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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

Week 38

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY


S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

10

2

Robbery

2

3

Drugs

4

Militancy/Maritime Incidents

1

5

Terrorism

4

6

Political/Government Agencies

2

7

Murder/Assassination

10

8

Rape Incidents

5

9

Others

5

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Military Rescues 2 Soldiers, 4 Civilian Kidnap Victims in Niger Delta

The Joint Military Task Force, codenamed Operation Delta Safe, deployed to the Niger Delta, September 22, said it had rescued two of its soldiers and four civilians abducted by suspected Niger Delta militants. Spokesman of the JTF, Major Ibrahim Abdullahi, who announced this, said that the feat was achieved on September 18 after they received a report of the kidnap of two Soldiers while in transit for banking services in Rivers State. Troops were immediately mobilized for their rescue. They discovered a camp with several shrines in a forest at Obiozimini Community in Rivers State. The suspected kidnappers opened fire on sighting the troops, leading to a gun battle and eventual casualties on the side of kidnappers while some fled into the bush. He said items recovered in the camp and shrines included three pump action guns, eight empty cartridges a human skull and some bones. The camp and shrines were subsequently destroyed while the rescued victims were evacuated for medical attention. Further search of the campsite led to the rescue of four more civilians that were earlier kidnapped, including a lady. He further stated that troops are trailing the criminals who fled into the forest.

Vigilante Rescues 7 Kidnap Victims in Lagos

Operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), September 21, rescued seven abducted persons inside a creek after a gun battle with kidnappers in Iba Bridge area in Lagos State. The Commander of Operations of the VGN in Ojo, Otunba James Udoma who disclosed this, said that the seven victims were boat passengers that were abducted in the early hours of the day. The kidnappers left three women and a driver and went with the seven male victims. It was the women who reported the attack. According to him, he quickly mobilized his men and went after the kidnappers. The victims were rescued after a gun battle with the kidnappers, who later fled with gunshot injuries. Udoma disclosed that they recovered seven English-made pistols, one locally-made pistol, laptops, packs of cigarettes and packs of hot drink from the kidnappers.

Police Foils Kidnap of 2 Girls in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command, September 19, said it had foiled an attempt to kidnap two girls in a village near Shika in Zaria LGA of the state. Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Muktar Aliyu, disclosed that the kidnappers, numbering about 30, invaded the community on September 18, at about 1:30am. According to him, the police on getting a distress call, instantly mobilized and engaged the invaders in gun battle forcing them to run into the bush without accomplishing their mission. A policeman, however, sustained gunshot wound during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital. While the two girls sustained no injury and are safe with their mother, their father, Malam Mustapha Gali, died the following morning from the injuries he sustained when the attackers invaded his house. No arrest has been made by the police. The PPRO, however, assured that the police remain on the trail of the suspects. He restated the command’s commitment to rid the state of criminals and appealed for more useful information from residents.

Kidnap Suspects Remanded in Prison Custody

A magistrate’s court in the Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State has remanded two suspected kidnappers in the Owerri Prison. The Magistrate, B.C. Iheanacho, who remanded the duo of Kelechi Aririguzo and Alphonsus Aku in prison, however declined to remand two other suspects, Vitalis Nwozuzu and Maxwell Akabusi. The magistrate asked the prosecutor, Stephen Achi, to conclude investigation on them before arraigning them in court. The defendants were accused of kidnapping two residents of Umunkwo Autonomous community in the Isiala Mbano Magisterial District, Johnbosco Okoro and Mathias Njoku, with the intent to demand ransom or kill them. The suspects that were remanded pleaded not guilty and the matter adjourned to October 12, 2017.

