Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 29

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	8
2	Robbery	4
3	Drugs
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	4
5	Terrorism	6
6	Political/Government Agencies
7	Murder/Assassination	13
8	Rape Incidents	3
9	Others	7

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Woman Nabbed for Selling Child

A 20-year-old woman, Chioma Fidelis, from Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State, July 14, confessed to have sold her baby. Fidelis made the confession while being paraded alongside 40 suspects, who allegedly committed other offences by the Imo State commissioner of police, Chris Ezike. According to Ezike, the arrest of the child traffickers was made on the 10th of July, 2017 by the surveillance team of the command. The police also paraded one Chidimma Unakalamba, who facilitated the sale of the baby, said that the mother of the child complained that she could no longer take care of the baby. The alleged buyers of the child, a man and his wife, Mr. Jonas and Salomi Anyanwu are from Umunakanu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state.

Police Confirm Rescue of Abducted Director

The Nasarawa State Police Command, July 17, confirmed the rescue of a director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Sam Anzaku, who was kidnapped by gunmen on July 15. Police spokesman, Kennedy Idrisu, said that that Anzaku was rescued at a hideout where his abductors had kept him. Anzaku, who was abducted along the Kokona-Keffi Road, was rescued at Angwan Mayo community in the Kokona LGA of the state by the police but the kidnappers fled arrest. Idrisu assured that the police would ensure the arrest of the perpetrators accordingly. He added that the police recovered one AK47 magazine rifle and some ammunition from the kidnapper’s hideout. Idrisu said that the police would not relent in fighting crime in Nasarawa State, calling on residents of the state to volunteer information to law enforcement agents.

Police Arrests 9 Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Victim in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has announced that that it had arrested nine suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim, Pastor Oliver Clement, in the state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, July 17, said that the suspects were rounded up at their various hideouts in Okene, Ankpa, Lokoja and other parts of the state. He said that the cleric was kidnapped on July 9 and was with his abductors until July 13, when he was rescued at Inye in Ankpa area. According to the PPRO, one of the suspects, Uche Michael, was arrested with bullets wounds at the General Hospital, Okpo. Michael was described as a notorious armed robber/kidnapper, who recently escaped from police arrest in Ondo State. He said that the suspect had gone to the hospital for treatment when luck ran out on him. He further disclosed that that nine assorted rifles, including AK47, pump action machine, double barrel guns and pistols were recovered from them. Also recovered from them are live cartridges, cutlasses, knives, hammers and charms.

Imo Restaurant Owner Accused of Abducting Three Children

The Imo State Police Command has arrested the owner of a restaurant, City Garden Resort in Amaifeke, Chimezie Agubata, for allegedly abducting three children and selling two of them. Agubata reportedly manages an orphanage home, God’s Favour Orphanage Home, in Okporo. The suspect was paraded by the police on July 14. A woman, Esther Agwu, alleged that Agubata abducted her three children and sold off two of them. The woman said she had been working for Agubata when the suspects allegedly abducted the children under the guise that he was taking care of them. According to her, her eldest child escaped from Agubata’s home when he noticed that his siblings had been given to two different persons, who took them away. The State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said the command was determined to eradicate child trafficking in the state.

Police Arrest 200 Suspected Kidnappers, Cultists in Rivers

At least 200 suspected kidnappers, cultists and armed robbers have been arrested by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command in Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed, July 15, disclosed this while parading some of the suspects. He added that operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring team also rescued an aged woman, who was abducted and raped by her captors in Rumuodogo forest, Emohua. The state police commissioner explained that those apprehended and paraded at the headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Rumukpokwu community, Obio/Akpor LGA were smoked out of their various hideouts. He further disclosed that 10 armed robbers specialised in dispossessing car owners of their vehicles at gunpoint had also been arrested by operatives of the command.

Abducted Kogi Lawyer Regains Freedom

A female lawyer from Kogi State, Rabiah Ozavize Ovosi, who was kidnapped on July 14, has been released. The victim regained her freedom on July 16. According to a family source who confirmed her release, her abductors abandoned her between Osara and Mack farm, along Lokoja Okene road, Kogi State. The family source who did not state if any ransom was paid, confirmed that she was released unhurt and has since reunited with her family.

Man Escapes Mob Attack over Attempt to Kidnap Neighbour’s baby

A 31-year-old man, Idama Endurance, was, July 18, rescued from a mob after he allegedly attempted to steal his neighbour’s six-month-old baby, Darasimi Akinyemi, in the Oshodi area of Lagos State. The suspect is a neighbour of the baby’s mother. Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences, Olayinka Egbeyemi, whose team rescued the man, said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect illegally accessed his neighbour’s room at mid-night, while the family was asleep. The Chairman stated that the suspect will be transferred to Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, for further investigations with the directives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni. The mother of the baby, Banke Akinyemi, said the baby’s cry woke her up and immediately the suspect dumped her before taking to his heels, but was apprehended by residents, who almost lynched him before the intervention of the Task Force.

Police Arrest Two Kidnappers in Niger State

The Niger State Police Command has arrested two suspects - Abraham Jatto (30) and Idowu Mafe (29) - who specialised in kidnapping students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The suspects, who had successfully abducted three students, were arrested at their hideout in the Sauka Kahuta area of Minna by the command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad. The police said they were still on the trail of two other members of the gang, who were in the habit of dispossessing residents of their valuables, besides collecting huge ransoms. Mafe and Jatto both admitted that they decided to go into kidnapping to raise money for a trip to Dubai to secure job. The Niger State police spokesman, Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest of the suspects and added that investigation was on-going.

Robbery

Police Arrest Notorious Armed Robber in Katsina

The Police in Katsina State have arrested a notorious armed robber, Muhammad Bello, (25). Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Gambo Isa, who announced this on July 19, said that Bello had led an armed robbery syndicate that terrorised people on Dustinma – Danmusa Road in Danmusa LGA of the state. He said the robber was arrested following a tip-off. He said Bello had led an armed robbery operation five days ago where the group shot dead one motorist and injured several passengers on Dustinma – Danmusa road. He added that the police were making efforts to arrest his fleeing accomplices and recover their weapons. He called on the public to assist the police with information on the whereabouts of the hoodlums and other criminals operating in the state.

Ex-Convict Arrested for Armed Robbery

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 22-year-old man during a foiled robbery operation at a Lotto company in the Ajagbadi area of the Lagos. The suspect, Saidi Ayemojuba, who confessed that he joined a robbery gang due to frustration, explained that he went for the operation at the lotto company with the hope of using its proceed to prepare for his baby’s arrival. He disclosed that he started with a gang which specialised in attacking passengers, leaving early for their respective places of work, four years ago. However, he was arrested three years ago during one of the operations at Iyana Sashi, and was sent to prison. But he resumed his nefarious activities upon his release from prison and was arrested again during their operation at the lotto company. His gang member reportedly fled.

Mob Sets Ablaze Suspected Robber in Onitsha

A suspected armed robber was, July 19, set ablaze by an irate mob in Nkpor, near Onitsha in Anambra State, following alleged robbery attack on a businessman along Owerri-Awka road in the area. An eyewitness disclosed that the businessman had just withdrawn money from a nearby bank, when he was trailed and attacked by the suspect and two others operating on motorcycle. The victim quickly raised the alarm, which attracted passersby, who gave them a hot chase and apprehended one suspect, while his accomplices escaped. The suspect was immediately set ablaze by the angry mob before the arrival of the local security operatives in the area. The Coordinator, Nkpor Central Vigilante Services, Raphael Anonye, who confirmed the incident, said that efforts were on to arrest the escapees. He, however, cautioned residents not to take laws into their hands, adding that they should allow security agencies carry out their responsibility.

Police Nab Armed Robbery Suspects after Raid on Hide Out

Men of the Nasarawa State Police Command, raided a criminals’ hideout in Mararaba and arrested seven suspected armed robbers – four boys and three girls. Items recovered from the armed robbery suspects include a foreign pistol, a locally-fabricated pistol with 9mm live ammunitions and another locally-made revolver pistol. Police Public Relations Officer, Kennedy Idirisu, July 20, revealed that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad on July 19, 2017 intercepted a Bajaj motorcycle with two armed robbery suspects and recovered two AK 47 rifles with live ammunition from them. They were said to be returning from a robbery operation in Obi and Keana LGAs of the state. He said one of the suspects escaped through the bush while the other suspect was shot in his right leg while trying to escape. He added that one AK47 rifle was recovered from him.

Drugs

Militancy/Maritime

One Killed as Soldiers, Youths Clash over Pipeline Surveillance Contracts

A 20-year-old man was killed in a clash between soldiers and youths suspected to be pipeline vandals on July 20 at Ondewari community in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. It was gathered that some youths in the community, who are aggrieved over their exclusion from the council’s petroleum task force committee, had in recent times taken to vandalizing pipelines belonging to multinational oil firms in the community to demonstrate their protest. The council’s petroleum task force committee had reportedly enlisted the support of the soldiers attached a multinational company in the area to wade off the youths, which had led to bloody clashes between them and youths. It was also gathered that the clash, which is the second in four days, also left several others badly wounded with machete cuts and gunshot injuries on both sides. The acting paramount ruler and regent of the community, Chief Peresho Erefawari, who confirmed the incident, said that indigenes of the community have been living in fear as a result of constant clashes between soldiers, task force members and youths.

Scores Killed as Invaders Sack A-Ibom Fishing Communities

Armed men, suspected to be sea pirates, July 19, killed scores of residents in some fishing communities in Uruan LGA of Akwa Ibom State, leaving several others displaced. The incident, he noted, occurred in the riverine communities of Uruan, Akwa Akpa Uruan, Ebiet Ette and the adjoining community of Ayadeghe in Itu LGA of the state. The member representing Uruan constituency in the State House of Assembly, Aniekan Bassey, lamenting the ordeal of his people, said that property worth millions of naira were also destroyed in the attack by the invaders allegedly from neigbouring Creek Town, Ikot Offiong and Ikoneto in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State. The lawmaker, who presented a bill for a law against such excesses, appealed to members to accelerate deliberations and passage of the bill in view of the current travails of his people. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of the area, Sunday Effiong, confirmed the incident. However, he decried the failure of the community to file the matter with the Police in the area, which he said, was hampering investigation and action on the problem. He advised the public to always volunteer information on crimes and criminal elements to security agencies.

Four Militants, One Civilian Killed, Four Soldiers Injured in Fresh Attack

At least four suspected Niger Delta militants were killed on July 19 while several others, who were wounded escaped into the creeks following an attack on a military House Boat in Rivers State. Four soldiers were injured while a civilian was also shot and killed by the militants. Brig. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Deputy Force Commander, Operation Delta Safe, said that the attacks was “unprovoked”. According to him, the bandits attacked troops deployed in Tuma House Boat in Rivers State in the early hours of the day but were repelled by vigilant troops, He added that the attackers suffered heavy casualties while a few of them ran into the adjoining creeks. Aligbe disclosed that the crackdown on the bandits and their sponsors had been intensified.

Police Repel Militants’ invasion of Marine Post in Ajah, Kill Dozens

Policemen, July 18, gunned down dozens of militants during an attempt to invade Elemoro Marine police post in the Ajah area of Lagos State. It was gathered that the militants, numbering about 50, stormed the post at the wee hours of the day in an attempt to steal police gunboats and other weapons. The militants had thought the policemen were either asleep or out of their post at the time of invasion, but unknown to them, the police has beefed up intelligence gathering and had lately deployed men and material to safeguard the coastlines. Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, got information of their plans and put operatives on the watch. While several of them were killed, others escaped with gunshot wounds, abandoning their boat. Owoseni confirmed there was a failed attempt by militants to invade the police post but declined further comments on the issue.

Terrorism

9 Killed in Suicide Attacks in Borno

Twelve persons were, July 17, killed in a suicide attack on a mosque in Borno State. The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damien Chukwu, disclosed that a female suicide bomber attempted to enter a mosque in London Ciki area in Jere LGA, an outskirt of Maiduguri. But as she failed to gain entry into the mosque, she detonated the explosive strapped on her body, killing herself and eight others while 18 other persons sustained injuries. The police boss added that a Police EOD team was promptly deployed to the scene to sanitise and render the scene and vicinities safe.

Military Troops Intercept 3 Female Bombers

The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damien Chukwu, July 18, disclosed that troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in Mammanti village in Molai town in Konduga LGA, intercepted two teenage female suicide bombers trying to infiltrate the village through the parapet ahead of the village on July 16. According to him, the bombers were engaged by the troops, which resulted in the detonation of their suicide vests, killing the two suicide bombers only. The state police boss said no other casualty was recorded in the foiled attack. In a similar incident, Army troops deployed between Cimari community and No Man’s Land in Mafa LGA, intercepted a female suicide bomber trying to infiltrate the community through the parapet. The suicide bomber in an attempt to escape was shot by the troops, as a result of which the suicide vest on her body exploded killing the bomber alone.

Troops Alert on New Tactics by Boko Harma

Troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole have alerted the indigenes of Borno State on antics of members of the Boko Haram terrorist group who are now exploiting deceptive tactics to lure unsuspecting members of the public to target areas before detonating their suicide bombs. The Deputy Director, Public Relations of the Theatre Command, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, noted that the military had observed that one of the tactics employed by the insurgents is to create a fighting scene with each other or another person in order to attract people’s attention and get a crowd before denoting their bombs. He also stated that the other antic is abducting children who are on errands and strapping them with suicide vests and sending them back home, where the bomb would detonate and kill an entire household. The public are therefore urged to be wary of these tactics and avoid such unnecessary gatherings that could expose them to preventable danger.

Boko Haram Abducts 14 Women in Highway Ambush, Community Says

The people of Dalwa village, a community in Borno State, July 17, complained that 14 of their women were abducted by Boko Haram in a June 20 highway ambush. Elders of the community made the complaint in a petition in which that alleged that Boko Haram insurgents had ambushed over 60 personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), mourners and several vehicles on the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu highway on June 20. The abducted women, according to the elders, were taken from Dalwa village and their whereabouts remained a mystery.

Troops Neutralize 4 Suicide Bombers in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army, battling insurgency in the north-east, have neutralised at least four suspected suicide bombers between July 16 and 18 in Borno State. Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, disclosed that one of the bombers was intercepted at Dala as he attempted to cross through troops’ “forward defences’’ and refused to heed the warning shots to stop. The suspect, who still continued to approach towards the troops’ location was immediately neutralized, Usman said. He added that two female suicide bombers were also intercepted and neutralized at Mammanti as they tried to infiltrate and attack the village through troops’ parapet. In a similar development, the troops of 251 Battalion also intercepted a female Boko Haram suicide bomber on July 17 between Cimari and No Man’s Land. The army spokesman appealed to the public to volunteer information to the military and other security agencies to preempt suicide bombings and other atrocities by remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.

Boko Haram Straps 12-Year-Old Cattle Breeder with Bomb

A 12 year-old Fulani cattle breeder was killed in a bomb blast at Muna Delti area of Jere Local Government Council of Borno State on Saturday. A witness, Grema Bana, said that the incident occurred at about 4:45 PM, at one of the pastoralist hamlets in the area. Bana said that the deceased and his brother were returning home after taking out the cattle to a nearby forest for grazing. According to him, an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) was said to have been strapped to one of the boys by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. “The bomb detonated at the entrance of the boys’ residence. One of them was killed and the other sustained serious injuries. “The wounded boy was referred to the Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri for medical attention, he said. A competent source at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed the incident. The source said that only the two boys were affected in the blast.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

33 Killed in Renewed Violence in Southern Kaduna

Over 30 persons were feared killed in a renewed round of violence between farmers and herders in Kajuru, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State between July 16 and 17. Sources in the area put the number of dead at about 37 persons, while several others were injured. The renewed violence started when Kadara youths from the area allegedly killed a Fulani man whom they said was a known bandit that had been terrorising the area, prompting a reprisal attack from other Fulani herdsmen who allegedly stormed Ungwan Uka to avenge the killing. Meanwhile, the Police has confirmed that 27 herdsmen and six villagers died in the clash. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Agyole Abeh, confirmed the incident.

Man Kills Brother in Enugu‎ ‎

A Man, identified as Romanus Asogwa, July 17, allegedly killed his own brother, Fidelis Asogwa, with a plank, at Ohodo community in Igboetiti LGA of Enugu state. A misunderstanding was said to have ensued‎ between the deceased and the suspect in a family meeting convened by their mother, Theresa Asogwa, to resolve a dispute over a piece of land. ‎It was further gathered that in the course of the quarrel Romanus hit Fidelis with a plank on his head and he fell unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead. The ‎Enugu state Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said that the suspect, Romanus has been arrested together with their mother, Theresa, and are helping the police in the investigations. Amaraizu further disclosed that the corpse of the deceased had been deposited at a hospital mortuary in the community.

Landlord Allegedly Collects N5m from Badoo Gang to Kill Family of 5

A landlord in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, who was among several others arrested in connection with Badoo killings in the area, has reportedly confessed to have collected N5 million to show members of the Badoo cult gang where a family  -a fisherman, his wife and three children- were sleeping to allow the gang kill them. After the incident and different findings by both the relatives of the deceased and police investigations, the landlord was arrested and he subsequently confessed to his role in the slaying of the family. According to reports, during an investigation of the crime scene, the landlord’s actions appeared suspicious, and the police subsequently invited him for interrogation, where he confessed to the crime. He reportedly confessed that he was paid N2.5 million as first instalment, after which the balance of N2.5 million was paid at the end of the operation by the gang.

Nine Persons Feared Dead in Ebonyi/ C’River Boundary Dispute

About nine persons including a pregnant woman have reportedly been killed in a boundary dispute between the people of Ofioji in Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State and Ijutun-Idoru of Obunra Council Area of Cross River State. It was gathered that the people of Ijutun-Odoru in Cross River allegedly invaded Ofioji Izzi Community, shooting sporadically and killing about nine persons and burnt over 56 houses. The head of Ofioji Community, Chief Nwobegu Mbam, narrated that during the attack, a pregnant woman he identified as Ukamaka Nwifuru allegedly lost her life while houses belonging to natives of the community were razed to dust by the rampaging fighters. Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Ebonyi state Police Command, Jude Mmadu, said that the police were only aware of two deaths.

Police Arrest Woman for over Killing of Husband in Osun

The Osun State Police Command, July 17, paraded a 39-year-old woman, Omotayo Salawudeen, who allegedly conspired with others to kill her husband, Salawudeen Hakeem, by stabbing him to death with a knife. The Commissioner of Police in Osun, Olafimihan Adeoye, also paraded a man, Oladapo Dolapo, suspected to be an accomplice in the killing. Adeoye said on Salawudeen Jimoh reported on May 12 that two unknown men entered into the residence of his brother, Salawudeen Hakeem, and stabbed him to death with a knife while nothing was carted away. The police boss also said a team of police detectives was deployed to the scene of the crime. He said police investigation led to the arrest of a suspect, who on interrogation, alleged that the wife of the deceased hired him to kill her husband and also participated in the act. The woman reportedly confessed to her role in the killing, stating that she hired Oladapo Dolapo to help her kill her husband. Dolapo also confessed that he actually stabbed the late Salawudeen, while Omolayo covered his head with pillow until he died. Adeoye advised residents of the state to always report marital or domestic disputes to the police for prompt resolution before it degenerated. He said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation was completed.

Driver Shot Dead as NURTW Clash with FRSC, NSCDC

An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), July 14, shot and killed a commercial driver, Hussaini Andaza in Jigawa State. The ugly incident occurred after a commercial driver while in the process of dodging officials of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), drive against the traffic and hit an oncoming vehicle. The FRSC officials arrested the driver while members of the NURTW in solidarity confronted road safety officials and demanded for the release of their colleague. This led to chaos during which members of the union beat-up the FRSC officials and burnt down their vehicles. Officials of NSCDC were called in to restore calm. The NSCDC officials arrived shooting sporadically and a bullet hit an commercial driver and injured a police sergeant, who was taken to Dutse general hospital for treatment.

Man Kills Girlfriend over Pregnancy in Aba

A man, identified as Ogbonnaya Igwe, has been apprehended by the Abia State Police Command, for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Ijeoma Chibuzo, for defrauding him over an agreement to abort her pregnancy in Aba. Igwe had invited his girlfriend to his residence, where an argument ensued. He allegedly made for his pump action rifle and shot her dead. The State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, July 15, said that the Police received information about the killing and on arrival at the scene, they met the deceased in a pool of blood. He disclosed that the suspect was arrested while hiding in the ceiling of the house. When a search was conducted on his apartment, a Pump-Action rifle and double barrel gun with 15 live cartridges and 4 expended cartridges were recovered. The corpse of the deceased later identified as Ijeoma Chibuzo was deposited in the mortuary for autopsy while investigation continues. The suspect denied killing his girlfriend, but stated that Ijeoma had been defrauding him over their agreement to abort the pregnancy.

Cultists Kill Alleged Rival Gang Member in Ilorin

Suspected cultists, July 14, killed an alleged member of a rivalry gang, Owolabi Opepe. Owolabi is said to be a member of the ‘Eiye’ confraternity, while the assailants allegedly belonged to Aiye group. It was learnt that Owolabi had returned to Ilorin from his work station to spend the weekend with his family when the rivals laid ambush and killed him. The deceased, the source said was killed in front of the old maternity wing of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara Police Command, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the killing. Okasanmi said that the victim was suspected to have been a cultist. He added that the police were carrying out further investigation on that,” he said.

Father Arrested for Attempting to Kill 11-Year-Old Son in Bush

A man was said to have lured his 11-year-old son, Favour Oyediran, into a bush along Siun-Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, where stabbed and left him for dead. The victim was said to be living with his father, stepmother and her two children. The boy, who was reportedly stabbed by his father in the neck and stomach, pretended to be dead before his father abandoned him in the bush. Favour later crawled out of the bush and was rescued by a passer-by, who took him to the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta. The Ogun State Police Command has arrested the boy’s father, Joshua Oyapidan. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, had directed that the suspect be charged to court after investigation. Oyeyemi added that the suspect would be charged with attempted murder. The Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Olusegun Orisajo, confirmed that the boy was was in stable condition after undergoing successful surgery.

Woman Hacked to Death on Parents’ Farm

Some yet-to-be-identified persons have reportedly murdered a lady, identified as Bosede Akinlalu, in her parents’ farm in Ode Aye, in the Okitipupa LGA of Ondo State. It was gathered that the 24-year-old young woman had gone to the farm along with two men on July 14 when the suspected assassins attacked them. On sighting them, Akinlalu and her companions fled, but they were chased by the gunmen. While the two men escaped, the lady was unlucky as she was attacked and killed. Her companions promptly reported reported what happened to the community and some youths were mobilised to the farm, where they saw the lifeless body of Akinlalu with machete cuts on her body. Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident, adding that the command had commenced investigation into the matter, was yet to make any arrest.

Man Kills Tricycle Operator in Abia State

Police detectives attached to the Umuahia Central Police Station have arrested a 25-year-old man, Chinonso Ibekwe, for allegedly strangling a tricycle operator, Peter Eseonu, to death in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. It was gathered that Ibekwe had boarded the deceased tricycle, claiming that he was going to pick some harvested farm produce from his mother’s farm at Amuzukwu, a suburb of Umuahia, but on arrival at the farm, the suspect attacked his victim and strangled him with a rope before dumping the corpse in a ditch, while he made away with the tricycle. It was learnt that an unnamed man, who was defecating in the bush, witnessed the incident and later raised the alarm in the community. The state Commissioner of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect was arrested sequel to information received. According to him, the suspect gave the police information that led to the discovery of the decomposing body. The CP added that the body of the deceased had been deposited in an undisclosed morgue for preservation and autopsy, while the suspect had been charged to court and remanded in the prison custody.

Hoodlums Hijack Petrol Tanker, Kill Driver in Osun

Suspected armed robbers, July 14, hijacked petrol tanker and hacked the driver of the tanker to death around Asejire town, along Ibadan-Ile Ife Road. The hoodlums were said to have tied the hands of the unidentified driver, beat him up and cut him with machetes until he died. A motorist was said to have seen the hoodlums while taking the drivers and the truck away and alerted the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The driver was killed before operatives of the NSCDC got to the place. Their arrival was said to have prevented the hoodlums from killing the assistant driver. The Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Osun State, Babawale Afolabi, confirmed the incident.

Three Feared Dead in Renewed Cult Clash in Edo

About four persons are feared dead in several parts of Benin City, Edo State in a renew cult clash that began on July 14. It was gathered that suspected cultists, July 16, shot and set a man on fire at Ozolua Street. The victim, simply identified as Osazuwa, was reportedly shot several times by his assailants before he was set on fire. The assailants reportedly watched their victim burn before they took their leave. Three persons have been killed since the ugly trend began with the killing of a man simply identified as Okpoko on July 14. Okpoko’s killing was followed by the murder of Osazuwa and a yet to be identified man. Okpoko was reportedly assassinated at his residence on Ogimwenken Street, off Upper Uwa road. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Nkonbe, said that there have been reported cult-related killings in several parts of the state capital, adding that some persons have been arrested and investigation is ongoing.

Rape

Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape

An Ado-Ekiti High Court, July 17, sentenced a 19-year-old man, John Julius, to life in imprisonment for raping a 35-year-old woman. Justice John Adeyeye found Julius guilty of raping Ozar on her farm in Efon Alaaye in Efon LGA of Ekiti State. The incident occurred on 16th July, 2016 at Okemesi Road in Efon Alaaye while the convict was first arraigned in court on 7th March, 2017. He pleaded not guilty to the charges of rape and assault with intent to commit unnatural offence preferred against him. The prosecution called three witnesses including the victim and tendered exhibits including the convict’s statement and the victim’s pant.

Girl Alleges Serial Rape by Step Father

A 14-year-old girl has narrated how her step-father had been raping her since she was 10 years old. The girl had confided in a neighbour, who alerted child rights activists to the plight of the girl after she had the neighbour observed a suspicious bleeding in the girl. Following the girl’s revelations, her 37-year-old step-father, Francis Okezie, was arrested and charged to court, alongside her mother for negligence. The case was adjourned till September 18 after the duo pleaded not guilty and were admitted to bail by Magistrate D. Abegunde of an Ogba Magistrate’s Court, Lagos. They were remanded at the Kirikiri Prison pending when they would meet their bail condition. The case took on a new twist in court when the magistrate ordered that Daniella’s mother be remanded in prison for abandoning her children for so long. Daniella and her younger sister have been handed over to the Lagos State children’s home.

Islamic Tutors Arraigned for Raping Two Girls

Two Islamic tutors, Kamaledeen Alade (32) and Hammed Adebayo (27), who allegedly raped two under-aged girls, were on July 19, arraigned before the Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos. The suspects both pleaded not guilty to four counts of conspiracy, rape, sexual penetration and application of charm at. The prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that Alade was the founder of an Islamic school, where youths learnt the Quran. According to the prosecutor, the accused and one other, now at large, committed the offences on July 11. Osayande alleged that Alade gang-raped the 14-year-old alongside another accused, who is still at large, while he gave the 16-year-old to Adebayo to rape. One of the girls, who could not bear the pains, reported the incident to her parents, which led to their arrest. The magistrate, Aro Lambo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum. He said one of the sureties must be a civil servant of not less than Grade Level 14, while the other should be a property owner within the jurisdiction of the court. The magistrate adjourned the till September 26, 2017.

Others

30 Killed, Many Injured in Tank Farm Explosion in Calabar

An early morning fire incident resulting from activities at a tank farm at the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ), Cross River State, has led to the death of about 30 people. It was feared that more people might have died as many others are feared missing, while those who sustained several degrees of injuries were taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) treatment. Sources attributed the incident to the activities of illegal oil bunkerers that were syphoning petrol from one of the tank farms located in the CFTZ. It was gathered that outbreak was caused by a staff who connected a valve to the pipe of a vessel that was discharging its product into the tank in a bid to divert the fuel. But the pressure from the spot where he had punctured became forceful to the extent that he was knocked down by petrol which was gushing out uncontrollably. He died on the spot. It was gathered that the product which started flowing freely, filled the premises of the tank farm, and spilled over into the gutters, the river where the vessel docked, and the neighboring Esuk Utan community. While eyewitnesses put the death toll at about 30, the State’s Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, said only nine people died in the incident, while several others were injured.

Etche Women Allege Invasion of Community by Herdsmen

Women of Igbo-Etche Kingdom, Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, have protested the siege to their farmlands and willful destruction of their crops by suspected Fulani herdsmen, who point guns and arrows, threatening to kill them, if they dared to raise the alarm over their criminality. The angry women, led by Mrs. Nkechinyere Nwosu, wife of the paramount ruler, said they were worried by activities of herdsmen in the area, calling on the state governor, Nyesom Wike, and security agencies in the state to quickly come to their rescue before it escalates to the rampaging herdsmen raping women, maiming and butchering villagers.

Two Policemen Arrested for Opening Fire on FRSC Officials – Abia PPRO

The Abia State Police Command has arrested and detained two security operatives involved in the shooting of two officials of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Aba. Police spokesman, Geofrey Ogbonna, who disclosed this on July 17, declined to disclose the identities of the arrested operatives. He said that the shooting also involved an officer from the Department of State Services (DSS). According to him, the two persons have been arrested and are being detained while investigation into the incident had commenced. Ogbonna said the Command condemned the ‘dastardly act’ and gave assurance that there would be fairness and justice at the end of the investigation. The FRSC officials were shot on July 15 by the security aides attached to the Speaker of Abia Assembly, Chikwendu Kalu. The incident took place at Arungwa Junction along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, when the officials stopped the vehicle conveying the Speaker’s wife, Victoria, to Aba.

Police Arrests Man for Selling Human Parts

The Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos State, July 15, said it arrested a man for allegedly selling and being in possession of human parts. The Command’s Spokesperson, Dolapo Badmus, confirmed the arrest in Lagos. Badmus said the arrest was made possible through zonal intervention unit after the command received an information that the suspect, who is an ex-convict, deals in the sale of human parts. Operatives subsequently trailed the suspect to Obada Oko in Ogun, where he was arrested. The suspect confessed to be a dealer of human parts, while investigation revealed that he had been to prison twice over the same offence, Badmus added. The zonal image maker said that the AIG in charge of the zone, Adamu Ibrahim, had directed that the suspect be thoroughly investigated and be charged to court.

Police Arrest Three with Two Human Skulls in Ogun

Men of the Ogun State Police Command, July 13, arrested three suspected ritualist killers. The suspects -Saibu Popoola, Aliu Ajiroba and Jimoh Ijiola- were arrested for being in possession of two human skulls. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed that the suspects were arrested when Policemen attached to Ayetoro Division were on routine patrol and accosted the duo of Popoola and Ajiroba along Idagba Olodo road with a suspicious bag. A quick search on them revealed the two human skulls in the said bag. They told the Police that the skulls were given to them by Ijiola, who was later arrested at this residence. Ijiola, however, denied being the person that gave them the skulls, stating that they all got the skulls from neighbouring Benin Republic and their intention was to use it for money rituals. The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered that the case be transferred to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects.

Killer Cop, 18 Alleged Arsonists Arrested over Apapa Mayhem

A mobile policeman, who allegedly shot a truck driver, identified as Tunde Azeez, to death on July 19 at Creek Road in Apapa, Lagos State and 18 others, who allegedly took part in the burning of two banks have been arrested. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, condemned the action of the killer cop, attached to Police Mobile Force 23, Obalende, which led to the torching of two banks by protesting truck drivers. Owoseni said the Sergeant would bear the consequences of his action. The CP also promised that justice would be done as he apologised for the act of misconduct exhibited by that policeman. An eyewitness disclosed that the incident occurred when an argument ensued after the truck driver refused to move his truck, which had reportedly blocked the entrance to the bank, where the policeman was attached. The policeman was said to have fired some shots to scare the drivers away but a bullet hit one of them, killing him on the spot. This action sparked a violent protest as a mob chased the policeman who ran into the premises of a nearby bank to take cover. This bank, as well as the bank where he was attached, was reported set ablaze in bid to force out the trigger happy cop.

Police, Air Force Clash in Delta

Operatives of the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the police and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) engaged each other in a gun duel over an alleged assault on the daughter of a NAF officer at Jeddo in Okpe LGA of Delta State on July 17. The exchange of the gun battle, which lasted for several hours, forced residents to scamper for safety. The incident reportedly started when an argument ensued between a CTU operative and a lady which resulted in the policeman slapping her. The lady reported the incident to her father, who is a NAF personnel. Her father, angered by this, mobilised his colleagues and stormed the scene where the policeman, also reinforced his men for the challenge. The NAF personnel, on arriving at the scene, opened fire which was replied by the police squad. Although no life was lost in the incident, several people, including the personnel of the two agencies, sustained injuries while several vehicles were vandalised and make shift houses of traders were destroyed.