Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 5

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Rescue 2 Persons from Kidnappers

The Police in Akwa Ibom State have rescued two persons, Promise Akpan and Aniefiok Peter, from some suspected kidnappers, who were arrested. The victims, who were kidnapped from their houses at Enen Ikot Etim village in Oruk Anam LGA of the state, were reportedly kept in the bush for six days by their abductors. The state Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, while parading the suspects in Uyo, said the suspected kidnappers were arrested following a request from the victims’ families for them to come for the balance of the ransom. Mani, January 28, stated that one locally-made pistol and other weapons were recovered from the suspects who owned up to the crime after interrogation.

Benue Police Parade Kidnap Gang

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Paul Yakadi, January 23, paraded a four-man kidnap gang that abducted one Yakubu Odoma at Naka town, in Gwer West LGA of the state. The victim’s wife alerted the Police and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) swung into action immediately. The victim was rescued and all the masterminds, including Wilfred Igbadio, Tarza Ajiir, Monday Yorgongbi and Sunday Iortyange, were arrested. Items recovered from gang were one AK 47 rifle without magazine, one Automatic Pump Action, one locally made Berretta pistol with two rounds of .9mm live ammunition and six cartridges.

Boy, 4, Kidnapped from School

A four-old-boy, Michael Ojelabi, was, January 20, kidnapped by yet-to-be identified woman in Lagos. The victim and his 8-year-old sister, Oyindamola Ojelabi, were returning from their school in Unity Estate at the Iba area of Lagos around 3.30pm when the woman abducted him. The 8-year-old says she knows the captor of her brother. It was learnt that the woman, who is still at large, escaped with Michael on a motorcycle. Oyindamola disclosed that the woman had claimed to be their mother’s friend, and that their mother had told her to pick Michael. She, however, said that she did not know the woman as her mother’s friend. The woman, who insisted, left with the boy and asked the girl to go back to the school, with a promise to come and pick her later.

Gunmen Invade Church in Bayelsa, Kidnap Worshipper, Injure Cleric

An engineer, Duncan Eke, was January 24, kidnapped when gunmen invaded a church at Igbedi community in Kolokuma-Opokuma council of Bayelsa State. The gunmen also shot and injured the officiating cleric, Reverend Ezekiel Obata. The gunmen were alleged to have trailed their victim to the church, where he was forcibly taken away in a speedboat. Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, said the injured clergyman was rushed to a clinic for treatment. He added that efforts had been intensified to rescue the victim and arrest the kidnappers.

Kidnappers Demand N40m Ransom for Abducted 85-Year-Old Farmer

An 85-year-old farmer, Gabriel Oloro, in the Ikere Ekiti area of Ekiti State, was January 20, abducted by unidentified gunmen that have demanded N40m as ransom for his release. The victim was said to be driving home with his wife around 9pm when the gang barricaded the road and hijacked his vehicle. After dropping off the wife by the roadside, the men were reported to have driven the victim into their den and returned to give his wife the car key around 2am on January 21. One of the children of the victim, Adedayo, said the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded N40m as ransom, which was later reduced to N10m. The Ekiti Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, adding that the police have launched a manhunt for the kidnappers. He assured that the victim would be rescued soon.

Nursing Mother Sells Baby

The Bayelsa State Police Command, January 27, confirmed the arrest of a 28-year-old mother, who allegedly sold her three-month-old baby girl for N300, 000. Police Spokesman, Asinim Butswat, gave the name of the mother as Oyikepreye Enoch. According to him, Enoch was arrested by men of the Akenfa Division, following a tip-off. The suspect allegedly sold her baby to one Esther Tony, who was also arrested. Butswat added that both suspects were undergoing interrogation at the Akenfa Police Station, Yenagoa.

