Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 36

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Arrest 2 Suspected Kidnap Kingpins in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command said it has arrested two notorious kidnap and cult gang kingpins, who had been on the command’s wanted list. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, September 6, said that the police recovered two suspected stolen motorcycles and a tiger generator. According to him, the arrest is part of the ongoing onslaught against criminal elements in Nimbo and Adani axis of Uzo-Uwani LGA of the state. Amaraizu said that police operatives achieved the feat through intelligence information. He gave the names of the suspects as one Jonathan Okeagu and Simon Enejere all of Umuasa Village in Ugbene Ajima community in Uzo-Uwani LGA. Further intelligence information gathered by the operatives revealed that the Okeagu had once been arrested and charged to court. Amaraizu assured the public that the command would not rest on its oars in the ongoing onslaught against crime and criminality in Uzo-Uwani council area until the entire area and its environs were made safe and secure.

Kidnappers Abduct Director, Demand N40m Ransom in Kaduna

A gang of suspected kidnappers that abducted a director with the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology are demanding for N40 million as ransom for his release, according to an official in the ministry. The victim, John Gorah, was abducted on September 3 at his residence located in Mararaban Rido, Kaduna. The Deputy Director, Higher Education in the ministry, Steven Haruna, September 5, disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted the victim’s family. Haruna explained that the kidnappers stormed the victim’s house, fired multiple gunshots in the air to scare people and pulled down a section of the fence before taking Gorah away. He also said that the kidnappers abducted a nursing mother in the neighbourhood, leaving her three weeks old baby behind.

Gunmen Invade Bayelsa Community, Abduct One

Yet-to-identified gunmen, September 3, attacked the Amatu II community of Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State, shooting sporadically and abducted a local boat owner. It was gathered that the gunmen, who stormed the community’s landing jetty in the early hours of the day, began shooting at anyone in sight and looted goods before taking their victim, Chief John Okotoro, to an unknown location. The attack left several persons injured and others missing. Confirming the attack, a community leader in Amatu II, Chief Paul Oweipadei, lamented that the people of the area were living in constant fear of attack from gunmen and pirates who terrorise the area. He stated that the gunmen were trying to pass through the community to gain access to an SPDC facility and appealed to the state government and security agencies to beef up security along the waterways.

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Victim in Rivers

Men of the Rivers State Police Command, September 2, arrested a suspected kidnapper operating in Emohua LGA of the state. The operatives also rescued a kidnap victim said to have been abducted and kept in a tent constructed by hoodlums in a bush. It was gathered that the feat was achieved when a team of policemen flooded the Ndele, Ogbakiri, Rumuekpe, Ebele and Rumuji axis of Emohua, where kidnappers had made their base. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, explained that the heavy presence of policemen in the area was to put an end to the series of kidnapping in Emohua. Omoni further confirmed that the arrested kidnapper was apprehended in a place called Ogbakiri in Emohua, while the victim was also rescued within a bush in the community.

Tailor Disappears with Neighbour’s Two-Year-Old Boy in Imo

A two-year-old baby boy, Ikechukwu Nwachukwu, has been stolen from his parents’ home in Umuihim village in Umuozu Ugiri Community in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State on September 2. According to Remigus Nwachukwu, an uncle of the stolen child, the toddler was allegedly stolen by one Ifeanyi Anyanwu, a tailor in the village. According to sources, the child as playing within the compound around 7am when the tailor, Ifeanyi, came and took him by the hand. People, who saw him thought it was normal until the boy’s mother started looking for him. The woman did not suspect anything when she learnt that her son was with Ifeanyi. But when the time started pushing towards 10 and 11 that morning, everyone became alarmed as they learnt that Ifeanyi, alongside his wife and daughter, was not at home, and his house was deserted while his cell phone was switched off. Confirming the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said that the command was trailing the suspects. Ezike disclosed that he had ordered for the transfer of the case file from Isiala Mbano Division to the State Criminal and investigation Department for a more professional approach.

Gunmen Abduct Ex-Cult Leader’s Mother in Omoku

The aged mother of a repentant cult leader in Omoku community in Rivers State was, on September 3, abducted on her way to a meeting. The former cult leader, Ejima Igwedibia, also known as Don Wani, who had earlier embraced the state government amnesty programme, said that his mother had told him that morning that she wanted to attend a meeting, only for him to be called on telephone some minutes later that she had been kidnapped by some gunmen. The woman alongside her driver and some other young men, was allegedly blindfolded by the gunmen and taken to an unknown destination. The former cult leader appealed to security operatives to intensify efforts to secure the release of his mother unhurt by her abductors. The community is afraid that the development might trigger off another season of cult wars in the area. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni, assured that the Rivers State Police command has men from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), as well as men from the Inspector-General Tactical Response on ground at Omoku.