Gunmen Abduct Travellers in Ondo

Five travellers were, September 15, abducted by gunmen at Oba-Akoko, in the Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State. The victims were reportedly travelling from Lagos State through Ondo and heading for Abuja when they were ambushed by the gunmen and taken to an unknown destination. Their kidnap comes barely a week after a couple was kidnapped at Akunnu town in the Akoko North-East area of the state. The Ondo State Police Command said it rescued three of the new kidnap victims on September 16, while two others, who were abducted last week, were also freed. The Public Relations Officer of the command, Femi Joseph, said policemen swung into action after being informed about the activities of the kidnappers. The police were able to rescue Moses Yakubu and Mark Shaibu, who were kidnapped while going for a wedding, and three female, who were kidnapped on their way to Abuja. Efforts are on-going to rescue the remaining victims, he added.

Troops Raid Kidnappers’ Dens in Ondo, Arrest 7

The Nigeria Army, September 20, raided kidnappers’ dens and arrested seven suspects in the Akoko area of Ondo State and the border towns. The raid was occasioned by the increasing spate of abduction of persons in the state. At least 25 persons have been kidnapped within the last one month in the Akoko area of the state, with ransom running into millions of Naira demanded by the suspects. The state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had expressed concern over the security situation across the state. The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Ojo Adenegan, disclosed that the Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General James Ataguba, personally led the Brigade troop for a special operation to comb the kidnappers’ spots within the Akoko area of Ondo State. During the operation, some suspected kidnappers and their informants were arrested and will later be handed over to appropriate security agency for further action. The operation is a follow-up of the rescue of some kidnapped victims at Akunnu and Ose area recently.

13 Kidnapers, Robbers Nabbed in Kaduna

Police operatives in Kaduna State have arrested 13 suspects for kidnapping, robbery, rape and unlawful possession of prohibited fire arms in Jere LGA of Kaduna State. Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Jimoh Moshood, who disclosed this in Jere on September 21, said that two AK-47 rifles, 16 locally-made guns with ammunition, cutlasses, sticks and charms were recovered from the suspects when the Police team raided their hideouts and camps. He also said some of the suspects’ victims were rescued between Jere and Kaduna axis. He added that most of the suspects were identified by the victims for being responsible for their kidnap. The suspects confessed to the offence. The arms and ammunition listed above and other property belonging to some of their victims, who were rescued from the gang, have been recovered from them, he added. The spokesman said the Police were intensifying their investigation that will lead to the arrest of other suspects still at large, adding that all the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.

Ondo Police Rescue Abducted Groom, Other Kidnap Victims

The Ondo State Police Command said it has rescued an abducted groom, Moses Yakubu, who was kidnapped last week by some suspected gunmen. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Femi Joseph, who revealed this on September 17, explained that Yakubu was rescued inside the forest allegedly being used as hideout by the kidnappers in the Oba Akoko area of the state at the weekend. He disclosed that the groom was freed alongside his best friend, Mark Yinusa, by the security operatives from the den of the kidnappers. He added that the rescued victims have been united with their various families, noting that the police would continue to perform its job. The victim, together with his friends and some family members, were travelling to Akure from Kogi state for the wedding event when they were abducted.

Police Rescues 18 Kidnap Victims, Arrests 36 Suspects

The Rivers State Police Command has rescued 18 kidnap victims from various hoodlums’ hideouts in the state. The victims were rescued by men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit during a raid. The command also arrested 36 hoodlums suspected to be involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed, while parading the suspects on September 20, said 11 of the hoodlums were involved in kidnapping and 10 in armed robbery. Among the suspects were a fake Police Sergeant, Benjamin Tanko. The police boss said the fake officer was caught in a police camouflage at the Oil Mill Market committing felony. The suspect claimed to be an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

84-Year-Old Suspected Kidnapper Nabbed by Residents

Residents of Ondo town have apprehended an 84-year-old suspected kidnapper, Taiwo Ayinde, who allegedly kidnapped a secondary school student. According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened at Odosida area of Ondo town on September 20. The octogenarian was trying to escape after he had enchanted the victim with charms, but the attempt was foiled and this led to an uproar at the scene. According to a source, the suspicion of the people were aroused and they pounced on the suspected kidnapper, dragged him on the ground and beat him till he confessed to the crime. The old man was caught by one of the residents dragging the little boy to an unknown destination. Immediately, an alarm was raised when it became suspicious that the boy does not know the old man judging from his behaviour. He was nearly lynched but for the timely intervention of the police.