NSCDC Arrests Suspected Human Traffickers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has apprehended two suspected human traffickers, Rose Ojeme and Susan John. The state Commandant, Adeyinka Ayinla, who paraded the suspects in Akure on January 27, said the arrests were made possible due to intelligence information. Adeyinka disclosed that the two suspected human traffickers were arrested at a hotel in Akure. According to Ayinla, the two human traffickers were in the business of bringing under-aged girls into the state for prostitution, under the pretext of engaging them in legitimate work. The two girls, aged 16 and 17 years old, who were brought from Akwa Ibom State recently, were locked up in different rooms by the traffickers, who allowed various men to have carnal knowledge of them. One of the rescued teenagers explained that five men had sex with her daily but the money was usually given to Ojeme.

Driver in Court for Alleged Abduction of Girl for 8 Years

A driver, Timileyin Okulola (28), January 27, appeared before a Lugbe Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, for the alleged abduction of one Sarah Sule, for eight years. Okulola was arraigned on two-count charge of abduction and adultery. Okulola pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Prosecutor, Mrs Ndidi Ukaoha, had told the court that Moses Sule of Idain, Kogi, reported the matter on January 7 at the Iddo Police Station. Ukaoha said that Sule claimed that Sarah had been missing for eight years and all effort to trace and bring her home proved abortive until sometime in December, 2015 when they discovered that Okulola had been harbouring Sarah all along. She said that the Okulola got Sarah pregnant two times and she had two children for him.

Robbery

Pastor Paraded with Robbers over Stolen Car

A Presbyterian Reverend, Titus Onwuchekwa, was paraded alongside five suspects for armed robbery by the Lagos State Police Command. The pastor, January 22, revealed that a car dealer used the stolen car to sow a seed into his life. The other suspects include two notorious armed robbery suspects -Opeyemi Aregbesola and Bola Salami. Others are Osas Felix Bright, Chibuike Umeh, and Ndibe Samuel. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, disclosed that Aregbesola and Salami both confessed to have stolen a series of cars at gunpoint. Their confession led to the arrest of Osas Felix Bright and Chibuike Umeh at their hideout in Alaba International Market. The two suspects also confessed to have received many stolen vehicles from the gang and sold them at give-away prices to their customers in Anambra and Abia States. Bright and Umeh specialised in receiving stolen cars, changing the colour and re-registering the cars with forged custom duty documents.

Robbers Kill 2 Policemen in Aba

Two policemen attached to the Ogbor Hill Police Division in Aba, Abia State, were killed by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers when they responded to a distress call at a supermarket near Ukaegbu Junction, along Ikot Ekpene Road, Ogbor Hill. Abia State Police spokesman, Ezekiel Onyeke, who confirmed the incident on January 26, disclosed that the police team had responded to a distress call on a robbery operation, when they met the fleeing robbers, who promptly opened fire on them. Two policemen were shot dead, while others sustained injuries and were currently undergoing treatment. He appealed to the public to assist the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the robbers.

Delta Police Smash Notorious Jewellery Robbery Syndicate

The Delta State Police command has arrested four suspects, who specialise in robbing jewellery shops in Warri and its environs. The suspects were arrested following painstaking intelligence carried out by the state Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). One of the kingpins, Victory Ogwu (19), confessed to his role in the robbery. Warri gold merchant, Isa Abubakar and one of his brothers were said to be the receiver of the stolen jewelleries. He is helping the police in their investigation to trail the other suspects, who are still at large. The Commissioner of Police, Delta State command, Alkali Baba Usman, noted that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Delta Police Foil Robbery Attack

Police detectives in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA of Delta State, January 23, foiled a robbery operation in the area. It was gathered that a five-man gang had attacked some traders who were transporting their goods to a nearby community when the police quickly arrived and engaged them in a gun battle, before they fled. Police Public Relations, Celestina Kalu, said the police detectives learnt of the robbery operations as the criminals were robbing the traders transporting their goods to neighbouring village at gun point along Alaska road Ozoro and immediately mobilized to the scene. She said that the hoodlums, on seeing the police, engaged them in a gun battle but because the superior power of the police, they were forced to abandon their mission and escape on their operational motorcycles. Items recovered from the fleeing robbers include one locally made single barrel gun with some fetish materials.