Court Remands Sisters in Prison for Trafficking 19-Year-Old

Four persons including an Abu Dhabi-based lady, Rita Chinenye Ani, and her elder sister, Ngozi Stella Nnamani Ani were, on September 8, arraigned before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja for engaging in human trafficking. The others charged by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) are Ozigi Abdulkarim and Princewill James. The four defendants were arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu. The prosecutor, Aondona Orti, disclosed that the suspects were arrested recently by operatives of NAPTIP in two operations in Gwarimpa, Abuja and Ibadan in Oyo State. According to reports, Rita was arrested in Ibadan after one of the victims returned from Abu Dhabi after four months of forced prostitution by Rita and under very excruciating conditions including flogging and the insertion of hot boiling ring into her vagina when she does not make enough money a day and forceful collection of the proceeds of the prostitution from her by Rita. The 19-year-old victim was recruited from Gwarimpa by her ex-boyfriend, Ozigi Abdulkarim, Ngozi Stella Ani and Princewill James for onward transfer to Rita Ani in Abu Dhabi. The case was subsequently adjourned to Wednesday13th September, 2017 for hearing.

Gunmen Intercept Commercial Bus in Rivers, Abduct 20

Gunmen, believed to be kidnappers, on September 7, intercepted a commercial bus at Isiokpo area of Rivers State, and whisked away over 20 occupants of the vehicle. The bus was said to be travelling from Port Harcourt to Owerri, Imo State, before it was stopped by the bandits at Isiokpo. It was learned that 18 passengers, driver and conductor of the bus were all taken away by the hoodlums to an unknown place. A driver, who witnessed the attack, Martin Aluziwe, disclosed that he and the driver of the attacked bus had loaded at Agip and Whimpy junctions and met again at Omuagwa before the incident. According to him, the attackers shot at his bus, but could not stop him as he was at the front, but they were able to get the vehicle coming behind him, taking the driver and passengers into the bush. Soldiers around the area immediately mobilized into the bush for a rescue operation.

7-Year-Old Identifies Woman that Held Her Captive for 19 Months

A seven-year-old girl, who escaped from captivity after 19 months, September 6, identified the woman that abducted her and raised the alarm, leading to the abductor’s arrest. Men of the Ogun State Police Command arrested 20-year-old Ajoke, who the little girl said abducted her. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the little girl was abducted 19 months ago while returning from school, but was brought home by a good person in early August. Abimbola said the alleged abductor was spotted on August 29 by the little girl, who was playing in front of her parents’ house. He added that the victim raised the alarm, pointing at the woman as her alleged abductor. The suspect, who was promptly arrested, initially denied ever knowing the girl. But the girl quickly mentioned her name as Aunty Ajoke and when she was searched, her name was seen conspicuously written on her body. She later confessed to have committed the offence. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the Anti-Kidnapping/Cultist Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, CIID, for further investigation and prosecution.

Robbery

Police Kill Suspected Notorious Criminal in Kogi

A notorious bandit, simply known as Lukman, who allegedly led his gang to Senator Dino Melaye’s house at Ayetoro-Gbede in an attempt to assassinate the senator in April 2017 has been killed during a shootout with policemen. Lukman was declared wanted by the Kogi State Police Command after some of his members were arrested earlier in the year. The suspect, from Obeiba in Ihima, Okehi LGA of the state was killed on September 3 during a gun battle with operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS). According to the sources, heavily armed FSARS agents, who stormed his hometown in three Hilux vans, headed straight for his house. Lukman and his gang members opened fire on the Security operatives but he was gunned down on the spot while several arrest were made. Lukman was involved in several kidnapping, killings and armed robbery attacks within and outside Kogi State. Following the killing of Lukman, his gang members went on rampage, burning down vehicles and police post. The quick intervention of security men restored peace and normalcy in the community. The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, confirmed the killing of Lukman. He added that more security agents have been deployed to the town to avoid further crisis.

Police Arrest 3 Suspects for Car Snatching

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 64-year-old man and two members of his syndicate who specialise in car snatching in the south-eastern states. The suspects were arrested at Nnobi in Idemili South LGA of Anambra state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nkeiruka Nwode, paraded the suspects on August 31. She stated that the suspects were tracked by men of the state command to Nnobi where they were arrested through a tip-off. Items recovered from the suspects include; 25 bunches of car keys, one master key, one Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) jacket and banner, two vehicle number plates (MUS 515 AX Lagos and NSH 109 FM Anambra, one emergency tyre pump, one Toyota ignition key seating, sets of spanners and Anambra State vigilante ID card. She said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and had been assisting police with useful information and that they would be handed over to the Imo state Police Command where the crime was committed for prosecution.

Robbers Raid 10 Houses, Engage Police in Shootout

Armed robbers, September 5, raided 10 houses in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, and engaged policemen in a shootout. A source, who pleaded anonymity, said the robbers stormed the area, shooting sporadically, adding that the operation lasted for about two hours. Spokesman for the Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident. According to him, the police got a distress call at 1:35am and promptly mobilised men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to the area. He said a five-man gang engaged the Police in a shootout, after which the robbers were chased into Dayawa in Kafur Local Government Area. The spokesperson of the Command said the SARS operatives were combing the neighbourhood and bushes in search of the robbers. The Police Public Relations Officer added that no arrest was made, and so far, no case of injury or stolen properties have been made.

