Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 37

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Abduct Would-be Couple, Friends

Gunmen, September 10, abducted a would-be couple and their friends at Akunnu-Akoko in Akoko North East LGA of Ondo State on their way to Akure, the Ondo State capital for their engagement ceremony. The groom, Moses Yakubu, his fiancé and their three friends were coming from Okene in Kogi State and heading to Akure for the engagement when their car was ambushed and seized at gunpoint. The father of the bride, who confirmed the incident, said the bride and her younger sister were later set free by the kidnappers. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, said that policemen are combing the scene and forest around to rescue the victims.

Four-Year-Old Boy Kidnapped in Delta

A four-year-old boy, Sunday Onwusa, was, September 9, kidnapped in Olieogo town in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State. According to reports, the suspected kidnapper, a woman from a neighbouring town, had gone to Olieogo the previous day to visit her boyfriend, who was said to have travelled out of town causing her to sleep at the residence of her boyfriend’s brother. She later visited a family with four children while their parents were not at home and sent the eldest child, 12-year-old Blessing, on an errand. But on her return, Blessing could neither find her younger brother nor the suspected kidnapper. She immediately raised the alarm, which attracted neighbours and a search party mobilised to find the woman and the boy, but to no avail. The Delta State Police Spokesman, Andrew Aniamaka, disclosed that the matter has been transferred to Human Rights Department of the state police command, adding that police were carrying out further investigation with the aim of apprehending the suspected female kidnapper and rescuing the boy.

Man Allegedly Fakes Kidnap to Extort N1m from Wife

The Delta State Police Command, September 11, disclosed that it had arrested a 49-year-old man, Clement Silver, for allegedly arranging his own kidnap to fraudulently obtain money from his wife. He was apprehended alongside his accomplice, Sunday Kibechukwu, who acted as the kidnapper, at his hideout in Agbor. The suspect, while confessing to the crime said his intention was to force his wife to pay his demand, adding that he needed the money to boost his business. It was gathered that the suspects, after the phantom kidnap, had contacted Silver’s wife and demanded a ransom of N1 million and directed that the money should be dropped along Benin/Asaba Expressway at Umunede. In the course of negotiation, she pleaded to pay N300,000, which they refused, but unknown to the suspects, Silver was sighted at his hideout and was reported to Agbor police station, which quickly moved to arrest the culprits.

Police Rescue 13 Kidnapped Persons in Yobe

The Nigeria Police has rescued 13 kidnapped persons from the den of kidnappers in Yobe State. The Police Area Commander of Biu, received a reported a case of the abduction of six children on August 19. A striking unit and a team of investigators were promptly dispatched to the area, leading to the arrest of five persons, who made confessional statements and revealed the location where the abducted children were kept. The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku, who disclosed this, said that two hoodlums were killed during the rescue operation on September 8 jointly carried out by police and men of local vigilante group in the forest, near Kumaya village in Buni Yadi area of Yobe State. Two AK47 rifles used by the hoodlums were recovered, six earlier abducted victims were rescued alongside seven other abducted persons.

2 Persons in Court over Alleged Kidnap of 2-Year-Old Girl

The Police in Lagos State, September 13, arraigned two persons, Dorothy Ekutosi (51) and Asekameh Victor (27), for allegedly stealing a 2-year-old girl in a market before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. The accused are standing trial a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. The Prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused persons committed the offences on August 29 at the Abule Market area of Ajao Estate. He said the accused conspired and stole the child in the market, without the knowledge of the mother. The duo was caught with the help of the child’s mother’s neighbour, who intercepted the child, while they were taking her to an unknown destination. The accused, however, pleaded “not guilty’’ to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000 each, with two sureties in like sum. Akanni said the sureties, who should be relations of the accused, should also show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government. She adjourned the case until September 20 for mention.

Police Burst Kidnap Gang, Rescue Victim

A three man kidnap gang have been intercepted by men of the Anambra State Police Command and a victim rescued successfully. The suspects were arrested based on information from a good citizen of the state that a group of boys had invaded the house of one Peter Chukwuemeka of Isiokwe village in Aguleri where they took away one John Ifediora to Iyi Oji Shrine. The State Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar, September 8, revealed that detectives acting on the intelligence had stormed the bush at Aguleri in Anambra east, and successfully rescued the victim. Two suspects were arrested on the spot and the third suspect who sustained gunshot injuries, later died in the hospital. The Commissioner said the suspects confessed to the crime.