Notorious Armed Robber Killed in Gun Battle with Police

Policemen  in Lagos State, January 25, engaged four suspected members of a notorious robbery gang that has been terrorising residents of Ebute-Meta in a gun battle with the leader of the gang, identified as Sunday Terror, killed. Terror’s death threw the entire Ebute-Meta area into excitement. Terror and his gang were reportedly members of the Eiye confraternity. Before he died, Terror reportedly confessed to being responsible for several cult and political killings, the latest being the recent fight between members of his cult group and those of Aye in Idumota area of the state, where two persons were reportedly killed. He also confessed that members of his gang killed some policemen during an operation and made away with their AK-47 rifles. Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Dolapo Badmus, confirmed the incident.

Gang Incidents

11 Cultists Arrested in Ondo after Initiation

Detectives in Ondo State Police Command have arrested 11 suspected cultists in Owo area of the state. The suspects were nabbed shortly after they were initiated as members of Aye confraternity. It was gathered that the suspects came from Uzeba in the neighbouring Edo State for the initiation, and were rounded up by the Anti-Crime Patrol team while returning to their base. Police spokesman, Femi Joseph, January 24, said the suspects had made confessional statements. Joseph disclosed that the blood-stained polythene bags found on them aroused suspicion that led to their arrest. Joseph assured that all the suspects would soon be charged to court, after the completion of investigations.

Police Arrest Kingpin, Six Others in Bariga Cult Clash

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cultists involved in the January 23 supremacy battle in Bariga area of the state, which led to the death of a 65-year-old woman, Adejoke Adefuye. The death occurred when suspected cult members attacked some residents in Bariga, setting a building ablaze with the woman inside. Trouble was said to have started when members of Eiye confraternity, led by one Ibrahim Balogun, clashed with another rival cult group known as Aiye confraternity, led by one Gideon. Two members of the Aiye confraternity lost their lives in the fracas. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, January 24, confirmed the arrest of the cultists, as well as recovery of some weapons used in the clash.

Police Burst Illegal Arms Syndicate in Benue

The Benue state Police Command has smashed an illegal firearms manufacturing syndicate in Kwande Local Government Area of the state.  They are alleged to be involved in the production and sale of arms to criminals from other parts of the country. The command also recovered different types of firearms, unfinished locally made guns, working tools, live ammunition and cartridges from the suspects. Parading members of the gang along with 31 other suspects apprehended for various crimes in parts of the state, at the Command headquarters in Makurdi, on January 23, the State Commissioner of Police, Paul Yakadi, said the command also recovered over 17 different types of firearms and 85 live ammunition, cartridges and other exhibits from the suspects.

Drugs

Kaduna Monarch Caught with Marijuana

The Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, January 21, announced the suspension of the Village Head of Goma in Gimi District of Danga LGA, Alhaji Danladi Ibrahim, for being in possession of hard drugs. The monarch was said to be in possession of 1.5kg of marijuana when he was arrested by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on January 20. He reportedly admitted ownership of the illegal drug. The NDLEA subsequently notified the Kaduna State Security Council of the arrest of the traditional ruler. The council recommended his suspension from office pending the conclusion of investigations and trial.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Uncovers Illegal Oil Bunkering Site Port Harcourt Port

The Nigerian Navy has said it uncovered an illegal oil bunkering site at the Federal government-owned Ship Builders Yard located in the Port Harcourt Port Complex. Commander of the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim, January 24, said that five suspects were arrested at the scene. Ibrahim, who was represented by the NNS Pathfinder Base Operation Officer, Lt. Commander Sunday Haruna, said that naval troops were immediately deployed to the site at Makoba Beach, shortly after a whistle blower revealed the location of the illegal site and discovered seven different storage facilities in a secret make-shift facility at the Ship Builders Yard. During investigation, the navy discovered illegal activities which involved bunkering of illegally refined petroleum products and lifting of diesel to wooden boats, trucks and tanker trucks. Several drums loaded with stolen diesel and two trucks waiting to load petroleum products, among other equipment were reportedly seen at the site. The commander called on the public to continue to provide the navy and other security agencies with timely information to enable it rid the region of oil thieves and pipeline vandals.