Robbers Hit Bullion Van in Delta, Cart Away N25m

Dare devil armed robbers, September 5, ambushed bank officials and their police escorts along Benin-Asaba Expressway in broad daylight, carting away N25 million. One of the police officers was injured and rushed to the hospital. The State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the incident, said that the Operations Manager of the bank, suspected to have arranged for the police escort, has been arrested and investigations have opened. He disclosed that the policemen were on illegal duty and were yet to be seen hours after the attack. According to him, the bullion van from a bank’s branch in Asaba left for its Agbor branch to pick N25 million and the bank officials illegally picked seven policemen from different locations because the bank lacked a serviceable armoured bullion van as required by law. But on their way back, between Ubulu-Okiti and Otulu, along Asaba-Benin Expressway, the team was ambushed by some robbers, who successfully emptied the N25 million into their cars and escaped.

Four Teenage Cultists, Robbery Gang Smashed by Police in Abia

Four teenagers suspected to be members of the notorious ABC cult gang wreaking havoc in Abia State have been arrested by operatives of the state Police Command. The State Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, who paraded the suspects alongside others at the State Police Officers Mess in Umuahia stated that the suspected cultists were arrested by operatives attached to Isiala-Ngwa North Division, during a raid of suspected criminal hideouts at Mbubo Nsulu Isiala-Ngwa North. The suspects, aged between 14 to 19 years old, were arrested with one locally made Revolver Pistol, two rounds of live ammunition and charms. The Commissioner of Police stated that the suspects are being interrogated by the police and would be charged to court after investigations.

Robbers Kill Own Colleague, another Person in Edo

A member of a criminal gang that attacked and killed the President of the Lagos Street Traders Association, Comrade David Ohenhen, also mistakenly shot and killed their gang member. After the incident, the corpse of the yet to be identified gang member was dumped along the road. The late Ohenhen was attacked at his residence off Eboniyeke Street in Egor LGA of Edo State. Ohenhen’s widow, Evelyn, said the gang member was shot by his colleague during a struggle with her husband. She said the gunmen gained access to their house after she heard a knock thinking it was their neighbour. She said one of the gunmen pointed a gun at her husband and ordered her to leave the room. According to her, a scuffle ensued between her husband and the gunmen and they dragged themselves to the door. But as her husband was about to throw the assailant off the stairs, his gang member rushed in and fired a shot, killing both her husband and the robber. Confirming the incident, Edo police spokesman, Moses Nkombe, said three persons have been arrested.

Police Parade 7 Suspected Armed Robbers in Lagos

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, September 6, paraded seven suspected armed robbers, including one that was disarmed by his victim, simply identified as Desmond. One of the suspects, Michael David, was arrested after his victim fought and dis-armed him when his gun jammed. David was handed over to operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The suspect and two other members of his gang, while armed with a locally-made double-barrelled pistol, attacked Desmond and his girlfriend, Kate, on August 13. The gang had allegedly mounted a waiting motorcycle and were about speeding off when Desmond summoned courage and attacked the men. He was said to have succeeded in pulling down David, as Kate called for help. Attempts by the suspect to shoot the victim failed, as the gun reportedly jammed. The suspect was almost lynched before he was handed him over to the police by residents of the area.  The police said five other suspects were arrested with five guns in the Egbeda area of Lagos State during another robbery on September 6. The suspects, however, denied being robbers, saying they were local vigilance men and they used the guns for their work.

Police Arrests Army Deserter, who Trains Robbers, 29 Others

The Police in Anambra state have arrested eight armed robbers, among them a 26-year-old Ebeje Nnamdi, who is an alleged deserter in the Nigeria Army. Nnamdi, who deserted the Army in 2014 from 20 Mechanized Battalion in Taraba state, was said to be their trainer. The State Commissioner of Police, Umar Garba, September 7, disclosed that the command also arrested 22 suspected cultists. Garba said the police on August of 31, 2017 arrested one Kenneth Chimezie (42), who allegedly led the robbers that behind the killing of policemen at nipping points in the state. The Police boss said that his men arrested three kidnappers, who invaded the house of one Peter Chukwuemeka of Isiokwe village in Aguleri and abducted one man. Items recovered from the suspects were 338 rounds of 7.62 by 39m AK47 live ammunitions, three empty AK 47 riffle magazines, four locally made double barrel pistols with two live ammunitions, one live cartridge, among others.

Drugs

Man Arrested with Hard Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Plateau State, September 5, said it had arrested a 25-year-old man, Zulkifil Aliyu, who specialised in illegal narcotics trade within Jos metropolis. The NDLEA Commander, Ibrahim Bragi, confirmed Aliyu’s arrest. Bragi said that operatives of the agency arrested the suspect on May 19 at Laranto Village in Jos North. He said during his arrest, the operatives found on the suspect 200 grammes of Tramadol tablets; 150 grammes of Diazepam tablets; 74 grammes of Exol tablets and 51 grammes of Cannabis Sativa. The commander said that the suspect confessed that he was getting his supplies from a man at Bauchi Road, and he in turn sold the substances as a retailer for profit. He said that the suspect also confessed that he was at the Katako Motor Park to meet some of his buyers when operatives of the agency arrested him Bragi said that the suspect had been arraigned before a Federal High Court which adjourned the case to September 19.