Robbery

Troops Kill Bandit, Recover 2 AK-47 Rifles in Zamfara

Troops of 1 Division, September 21, killed a member of a group of bandits in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Army Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who disclosed this on September 22, said that the troops also foiled an attempt by the bandits to cause mayhem in the area. He said one personnel of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was killed by the marauders before the arrival of the troops. Usman said that the soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines and seven motorcycles from the hoodlums.

Neighbours Arrest, Hand over Robbery Suspects to Police

An armed robbery suspect, Ifeanyi Samuel (30), and his gang members have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command. The suspects, who were paraded on September 15, have confessed to robbing residents in the state. Samuel and other suspected members of his gang, identified as Chidi Okafor and Ifeanyi Ohanuka, were arrested by policemen attached to the Morogbo Division after they allegedly ran into a swamp during a robbery operation in the Morogbo Badagry area of the state. The suspects had allegedly broken into an apartment and were attacking a woman when luck ran out on them as the woman raised alarm and attracted neighbours, who came to her rescue. Ifeanyi and his gang members left the woman and fled from the apartment. However in their bid to escape, they ran into a swamp and the residents who were chasing them caught them and alerted the police at the Morogbo Division. It was gathered that one of the gang members escaped while the police recovered a locally made gun, three planks, a blade and one torch from the crime scene.

Drugs

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Arrests Six Bangladeshi Nationals, 16 Nigerians for Diverting Tonnes of Diesel

Navy operatives attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, have arrested six Bangladesh nationals and 16 Nigerians for illegally diverting 22 metric tonnes of diesel in an illegal transfer along the Calabar water channel. Commander of the NNS Victory, Commodore Salihu Jibril, September 16, said the vessel, MT Princess Oge, brought the product from offshore Lome to deliver to a tank farm in Calabar. He said the vessel was caught carrying out the illegal activity and was immediately arrested. He added that after investigation, they found their operation illegal in the marine environment. Jibril spoke during the handing over of the suspects and vessel to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.

Terrorism

18 Terrorists Killed as Troops Repel Attack in Sambisa Forest

Troops of 26 and 28 Task Force Brigades, September 19, repelled a daring attack by fleeing Boko Haram terrorists on military locations at Pulka and Bitta in the fringes of Sambisa forest, killing 18 Boko Haram suspects, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman, September 19, disclosed that troops of 114 Task Force Battalion came under a three-pronged attack by Boko Haram terrorists fanning out of Sambisa forest from Damboa, Tokumbere and Pulka axis. The vigilant troops rose to the occasion by repelling the attacks and killing 18 attackers and captured one of them alive. The gallant troops also recovered 11 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 1 Browning Machine Gun (BMG), and 2 Toyota Hilux vehicles. Other items recovered include a 60mm Mortar tube, 7 boxes of 12.7mm ammunition and 1 belt of 12.7mm ammunition. He noted that there was no casualty on the part of the troops except for 3 soldiers that sustained minor injuries.

Boko Haram Kills Nine near IDPs Camp in Borno

Boko Haram fighters, September 20, attacked and killed nine people from a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) near Rann in Borno State, a resident disclosed. The persons were killed while working on their farms. The IDPs had cashed-in on the seeming calm in the area to tend to their farms for the rainy season. The attackers hid under the cover provided by the crops before they attacked the farmers with machetes and knives. While they slit the throats of the nine deceased, other farmers escaped and returned to the camp with injuries. The Chief Imam of Rann, Ba’liman Goni Guja, confirmed the attack.

