lawal Isiaka, said the agency would continue from where the Navy stopped.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Officer Shoots 2 Dead at NPDC Facility in Delta

A Naval personnel on guard duty at the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, (NPDC) facility at Jalla, Warri South LGA of Delta State, May 12, shot dead two persons. State Police Commissioner, Zana Ibrahim, confirmed the incident, saying the matter was under control. An information officer from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, said the officer acted in self defence. The victims include natives of Ifie, Warri South council area and Ekpan in Uvwie council area. It was gathered that youths from both communities, on the fateful day, were said to be engaged in job slots negotiations with representatives of NPDC when the edgy Navy personnel moved in and shot first into the air before firing at the two victims, who died on the spot. Chairman of Warri South council Mofe Edema, described as “one killing too many”. He lamented indiscriminate killing of youths by security operatives in the area.

Remains of Slain Policemen Recovered in Delta State

The Delta State Police Command, May 15, disclosed that the remains of four policemen declared missing, following a May 1 attack on Police Marine Base, Sapele, have been recovered. The decomposing bodies were retrieved along with their bullet ridden patrol boat after Aruwun community. The attack further heightened tension in Sapele and environs as security sources disclosed that the base was attacked by a gang of suspected militants operating in the area, who also made away with an undisclosed number of arms and ammunition. The remains of the policemen were discovered in the river between Abigborodo and Arouwun communities in Warri North and Sapele LGAs. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, disclosed that investigation into the incident is on.

Terrorism

3 Suicide Bombers Die Failed Attack on UNIMAID

Three male suicide bombers, May 19, died following a failed attempt to enter some locations within the premises of the University of Maiduguri in Borno State. Head of Media and Public Relations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Sani Datti, disclosed that the University’s Security and Vigilantes group intercepted the suicide bombers before they could gain entrance into the University premises. He explained that the suicide bombers immediately detonated the explosives strapped on them, killing themselves only and injuring two others. The remains of the three suicide bombers were evacuated to the Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri.

Two Soldiers Injured as Female Suicide Bomber Attacks Military Checkpoint

A female suicide bomber was killed after she detonated the IED strapped to her body at Mashimari by Military Tango 4 behind an IDP camp at Konduga in Borno state on May 17. Two soldiers were injured in the attack. Theatre Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor, confirmed the incident saying the affected soldiers are receiving treatment at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The soldiers were injured as they tried to stop the suicide bomber who attempted to infiltrate the camp. When she persisted they shot her in the process and got injured from the explosion that followed.

Army Arrests 126 Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno IDPs Camp

The Nigeria Army, May 17, said it had arrested about 126 suspected Boko Haram terrorists at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Damboa, Borno. Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, said the suspects were flushed out during mop up operation conducted after the Boko Haram terrorists stormed Sabon Gari area in Damboa LGA of the state. He further disclosed that about six soldiers lost their lives during the attack. “After the unfortunate incident, a joint operation was carried out by 3 and 125 task force brigade of the army. “Based on intelligent report available, we learnt there was an attempt by Boko Haram to attack Damboa town and many of the insurgents have infiltrated the IDPs camp in Damboa. During the raid on the camp, one of the terrorists was identified to have taken part in the Sabon Gari attack. Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, who had been the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, has been transferred to head the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), in Njadmena, Chad Republic.

5 Killed in Konduga Suicide Attack

The Borno State Police Command, May 16, confirmed the death of five persons in a suicide bomb attack in Konduga LGA of the state. Police spokesman, Victor Isuku, confirmed that the attack took place on May 15 when three Female suicide bombers detonated explosives strapped on their bodies at Shuwa settlement of Mandarari Ward, killing themselves and two others. Six persons sustained injuries in the incident, he added. Isusku assured that normalcy had been restored in the area.

Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist

Troops of Forward Operation Base, Fika, on routine patrol on May 14, arrested a suspected fleeing Boko Haram terrorist, named Bala Ibrahim (30), at Fika. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspect is an indigene of Bulabulin village in Fika LGA of Yobe State. He is further being interrogated. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman, confirmed the arrest of the suspect.