NDLEA Arrests 6 Persons, Others for Drug Offences

The Cross River State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), September 1, said it had arrested six drug suspects in separate operations in the state. The state Commander of the NDLEA, Antonia Edeh, disclosed that two suspects, Christian Joseph and Edet Bassey, were arrested for spicing meat pie, egg roll, doughnut and other snacks with cannabis sativa. She further disclosed that the command also made a seizure of 128.8 grams of crack cocaine transiting from Lagos to Calabar in the form of courier consignment. The receiver, Diyaolu Dare was arrested when he came to collect the consignment. A follow up operation led to the arrest of David James with 1774 pinches of substance suspected to be cocaine and 625 pinches of substance suspected to be Heroine. According to her, the suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court when investigations are completed.

Militancy/Maritime

Suspected Militants Kill Cop, Injure Many in Bayelsa

A gang of four heavily armed men attacked a police checkpoint and a nearby police station in Kolo area of Ogbia LGA in Bayelsa State on September 4, leaving a police sergeant dead. The police authorities in the state disclosed that the incident happened when some suspects resisted arrest, resulting in the clash. Several arms belonging to the policemen were said to have been carted away by the hoodlums. The armed attackers, four in all, were stopped during a stop and search operation at the checkpoint by the policemen, who discovered stolen petroleum products in the vehicle. An argument reportedly ensued while the policemen were questioning members of the gang, before one of them alighted and opened fire on the policemen. While the Sergeant died instantly, a corporal survived with severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment. The other two policemen were reportedly chased into the nearby police station by the gang before retreating. Two civilians, who tried to rescue the policemen when the militants mobilised against them and some other residents in the area, also sustained severe injuries. Police spokesperson, Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident, accused members of the community of conniving with the militants to mob the policemen.

Terrorism

Troops Kill Several Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno

Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole battling Boko Haram terrorism, September 4, ambushed and killed several members of the Islamic sect in Banki, Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, explained that “the troops of Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) 21, deployed within the 21 Brigade Nigerian Army Area of Operations, laid a successful ambush on a suspected Boko Haram terrorists crossing point along Firgi- Banki Junction road in Borno State. The troops neutralised a large number of the Boko Haram terrorists, while other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds. The troops recovered the following items from the terrorists: 18 bicycles, 15 bags of grains, 17 gallons of grain, five empty gallons, six cutlasses, a sword, water bottles and pairs of slippers, he added. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai, through the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, recently inaugurated the Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) with the mandate of securing the Main Supply Routes (MSRs) in addition to conducting limited clearance operations.

Army Kill 2 Shekau’s Deputies

Two Boko Haram commanders and deputies to Abubakar Shekau, a factional leader of the terrorists group, were killed in a successful military operation at Alafa in Borno State. Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen Sani Usman, September 5, said that Shekau’s deputies that were killed in the onslaught included Afdu Kawuri and Abubakar Banishek. The Nigerian Army disclosed that five other key leaders of the group and close associates of Shekau were neutralised in a joint bombardment in August.

Air Force Foils Boko Haram’s Plot

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has foiled an attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to breach the peaceful celebration of Eid-el Kabir in Borno State. The Air Force, in a joint operation with the army, destroyed insurgents’ hideouts which scuttled their plans to attack communities during the festivities. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, September 2, lauded the officers during a feast organised for service men at the 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri. He said that the insurgents were on the run due to concerted military efforts. Abubakar congratulated the officers for their dedication and gallantry. The Air Chief disclosed that the Air Force command had accorded priority to training and improvement of the welfare of its personnel. He added that arrangement had been concluded for the training of air force personnel within and outside the country, to strengthen defence operations.

NAF Drops Bombs, Rockets on Terrorists in Sambisa

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that it neutralized hundreds of Boko Haram Terrorists in Garin Maloma area in Sambisa Forest. A NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform had earlier sighted the insurgents, who were gathered under some trees. NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said that a combination of NAF fighter aircraft namely the F7-Ni, Alpha Jet and L-39 ZA aircraft was detailed to carry out air interdiction on the terrorists gathering. The Alpha Jet aircraft acquired and attacked the target with bombs, neutralising many of the terrorists. The F-Ni aircraft immediately conducted a bomb attack, which resulted in the death of more BHTs. The L-39ZA aircraft then followed through by strafing fleeing terrorists with rockets, killing most of them in the process, while a few others fled with injuries, he added.

