The Nation Newspaper

Category: Crime Diary

  • Criminal use of chaplaincy uniforms: Police begin arrest of suspects

    Criminal use of chaplaincy uniforms: Police begin arrest of suspects

    Operatives of the Zone II Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have started to round up the 15 members of the United Nigeria Chaplaincy (UNC) suspended for allegedly indulging in illegal activities as using uniforms to steal, escorting contraband goods and using thugs to attack and disrupt UNC meetings.

    While only one of the 15 affected members of UNC has been arrested, the other 14 and about 15 thugs have gone into hiding to evade arrest as the police search for them.

    The invitation of the 15 suspended members of UNC and their thugs by the X-Squad followed a petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone II, Onikan, Lagos by the Lagos State Command UNC Commandant, Chaplain Dr. Shedrack Okwuagwu, to checkmate the abuse of the UNC uniform by the suspended members. The petitioner also sought to protect the good image of UNC and maintain the high moral standard and discipline set by the Commandant General, Professor Jidejisos Josiah Ejie.

    In the petition titled ‘Petition against 15 UNC members for using UNC uniform to perform illegal/criminal activities’, dated April 29, 2016, Chap Okwuagwu said that the suspended members used the uniform to steal and extort money from unsuspecting members of the public, escort contraband goods from border areas to warehouses and markets in Lagos, impersonate law enforcement agents and harass innocent citizens. They refused to stop despite repeated warnings.

    Chap Okwuagwu also cited the invasion of their meeting with thugs where he (Commandant Okwuagwu) and three others were wounded and threatened with firearm on April 19, 2016 at the National Holy Ghost Church located at No. 91B, Adeyinka Street, Orebiyi Bus stop, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.

    He added that the thugs came in four space wagon buses during the meeting, forced themselves into the church and harassed and fought members when they failed to disrupt the meeting. They allegedly beat up Chaplain Clara Ningo and made away with her international passport, cellular phone and the UNC money in her handbag (N25,000 cash). They threatened to shoot the UNC Public Relations Officer, Chap Paul Obi, but claimed afterwards that it was flashlight that one of the thugs pointed at Obi and that they attacked the members on their way home, dispossessing them of money and phones.

    Confirming the arrests on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Zone II Police Headquarters at Onikan, Lagos, a Chief Superintended of Police (CSP), Adebowale Lawal, advised UNC members to assist the police with information that would facilitate the arrest of the other suspects. The UNC commandant recalled that at a peace conference held last year at Methodist Primary School, Oshodi, UNC vowed to stamp out cultism, drug abuse, corruption and illegal activities. The peace conference, he said, was attended by the then head of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State, Mr. Waheed O. Ishola, a director in Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Tunji Bakare, a representative of the Civil Defence Corps, Lagos boss, Gabriel Abati, Inspector Okpai Nnenna and an assistant Superintendent of Police, Loja Abiodun, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Lagos, Fatai Owoseni. Each delivered a paper on Unity in Diversity, maintenance of peace, discipline, respect for the tradition of areas of operation, among others.

  • Vigilant residents arrest suspected notorious robber

    Vigilant residents arrest suspected notorious robber

    There was animated joy in the Ipaja area of Lagos State penultimate Tuesday after vigilant residents apprehended a suspected notorious robber in the area.

    The man was said to have robbed many traders of their goods in the last few months.

    It was learnt that the suspect who did not disclose his identity usually purchased bulk goods and tricked his victims to accompany him to where his car was parked for collection of money.

    Our correspondent, who was at the scene, gathered that the man would then get in his car pretending he wanted to pick money but instead zoom off with the goods.

    Sources said not a few traders have fallen victim to his tricks and reported him to the police.

    Luck however ran out on him when he made another attempt penultimate Tuesday but was apprehended by traders who had been on the lookout for him.

    He was beaten and stripped before he was handed to men of Gowon Estate Police Division.

    A source, who asked not to be named, said: “The robber had become the nemesis of traders and big store owners in Ipaja and Gowon Estate. He had robbed many traders and escaped in his Honda car on several occasions.