New Bunkering Site Uncovered In Lagos

Eight suspects were, January 25, arrested at a new bunkering site uncovered by private security operatives at Robert-Victor village, popularly called “Idi Mango’’ on the offshore of Lagos. Suspected vandals have used the facility to steal petroleum products and sold at black market. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, vowed that the notorious members of the gang engaged in pipeline vandalism and product theft along the pipeline axis must be brought to book. He said that the product siphoned is usually exported to neighbouring countries like Ghana, Togo and Benin.

Soldiers Searching for Ex-MEND Leader Invade Ondo Community

Security operatives hunting for the militants, who bombed oil pipelines in Delta State, January 25, invaded the riverine Bolowoh community in Ondo State, in search of a former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Bibopre Ajube, aka Shoot-At-Sight. The security agents were hunting for the former militant leader, a partner of wanted militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo. Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation, the Ijaw People Development Initiative (IPDI), has cried out that the Ijaw nation was under military siege. National president of the organisation, Austin Ozobo, who called for the intervention of the international community, disclosed that thousands of residents have deserted their communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State and Bolowoh community in Ondo State because of the recent military invasion of the communities.

Soldiers Arrest Suspect with 70 Drums of Diesel, Speed Boat

Operatives of the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta have arrested a suspected oil thief with 70 drums of 200 litres of Automotive Gas and Oil (AGO) in Cross River State. Public Relations Officer of the 13 Brigade headquarters in Calabar, Captain K.O. Owolabi, disclosed that the suspect, Louis Ekwuazi, was arrested on January 26 in the Calabar South area of the state. The suspect was also caught with 70 empty drums of 200-litre drums, one 80 horsepower out-boat engine as well as 5 pumping machines. Consequently, the Commander, 13 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Sani Mohammed, has warned members of the public against acts capable of undermining the security and economy of the nation. He advised law abiding citizens to report any criminal activity in their area to the 13 Brigade or any security agency nearest to them.

Terrorism

Troops Kill 63 Terrorists, Rescue 370 Hostages

Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major-General Hassan Umoru, January 22, disclosed that Nigerian troops have killed 63 Boko Haram terrorists and intercepted suicide bombers within the last 7 days. General Umoru added that the troops came in contact with Boko Haram terrorists at Kudiye and Mijigete, where 370 hostages were rescued and taken to the IDP camp in Dikwa. He further revealed that the troops had also recovered many AK47 rifles, ammunition, Anti-Aircraft Gun, RPG, GMPG, IEDs, vehicles and motorcycles among other items from the terrorists. The commander stated that the troops also intercepted three suspected suicide bombers at the Maiduguri Mafa checkpoint of Borno State. He said two female suicide bombers detonated the explosive which killed them instantly, while the male suicide bomber was immediately gun down while trying to run into the troop at the checkpoint.

Troops Clear Terrorist Hideouts

The Nigeria Army, January 22, disclosed that troops executing the war against terrorism in the north-east have cleared some terrorists’ hideouts in Borno state. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that the troops cleared Boko Haram hideouts in Wala, Tirkopytir and Durubajuwe in Gwoza LGA, where they recovered GMPG, locally made Dane gun and a grinding machine. He further revealed that the insurgents, on sighting the troops in Huyum in Askira/Uba LGA, abandoned their families behind which include five women and 12 children, who taken by the troops for interrogation.

Army Kills 14 Insurgents, Recover Arms in Yobe

The Nigeria army says it has killed 14 Boko Haram insurgents and captured two others around Chirokusko Village in Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State. Brig-Gen. Mohammed Aliyu, General Commanding Officer (GCO), January 25, disclosed that 16 assorted weapons and ammunitions were also recovered from the insurgents. Aliyu said the terrorists sneaked into the area and were about settling down when the army ambushed them following a tip-off from patriotic citizens. He commended the host communities for their cooperation which included providing security operatives with useful information. According to him, more troops have been deployed to the area to enhance manpower to consolidate the gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.