Boko Haram Fighters Kills 8 Farmers in Maiduguri

Boko Haram fighters killed eight people in a series of raids on three farming communities close to Maiduguri on September 6 and 7. The attackers in pickup trucks and motorcycles, razed homes and looted food and livestock. They killed eight farmers in the raids and burnt three villages which forced farmers to abandon their farms, a source with the youth vigilante group, Ibrahim Liman, revealed. He disclosed that about 17 Boko Haram fighters stormed Mallan village on September 7, killing two farmers. Three people were shot dead in the same village a night earlier, according to reports. Kesa Kura village was also attacked on September 6, where three persons were killed. A third village, Manjita, was razed but residents escaped the attack. Earlier in the week, four farmers were killed in a drive-by shooting at their fields in Ngawo Fato Bulabulin village outside Maiduguri.

Court Remands 2 Boko Haram Computer Analysts, Spiritual Head in Prison

Two suspected Boko Haram computer analysts Abdullahi Audu, Bashiru Yahaya and their spiritual head, Ahmed Momoh, were on September 8, remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe, by a Magistrates Court. The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, ordered the three accused to be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe, saying that the allegations against them were grave. Animoku said that while bail is a constitutional right guaranteed the accused persons, bail is not easily granted in this kind of offences. The case was adjourned until September 28 for mention. Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Mohammed Abaji, told the court that the defendants were arrested in June, following intelligence report, adding that other suspects remained at large. He said that the defendants were arrested by Joint team of operatives of the NHHSS and STATT and troops of the Nigerian Army and Directorate of State Security (DSS). Abaji stated that investigation and analysis of their telephone numbers revealed that they were not only members of the dreaded group but had also carried out repairs of the terrorists’ computers.

Political/Government Agencies

Police Officers Forced Man at Gun Point to Withdraw N140,000 from ATM

Four police officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) attached to Area K Badagry have been arrested and taken to X-Squad Ikeja for using guns to force a helpless man, Apagbo John, to the bank to withdraw N140,000 in the night in exchange of his life. The officers were identified as two Inspectors, Pativon Patrick and Owolabi Oke and two other Sergeants namely Momoh Jimoh and Akinmade Kehinde. The incident happened at about 10pm at the ATM of Agbara branch of UBA along Badagry Expressway, Lagos. It was gathered that the dastardly act was leaked to the Area Commander, Hope Okafor, who promptly intervened, ordered for their arrest and detention and they were subsequently transferred to the X-Squad for necessary action. The suspects were detained at the State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja where they will likely face orderly room trial. It was gathered that the victim was driving home at night when the police officers stopped him and labelled him a suspect. They threatened to kill him that night before they later forced him to their office at Area K Command, where they told him that they would spare his life if he could bring certain amount of money.

Escaped Ritual Killer Nabbed in Plateau

The Plateau State Police Command, September 8, said it had arrested a suspected ritual killer, Ifeanyi Dike, who escaped from detention at the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Peter Ogunyanwo, disclosed that the suspect was arrested by officers and men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS). The suspect was nabbed in the early hours of September 8 in Barkin Ladi LGA of the state while robbing a house. Dike, who is wanted for murder, was initially arrested on August 19, after he allegedly killed an eight-year-old girl in Rivers State. He, however, escaped from detention four days later. Dike confirmed his escape from detention in Port Harcourt, adding that he had spent 10 days in Plateau. The suspect confessed that hunger forced him into the robbery incident where he was eventually apprehended.

Six Police Officers Dismissed for Aiding Escape of Suspects

Six policemen from the Abia State Police Command have been dismissed for negligence of duty and their role in the escape of suspects from custody. The State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said they were dismissed for their scandalous role in the escape of a number of suspects from custody. Oyebade, September 8, noted that the incident occurred on September 2 at the command’s headquarters in Umuahia. He said the suspects were detained in the anti-kidnapping section of the State Criminal Investigation Department of the command from where they escaped with two AK-47 rifles. He said the AK-47 rifles were kept outside the armoury for quick response to emergencies in the command, but the suspects used them to facilitate their escape. Oyebade said the dismissed operatives included two women and four men. He pointed out that at the time of the incident, only one operative was on duty. He said the policeman on duty allegedly gave the key to one of the suspects, with which they opened the cell. While three of the suspects have been re-arrested and one of the rifles recovered, the police boss assured that the command would re-arrest the remaining fleeing suspects.

Murder/Assassinations

Cultists Kill Siblings, One Other in Rivers

Three persons, were, September 5, killed by suspected cultists in Ipoo community in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that the victims, Ogechi Amesi, and his brother Chinumezi Amesi, natives of Ibaa community in Emohua council, and one other person were killed at Ipoo community, while they were at work in their barbing salon. One of the victims’ brothers, Iheanyi Njoku, disclosed that the suspected cultists stormed the barber’s shop owned by the two brothers and opened fire, killing three and leaving one other with bullet wounds. A senior Police officer attached to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), confirmed the incident, adding that security operatives have been put on the alert and they have moved in to restore normalcy.