Robbery

Police Parade Two Vigilantes, Others for Robbery, Rape

The Ekiti State Police Command, September 9, paraded five notorious suspected armed robbers and rapists who have been terrorizing a section of Ado-Ekiti. Some of the suspects include members of a vigilante group, Adeniyi Busayo and Tunde Fadunmila. Fadunmila and Adeniyi, who were arrested for robbing their victims with police uniform. They were night guards hired for neighbourhood watch. Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, said the suspects robbed Faglo Petro-chemical filling Station along Federal Polytechnic road in Ado Ekiti, and two houses on August 28. The PPRO revealed that one of the robbery victims was shot in the hands and stomach and was rushed to the hospital by neighbours for treatment. He said the suspects were not only robbing, but torturing and raping the victims after using big stones to break their doors. The police recovered three Dane guns, three cutlasses, charms and big stones from the suspects.

Robbers Attack Bank Customer in Uyo, Cart Away Cash

Four armed robbers, September 13, attacked a bank customer and dispossessed him of an undisclosed amount of money in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The customer had reportedly withdrawn a large amount from a bank at Ewet Housing axis of Oron Road and was about driving home when the robbers, who had laid an ambush close to his car parked outside the bank’s premises, attacked him, shooting sporadically to scare away people. The robbers reportedly shot the front tyre of the victim’s car and the car dragged along for a while before ending up in a ditch. Two masked men came out of a car and ordered him to open his boot where the money was kept. The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Chukwu Ikechukwu, confirmed the incident.

Police Kill Armed Robber, Arrest Fake Soldier in Katsina

Men of the Katsina State Police Command, September 13, shot and killed one armed robber in a shootout with an eight-man armed robbery gang. This came as the Command also arrested a man, Raba, who was parading himself as a soldier. The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Gambo Isah, who confirmed the incidents, said the robber met his Waterloo, when they came out from Dajin Mari Forest and invaded the village of Tumburkai, Dandume, shooting sporadically, trying to get access to the house of one Alhaji Sufiyanu.

Police Foil Robbery Attack in Yola

The Adamawa State Police Command, September 12, said it had foiled an armed robbery attack at the old GRA, Jimeta, Yola, and in the process, killed one suspect and arrested two others. Police Spokesman, Othman Abubakar, said that the command received a distress call at about 1am from one Alhaji Bakari that armed robbers had invaded his house. They immediately deployed the Anti-Robbery Squad to cordon off the area. He added that the suspects, on sighting the police, opened fire on them and in the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspects was killed and two others arrested. He said the command would not relent in the battle to make the state safe. He called on the people to always report any suspicious movement to the nearest security post for immediate response.

64-Year-Old Ex-Convict Arrested for Armed Robbery

A 64-year-old ex-convict, Ajibola Aliu, has been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command for armed robbery. The suspect was recently released from prison after serving a 21-year jail term for robbery. Two of his accomplices, lsiaka Adisa and Damola Christopher, were also apprehended by the police. The other two suspects were arrested at a hotel in Alafiatayo Street in Akure by detectives. It was gathered that the ex-convict was fingered by the two suspects during their interrogation. After his arrest, he reportedly confessed to being part of those who took part in some robbery operations in the state. Items recovered from the suspects included charms, two single-barrelled cut-to-size guns, cartridges, one Mitsubishi car with number plates Lagos LSD 432 XT and 11 master keys. Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, September 11, confirmed the arrest of the ex-convict and others. Joseph said detectives have also arrested four cultists and two others, who specialise in motorcycle snatching at gunpoint. He gave the names of the suspected cultists to include Kareem, Ayobami, Akinkuolu and Esie.