13 Dead in Triple Suicide Attacks in Chibok Town

At least 13 people were killed on January 26 when three suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers blew themselves up in the town of Chibok in Borno State. The blasts happened at about midday when the town was packed with traders from surrounding villages for the weekly market. According to a community leader, Ayuba Chibok, ten died on the spot and three others died while receiving treatment. Thirty others were injured, with 21 critical conditions. The first explosion occurred at a checkpoint where people coming into the town were being searched, and was thought to have been carried out by a young boy. The second and third attacks at the market were carried out by women.

Army Apprehends wanted Boko Haram Kingpin in Delta State

A suspected member of the Boko Haram sect has been apprehended in Sapele, Delta, by officers of the 19 Battalion of Nigerian Army. The suspect, Bukar Abacha, was arrested shortly after he arrived the Hausa quarters in Sapele. The Borno-state born suspect was reportedly handed over to the Army Headquarters in Abuja for further interrogation. The JTF, January 27, revealed that community leaders had informed the security operatives that the suspect was looking strange, psychologically imbalanced and uncomfortable in their midst. The military urged the people to give the army intelligent information that would assist to effectively stamp out crime in the society.

DPO, 29 Others Killed as Gunmen Attack 4 Villages in Adamawa

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, January 24, attacked and burnt down four towns in Girei LGA of Adamawa State, killing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Vunokilang in the area. The gunmen attacked and destroyed Wunamakoh, Dikajam, Demsare and Taboungo villages. The suspected herdsmen also laid ambush for the DPO, CSP Okozie Okereofor, while he was leading his men to the dOthmanisputed area in order to restore normalcy. The assailants were said to have engaged the police in a gun duel resulting in the death of the DPO. Police spokesman, Abubakar , confirmed the attack and the killing of the DPO. The Acting Brigade Commander of the 23rd Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yola, Colonel Abba Popoola, who also confirmed the development, added that the situation in the area had been put under control.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Assailants Kill Two in Delta State

Two persons, including a 19-year-old student of the Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, were killed by yet-to-be-identified assailants in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State. It was gathered that one of the deceased was stabbed at Umusam area of the community. It was learned that the other victim, a student of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, identified as Chukuemeka Onuoha, was shot dead in his family house. The Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, January 24, disclosed that one Emeka Onuoha, father of one of Chukuemeka, had reported that a group of boys had forced themselves into his house and shot his son on the chest. Kalu said no arrest had been made and maintained that police had commenced investigations into the matter.

Two Policemen Killed in Ambush

Two riot policemen, who were on their way to quell the violence in Gerei, Adamawa State, were killed in Mimbia, a border village between Plateau and Kaduna states. The policemen were killed when their patrol vehicle came under attack from rampaging Fulani herdsmen on January 24. The Media Officer of the Special Task Force in Plateau State, known as Operation Safe Haven, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, confirmed that the riot policemen were killed in the attack on the Kaduna community.

Man Stabs Brother-in-law to Death over Misunderstanding with Wife

A middle-aged man, Ogurenya Ogodo, January 24, stabbed his brother-in-law, Joseph Elom to death in Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State. The victim was married to the sister of the suspect. The deceased was attacked after he beat and threw his wife, Ngozi, out of the house. Ngozi was said to have reported to her brother, Ogerenya Ogodo, who mobilized his friends to the house. Their attempt to resolve the crisis was said to have hit the rock as Ogodo stabbed Joseph for allegedly making inflammatory remarks. Elom was rushed to the hospital where he died. Police spokesman, George Okafor, who confirmed the incident, said the matter was under investigation.