Gunmen Kill Electronics Dealer in Makurdi

Gunmen, September 3, assassinated a popular electronic dealer, Toochukwu, also known as Sunny Kris, in Makurdi, Benue State. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the killing, said that the deceased had returned home from his shop when some persons broke into his house, robbed him and his wife of undisclosed amount of money. But as he hurried to go and report the incident to the police, the robbers trailed and shot him at Inikpi Street. An eyewitness said that the deceased, while he was being pursued by the gunmen, shouted for help to no avail as residents who heard the gunshots scampered for safety.

Soldiers Beat Man to Death on Dad’s Order

Uniformed men, suspected to be men of the Nigerian Army, reportedly beat a young man to death in Awka, Anambra State on the orders of his father. It was gathered that the deceased, identified as Chibuzor, had an altercation with his father after the old man rejected the choice of wife brought home by his son, insisting that the lady was older than his son. As the rift between the deceased and his father escalated, the father invited the men in uniform, which resulted to the annoyance of the son, who allegedly poured hot water on his father. According to the source, the action of the deceased resulted in his being beat up by the uniformed men. He was rushed to the hospital after he collapsed, but he later died. Tension rose on September 2 in Umuayom village as youths of the community went on rampage in protest of the death of their colleague. Police Public Relations Officer, Nkeiruka Nwode, said the command had quickly deployed men to the scene, while the proposed wife of the deceased has been rescued from the area.

Osun Police Arrest 3 with Human Heads, Hands

The Osun State Police Command, September 5, said it had arrested three male suspects with two human heads and hands in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Fimihan Adeoye, said that the suspects were arrested on August 29 when the police stopped a motorcycle with two persons on board during a police stop and search operation along the Ogbomosho-Oyo Road, at the Agboro Area. The persons on the motorcycle were searched and two severed human hands with gloves and a human head were found with them and they were promptly arrested. Adeoye further disclosed that on the same date, at Oba’s compound in Moro, Ipetumodu, one Adeniyi Adeyeye was also arrested with a human skull in his possession. He said detectives attached to the Ipetumodu Divisional Headquarters arrested the suspect and transferred him to the State Criminal Investigation Department. He said the skull found with the suspect was suspected to have been exhumed from a grave and that investigation was still on.

Police Arrest 3 over Assassination of Hector, Guilder Ultimate Search Winner

The Lagos State Police Command, September 4, disclosed that three suspects had been arrested over the September 3 assassination of Hector Oluwaseun Jobarteh, winner of the 2006 Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) reality TV show. Jobarteh was shot dead by unknown gunmen at his residence in New Oko-Oba, area of Lagos State. The State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, said that three persons were being interrogated over the killing of Jobarteh, who was reportedly trailed to his house. The deceased had just got back home from picking up his younger brother from Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when the incident occurred.

Tension as Herdsmen Kill 52-Year-Old Farmer in Edo

A 52-year-old farmer, Efosa Omoregie, was, September 2, killed by herdsmen in Oben, Orhiomwon LGA of Edo State. Omoregie was killed on his farm by the herdsmen, who invaded it and destroyed crops and other farm produce in the process. The killing has generated tension as youths in the community are spoiling for a reprisal attack. Elders of the community lamented the killing of their son, saying his death has brought to three the number of persons killed by herdsmen recently. They appealed to the government to stop the ravaging activities of the herdsmen, as they will no longer tolerate the continuous killing of their men and raping of their women.

Mobile Police Commander, 2 Sergeants Arrested for Murder

Police detectives in Delta State have arrested a mobile police unit commander and two Sergeants attached to Mopol 33, Ado Ekiti, for killing a driver, Fred Ejovwokereoghre, on August 19, near Emede community in Delta state. The state Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the arrest of the police officers for murder and unprofessional conduct, said that the mobile policemen were escorting one Arigbogha Johnny, Director of Jonesco Company, Airport Road, Warri, when the incident occurred. He said that one Agwere Hannah reported on the same day that while she was by the roadside with the deceased, they were shot at by mobile policemen, who were in a Hilux Pickup with registration number, PF 297 SPY coming from a ceremony at Emede community. She sustained bullet wound on her right leg while the deceased, who was fatally wounded, was rushed to the General Hospital, Olomoro by the mobile policemen, where he was confirmed dead by doctors.

Two Killed as Gunmen Open Fire on Residents of Delta Community

Two persons were confirmed dead after unidentified gunmen stormed Unenurhe community in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State on August 31 shooting randomly. The incident is said to be an escalation of a clash between residents of Unenurhe community and their neighbours from Uwherhu which occurred in July, leading to the death of two persons from both communities. A community source alleged that the armed hoodlums are suspected to be from their neighbouring community. President-General of Uwherhu community, Chief Ogharivi Utso, who denied the involvement of his community in the incident, however, stated that two persons died from the attack. He pledged the support of his community to assist the police in ensuring that the culprits were brought to book.

Man Kills Fiancée, Self in Ebonyi

A middle-aged man, Friday Njoku, committed suicide after he allegedly killed his 25-year-old fiancée, Cynthia Nwofia, at her residence in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on August 31. The alleged killer, Njoku, committed suicide by drinking poison the following day. Njoku had been dating the Nwofia for two years before the tragedy occurred after he suspected her of infidelity. Nwofia’s elder brother, Mishak Nwofia, claimed that Njoku stabbed his sister to death. A neighbour to Nwofia and witness, Michael Ugwu, explained that at about 11pm on that fateful day, he heard the panic cry of Nwofia’s roommate that the victim was being stabbed with dagger by her fiancé in their room. When people rushed out to rescue her, Njoku ran out of Cynthia’s room and escaped through a bush path. He added that neighbours rushed the girl to the Federal Teaching hospital Abakaliki, where doctors on duty confirmed her dead. Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, Lovet Odah, said the police had commenced a full investigation into the matter to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of the deceased and the suicide case.

Police Arrest Murder Suspect in Rivers

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a murder suspect, identified as Prince Amadi. Amadi, who was paraded at the Rumuolumeni Police Division in Obio/Akpor LGA, had stabbed his victim on the chest during a scuffle between his gang and some community members at an illegal fuel dump in the area. It was gathered that Amadi and members of his gang had confronted the community ‘boys’, who refused to hand over to them, a drum of illegally refined fuel stored at the site. Amadi confessed that he stabbed the victim after he met stiff resistance when they went to the illegal fuel dump site to collect a drum of diesel and a fight broke out. The Divisional Police Officer of Rumuolumeni Police Station, Kingsley Chukwueggu, said that Amadi was apprehended after he had stabbed a man and fled the scene of crime. Chukwueggu pointed out that the suspect was arrested on August 21 after boarding a commercial tricycle, and security operatives suspected him due to the way he was dressed and his (suspect) incoherent explanations when questioned.

3 Alleged Cult Members Remanded in Prison for Murder

Three men, who allegedly belong to Black Axe cult and charged with murder, were, on September 8, remanded in Ilesa Prisons in Osun State. The accused - Diekola Ibrahim (19), Aderibigbe Amos (21) and Yomi Olaosebikan (19) - are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder. The Magistrate, Habibatu Bashir, who gave the ruling, said the accused be kept behind bars because of the magnitude of the offences. The accused, according to the Prosecutor, Sergeant Sunday Ajayi, committed the offences on August 5 at the Old Motor Park area of Osogbo. Ajayi said the accused conspired and killed a woman, Bintu Anifowose, a construction worker, who was walking to her workplace. He said the accused shot the deceased on the head for no just cause. The case was adjourned until October 27 for mention.

Man Kills Girlfriend over Suspicion of Infidelity

A 40-year-old man, Stephen Akpata, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, Onyinye Faustina Eze, to death at the Kpansia suburb of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State. The state Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba, said the suspect, who fled to Gbana on August 16 after committing the crime, was apprehended two weeks later in Lagos. In his confession, the suspect told the Police that he made love to the deceased for an hour and shortly after he saw a message on her phone and suspected her of infidelity. An argument ensued and he stabbed her on the neck and on the shoulder. A colleague of the deceased, Moses Awo, had called in the police after he and another colleague went to check on her as she did not report to work as expected. They found the apartment locked, while the television in the room was on and sounding loudly. The then called in the police. When they forced her door open, they found her dead in a pool of blood with marks of violence on the deceased’s head, face, neck and body revealed that she was strangled with a pressing iron’s cord and stabbed.

Killers Confess to Murder of Students for Rituals

Three men, who kidnapped and killed three female students of Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo State, have confessed to selling their body parts for N15 million to a merchant in ljebu-Igbo, Ogun State. Parading the suspects in Akure on September 7, the State Commissioner of Police, Gbenga Adeyanju, said that the suspects -John Adenitire, Fasayo Fasanu, and a herbalist, Alfa Abdulrafiu Tijani, who took custody of the body parts before selling them, were all arrested, while the leader of the gang, identified as Sile, remained at large. The Police boss said the suspects chopped off the left hand and breast of each of the students, who were kidnapped after they left school on their way home. A report was lodged at the Ondo Divisional Police Station and later transferred to the anti-robbery squad. Acting on a tip-off, detectives arrested John Adenitire, the butcher, who led them to other members of the gang. Police detectives were later led to the bush where the decomposing corpses of the three students were recovered.

Ex-Policeman, Five Others Arrested over Murder of Imo Catholic priest

Crack operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested the suspected killers of a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Onunkwo. The deceased was abducted at the Banana Junction in Orlu, Imo State on September 1. His body was found the next day inside a bush in Omuma area. Until his demise, he was a priest at Orlu Catholic Diocese. The State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said an ex-police Corporal, Jude Madu, allegedly committed the crime. He was found out through forensic technology, as he was also in possession of the deceased’s Infinix mobile phone. Other suspects arrested and paraded are Izuchukwu Okafor, Onyema Cyril, Emmanuel Ozuigbo, Victor Ikechukwu Irokansi, and Ifechukwu Nwosu. The late priest is feared to have died of suffocation as the suspects confessed to have tied his mouth with a cello-tape.

Suspected Ritualists Kill 13-Year-Old Boy in Jigawa

Suspected ritual killers, September 6, killed a 13-year-old boy in Babaldu village in Birnin Kudu LGA of Jigawa State. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abdu Jinjiri, September 7, said that preliminary investigation showed that the deceased was murdered by the suspected killers when he and his brother were sent on an errand by their mother at about 7pm. According to reports, the deceased and his brother met three men sitting at a corner. The men reportedly called the victim, and asked the other boy to proceed with the errand. But when the other boy returned home without his brother, their mother enquired about his whereabouts.  The boy narrated what happened and they began to search for the deceased but all in vain. But the following morning, the lifeless body of the boy was found in one of the farms in the village. The PPRO added that when policemen arrived at the spot, they discovered that the deceased was slaughtered and his stomach was also ripped open. According to him, no part of the deceased’s body was, however, removed. Jinjiri said no arrested had been made in connection with the incident. He, however, assured that detailed investigation was ongoing to fish out the killers.

19 Killed, 5 Injured as Gunmen Invade Plateau Village

The Plateau Police Command has confirmed 19 persons killed and five others injured in an attack on Ancha village in Bassa LGA of the state. Commissioner of Police, Peter Ogunyanwo, who confirmed this on September 8, said preliminary investigation had indicated that the attack was carried out by Fulani herdsmen to avenge the killing of a young boy. It was gathered that a Fulani boy resident in the village was reported missing on August 3, and his body was later found without the head. According to Ogunyanwo, the attackers invaded the village in the early hours of September 8 and unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens, killing 19 persons including 13 are men and six women and six children. The Commissioner said that five suspects were arrested over the missing Fulani boy, but that no arrest had been made in respect of the recent attack. He said that security personnel had been deployed to the area to forestall another reprisal attack.

Rape

Man in Court for Allegedly Defiling a 4-Year-Old Boy

A 28-year-old man, Naziru Isa, was on September 8, arraigned before a Kano Magistrate Court for allegedly defiling a four-year-old boy. The Prosecutor, Inspector Pogu Lale, told the court that Muhammad Ayuba reported the matter at Gwale Police Division on August 13. Lale said the defendant committed the offence on August 12 at his residence. He said the defendant lured the complainant’s son to his room and had carnal knowledge of him. The defendant allegedly gave the little boy groundnut and asked him not to tell anyone. The boy, however, told his father. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Muhammad Jibril, ordered that the remand of the defendant in prison custody pending his bail application. Jibril adjourned the matter until October 5 for mention.

32-Year-Old Suspected Paedophile Denies Raping Minor

A 32-year-old engineer, Bayonne Lekan, was, September 8, brought before a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly raping an 8-year-old girl at a construction site. The Prosecutor, Inspector Nurudeen Thomas, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in May at a site, where he was working close to the eight-year-old girl’s house. The girl had gone to their neighbour’s house to play when the suspect lured her to project site and raped her. Lekan, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, describing the allegation as “laughable’’. He said medical analysis had certified him impotent, and that he had never had an erection in his life. Chief Magistrate Kikelomo Ayeye granted the accused bail in the sum N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. She directed that the case file should be duplicated and a copy sent to the State Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. The case was adjourned until October 11.

Others

Police Arrest Eight for Cultism in Anambra

Eight suspected cultists, including two girls and six boys, were arrested on September 5 for cultism in Ihiala, Ihiala LGA of Anambra state by the Special Anti-cultism Squad (SPACS) of the state Police Command. SPACS Commander, Christopher Bassey, who confirmed the arrest, urged community leaders and others to always inform the command of cultists and other criminal elements within their domain, assuring them that their identities would be treated with uttermost confidentiality. The commander disclosed that the suspects would be arraigned in court after investigation has been concluded.

Police Arrest Five Suspects over Lagos Catholic Church Attack

Five persons have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command in connection with the shooting of a priest, Reverend Father Daniel Nwankwo, at St Thomas Catholic Church, Onilekere, Lagos. It was gathered that Nwankwo, who is currently receiving treatments at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), ‎was attacked by the gunmen after the 6:30am mass. ‎Eyewitnesses disclosed that the gunmen, gained access into the church pretending to be parishioners, while the mass was on and they requested to have an audience with the priest at the end of the mass. It was gathered that one of the gunmen pulled out a locally-made gun and shot at the priest, when he granted them audience and they immediately scaled the fence of the church and fled through a canal close to the church. Police Spokesperson, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the report. He also confirmed that the priest is alive and responding to treatment.

One Killed as Soldiers Open Fire to Scare Protesting Youths

One person has been feared killed as military men attached to Greenville Oil Company in Rumuji community, in the Emohua LGA of Rivers State, attacked protesting residents. Some youths from Rumuji town had laid siege to the company in protest against alleged neglect of the host community in the areas of employment and development. It was learnt that at least three persons were hit by bullets from security operatives during the protest. The victims were allegedly hit by stray bullets, as soldiers guarding the company’s premises opened fire to scare away the protesters. The protesting youths from the host community expressed displeasure over the alleged attack by the soldiers. The men of the Rumuji Police Division were said to have calmed the youths down.