14-Year-Old Girl Would-Be Bomber Narrates Ordeal with Terrorists

A 14-year-old would-be suicide bomber, May 14, revealed that Boko Haram leaders chose her to detonate an improvised explosive device in Maiduguri because she refused to get married to their members in Sambisa forest. The suspect was among three suspects recently arrested by the military when they allegedly came on suicide mission at a military facility in Jakana in Maiduguri. The suspect said she was abducted with her father, Usman, by Boko Haram insurgents in Gwoza, Borno, in 2013. She said both of them were running to the Mandara Mountain for safety when they were abducted. According to her, she was drugged and was prepared for the mission by the insurgents, who took her to one herbalist. Major-General Lucky Irabor, the former Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole has said the suspects were being de-radicalised at the military detention facility.

11 Persons Killed by Boko Haram in Maiduguri

Eleven persons were, May 13, killed by Boko Haram in Amarwa community in Konduga LGA of Maiduguri, Borno State. A resident of the village, Modu Ibrahim, alleged that the terror group had unleashed regular attacks on them. He disclosed that the attack was carried out by nine Boko Haram insurgents on motorcycles. An eyewitness said that the victims were killed during the clearing of bushes in preparation for the planting season. The villagers lamented that the victims were brutally hacked down with machetes by the insurgents.

Female Bomber Kills Soldiers at Military Checkpoint

Two soldiers have been killed in a suicide attack at a military checkpoint in Konduga, Borno State, the police disclosed. Police spokesman, Victor Isuku, May 18, disclosed that the female bomber detonated the explosive strapped on her at a military checkpoint just in front of an Internally Displaced Persons camp on May 17. The police spokesman said the woman was killed in the attack which claimed two soldiers. He said the scene of the crime was visited by team of EOD of the police. Isuku said normalcy has been restored even as the situation continued to be monitored.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill Policeman in Anambra

Unidentified gunmen, May 17, shot dead a policeman and carted away his AK-47 rifle at Nkpor junction in Anambra State. According to an eyewitness, two gunmen who operated on a motorcycle, stormed a police checkpoint and, made straight for one of the policemen and shot him dead at close range and collected his AK-47 rifle The incident, threw street traders and residents into frenzy as they also scampered for safety.

Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen in Kogi, Steal Rifles

Two policemen were, May 16, killed by gunmen along the Magongo-Okene road in Kogi State. The gunmen also made away with the AK47 rifles of the policemen who were on duty during the attack. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Wilson Inalegwu, confirmed the killing. Inalegwu, who described the killing as sad, said the fleeing gunmen would be tracked down and prosecuted. The Administrator of Ogori-Mangogo Local Government Council in whose domain the incident took place, Mr Moses Akande, condemned the killing and described it as unfortunate. He hoped that the police would arrest the killers and bring them to justice.

Assassins Wipe Out Family of 6 in Ogun

Suspected assassins, May 16, attacked the residence of a family of six at the Atiba area of Odogbolu LGA of Ogun State, killing every member of the household. There was uncertainty on the reason for the murder of a 35-year-old man, identified as Sheik Yusuf Amzat-Salam Tanimola, his wife and their four children. The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said that the victims were killed overnight. Abimbola said the Divisional Police Officers in Odogbolu and bordering towns have been mobilised to the victims’ residence along with operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), and the Homicide Section to unravel the motive behind the brutal killings and arrest the culprits. The attackers hacked the entire household to death with machetes. The victims were discovered in the pool of their blood when school bus came to pick the children.

12 Killed in Taraba State as Farmers, Herdsmen’s Clash

About 12 persons were feared killed and over 15,000 others displaced in the herdsmen and farmers’ clash in Bali LGA of Taraba State. The Chairman of Council of Tiv Traditional Rulers Forum in Taraba, Zaki David-Gbaa, who disclosed this, claimed that 11 farmers had died since the crisis started. According to him, scores of people injured in the five villages are receiving treatment at the Bali General Hospital. The local chief said 1,765 people displaced by the crisis were taking refuge in three centres in Bali. Chief Gbaa said the dispute started among the Tiv and Ichen people of Megoge village in Bali when an Ichen man was reportedly killed by unknown persons in his house. According to him, the victim’s kinsmen accused the Tiv people of the crime, leading to the fight among the people of Megoge. He added that he could not understand how the herdsmen came into the crises.

Ex-Acting PDP Chairman Murdered in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed that suspected assassins, May 17, killed a former acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ‎in the state, Mr Pamo Hobobo. Police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, disclosed that Hobobo was found dead in his house at Yenagoa on May 17. Preliminary investigation revealed that he was stabbed on the chest with a sharp object. Investigation is ongoing, Butswat said. Residents said Hobobo was attacked in his house at Yenizue-Gene in Yenagoa LGA. They said the assassins forcibly broke into the deceased’s home and stabbed him to death without stealing anything. They gained access to his apartment after pulling down the burglary proof attached to the door. The sound of gunshots from the deceased house was said to have attracted neighbours who alerted the police. The former PDP chieftain was, however, discovered dead and covered with blood by the time the police arrived at the scene.

Police Arrest 2 over Killing of Police Orderly of Deputy Governor

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two suspected bandits responsible for the killing of Sergeant Helen Sunday, the orderly of the Enugu State Deputy Governor, Cecilia Ezeilo. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, May 17, said the arrest was effected by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the command. The orderly was killed by the armed gang on May 9 while she was returning from work. Amaraizu said that the squad acting on a well-coordinated operation, rounded-up the suspects, Emmanuel Onyeabor and Kanu Oti, at their various hideouts at Lomalinda axis of Independence Layout and Amorji Nike axis of Abakpa. The suspects were arrested following a gun duel with the police. He said that the command had launched a manhunt for other members of the gang who escaped with gunshot wounds. The police spokesman urged members of the public and hospital operators to avail the police with information about anyone seen with bullet wounds. He said that the suspects who confessed to the crime said that their motive was to rob their victim and not to kill her.

Gunmen Kill Engineer in Umuahia

Yet-to-be identified gunmen, May 13, killed a civil engineering contractor, identified as Emeka Okenna, closed to his poultry farm located at Umuobia Housing Estate, Olokoro, in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State. According one Godson Igwe, a staff of the victim, the assassins were over six in number. He said they approached his boss and asked him of a certain lady, who they claimed he owed salary for several months. The Abia State Police spokesman, Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the incident, saying the Command has begun investigation into the incident.

5 Die in Herdsmen, Villagers’ Clash

A bloody clash between herdsmen and some villagers, May 15, claimed five lives in Tungan Malam, a popular cattle market in Paikoro LGA of Niger state. It was gathered that the clash reportedly erupted following a fight between a herdsman and a villager. A witness disclosed that the young herdsman stabbed the other boy, which infuriated the villagers. The villagers mobilised for a reprisal attack, during which dangerous weapons were freely used leaving four of the herdsmen dead. The boy earlier stabbed by the herdsman later died in a private clinic in Paiko. Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, confirmed the incident. He added that a detachment of mobile policemen has since been drafted to the troubled area. He called on the villagers to go about their businesses, saying their lives and properties are secured.

21 Killed as Herdsmen Invade Mosque in Niger State

Heavily armed herdsmen, May 13, invaded Etogi community mosque in Gbara Ward, Mokwa LGA of Niger State and killed 21 people, including the Imam. It was gathered that there had been a disagreement between some young men and members of the community, during which a herdsman was killed. The herdsman had earlier demanded for a piece of land close to the community to farm on, with an agreement that a certain percentage will be paid annually to the Village Head. The agreement eventually collapsed leading to a fight that resulted in the death of the herdsman. It was gathered that the other herdsmen mobilised and attacked the community mosque, when Muslim faithful were observing their early morning prayers. Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, confirmed the report, adding that 21 people have been confirmed killed during the violence. Elkana disclsoed that mobile policemen have been deployed to the community, while the Department of State Services, DSS, and officers of the command’s Criminal Investigation Department were also on ground to keep peace.

Man Guns Down Sleeping Roommate in Ogun

The Police in Ogun have arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly killing his 27-year-old roommate, Friday Michael. Police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, May 14, disclosed that the incident happened on May 12 at the Mamu area of Awa-Ijebu. According to him, the suspect got in around 6.30am and shot the deceased, who was sleeping, with a locally-made pistol. The sound from the gun attracted other occupants of the house to the scene and they quickly alerted the police, leading to the suspect’s arrest. Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect was member of a notorious armed robbery gang terrorising the area. According to the police spokesman, the deceased had accosted the suspect on several occasions while coming from robbery operations. It was the fear that the deceased may expose him that prompted him to kill him. The suspect has reportedly given useful information to the police which will help in nabbing other members of his group.

Herdsmen Invade Delta Community, Kill 5

Suspected herdsmen, May 13, invaded farmlands at Ossissa community in Ndokwa East LGA of Delta State, killing five natives of Ossissa, Utagba Uno and Aballa communities in the state. Ossissa youths, enraged by the growing impunity of herdsmen, mobilized and barricaded major roads in the area. A source disclosed that the victims, who survived the attacks, had been rushed to hospital for treatment. In another incident, four herdsmen, who laid siege to Olomoro-Oyede Road in Isoko South LGA of the state, were shot dead by the police in a gun battle. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incidents.

Three Killed in Akwa Ibom Cult Clash

Three persons were, May 13, killed in Akwa Ibom State following clashed by members of two rival cult groups simply identified as Clan men and Axe Confraternity. The fresh confrontation between the two cult groups occurred in Eket LGA of the state. According to eyewitnesses, one of the victims was hacked to death with a machete, while the two others were gunned down. It was gathered that a victim called Della, alleged to be a member of one of the cult groups met his death while returning from watching a football match along Hospital road in Eket. It was further learnt that another victim in the cult clash was killed at Salvation Army road while the third person was murdered along Eket-Oron road in Eket.

Man Kills Neighbour over Borehole Water

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a man, Bello Chindo, in Sabon Mariga community in the Kagara LGA of the state for allegedly killing a neighbour, Mustapha Hamisu. It was gathered that the suspect was arrested by the police for stabbing Hamisu to death over a misunderstanding between them while they were fetching water from a public borehole. Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, who confirmed the incident on May 18, said the operatives had recovered the knife used by the suspect in killing the victim. He further disclosed that the suspect had been charged to court. The command also arrested one Iliyasu Umar, of Bstachi community in the Kutigi LGA for unlawful possession of firearms. The police spokesman, Elkana, said one locally-made pistol with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered from Umar by the operatives.

Benue Villagers Kill Three Herdsmen, Cattle

The Police in Benue State have confirmed the killing of three Fulani herdsmen and their cattle by some villagers in the Agatu area of the state. It was learnt that the villagers, May 14, killed the herdsmen and their cattle for allegedly trespassing into some farmlands. It was gathered that the police operatives had recovered the corpses of two of the herdsmen, while a search was still on for the third corpse. It will be recalled that the herdsmen attacked some villages in the Logo Local Government Area of the state, killing 15 persons on May 14 and 16 in what is described as reprisals. The police noted that eight herdsmen were arrested for the killings. The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, confirmed the killing of the three herdsmen and their cattle, adding that the police were working to ensure peace and order among the warring farmers and herdsmen in the state.

Four lynched in Ikorodu Land-Grabbing Mayhem

Four youths were lynched by a mob in Araromi suburb of Ikorodu, Lagos on May 12 when a land-grabbing matter degenerated into an attack and counter-attack. It was learnt from residents of the community that the victims had stormed a building site around the community, in retaliation for a previous attack. A resident, who pleaded anonymity, alleged that the victims were land-grabbers popularly called omo-onile in Lagos. According to the resident, there was an attack by land-grabbers on the people working on the land in question. It was learnt that the four victims had successfully carried out their attack and were on their way back when they were ambushed around Araromi and a crowd lynched them when some weapons were found on them. Some residents said it was believed that they were followers of Badoo, a dreaded rapist and robber who had been accused of carrying out many attacks in the past year in Ikorodu and environs.

Rape

Man Remanded over Alleged Sexual Assault on Teenager

An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, May 19, ordered the remand of 29-year-old security guard, John Eboh, over alleged sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl. The defendant was arraigned on a four-count charge, bordering on unlawful and indecent assault, unlawful sexual intercourse, among others. The prosecutor, Sergeant Kehinde Omisakin, had told the court that the offences were committed on May 1. She said that the teenager, who was hawking kerosene, was unlawfully detained and raped by Eboh. The offences contravened Sections 135, 144 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Magistrate A.T. Elias adjourned the case until May 24, for hearing and ruling on the bail application.

Herdsmen Rape Woman in Edo

Suspected herdsmen, May 14, raped a woman and beat her husband to a pulp at a farm in Ubuneke-Ivbiaro in Owan East LGA of Edo State. Husband of the victim, Umoru Agunu, said armed herdsmen, numbering six, invaded his farm at about 10.30am, beat him up and raped his wife. They were also with a young woman, who probably is their victim, he added. Commenting on the incident, Yakubu Ibrahim, one of the community leaders, noted that armed herdsmen have laid siege on the community. Ibrahim added that the Sunday incident had been reported to the Divisional Police Officer in Afuze, the administrative headquarters of Owan East Local Government, who promised to send his men to comb the bushes along with the volunteer vigilantes.

LG Worker gets Life Jail for Abduction, Rape of Minor

An Ado-Ekiti High Court, May 12, sentenced a Local Government employee, Ojo Ayodele, to life imprisonment for abducting and raping a 15-year-old girl. Ayodele abducted the minor in Ijero-Ekiti and took her to a secret location in the town where he subjected her to continuous sexual assault for 21 days. After considering all the evidence before her, Justice Oluwatoyin Abodunde held that Ayodele was guilty as charged and sentenced the accused to life jail for raping the under-aged girl. The judge also jailed Ayodele after being found guilty of abduction. The terms are to run concurrently. The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Gbemiga Adaramola, prosecuted the case on behalf of the State. Ayodele was first arraigned on 2nd February, 2016 on a two-count charge of rape and abduction. The prosecution called seven witnesses during the trial and tendered exhibits which included statements of the victim and the convict, medical report which established the rape, amongst others. The convict did not call any witness apart from himself in the course of the trial.

Police Arrest Lottery Agent for Sodomising Young Boys in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command, May 16, said it has arrested a soccer lottery agent, Dipo Akagha, for sodomising secondary school students from different schools across the state. The 39-year-old suspect was arrested by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) after one of the school students complained about him. It was gathered that the stock in trade of the serial sodomist was to stalk his potential victims on different social media platforms, especially on Facebook. Prior to his arrest, he had successfully lured several school boys through the social media by enticing them with the promise of a free new phone. The police said once he succeeded in snatching their interest, the suspect would then lure them to his hideout where he would have his way with them and threatened them afterwards. Once he is through with them, the suspect blocks them from all his social media platform to avoid been caught. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the suspect mostly targets secondary school students in Lagos.

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

A 35-year-old man, Solomon Emmanuel, who allegedly raped his neighbour’s daughter was, May 15, brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. The accused is being tried for rape. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offence was committed on April 27 at the residence of the accused. Ogu said the accused called the girl, a 14-year-old, into his room under the pretense of sending her on an errand. The accused shut the door, covered her mouth with a blanket and raped her. Thereafter, the girl told her mother and the case was reported to the Police, who apprehended the accused. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Taiwo Akanni, committed the accused to a bail of N250,000, with two sureties in like sum. Akanni adjourned the case till June 5 for mention.