Police Nab ‘One Chance’ Robber in Aba

A member of a robbery gang operating in a bus, popularly called “one-chance” has been arrested by the Police in Aba, Abia State. The suspect, identified as Kanayo Obichukwu, and other members of his gang had dispossessed one Chibuike Metele, of N150, 000 along Asa road and pushed him out of the bus. Police sources told disclosed that Metele who lives at Azikiwe road, Aba, raised alarm which attracted passers-by. A Police patrol men attached to Central Police Station, Aba who were alerted to the incident went after the vehicle later identified with number plate, XA 320 MBL. On sighting the Police team, the occupants of the bus abandoned it and fled. But one of the suspects, one Kanayo Obichukwu was arrested. Abia State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, who confirmed the incident, stated that the suspect has confessed to the crime. He added that efforts are on-going to arrest other members of the gang.

Man Hijacks Car with Baby in Ilorin

A middle aged man has been arrested by the police in Kwara state after he hijacked a car with a 16-month old baby in Ilorin, Kwara state. The incident occurred on September 7 after the baby’s mother agreed to help the man from the church to Diviland area of Gaa-Akanbi in the metropolis. The man was said to have later hijacked the car with the baby inside. A manhunt was immediately launched by the police while family members and friends resorted to massive social media awareness on the incident. The man later abandoned the baby at Akerebiata area of the metropolis and from there drove back to Asa Dam area where he parked to spend the night with his girlfriend. Friends and family members have praised the police and other security agencies for the speed and effectiveness of the work that led to the recovery of the baby and the car.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests 14 Farmers with 413.19kg in Gombe

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Gombe State, September 12, disclosed that its operatives had arrested 14 farmers for cultivating Cannabis in two communities in the state. The State Commandant of the NDLEA, Aliyu Adole, said that the farmers were arrested with 413.19kilogrammes of Cannabis. He said nine of them were arrested with 322.6kg at Kulani village of Balanga LGA, while five were with 191.300kg at Amkargu village, a boundary village between Gombe and Taraba States. He added that the arrest were made as a result of farm raids being carried out in the past one month. According to him, all of the suspects would be charged to Court.

Militancy/Maritime

Terrorism

Boko Haram Commander, others Surrender to Police

The Borno State Police Command, September 13, disclosed that a top Boko Haram commander, along with some other members of the sect, had surrendered to the police. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Isuku, said that the insurgents unconditionally surrendered to the police on September 10. According to him, the intelligence arm of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the command, were able to negotiate a peaceful surrender of the repentant Boko Haram terrorists with their families. He disclosed that one Ibrahim Dala (alias Abu Ali), formerly of Kawar Mela ward, Maiduguri, an Amir (commander) of the Mamman Nur faction, along with Audu Mustapha Bukar, and Laminu Mustapha Modu, all surrendered themselves unconditionally to Borno State Police Command.

Troops Kill Boko Haram Terrorists Borno Ambush, Raid

The Nigerian Army have disclosed that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East, killed many Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush on September 10. This is as the Nigerian Air Force said it struck some buildings occupied by the terrorists in a bomb raid, killing many terrorists. Spokesman the Army, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, said the troops of 151 Battalion, 21 Brigade carried out the ambush at a suspected Boko Haram crossing point at Bocost, along Ngurosoye-Bama Road in Borno State. He disclosed that the troops neutralised a large number of the Boko Haram terrorists, while other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds. One AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine; 60 rounds of 7.62mm Special; three bicycles; four empty Jerry-cans, a cutlass and N5,600 cash were recovered. The Nigerian Air Force, had earlier said that a September 7 bombing of the terrorists’ buildings resulted in the death of a large number of them at Zanari, a known location with significant Boko Haram terrorists’ presence at the northern fringes of Borno State.

NAF Destroys Boko Haram Structures in Sambisa Area

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has destroyed more structures in Borno used by Boko Haram insurgents as meeting points. The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, September 11, explained that the bombardments took place on the fourth day of an on-going intensive bombardment of the insurgents’ hideouts in the Sambisa General Area. According to him, the Air Force conducted air interdiction on Boko Haram’s settlement in Njimia on September 10 after the NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms had previously confirmed that several structures used by the terrorists as meeting points were in the location. The air interdiction was conducted by the Alpha Jet and F-7Ni aircraft, which took turns to attack the location with bombs, he added. Battle Damage Assessment showed that the targeted insurgent’s structures were destroyed. The director said that the attacks were carried out to further break the will and capability of the insurgents to regroup against the air force. Newsmen report that some buildings used by the insurgents in Borno State, especially in the Sambisa General Area, had earlier been destroyed by the military in the newly launched operation.

6 Boko Haram Insurgents Surrender to NSCDC in Borno

The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), September 11, said six Boko Haram insurgents had surrendered to the corps. NSCDC spokesperson, Bulus James, further disclosed that the repented insurgents surrendered to the corps under the Operation Safe Corridor initiated by the Federal Government. He said that a large number of demoralised insurgents had also indicated their willingness to renounce their crime and join the society. James reiterated the command’s commitment to support the military to ensure successful implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign. The Operation Safe Corridor is a critical component of the counter-insurgency operation. It was designed to encourage Boko Haram insurgents to surrender, facilitate their de-radicalisation and rehabilitation for reintegration into the society.

7 Killed in Boko Haram Attack on IDP Camp

At least seven people were killed when Boko Haram jihadists attacked a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State. The attack took place on September 8 in Ngala, near the border with Cameroon. A source, Umar Kachalla, said that the insurgents arrived in two pick-up trucks and fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the camp, which houses about 80,000 people. This came as two people were killed in an explosion outside another camp in Maiduguri, Borno state.

Two Female Bombers Killed in Maiduguri

The Police in Borno State, September 9, said two female suicide bombers were killed when they detonated the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped to their bodies in the outskirts of Maiduguri. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Isuku, said eight people sustained injuries in the incident. The PPRO said that the incident occurred on September 8 when the female suicide bombers detonated IEDs against a taxi on Maiduguri-Mafa road, close to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) checkpoint. He, however, noted that only the suicide bombers died in the blast, while eight others including a staff of the NDLEA sustained injuries. He added that the police EOD had sanitised the scene while normalcy had been restored to the area.

Political/Government Agencies

Another 1,100 Pump Action Rifles Seized in Lagos

Operatives of Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), September 11, smashed a syndicate that specialized in smuggling weapons into the country, discovering a consignment of 1,100 pump action rifles loaded in a 20-foot container. The seized weapons include 1,100 Jojef Magnum Pump Action and Jojef Magnum Plastic Single Barrels Hunting Gun. The weapons, during preliminary investigation, were discovered to have been imported from Turkey and concealed in a container which Bill of Lading indicated that the contents were wash-hand basins and water closets. But the bubble burst during a routine monitoring at the terminal, as most of the supposed wash-hand basins were discovered to be weapons. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), said that a Customs officer suspected to have cut the seal of the container without following due process had been arrested in connection with the discovery. According to him, a clerk at the terminal was arrested alongside the officer. Ali explained that the container with number GESU 2555208, which was never listed for examination, was discovered to have been positioned with other containers for examination.

Murder/Assassinations

Cultists, Herbalists Arrested for Killing and Dealing in Human Part

Two suspected cult members in Ogun State have confessed that they sell human hands for N5,000 each to raise funds for their operations. The men, Oluwaseun Odueh, and Wasiu Adejumo, both members of the Eiye Confraternity, were arrested by operatives of the Zonal Intervention Squad in the Ibogun area of the state. The suspects, who were also accused of being robbers, were arrested along with three herbalists, including a traditional ruler, who allegedly bought the hands of their victims. The herbalists, Ifatona Akanni, Isiaka Ajani and Oko Musa, said they had bought seven hands from the cult members, adding that each was bought for N5,000. One of the suspected cult members, Odueh, said all their victims, were members of the Aiye Confraternity, a rival cult and that they were killed during cult clashes. He said their hands were sold to herbalists to raise funds for the activities of his gang.

Court Remands Suspected Killer of 8-Year-Old Girl in Prison

A Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate Court, has remanded 23-year old Ifeanyi Dike in prison custody for allegedly killing his 8-year-old niece, Victory Mezuwuba, for ritual purposes. The suspect, who initially escaped from police custody, was re-arrested in Plateau State and sent back to Port Harcourt to face murder charges. He was arraigned at the Magistrate Court on September 11. The suspect allegedly killed his victim by administering stupefying substance on her in order to obtain her sensory organs which include: tongue, ear, eyes, nipple, clitoris, nose, fingers with the use of knife. The Chief Magistrate, A.O. Amadi-Nna, presiding over the matter had declined jurisdiction to entertain the matter and ordered the court registrar to send the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice. The case was adjourned sine die.

Murder Suspects Arrested in Imo

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, September 11, paraded a 25-year-old suspected kidnapper, Kingsley Alaukwu, for masterminding the kidnapping and killing of two persons, 67-year- old Gabriel Alaukwu and 38-year-old Sunday Iniobong. The victims were killed and buried in a shallow grave after the suspect collected a ransom of N100,000. The CP disclosed that the suspect was rounded up as a result of investigation carried out by the anti-kidnapping unit of the command. He said that Alaukwu together with Ugochukwu Ekezie and Emeka Onuegbu, who are still at large, kidnapped, murdered and buried their two victims in a shallow grave. The decomposed corpses of the victims have been exhumed appropriately and relocated.

Man Kills Own Baby after Affair with Wife’s Sister

Police operatives in Bayelsa State have arrested a 47-year-old man, Moses Otimba, for killing his 5-day-old love-child. The man, who impregnated his wife’s 18-year-old sister, Joy Matthew, killed the baby boy five days after he was born and buried him in a shallow grave by the seashore. Otimba was said to have carried out the dastardly act in connivance with Joy to cover up the baby’s paternity. The suspects were paraded on September 7 by the state Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba. Amba disclosed that the suspects were arrested after Joy’s mother reported the matter to the police. A traditional birth attendant at Amarata in Yenagoa delivered Joy of the baby on May 8, 2017, and on May 13, Moses and Joy took the baby across Swali Bridge, where Moses killed and buried him in a shallow grave. Joy claimed that some spirits confessed the incident to her mother three months after the act. He added that the suspects have confessed to the crime and investigation is on-going.

Military Task Force Kills Five Assailants, Loses Soldier in Plateau

The military taskforce deployed to beef up security in Plateau State, September 11, disclosed that it had killed five assailants while repelling another attack on a village near Ancha in Bassa LGA of the state, where over 20 persons were killed on September 8. A soldier with the taskforce was also killed in the exchange of fire, while another was wounded. The taskforce Media and Information Officer, Captain Adam Umar, said that the Miango area is now fully dominated by military men, who have since commenced day and night patrols and are combing the area in search of the fleeing assailants. The state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Nuru Abdullahi, has decried linking their members to the recent killings in Ancha village, saying that the allegation was aimed at creating hatred between the natives and herders. The state Commissioner of Police Commissioner had mentioned that the attack was a reprisal by suspected Fulani herders.

One Feared Dead as Vigilante Group Clash with Cultists

One person was, September 13, killed when members of a vigilante group clashed with armed cultists at Ozala Awada, a suburb of Onitsha in Anambra State. The vigilante operatives had gone to the area to stop a fight building up, but as they were trying to quell the fight, the feuding parties mobilised for re-enforcement and within a few minutes, some boys, suspected to be cultists, stormed the scene and attacked the vigilante operatives. The President-General of the community, Chief Emmanuel Nwabunwanne, said the suspected cultists wanted to snatch the gun from one of the security operatives and on resisting it, the bullet went off and killed the vigilante group member. The Awada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Babalola, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation is on-going.

Police Arrest Man over Attempted Murder of American

The Intervention Squad of the Zone 2 Police Command, September 13, arrested one Orabe Philips Leo, for luring and attempting to kill his American visitor, Robert Wheelers in Lagos. The victim, who had known Leo since 2015, had asked Leo to pick him from the airport when he arrived in Lagos on August 25, 2017. The suspect drove him straight to his residence at Ikorodu, where he was to stay until his return to the United States. However, at midnight, the suspect attacked his visitor and left him in a pool of his own blood and fled to safety. Upon receiving the distress call, the squad from the command was dispatched to launch a manhunt for the suspect while the victim was rushed to the hospital. The suspect was apprehended two weeks later. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to have clubbed the victim with a pestle because he allegedly reneged on his promise to give him an unspecified amount of money. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in charge of Zone 2, Dolapo Badmos, said investigation was ongoing, adding that the AIG had directed that no stone be left unturned in unravelling the case.

Two Killed as IPOB Members Clash with Hausa Community in Rivers

Two persons were reportedly killed as some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), September 12, clashed with the Hausa community in Oyibo LGA of Rivers State. An eyewitness disclosed that the incident started when the members of IPOB gathered at Timber Junction awaiting other members to join a procession to Abia State in support of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, whose home was allegedly invaded by the military. According to reports, soldiers attempted to disperse the IPOB gathering and left many IPOB members injured. The IPOB members later vented their anger on the Hausa community in the area, killing two persons in the process. The Spokesman for 6 Division of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Col. Aminu Illiyasu, confirmed the clash and added that troops were deployed to restore law and order in the area.

Police Arrest Man over Alleged Killing of Daughter

The Ebonyi State Police Command, September 11, confirmed the arrest of a 30-year-old man suspected to have killed his two-year-old daughter in his farm. Police spokeswoman, Loveth Odah, who confirmed the arrest in Abakaliki, said that the corpse of the girl had been taken to Mgbo Hospital morgue. Odah added that investigations into the matter had commenced. A source disclosed that the suspect killed his daughter in his farm on September 6 and the act was detected by a good citizen. The good citizen reported the matter to the Ohaukwu Police Division which arrested the suspect and recovered the girl’s corpse. The family and the community suspect that the act was for ritual purpose because he used his machete to cut the girl’s right leg.

Police Arrest 6 over Killing of Gulder Ultimate Search Winner, Hector

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, September 14, said that the police had arrested six persons over the killing of Hector Jobarteh, winner of the third edition of Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS). The suspects were among 13 other criminal suspects paraded at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja. The arrests were made between September 6 and 13. Edgal explained that one suspected robbers lost his life in a gun battle with police operatives. He said that the police recovered arms and ammunition including one berretta pistol, five locally-made pistols, and 16 live cartridges from the suspects. Other items recovered include six ammunition, six stolen vehicles, one motorcycle, substances suspected to be cocaine, heroin and Indian hemp. Hector was shot dead at his Oko-Oba residence on September 4. Edgal said one of the suspects arrested was a driver, who conveyed the suspected killers, while the others were found with the victim’s cell phone. He noted that one of the suspects was still at large and that efforts were on to arrest him.

Student Remanded for Alleged Culpable Homicide

A Minna Magistrates’ Court, September 13, ordered the remand of a 15-year-old student for alleged culpable homicide. The defendant was arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable homicide, punishable under Section 224 of the Penal Code. The Prosecutor, Inspector Emmanuel Danladi, had told the court that one Hakeem Tauheed of Bida reported the matter at the police station on August 16. Danladi said the complainant alleged that the defendant fought with his son, Usman Alhaji, as a result of which both of them sustained injuries. He said the complainant’s son died on the way to the hospital. The Judge, Mariam Kings, did not take the plea of the defendant on the ground that her court lacked jurisdiction to try the matter. Kings ordered the police to forward the case file to the State Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice. She adjourned the case until October 4 for further mention.

Man Nabbed with Human Head in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, who was caught with a human head. The suspected ritualist, simply identified as Olalekan, according to the Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, was arrested at Modina area, Idi-Aro, Ibadan. The arrest of the suspect followed information by members of the public, who raised the alarm over his strange and suspicious movement. During interrogation, the suspect disclosed that the exhibit was given to him by his younger brother, Saheed, currently on the run. Investigation also revealed that the suspect and his cohort have been dealing in human parts. The latest recovered part was meant for a yet-to-be-identified pastor in Ibadan. Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, has directed the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Iyangaku, to take over the case.

2 Herdsmen Arrested for Beating Colleague to Death

Police operatives in Jigawa State have arrested two herdsmen over the death of their colleague in Gagarawa LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Abdu Jinjiri, confirmed the arrest on September 11. Jinjiri said the suspects were arrested on September 9 after they allegedly conspired and beat up one Manu Isa of Maidamisa Fulani settlement with sticks, which led to his death. According to Jinjiri, when the Police got to know about attack, they rushed to the scene and took Isa to hospital, but unfortunately he died after two days. He added that detailed investigation is on-going to ascertain the reasons for their action, after which they would be charged to court.

Ondo Youths’ Clash Claims One Life, Several Injured

One person was feared dead following a clash between youths in Ugbonla and Ugbo, oil-rich communities in Ondo State. At least 20 others were reportedly injured during the free-for-all in Ugbo community. A source revealed that the clash erupted after five boys from Ode-Ugbo, led by one Adewale, came to Ugbonla on a speedboat, for a business transaction and after the deal, they were accused by one Bello of making illegal entry and business transactions in the community. An argument reportedly ensued and Bello was beaten up for interfering. He reportedly sustained injuries and was rushed to a hospital at Ode-Ugbo, where he later died. Youths from Ugbonla reportedly mobilised and went on rampage, destroying property in Ugbo. The house of a leader in Ugbo, Chief Otelo Mafimisebi, was destroyed because of his closeness to Adewale, who led the five boys on the business deal that turned sour. Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, condemned the crises and promised that all those involved would be brought to book.

Rape

Two Suspected Ritualists Nabbed in Lagos

Two suspected Ritualists have been arrested by the police in Lagos State. The suspects, Sarafu Yakubu (25) and Fatai Muritado (40) were arrested on September 8 at Oble Community by a crack team of Police operatives from Area ‘K’ Command. The suspects, four in number with two others still at large, were on the verge of sacrificing their female victim, Ayomide Bello, after raping her in turns, when a distress call was sent to the Area Commander by a resident, who was alerted to the victim’s cry for help. The Area Commander was said to have swung into action and succeeded in apprehending the suspects at their hide out. The two suspects confessed to have kidnapped their victim in Ibadan, Oyo State on September 4 and successfully moved her to Lagos. A police source also confirmed that investigation was on-going, noting that efforts to arrest the remaining members of the syndicate is on top gear.

Others

Teenager Arrested for Gun Running in Imo

The Imo State Police Command, September 11, paraded a 16–year-old boy, Onyedikachi Iyaka, for suspected gun running and possession of weapons and other police kits. Parading the suspect, the State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, disclosed that 400 rounds of chained GPMG live ammunition, 1,016 rounds of AK47 live ammunition, one empty AK47 magazine, one empty K2 magazine and one army camouflage bullet proof vest were recovered from the teenager. Other exhibits recovered from him include one police bullet proof vest, one blue police raincoat, one green-beret cap and one empty ammunition. The 16-year-old suspect acknowledged that he was into the business of selling ammunition until the police caught him. He disclosed that the business belonged to his elder brother, Jeff Iyaka, who was still at large.

Abia Governor Imposes Curfew on Aba after Soldiers, IPOB Clash

Following September 10 clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and soldiers of the Nigerian Army at the country home of the IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as well as some violence at Oyigbo, a border community between Abia and Rivers States on September 12, the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikeazu, has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on Aba. The Oyigbo incident led to the deaths of two persons. Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, claimed that soldiers laid siege to the IPOB leader’s residence in Afaraukwu and since then, Kanu had not been seen. Ejiofor said that the invasion on Kanu’s residence led to a clash between IPOB members and the deaths of four persons with several others injured. However, the Nigerian Army has denied that Kanu’s residence was invaded, stating that its operation in the South-east, known as Operation Python Dance II, was not targeted at him. Ikpeazu, said the curfew came into effect September 12 and would last for three days between 6pm and 6am. In order to curb the rising tension in the state, Ikpeazu urged the army to carry out its operation in accordance with standard rules of engagement, taking cognisance of human rights and the rule of law.

Police Parade Suspected Ritualists, Fake Doctor in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command said it has arrested two suspected ritualists, a fake medical doctor and some armed robbers who have been terrorising unsuspecting residents of the state. It named the two suspected ritualists as Murtala Aliyu (30) and Saheed Raji (40). They were arrested for being in possession of human flesh, while the fake doctor, simply identified as Orisanmi, was arrested at a village in Ibadan. The State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, said that Orisanmi had been parading himself as a worker of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The suspect had been obtaining money from owners of chemist shops in Ibadan under the guise of checking for fake drugs. The suspect had gone to a drug store at Abanla village in Oluyole LGA of the state and fraudulently collected some drugs and money. A report was thereafter made to the Idi-Ayunre Police Division, which eventually led to his arrest. Items recovered from him included a fake Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) identity card, a stethoscope, a pair of white overall and some certificates suspected to have been forged or stolen.