    “Residents succeeded in arresting him today because they had been on his trail for some months now. As usual, he zoomed off with the goods he stole from traders at the All Seasons Plaza at Federal Bus Stop, Ipaja, but hit an okada rider when he ran into traffic and was arrested by angry residents who gave him a hot chase.”

    “The robber had also dispossessed shop owners of bulk goods at gun point in Gowon Estate and I think his arrest today was possible because his cup was full,” said another resident who identified herself simply as Adekemi.

    Policemen attached to Gowon Estate Division who were on patrol in the area however rescued the robber from being set ablaze by a mob.

    A number of phones used by residents to record the scene were seized by policemen and later returned to their owners after the photographs of the suspected robber had been deleted.

    The suspect was later taken away in a police van belonging to Gowon Estate Division.

  • Court adjourns trial of alleged wife killer Shonde to July 8

    Court adjourns trial of alleged wife killer Shonde to July 8

    AN Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, yesterday adjourned the trial of an alleged wife killer,Olalekan Shonde, to July 8.

    The adjournment came on the heels of the release of the legal advice from the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    Shonde, who wore an orange T-shirt atop a pair of blue jean trouser, was brought to the court at 11:10am.

    In her comments, the presiding magistrate, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Adelaja, acknowledged the receipt of the legal documents before adjourning the case.

    Prosecuting police officer, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione, who also admitted having a copy of the advice urged the court for a short date to hear the ruling of the advice .

    Counsel to the accused,Mr. I.B Mohammed, however told the court that he had not been served a copy of the DPP’s advice.

    He said his chamber will apply for a copy of the legal advice.

    Shonde was arraigned on May 20 for allegedly killing his wife Ronke Shonde,37, on May 5, 2016, at their residence at No. 3, Tiemo Street, Egbeda, a Lagos suburb.

  • Poly student allegedly slices neighbour with razor blade

    A student of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Bimbola Coker, has been arrested after she allegedly inflicted injuries on one of her neighbours, Mrs. Mercy Nwankwo, with razor blade.

    The incident happened on June 13, 2016 at about 5pm at No 2 Babatope Lane , Iya Agan Ebute Metta Lagos.

    The 21-year-old National Diploma (ND1) Business Administration student, who is a native of Ogun State, had a quarrel with another neighbour which degenerated into a fight.

    It was learnt that Nwankwo who intervened in the matter had reprimanded Coker for causing the quarrel.

    It was learnt that Nwankwo and the neighbour in question slapped and bite Coker on her left arm.

    It was thereafter that Bimbo picked a razor blade to cut Nwankwo’s back causing her grievous harm.

    Coker was subsequently arrested and arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court over unlawful assault.

    The Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Sergeant Comfort Williams, told the court that the Nwankwo’s husband had reported the matter to the police while in a pool of her blood.

    She was thereafter referred to the Federal Medical Center, Oyingbo for treatment.

    The offence, prosecuting police officer, Sergeant Jimah Iseghele said, is punishable under Section 243 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    Coker pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Counsel to the defendant, Saka Bello applied for the bail of his client in the most liberal terms.

    He added that the complainant has agreed with the defendant to settle out of court.

    The presiding magistrate, Folarin William, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N50, 000 and two sureties in like sum. She added that one of the sureties must be either a father or a mother to the defendant and the other to be gainfully employed.

  • I’ve raked in N137,000 selling army uniform, says fake soldier in the net

    A 26-year- old fake soldier, Sulaimon Tajudeen, has been arrested by the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Peace Corps (NPC).

    The fake soldier who claimed to be a serving officer at the Ibadan Ojoo Barrack of the Nigeria Army was arrested in Osogbo on Thursday.

    The Provost of the paramilitary body, Patroit Oluwaseyi Akintayo, who carried out the arrest told journalists that the arrest was made following a tip off on how the suspect had been duping and extorting people on the claim that he was an officer of the Nigerian Army.