Hoodlums Slaughter 23-Year-Old in Lagos

Armed hoodlums, January 22, invaded Iya Agan Street on Old Apapa Road in the Ebute-Meta area of Lagos State and killed a 23-year-old man, identified only as Dada. It was gathered that the gun and machete wielding hoodlums, asked residents not to panic while they slaughtered Dada, assuring them that they only trailed a rival member to the area, and that they had no plan to unleash terror on anyone else. Anxious residents, however, contacted security operatives. But the killers had fled before the arrival of the police. A resident alleged that Dada was known to be moving with the Fagbayimu Boys, adding that rival hoodlums, trailed him to the area. A member of the vigilante group in the area, Ishola Agbodemu, said one of the hoodlums, identified only as Ayo, was caught after the incident and handed over to the police.

Enugu Police Discover, Exhume Decomposing Corpses from Building

The Police in Enugu State said they have discovered three decomposing corpses and a human skull in a bush at Ugwuaji in Enugu South LGA of the state. The state command’s spokesperson, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed that the command discovered the corpses and the human skull on January 25, following a tip-off. It was gathered that the corpses were buried in the foundation of a building under construction, and covered with concrete and blocks. The corpses were said to have been exhumed after one of the workers on the site, who allegedly had knowledge of the interment of the dead bodies in the foundation, notified men of the Enugu State Police Command. Amaraizu said the investigation would unravel the identities of the corpses, as well as the persons that killed them. He urged residents of the state to be security conscious and to report any suspicious movements or acts in their localities to the police.

Police Arrest Woman for Allegedly Killing New Baby

The Plateau State Police Command, January 27, arrested a woman for allegedly killing her baby shortly after delivery in Panyam, Mangu LGA of the state. It was gathered that the woman had suffocated the baby girl with clothes and dropped the corpse in a big pot, which she hid at the backyard before proceeding to the farm. But children, who were playing around the backyard, picked the pot to play with only to discover the dead baby inside and quickly raised an alarm. Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Mangu, Williams Nkarang, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, who was still bleeding from the delivery. The DPO, who disclosed that the woman was undergoing treatment, added that she would be transferred to the state CID in Jos for further investigation and prosecution.

4 Arrested over Attack, Killings in Katsina Village

Four persons have been arrested in connection with the Killings of over nine persons from Marina village in Safana LGA of Katsina state, by suspected cattle rustlers. The member representing Safana Constituency at the Katsina state House of Assembly, Abduljalal Runka, January 23, confirmed the arrest. He said those arrested were being accused of conniving with the rustlers. Runka said nine people have been confirmed killed by the suspected rustlers, while two others remain missing. Security personnel had been deployed to the notorious Rugu forest to flush out the criminals. Suspected rustlers had recently opened fire on villagers from Marina community who had gone to Rugu forest in search of a missing community member. About nine persons were feared killed following the attack which occurred at Rugu Forest in Safana LGA of the State.

Rape

Police Arrest 5 Persons for Raping Minor

The Kaduna State Police command has arrested five boys for criminal conspiracy, abduction and rape of a 16-year-old-girl. One of the suspects, Sadiq Ibrahim, allegedly took the girl from Mando village to Ungwar Shanu village within Kaduna metropolis, raped her and handed her over to four of his friends, Hassan Ibrahim, Kabir Umar, Umar Musa and Bashir Goma, who allegedly raped and kept the girl as a sex slave for five days. Police Public Relations Officer, Zubairu Abubakar, January 26, confirmed the report and said that the suspects had been arrested and are being investigated. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State commissioner of women affairs and social development, Hajia Rabi Abdulsalam, condemned the incident and said the ministry would investigate the matter for necessary action.

Man, 42, Dock for Raping 14-Year-Old Girl

A 42-year-old man, Onuoha Ikenna, who allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl, has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s court. The defendant is facing a four-count charge bordering on indecent act and unlawful sexual intercourse. The prosecutor, Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences on January 4 when the defendant unlawfully and forcefully had sexual intercourse with the 14-year-old-girl. Magistrate O. A. Agunbowale granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned till February 23 for legal advice from the office of Director of Public Prosecution.