12 Killed in Suicide Attacks on Borno Village

Twelve residents were killed when three Boko Haram suicide bombers attacked Mashimari village in Konduga LGA of Borno State on September 18. The Chairman of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), Ahmed Satomi, September 19, said that 12 people lost their lives while 28 other persons were injured in the attack. All the injured victims have been evacuated to medical facilities in Maiduguri, while those with minor injuries were referred to Konduga hospital for treatment. Earlier, the agency’s Head of Rescue Operations, Bello Dambatta, who was in Konduga to conduct the rescue operations at the scenes of the attacks had given the casualty figure as 15, including the 3 bombers, while 43 were injured. He equally lamented that going by the severity of the injuries, the death toll might rise.   The Secretary of the Hunters Association in the state, Bunu Bukar, said three suicide bombers staged the attack after gunshots got villagers fleeing.

Chief Imam Killed, Four Other Killed in Boko Haram Knife Attack

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the killing of the Chief Imam of Kurumari village, close to Magumeri town in Magumeri LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Isuku, in a statement on September 18, said that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked and killed four persons, including the Imam of the village, Ustaz Goni Bukar Tabare. The attackers reportedly came into the village armed with AK-47 rifles, knives and machetes, but decided to execute their evil mission using knives. One of the attackers was arrested. Confirming the attack, the caretaker Chairman of Magumeri LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Abdulkadir, said the Chief Imam of Kurmiri village and four other persons were killed by suspected members of Boko Haram sect on September 17. Abdulkadir who regretted the incident assured his people that adequate security have been provided as normalcy had been restored.

Political/Government Agencies

9 Policemen, Others Nabbed over Extortion in Lagos

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, September 21, said the Command had arrested nine policemen, one traffic warden and two civilian accomplices, known as Camp Boys, for alleged extortion. Edgal disclosed that the arrest was a follow-up to his warning to officers and men of the Command against corruption and unprofessional conducts. He said the X-Squad unit had intensified its activities to ensure zero tolerance to corruption and unruly practices by Police officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command. According to him, operatives of the X-Squad have been out day and night to ensure that this renewed determination was achieved. One of the camp boys was arrested along Ikotun Road on September 8, alongside some policemen, who were caught extorting motorists. The unit also arrested another accomplice along Igando Road, with some policemen who were collecting money from some unsuspecting motorists. Edgal also directed that the Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, and the Divisional Traffic officers of the affected areas be queried for lack of supervision and disobedience to lawful orders.

Customs Intercept 2,671 Pump Action Rifles in Lagos

The Tin-Can Island Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 2,671 pump action rifles imported from Turkey through profiling approach. The Comptroller-General of NCS, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, September 21, said that the seizure was the fourth at the Lagos port within eight months. He said that following increased arms seizures in recent times, the Customs Area Controller of Tin-Can Port, Comptroller Yusuf Bashar, ordered a detailed profile of all imports, especially those coming from Turkey. Ali disclosed that the Bill of Lading of the container indicated Elbow Plumbing Plastics. According to him, the importer of the cargo is Great Oil and Gas Ltd and the vessel named “MV Arkas Africa” owned by Hull Blyth. He assured Nigerians that Customs officers were now on alert, following the directive he issued to customs area controllers.

Murder/Assassinations

40-Year-Old Man Jailed for Defiling Two Minors

A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has sentenced a 40-year-old man, Godbless Ogiode, to eight years imprisonment for defiling two minors. The convict was arrested on September 15, and immediately charged to court on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a four-year-old girl and unlawful carnal knowledge of a five-year-old boy. The magistrate convicted the suspect after he pleaded guilty to the charges. The Chairperson of Federation of International Women Lawyer (FIDA), Bayelsa chapter, Dise Ogbise-Erhisere, described the judgment as a warning to paedophiles, child molesters and abusers. Ogbise-Erhisere, explained that she got a call from a concerned neighbour on the defilement of a boy. According to her, she was informed by neighbours that he was a serial molester of children, where the mother of the four-year-old girl caught him raping her daughter. The FIDA Chairperson thanked members of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria for their role and for the various medical examinations they carried out on the victims as well as the Police for the prompt arrest and prosecution.