    A Peace Corps’ operative had disguised and approached the suspect with interest to obtain a form for Nigerian Army recruitment.

    The operative later observed that the suspect could not even understand any military language during their conversation.

    It was also learnt that the suspect could not produce his identity card when the operative requested for it.

    The suspect, who was traced to his residence at Oke-Baale area, Osogbo, confessed to the crime, saying that he had been in the business for a while by posing as a soldier and selling Nigerian Army and Nigeria Customs forms to unsuspecting members of public.

    “It is true, I have been posing as a fake soldier and duping people to find a means of livelihood. I have sold Army forms running to over N137,000 from unsuspecting people.

    “I also use the same act to extort people, especially the Okada rider”, he confessed.

    Some of those who have fallen victim of the fake soldier were Azeez Oladapo who have parted with N27,500; Tajudeen Sodiq, N13,500; Bamidele Abass N36,000; Idowu Adebayo N15,000 and Blessing N4,000.

    The suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Army Barracks in Ede, Osun State for further interrogation.

  • Father of four goes to jail for illegal possession of cannabis

    A Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti on Monday sentenced a father of four, Adole Akia, to one and a half year jail-term for illegal possession of cannabis sativa otherwise known as Indian hemp.

    Justice Taiwo Taiwo sentenced Akia to jail on the weight of evidence brought before the court by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    Akia was charged to court by the NDLEA which arrested him with the substance in Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area with one Musbau Shittu.

    The Indian hemp which weighed 4.5 kg was concealed inside a bag and the accused person admitted ownership of the substance.

    The two counts preferred against Akia are illegal possession of substance suspected to be Indian hemp while the second count is dealing in the the substance.

    The sentence is to take effect from them day of Akia’s arrest in February 2016.

    Four witnesses, who are officers of NDLEA, testified in the case to prove the culpability of the accused.

    Before the judge handed down the sentence, he gave the convict an opportunity to address the court during which Akia urged the court to temper justice with mercy and promised not to return to crime again when he finishes his term in prison.

    Akia said: “I beg the court to temper justice with mercy because I have not committed the crime before; this is my first time. I have one wife and four children, I am the breadwinner of the family and I will not do it again.”

    Justice Taiwo in sentencing Akia, said: “The court having listened to the plea of the defendant and sentencing is to show that crime does not pay and Administrative Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 Section 401 is a move away from the sledgehammer approach, the demeanor of the accused is not lost on the court and the professionalism of his counsel who chose not to waste the time of this court by throwing in the towel.

    “The accused is hereby sentenced to one and a half years imprisonment in the hope that after coming out, he would have learnt his lesson and this serves as a lesson to others.”

  • 38-yr-old killed shortly after receiving phone call

    38-yr-old killed shortly after receiving phone call

    The family of a slain 38-year-old commercial driver, Wasiu Fasasi, has urged security agencies to fish out his killers and prosecute them.

    Fasasi was allegedly butchered by yet to be indentified persons shortly after he went out to meet some unknown friends on May 11, 2016.

    The incident happened in the Konto area of Ayete community in Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    It was learnt that the deceased was relaxing at home with his family when he suddenly received a call on his mobile phone at about 5 pm.

    He was said to have told his wife that he was going out to see some friends for an important meeting at Konto near Ayete community in Ibarapa.

    It was learnt that he did not disclose to his wife the identity of his ‘friends’ and their meeting place.

    A search party was launched for him when his pregnant wife, Risikat, raised the alarm several hours after he did not return home or answer phone calls.

    His mutilated body was allegedly discovered by the roadside with his motorcycle and GSM phone intact.

    The incident was reported to Ayete Police Division, while the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan, for proper investigation.

    One of his brothers, Mr. Ayandele Fasasi, said:”The gruesome death of my younger brother has brought untold grief not only to me but our entire family. His death is unfortunate because he was the one taking care of our 80-year-old father in the village.

    “His mobile phone’s call log has been obtained but no arrest has been made so far by the police. Therefore, I want to urge all security agencies to unravel his killers and prosecute them in the interest of justice, so his death would not be in vain.”

    It was learnt that the father of three has since been buried in Ayete, while the state Commissioner for Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, has promised that his killers would be arrested.

    Oyo Police spokesman, Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu, was not available for comments at press time as he did not answer his call or return a text message forwarded to his mobile phone by our correspondent.

  • My story, by ex-militant leader accused of killing Governor Ortom’s security aide

    My story, by ex-militant leader accused of killing Governor Ortom’s security aide

    For more than 15 years, militant leader, Terwase Akwaza, popular known as Gana, waged war against Fulani herdsmen of Kuteb and Jukun origin, who fought against his Tiv kinsmen for control of farm lands.

    The war set him against security men, especially soldiers and policemen, who declared him wanted for alleged atrocities committed by his group. In fact, a prize was put on his head. The dreaded militant leader was believed to have some super natural power which made his arrest impossible because he was capable of disappearing at any time.

    But he shocked security agents and the entire people of Benue State when he became the first person to surrender his weapons to the committee in charge of Governor Samuel Ortom’s amnesty programme to guarantee his freedom. Governor Ortom reciprocated this by appointing him as one of the key persons to work for the success of the programme.

    Gana, as he is popularly known, was saddled with the responsibility of convincing other criminals to embrace the amnesty programme and return their weapons. Governor Ortom ensured that he was provided with adequate security. He was also given a car and he was empowered economically so that he would not be tempted to go back to his old ways.

    Gana was working with the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Ortom on Special Security, Igbana Denen, a retired police sergeant who was a crime buster during his days at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Benue State Police Command. Denen and Gana seemed to strike a good understanding and everything was going on well as many violent youths were persuaded to turn in their arms and ammunition and denounce criminal acts.

    Their cordial working relationship continued until unknown gunmen shot Igbana dead near his house at about 12. 35 am on May 20. When the governor visited Igbana’s residence the following morning to commiserate with the family, a head of vigilance group told Governor Ortom that the late Igbana shouted Gana’s name while he was being pursued by the gunmen. “Gana, why do you want to kill me!?” the head of vigilance group quoted Igbana as saying before he was finally murdered.

    In his response, Governor Ortom vowed to fish out the killers of his security aide and bring them to Justice even if it was his son.

    As would be expected, the allegation raised by the head of vigilance group has drawn public attention to Gana who was working under the deceased security aide in the amnesty programme and the bid to rid Benue of criminal activities like armed robbery, kidnapping an assassination. Consequently, everyone is asking what fate awaits the man who by the vigilante’s account should be the first suspect?

    After some strenuous efforts, our correspondent was able to get Gana for an exclusive interview wherein he denied any involvement in the death of the security aide to the Benue State Governor. Excerpts:

    Are you aware of the allegation that you led some people to kill the late security aide to the Benue State governor, Denen Igbana? Where were you when the late Igbana was killed?

    I’m not a spirit to be in Makurdi and my village, Gbishe, at the same time. I was with the eight Civil Defence operatives the government attached to me, who look after me day and night after I accepted the amnesty programme. They also watch over my activities. They can confirm that all of us were at Gbishe at the time the allegation came out. I embraced the amnesty programme wholeheartedly.

    What was your reaction when you heard about the brutal killing of your boss?

    When I heard of his killing and because I was working closely with him, I drove straight to Government House, Makurdi to commiserate with Governor Samuel Ortom. He was my immediate boss also and I have nothing to fear because I had no hands in his death. I pledge to assist security agencies to fish out those who killed Denen and reveal my findings to Governor Samuel Ortom.

    I was surprised to see people saying in the national dailies that I am wanted for the death of Denen. So, I ask myself, how I can be wanted when the government gave me security? They ought to have contacted me and know where I was at that time. Since he was killed, I have not been contacted by anybody. I only heard in the papers that I am wanted. The security agencies and the government can invite me to see them at any time and I will honour the invitation.

    In respect of this case, no security agency has called me to come and I refused. Some people are speculating that I am at large, but it is not true. I am always in Katsina Ala and will not run because I am not responsible for Igbana Denen ‘s death.

    There is also a new twist. People have been calling me of late to inform me that they have engaged the Army, Air Force SSS and other security agencies to invade my village and kill me.

    Do you really believe the information that someone wants you dead?

    Yes, I believe. Because before the amnesty programme of the present administration, several attempts were made on my life, using soldiers from 72 Battalion and that of Takum battalion who invaded my village in Gbishe. The facts are known to everyone. For this reason, I believe some of the information.

    Do you think the governor is aware of all this?

    I don’t think the governor is aware of the evil plans against me. And if there is anyone than can believe that I did not kill Denen, that person is the governor. He knows I cannot do such a thing. I embraced his amnesty wholeheartedly and I’m now born again. My old ways have gone for good. The governor has done so much for me. I can’t betray the trust.

    What has the governor done for you?

    He gave me freedom. You will not know what freedom is until you find yourself in my position then, living in the bush. He also gave me security and protection, including a means of livelihood. He has also seen my commitment to the goals of the amnesty progarmme in Benue State. So, how can I turn around to injure his feelings when he has done all these for me?

    When did you see the governor last?

    I saw the governor last when we had a meeting in the house  of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Jeo Ikyaagba, on May 7, 2016. From there, we proceeded to Government House and met the governor. It was resolved in the presence of the governor that I should select amnesty group leaders and submit the list to the late Igbana May 22, 2016. It was Denen (Igbana) who even gave me the assignment. We agreed on selecting group leaders for efficiency and supervision. Unfortunately, he was killed on May 20, 2016.

    Did you have any personal problem with Igbana?

    No, I didn’t.

    Have you given the security agencies any useful information to help fish out Denen’s killers?

    I have. But it is not for the media or public consumption. It is for security agencies. I believe in the Ortom administration. I believe in the amnesty programme. I have surrendered and I am appealing to other criminals to embrace it. I did not kill Denen and I’m not on the run.

  • Indonesian teenager jailed for 10 years for rape, murder

    Indonesian teenager jailed for 10 years for rape, murder

    An Indonesian court has sentenced a 16-year-old boy to 10 years in prison on Thursday over the rape and murder of a woman.

    The boy, who reportedly acted with two other men, was found guilty of killing the 18-year-old woman by assaulting her with a hoe after raping her in a dormitory outside Jakarta in May.

    The other two suspects, aged 24, will face trial later.

    The father of the convicted boy said he would appeal, saying his son was at home when the crime took place.

    “Even if it’s only a day in prison, we will appeal, let alone 10 years,” his father Nahrudin said.

    It was the second rape and murder case in Indonesia to attract nationwide attention this year.

    Last month, a court on Sumatra Island sentenced seven teenagers to 10 years in prison each for raping and murdering a 14-year-old girl in April.

  • Lagos taskforce arrests deadly notorious leader

    Lagos taskforce arrests deadly notorious leader

    Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force arrested the notorious ‘Awawaa Boys’ deadly leader, Tobi Akinbayo a.k.a (Scorpion) and two others Muyideen Olayinka and Ibrahim Olaniran at Aluminium Village, Dopemu, Agege area of Lagos State yesterday.

    The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi while parading the three suspects yesterday confirmed that the activities of these notorious ‘Awawaa Boys’ have been given his Agency and other State Security Services sleepless nights.

    He stated further that reported cases of rape, armed robbery and killing of innocent citizens by these ‘Awawaa Boys’ has become worrysome.

    SP. Egbeyemi disclosed that the Agency received a lot of petitions about activities of Awawaa Boys  and that he directed the surveillance until of the Agency to closely monitor their activities in different parts of the State which has greatly assisted in their arrest around Aluminium Village, Dopemu in Agege.

    He confirmed that other terrorising group leaders who were at large includes one  Paul a.k.a (Bouncing)  leader of ‘Nokia Group’ and Habeeb a.k.a (Oluwa) of ‘Shita Boys’ who have killed, raped and robbed innocent citizens of their valuable properties around Aluminium Village, Dopemu, Agege.