4 Arrested over Gang Rape of Teenager

Four men, who allegedly gang raped a 14-year-old girl on January 11, have been arrested by the Lagos State Police command. The teenager alleged that she was gagged and raped by four men. She was taken to the hospital where it was confirmed that she was raped with glaring bruises from forceful penetration. The teenager, a primary five pupil alleged that the suspects, Femi Olatunji, John Alade, Oyekanmi Rasheed and Habeeb Oladele, took turns to rape her, following her refusal to go out with the prime suspect, Femi. Upon arraignment in court, they were remanded in prison custody. The accused persons are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, child defilement and rape before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. The magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison following their confessions during arraignment. The case was adjourned to April 7.

Police Commissioner’s Aide Arrested, Arraigned for Rape

An aide of the Commissioner of Police, Railway Police Command, Lagos State, Stephen Aji, has been arraigned for rape at a chief magistrate court sitting in Ebute-Meta, Lagos. The Chief Magistrate, Folashade Botoku, January 25, ordered his remand in the Ikoyi Prison pending the ruling on his bail application. Aji was arraigned following allegation that he tricked a lady into the police barracks and forcefully had sex with her after assaulting her until she passed out. Aji was given an orderly room trial by the police authorities and was dismissed from service before he was arrested for prosecution. He was arraigned on two counts of rape and assault. Aji pleaded not guilty to the charges and elected to summary trial. His defence counsel asked for his bail in liberal terms. The Chief Magistrate, Botoku, ordered that he be remanded in prison pending the ruling on his bail application. The case was adjourned till February 18, 2016.

Man Arrested for Attempting to Rape Pregnant Woman

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old man, Samuel Onochie, for allegedly sexually assaulting a pregnant woman in Jakande estate in Lagos State. It was learnt that the 8-month-pregnant woman was passing through the area at about 6am on January 24 when he attacked her. He reportedly threw her on the floor and stripped her wrapper, and was about raping her when a man was drawn to the scene by the woman’s wailing. The man was said to have held Onochie, while Esther rushed to the Ilasan Police Division and reported the incident, leading to his arrest. Onochie, who was brought before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on January 27 on one count of sexual assault, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The presiding magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. The magistrate ordered that the defendant should be remanded in prison pending the time he would perfect his bail conditions. He adjourned the case to March 14.

Seven Men Abduct, Gang Rape Woman

A 20-year-old woman was, January 24, abducted and gang-raped by seven men on Powerline Road, Oko Oba, in the Agege area of Lagos State. A 32-year-old man, Abiodun Ariyo, has been arrested in connection with the incident. It was gathered that Ariyo, who had made advances to the victim in the past, which she refused, allegedly led six of his friends to abduct and gang-rape the 20-year-old lady as she was returning home from her shop. She was held until January 25 when the gang later sneaked into the area at about 11pm and dropped her.

NSCDC Nabs Suspected Rapist in Ondo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has apprehended a suspected rapist in the state. The alleged rapist was nabbed while on the run after raping a 15-year-old girl. The 30-year-old suspect, Monday Jacob, was a commercial motorcyclist and cousin to the victim. The state Commandant, Adeyinka Ayinla, who decried negligence by some parents and guardians, urged them to pay keen attention to the daily activities of their children and wards.

Policeman Arrested for Raping Minor

The Ebonyi State Police Command, January 27, said it had arrested a police officer, Corporal Okporie Okporie, for allegedly defiling a 9-year-old girl in Afikpo. State Commissioner of Police (CP), Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, said that the police officer committed the offence on 20th of December, 2015 and that he had since been administratively tried, dismissed and have been charged to court. The CP warned that the command would not tolerate any policeman, who failed to do the right thing nor cover any erring officer who refused to obey the law.