Police Arrest Killer of 2006 Gulder Ultimate Search Winner

Operatives of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) have arrested one Ismaila Adeyemi (49), for allegedly killing the 2006 winner of the Gulder Ultimate Search, Hector Jorbateh. Hector was shot dead at his Oko-Oba residence, new Oko-Oba in Agege area of the state on September 4 shortly after he picked a sibling from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the arrest of the suspect. He added that the suspect, who was arrested at Gas line, Ominiyi in Ijoko area of Ogun state, confessed to the crime and other numerous crimes. Other members of his gang have also been arrested.

6 Killed as Rival Cult Gangs Clash in Lagos

Six persons were, September 18, killed while several others were injured when rival cult groups engaged themselves in a fierce battle on the Lagos Island. The six were killed when a notorious cult leader, armed with sophisticated weapons, led his gang in a clash with youths at Okepopo and Onola area on the Island, who were armed with Dane guns. An eyewitness claimed that the cult leader had vowed to take revenge over three of his gang members, who were killed by Onola boys earlier in the year. The cult leader used the 155th year celebration of Epetedo’s existence to execute his plan, killing four of them between September 15 and 17. Two others were shot dead at Okepopo area, when the Onola boys went for a reprisal attack on September 17. Several residents have reportedly fled the affected areas due to the incessant cult clashes. In a bid to curtail the activities of cultists in the area, Police operatives from Area ‘A’ command, Lion Building, raided a hotel where some cult members use as their hideout after operations and some of them were arrested. The State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, has assured residents of his commitment to end neighbourhood crimes of gangsterism and cultism.

Court Remands Mechanic for Murder of 24-Year-Old

A Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s Court, September 21, remanded a mechanic, Abuh Yakubu, in prison for allegedly abducting and killing a 24-year-old man, Yakubu Babanawa, who is a son of a retired army colonel, Suleiman Babanawa. The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, refused the bail application of the defence counsel because the alleged crime was capital in nature. Animoku ordered that the accused to be remanded in the Federal Prison, Ankpa, and transferred the case to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ankpa, as he adjourned the case till September 26, for mention. The prosecutor, Sergeant Friday Shaibu, told the court that the father of the deceased, Suleiman, reported the matter at the Okpo Police Division. According to Shaibu, Yakubu was at a party in Agala-Ikeje on November 26, 2016, at about 10pm when some persons invaded the venue, abducted him and drove away to an unknown destination. The assailants, two of whom were later identified as Felix Ameh and Sunday Otene, were said to have been armed with guns when they perpetrated the act. His corpse was later found in Otukpa, Benue State.

Gunmen Kill Chinese Expatriate, Driver, Police Escort in Kogi

A Chinese expatriate, his driver and a policeman have been killed by suspected kidnappers along Ajaokuta-Lokoja Road in Kogi State. Another policeman and a civilian reportedly sustained injuries during an attempt by the kidnappers to abduct the Chinese. It was gathered that the expatriate and other victims, who had yet to be identified, were on the road on September 16 when they were waylaid by the gunmen. The policemen were said to have resisted the attempt to kidnap the Chinese, which led to a shootout. A source said that the Chinese expatriate, alongside his driver, was killed in the crossfire between the policemen and the kidnappers. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Kogi State command, William Aya, confirmed the incident. He said the command had commenced investigation, adding that the perpetrators would be fished out and made to face the law.

Native Doctor Pays Assassin N200,000 to Get Man Killed

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a native doctor, who allegedly paid N200,000 to another man simply identified as Idoko Onyekachi to kill one Onyemaechi Eze at Ifuroka Amalla in Udenu LGA of the state, on July 5. It was gathered that the suspect fled the community after committing the murder, but was eventually arrested on September 16 at Inyi in Igbo-Eze North LGA of the state, where he was hiding. Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the arrest of the killer by the police in partnership with the members of the public through a well-coordinated operation borne out of intelligence information. He added that the suspect is helping the Police in their investigations as he has given insight on how he and his gang collected N200,000 from a native doctor, Felix Akor, whom he claimed hired them to murder Onyemachi Eze. Akor has also been nabbed by the Police and he is also helping the operatives in their investigations in relation to his alleged nefarious activities.

Hunter Kills Brother in Kogi Farm, Claims He Saw Monkey on Tree

Detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Kogi State Police Command, are investigating how a 65-year-old hunter, Clement Etila Ekele, shot and killed his brother, Monday Ekele (45). The suspect, who committed the act on July 16 at Ikaka village in Ibaji LGA of the state, claims that he saw and shot a monkey, which later transformed to his brother. It was gathered that the deceased had woken up and gone to the farm at about 5am on that fateful day, while Clement left for the farm with his double barrel gun at about 8am. Clement, claimed that he saw a monkey on a tree and shot it, but when he ran to the foot of the tree to pick up the monkey, what he saw was the dead body of his brother. The suspect, further said that he did not know what came over him as he returned to the village drinking beer and rejoicing. He later told his friend that he had killed his younger brother. His friend broke the tragic news to the villagers and the police was invited. The officer in charge of the Homicide Section of the State Police Command, Mohammed Balarabe, disclosed that detectives, visited the home of the suspect, found the Dane gun allegedly used to commit the crime.

Policeman Dismissed for Murder

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of one Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) for murder. The commission said the officer, whose identity was not disclosed, shot and killed an innocent citizen in Igboeze South LGA of Enugu State. The commission also revealed that the officer after killing his victim planted a gun on him and labelled him an armed robber. The PSC’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, September 21, said that CSP was dismissed for unlawful exercise of authority, discreditable conduct and for raising a false report. The commission also approved the reinstatement of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), two Corporals and a Constable, just as it approved the punishment of another CSP, and two Assistant Superintendents of Police for various offences unbecoming of their respective offices.

Four Policemen Arrested for Reckless Shooting, Killing

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, has ordered the immediate arrest, detention and investigation of four policemen for allegedly engaging in professional misconduct and murder.  Ibrahim gave the directive in Asaba on September 20 following a report that the erring policemen shot three persons during a child dedication on September 17 in Warri. The policemen, Inspectors Samuel Imana and Anthony Nwali, Sergeant Anthony Oniri and Corporal Innocent Ajah, attached to the Area Commander’s office in Warri, had during a child dedication at Edjewo, by Poloko market, allegedly engaged in shooting, which resulted in the death of one Elvis Ovie, while two others were injured. The Police boss vowed that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to the erring law enforcement agents after investigation was concluded.

Ritualists Kill Okada Rider, Remove His Private Organ

The Police in Delta State have apprehended a three-man gang of ritual killers after they killed a commercial motorcycle operator and removed his genitals before dumping the body along the Warri-Sapele highway on September 17. The victim was killed after he was hired by the ritualists to take them to Amukpe area of Sapele. It was learnt that the gang had been operating along the Adejei, Elume Junction and Ibada Elume axis, as well as the villages along the Warri-Sapele highway. Their mode of operation is to rob commercial motorcyclists of their motorcycles and kill them, before cutting off their body parts. Luck ran out on them when they were apprehended by soldiers of the 19 Battalion, Koko, on a tip-off by men of the Amukpe Vigilance group in Sapele. One of the suspects died in the process of exchanging fire with security operatives. One member of the gang, Victor Moses (41), a native doctor, has been detained by the police and undergoing interrogation, while another member, Emmanuel Ogbotor, is receiving treatment for bullet wounds.

Rape

Court Remands Man for Defiling Boy

A Kano State Chief Magistrates’ Court, September 20, directed the remand of a 46-year-old man, Kabiru Usman, in prison custody for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old boy. Usman, who lives at Dawakin Dakata Quarters, Kano, is being tried on a one-count charge of unnatural offence. Chief Magistrate Muhammad Jibril directed the remand of the accused person and adjourned the matter until September 26 for mention. The Prosecutor, Pogu Lale had told the court that one Yusuf Suleiman of the same address reported the matter at Zango Police Division on August 15. He told the court that on the same date, Usman deceived and lured the complainant’s 12-year-old son into his house and had carnal knowledge of the boy. The accused pleaded not guilty.

Ekiti Students Clash with Drivers over Rape of Female Colleague

Students and commercial drivers engaged each other in a violent clash over an alleged rape of a female student at Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State. The student of the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, was alleged to have been raped by a commercial driver along College-Igbara Odo Way on September 17. The lady, who was said to be have been sick and had gone to town to seek medical treatment, was allegedly raped by a commercial driver at about 8pm. Angered by the action, her fellow students trooped into the streets and attacked commercial drivers at sight. The melee caused traffic gridlock on the Ado-Ikere-Akure Road for several hours. The violence also disrupted commercial activities at Odo-Oja area of Ikere Ekiti as many shop owners and businesses closed shop. It was gathered that the lady was taken to hospital for medical treatment. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Alberto Adeyemi, described the rape as the highest point of criminality, which he said would not be tolerated. Adeyemi said normalcy had returned to the town and that the Police had launched a manhunt for the alleged rapist. He assured that the police would apprehend the suspect.

Father, 55, Remanded in Prison for Raping 7-Year-Old Daughter

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate Court, September 19, ordered the remand of a 55-year-old man, Adeyanju Basiri, in prison custody for allegedly raping his daughter. The Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Monica Ikebulo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 11. She said that the accused and one herbalist, now at large, were arrested for attempting to use the 7-year-daughter of the defendant for money rituals. She said that the accused claimed he had had sex with his daughter nine times. The prosecutor said the accused told the police he always used a white handkerchief given to him by the herbalist to clean his daughter’s vagina afterwards. Ikebulo told the court that he had duplicated and sent the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. The plea of the accused was not taken as his counsel, Simeon Ojo, sought for an adjournment date pending the issuance of the legal advice. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Dolapo Akosile ordered that the accused to be remanded in prison custody till the outcome of the legal advice from the DPP and adjourned the case to October 12 for further hearing.

43-Year-Old Man Rapes Two 15-Year-Old Boys

A 43-year-old man has been arrested by officers of the Katsina State Police Command for allegedly luring two 15-year-old-boys and turning them to sex slaves. Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, who confirmed the arrest on September 18, said that the suspect, identified as Maiwada Ibrahim, played pornographic video for the boys before sodomising them. Isah, who revealed that Ibrahim was once arrested for a similar offence, added that one of the boys reported the suspect to his mother, who later reported the case at the Central Police Station, leading to his arrest. Isah said investigation into the matter was on-going and that he would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Police Nab Nine Rape Suspects

The Police in Enugu State said they had arrested nine suspected rapists that specialised in raping female members of a church on the outskirts of Enugu. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this on September 17. Amaraizu said that the arrest was made possible by a coordinated intelligence information. He said that policemen in Ozalla arrested the suspects during a night vigil in a church located at Akpasha community in Nkanu West LGA. He said that the suspects were rounded up at about 2am on September 16. The suspects often pretended to be worshippers in the church and would take advantage of any female worshipper going out to ease herself. According to him, they forcefully have carnal knowledge of their victims while service in the church is going on, and after the rape, they run away.

Others

Police Rescue Couple, Demolish Ritualist Shrines in Ikorodu

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Imohimi Edgal, September 20, led a team of policemen to shrines used by kidnappers and ritualists in Ikorodu area of the state, rescuing an abducted couple and arresting a priest. According to a Police source, preliminary investigation showed that the couple was alleged to have been taken to the shrine for treatment of an undisclosed spiritual ailment. The raid followed intelligence report that they were used for criminal activities. The Police chief said that crime statistics had revealed that records of missing and abducted persons were kept in some shrines in the area. He confirmed the rescue of two victims, who were almost being used for ritual purposes. He further stated that the arrested suspect had confessed that the shrines are used for ritual purposes.

Police Arrest Notorious Cultists in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command have arrested eight members of a notorious cult group terrorising the residents of Lagos Island. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olarinde Famous-Cole, September 19, disclosed that the suspects were arrested on September 17 after the command received a distress call from residents in the area that unknown hoodlums were engaging themselves and parading dangerous weapons. Police operatives trailed the suspects to their hideout at Federation Hotel located at Andrew Street on Lagos Island and arrested eight of them. The suspects are said to be helping the police and have provided information on their leader, identified as 25-year-old Rasak Olalekan Kareem aka Falapa. The Lagos State Police Command have launched a manhunt for him and have declared him wanted.

Bribe-Collecting Policemen Handcuff Passenger to Vehicle after Driver Escapes

Some policemen attached to the Osun State Police Command have allegedly dehumanised a bus passenger at the Erinmo Ijesa end of the Iwaraja-Efon Alaaye Road, Osun State. It was learnt that the policemen, who were in a Hilux van, mounted a checkpoint on the road and extorted money from commercial bus drivers. However, a commercial bus driver, who was stopped, reportedly refused to pay them any money and was ordered to park by the roadside. After the driver parked, one of the passengers was said to have alighted from the bus to urinate in a bush. The driver, on discovering that the attention of the policemen had shifted to another vehicle, quickly drove off, abandoning the man that went to urinate. The abandoned passenger was picked up by the policemen and handcuffed to the patrol van. He explained that the victim was handcuffed to the van for over two hours during which he soiled himself, as his cry for mercy fell on deaf ears. A monarch, the Owa Tapa of Itapa Ijesha, Dr Olapade Agoro, said he was angry at the maltreatment of the victim and he challenged the policemen. Agoro said the cops subsequently released the passenger.

Four Killed as Explosion Rocks NNPC Lagos Depot

An explosion, September 18, rocked Petroleum Wharf, Apapa, Lagos State, killing four people. It was learnt that a vessel, identified as HistriaIvory, was discharging Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) around 3am when some hoodlums besieged it to scoop fuel spilling from the vessel. The activities of the hoodlums were to have caused an explosion, which resulted in the death of four people. Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, men of the Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Navy were said to have been called to control the fire that lasted for about one hour. The people who were scooping fuel were trying to open one of the manifolds through which the depot receive fuel from vessels when the fire occurred. The Director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, confirmed the explosion, but could not give details of the casualty. A statement by the NNPC Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu, assured motorists and other consumers of petroleum products nationwide that the fire would not affect the supply of petroleum products.

3 Arrested as Police Uncover Illegal Firearm Factory in FCT

The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sadiq Bello, has disclosed that the Command had arrested three suspects in connection with an illegal firearm fabricating factory in Shenagu village near Zuba, FCT. The suspects include; Philip John, owner of the factory; Onyegabueze Okpara, a supplier of ammunition and Joseph Bulus, distributor of the arms. Bello, who made the disclosure on September 22, said that items recovered from the suspects include: locally fabricated revolver pistol cylinder, four Dane guns, one double barrel gun, one single barrel gun, two calibre live cartridge and six Dane gun muzzles. Others are: four single barrel muzzles, six barrel gun frame, two gun muzzle spring, one manual motor drill, one dice for re-tread and various implement used for manufacturing locally made weapons. He said that during interrogation, John confessed to have been in the illicit business for 17 years. The commissioner said that the Okpara, who disguise as a bicycle spare parts dealer was arrested at Kaita market with the items, which he concealed and sells to criminals. He said that Okpara had been in the illicit deal since 1997.