    SP Egbeyemi who disclosed further that he had widened the scope of the surveillance unit of the Agency to cover other parts of the State where these notorious boys are terrorising innocent members of the public, however said all those arrested would be charged to court.

    He appeal to members of the public to be vigilant about their immediate environment and to always report activities of any terrorising group to the Lagos State Task Force.

    IMG-20160615-WA002
    L-R Arrested notorious ‘Awawa Boys’ kingpins Tobi Akinbayo a.k.a Scorpion (25 years) Ibrahim Olaniran (20 years) and Muyideen Olayinka (18 years) at the Lagos State Task Force Headquarters, Alausa. Photo: Oziegbe Okoeki

    Arrested notorious ‘Awawaa  Boys’  kingpin Tobi Akinbayo a.k.a  (Scorpion) who lives at No. 10 Salako Street, Alluminium Village, Dopemu confessed that he and his boys raped,  burgled and  killed innocent citizens who confronted them during any of thier operations  around Dopemu area.

    Tobi said “We sell Indian hemp to commercial bus drivers and area boys around Dopemu and it’s environs”.

    He confessed further that they forcefully raped one Miss. Rufia Ogunbowale the daughter of one Mrs Taiwo Iyabo who lives at 26, Bello Street, Dopemu, Agege on the 5th of May, 2016 at about 12 noon.

    Akinbayo a.k.a (Scorpion) who is 28 years old a native of  Kuta-ilegbo Town, Abeokuta, Ogun State said that ‘Awawaa Boys’ is one unberella and that they only have branches at different parts of the State and that he is the leader of the group that controls Dopemu and its  environs.

    The President of the Aluminium and Accessories Association, Alluminium Village, Dopemu Branch Mr. Biliaminu Oladimeji disclosed that he and his members including residents around the area had lost several millions of Naira to activities of these ‘Awawaa Boys’ and other dangerous groups around the area.

    He and his other executive members while thanking the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi confessed that they were very happy since the arrest were made and that other terrorising group members who have always  been threatening them had vacated the area for fear of being arrested by men of the Lagos State Task Force.

    He said different terrorising group leaders and their boys charged them between N1000 to N2000 per day as security levy and that any of their members who refuses to pay would have his stall or shop burgled over night.

    Mr. Oladimeji finally said the boys burgled not less than 10 to 15 shops on monthly basis and that all reported cases to the nearest Nigerian Police Station at Dopemu did not deterred them as non of them could be arrested by the Police for fear of being attacked.

    Mr. Ejike Okoronto one of the Alluminium trader at No. 4 Bello Ajare Street, Dopemu Agege disclosed that same Awawaa Boys invaded his shop on 23rd of March, 2016 and carted away Alluminium accessories worth N3m over night.

    While another trader, Mrs Bunmi Adeoye  said ‘Awawaa Boys’ had used cutlass to cut on off her finger when she resisted them from forcefully entering her shop for illegal security levies being charged without any government backing.

    Meanwhile, a 12-year old Miss. Rufia Ogunbowale who was raped said Tobi Akinbayo a.k.a  (Scorpion) jumped through the fence to enter their room on that faithful day while her mother went to the market and tied her mouth with the scarf on her head and raped her leaving her in a pool of blood after.
    She said her mother who could not do anything because of fear of being attacked quickly took her to Abeokuta where she was treated and that since then she has been living in  Abeokuta at her late father’s house.

    According to Miss. Rufia Ogunbowale who was raped “Tobi Akinbayo a.k.a  (Scorpion) threatened to kill my mother if she dare report them to any security Agencies including the Nigerain Police”.

    Mrs. Taiwo Iyabo (46 years) of No 26, Bello Street, Dopemu, Agege the mother of the raped girl confessed that “truly they raped my daughter but as they threatened to kill me and other children if I should report to the Police I quickly took her to her late father’s house at Abeokuta for local treatment and since then she has been staying there for the safety of her life”.