Undergraduates Gang Rape, Rob 27-Year-Old

The police in Lagos have arrested two undergraduates for gang raping and robbing a 27-year-old woman in the Igando area of the state. The suspects, identified as Valentine and Kusimo, allegedly took turns to rape their victim after luring her into a hotel on January 14. Valentine was said to be seeing-off the 27-year-old with the hope that she would not raise the alarm when she called for help, leading to their arrest. It was gathered that victim had travelled down from Ibadan, Oyo State to Lagos State to meet Valentine, whom she met on a social network. According to her, the second suspect, who hid inside the toilet, came out as she entered the room and they overpowered and took turns to rape her, after which they robbed her of her BlackBerry and N15, 000. They also took snapshots of her nakedness and threatened to post the pictures online if she ever revealed what happened. Police spokesman, Dolapo Badmus, while confirming the incident, said the police had charged both suspects to court.

Others

2 Die, 3 Hospitalised after Consuming Local Gin

Two persons, January 27, died after consuming locally-brewed gin popularly called “Ogogoro’’, believed to have been contaminated, while three persons were hospitalised. The incident took place in Ugieda, South Ibie, in the Etsako-West LGA of Edo State.  An eye-witness, Lukman Rilwan, said that the five persons, who consumed the local brew, had complained of stomach ache before two of them died. The traditional ruler of South Ibie Clan, Alhaji Kelvin Danesi, and the Chairman of Etsako-West LGA, Yesufu Busari, who confirmed the incident, said that a ban would be placed on consumption of the gin. Busari appealed to people of the area to immediately desist from consuming locally-brewed gin.

Hoodlums Attack Fire-fighters in Lagos

At least five fire-fighters with the Lagos State Fire Service were wounded in the Ajegunle and Surulere areas of the State, with a senior official having his ear cut with a broken bottle. A fire truck was said to have also been damaged when hoodlums, who wanted to loot burning buildings, resorted to attacking the fire-fighters and preventing them from access to the facilities on fire. The Director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, January 21, said the officials ran for dear life to forestall a confrontation that could lead to total breakdown of law and order. He commended the Divisional Police Officer at Itire for intervening and rescuing the officers.

Review/Analysis

There is an increase in rape incidents, with several records of gang rape. While the authorities made remarkable arrests of suspects, the brutality of the incidents, gives great cause for concern. This is as some victims were held for days, being raped repeatedly by gangs. These cases were recorded mostly in the west and northern parts of the country, with an incident in the east.

Kidnap/hostage incidents were recorded across the country, with the victims cutting across different age groups and classes in the society, while the kidnappers demand huge ransoms for their release. Trafficking in young persons was also witnessed with suspects forcing their victims in sex slavery. Trafficking also took a different dimension when a mother sold her own baby for a paltry sum of N300,000. It is assuring that the victims of trafficking were all rescued and suspects arrested. Some other victims regained freedom, while the police remain on the hunt for fleeing suspects. The south-south and south-west was immensely affected.

Murder/Assassination incidents were also high on record. Minors, policemen and civilians were all victims. Despite the ugly trend, the authorities were able to make notable arrests of suspects and gang members. The south-east and south-west regions were heavily affected.

Terrorist activities, which recorded a lull in recent week, sprung up again with suicide attacks in the north-east, causing deaths of men, women and children. However, the Nigerian troops were not caught napping as the gallant soldiers captured and killed the insurgents in numbers. The military also rescued hostages, including the aged, women and children, in some communities hitherto held by the terrorists. Various calibres of arms and ammunition were recovered from the fleeing terrorists. The north-east continues to bear the brunt of terrorist activities.

Criminal gangs carried out their dastardly robbery operation in some regions of the country, even causing the deaths of victims. The authorities also made major arrest across state borders of daredevil armed robbery suspects and cultists. Some were killed in shootouts with the police, while others remain large. The south-west and south-east recorded more of these incidents.

Parents and guardians are advised to pay more attention and be more protective of their children, especially the young girls in order to protect them from the rising trend of gang rape and other forms of sexual abuse. It is worthy of mention that the villains here, are usually familiar persons.

The authorities continue to plead with the public to always provide them with useful credible information that could lead to the arrest of suspects. Let us come together to keep the society crime free.

Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding.