The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Hoodlums

  • Hoodlums stab community leader, chiefs

    Hoodlums stab community leader, chiefs

    THERE was panic in Ilupeju in Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos on Sunday following an attempt on the life of its Baale, Chief Michael Idowu Orelaja.

    Three suspected assassins reportedly stormed Orelaja’s palace on Ilupeju Road around 9pm, firing at him and his chiefs.

    But their guns failed. They then stabbed Orelaja and his chiefs with a dagger and broken bottles.

    Orelaja and his chiefs were meeting when the hoodlums arrived on a motorcycle.

    A resident, who suspected the movement of the hoodlums, was said to have raised the alarm and switched off light around the palace.

    The Nation learnt that the assailants broke the door to enter the palace.

    The hoodlums fled the scene, shooting sporadically to scare residents, who had gathered to chase them.

    A resident, who gave his name as Abolaji, said he saw the assailants when they arrived at the palace.

    He said: “They were three men on the bike. Two of them came down, while the other remained on the bike without switching off the engine. I heard one of them said ogbeni yen ti wa n be (the man is at the place). They quickly broke into the palace and attempted to shoot the Baale. Their guns refused to shoot. They broke bottles and stabbed the Baale. When, they came out of the palace, they saw a group of residents moving to the scene. They fired several shots to escape from the scene.”

    Nike, Orelaja’s daughter, who was at home, said it looked like an “horror scene”. She said she was in the living room with her mum and her siblings when the assailants arrived.

    She said: “My dad was in his palace, meeting with his chiefs when the attackers arrived. We did not know what was going on until we heard sounds of broken bottles from the direction of the palace.

    “We heard my dad screaming for help. We rushed to the palace to know what was going on, but we met him and other chiefs in a pool of blood. We heard gunshots as the attackers rode on motorcycle to escape. It was a scene of horror.”

    Orelaja was still in hospital at the time of this report. The Nation gathered that Yeye Oge of Ilupeju, Chief Folashade Jinadu, was also injured in the incident.

     

  • RRS arrests 11 suspected hoodlums

    Eleven persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in armed robberies around the National Theatre and Ijora areas of Lagos.

    They are Friday Onuwa, 30; Moses Okiso, 25; Rashidi Olugbenjo, 19; Olalekan Adebayo, 21 and Sheriff  Sanusi, 27, Ganiu Sule, 30; Michael Thompson, 19; Wale Akindujoye, 30; Aderemi Adewale, 25; Adeshina Adetolu, 30 and Moshood Ajao, 45.

    The suspects were nabbed over the weekend by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Tunji Disu.

    Their arrest followed the attack in a woman, Adeola Sulaiman, whose handbag containing N250,000 was snatched by one of the suspects.

    It was gathered that RRS personnel who were close to the area, heard the woman screaming, chased and caught the suspect later identified as Friday Onuwa.

    While Onuwa was nabbed with the handbag, two of his gang members were said to have fled.

    He made statements that led to others’ arrest.

    Confessing to the crime, Onuwa said: “That fateful day, I and my friends, Kowasibe and Tallest, went to Costain opposite National Theatre with the intention to rob.

    “On reaching there, we saw a woman whom we robbed successfully. It was Kowasibe, who pointed gun at her before she released her belongings to us.”

    According to the police, the suspects have been transferred to the state Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for further investigation.”

  • How hoodlums invaded Legal Studies Centre

    How hoodlums invaded Legal Studies Centre

    Hoodlums have looted the digital communication studio of Fati Lami Abubakar College of Legal and General Studies (FLACLGS) in Minna, the Niger State capital, carting away valuable items. A blame game is trailing the incident, report MAHMUD ABDULSALAM and AMINU MAMAGI (200-Level Mass Communication).

    It was built eight years ago to provide first-hand training for Mass Communication students of the Fati Lami Abubakar College of Legal and General Studies (FLACLGS), Minna, Niger State but it is not what a digital communication studio should be. It lacks state-of-the-art equipment.

    It appears the more it advances in age, the more its prospect of being adequately equipped diminishes. To compound the problem, the studio was raided last Wednesday. Burglars broke through the ceiling and carted away some expensive hi-tech production gadgets.

    Among the stolen items were handy studio equipment and electronic gadgets, three desktop computers, six microphones, digital voice recorders, two hi-tech speakers and microphone stands. The audio console and two revolving chairs were left behind.

    Mallam Muhammad Dantala, the Head of Department of Mass Communication, expressed shock over the theft, blaming it on poor security measures.

    He said he had complained about the level of security in PCMC Hall, which houses the studio, on several occasions, without anything being done. He appealed to the management to repair a damaged section of the ceiling, through which, he said, the burglars entered the building.

    He said: “Though there is ongoing investigation about the matter, I will passionately appeal to the school authorities to overhaul the security architecture of the college. The fact that studio equipment could be carted away by burglars shows the campus is not secure. The management needs to strengthen security within the campus.”

    •The area through which the burglars broke into the building.
    •The area through which the burglars broke into the building.

    He identified poor training, inadequate security personnel, absence of surveillance kits and poor remuneration as some of the factors hindering effective security in the school. He said the school had set up an investigative panel, noting that any worker found culpable would be punished.

    Babadoko said: “The management is committed to creating an enabling academic environment for students. As such, it would not hesitate to replenish the studio with more hi-tech production equipment after conducting proper investigation of the incident. Efforts are being made to replace the bad roofing sheets too.”

    The Chief Security Officer, Mr Dangana Ndagiman, told CAMPUSLIFE that he was not aware of any committee to investigate the theft, saying the management had not consulted the security office on that.

    He decried what he called management’s inability to support the security department with resources to do its job. The department, he said, had drawn the management’s attention to the blown-off roof, claiming there was no “positive response”.

    Ndagiman said: “Let no one use this isolated case of burglary to indict the security department. While the management may conduct an independent investigation into the matter, we are appealing that there should be an increase in the number of security personnel and funding of the department. We also appeal to staff and students to be vigilant and report unscrupulous elements in their midst.”

    The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Suleiman Muhammad, urged the management to strengthen security in vital places, saying the environment must be friendly and safe for learning.

    He said: “The management should endeavour to guarantee adequate security on the campus, so as not to endanger students’ lives and property. We are planning to embark on campaign on security and safety challenges in the college. The rate at which motorcycles, handsets and other valuables are routinely stolen is worrisome. We want the management to enforce the open use of identity cards by students before being allowed into the college.”

    Many students do not seem to have confidence in the investigative panel to do a good job. They, however, want security tightened to make the campus safe for academic and social activities.

  • Hoodlums bath task force official with acid

    A paramilitary official attached to the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Task Force), Mr. Akude Silas was bathed with acid by hoodlums who were in a moving Volkswagen commercial bus along Oshodi-Oke,  Lagos

    Silas who was immediately rushed to the Lagos State Emergency Centre, Toll-Gate before been transferred to General Hospital, Ikeja was on enforcement operations duty to ensure free flow of traffic and preventing street trading around Oshodi area.

    The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP. Olubukola Abe disclosed this at the emergency ward of General Hospital, Ikeja while visiting with Heads of Operations and other management staff of Task Force to see the official.

    Abe disclosed further that while Silas is currently receiving treatment at the emergency ward another Police Sergeant Robert Ajayi was also seriously injured by some Hausa/Nigeriens along Ojo area of the State.

    The Chairman said Sgt. Ajayi was among the security team that supported a government ministry during the removal of shanties constructed on an open field at Ojo Junior and Senior Secondary School, Ojo, Lagos

    He said his men and Task Force vehicles were subject of attacks in recent times at different locations across the State.

    Abe confirmed that Sgt. Ajayi and others were attacked and two task force vehicles were seriously damaged by the Hausas who thought they were on Okada raid along their area.

    The Chairman who strongly appealed to members of the public to always reach government security agents on any emergency situations through the Lagos State Emergency toll-free hot lines (112 & 767) however reaffirmed the commitment of his officers, the police and paramilitary in enforcing the Lagos State Environmental Laws and the Lagos State Traffic Laws of 2012 across the State.

    Meanwhile, more than 57 miscreants were arrested by task force enforcement operations Sunday morning also at Oko Mala at Oshodi.

  • Hoodlums set girl, 8, ablaze in Ogun

    IMG_20151105_113121
    •Sangotoki

    AN eight-year old girl, Abosede Sangotoki, has been set ablaze by hoodlums at Amode Oke-Ore in Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    Her father’s building was also torched when the hoodlums stormed the village.

    Eyeswitnesses said the hoodlums wet the girl and the building with petrol before setting them ablaze.

    Eight other houses were also razed.

    Baale Samuel Olawale Sangotedo, who is also Abosede’s grandfather, said  the hoodlums came in five commercial buses and many motorcycles around 2pm on August 19.

    “Everything happened so fast we could not wait to pick any of our valuables. We fled into nearby bushes and they still came after us. We ran far into the bushes before they turned back.

    “While some of us are now managing at our relatives’ homes, others are sleeping in churches, mosques and shops. We cannot go back to Oke-Ore because the hoodlums are still there. They are threatening to kill whoever comes back”, Sangotedo said.

    •Hannah
    •Hannah

    His wife Hannah described the incident as barbaric and shocking, adding:

    “Abosede was on holiday when I went to pick her at her parent’s home to come and spend the holiday with me. She did not really understand the intrigues  surrounding the village land ownership tussle. Immediately they came, we all dashed into the bush, but she waited too long”.

    Baale Sangotedo traced the cause  of the incident to a land tussle decided by an Ota High Court in April.

    His family, he said, won the case, adding that since the verdict, the  other party has resorted to lawlessness and hooliganism.

    He said the Ogun State House of Aassembly tried to resolve the matter, all to no avail.

    Inspector-General of police Solomon Arase has drafted detectives from Abuja to investigate the matter.

    The detectives arrested six persons, who were arrainged before an Ota Chief Magistrate Court on a six-count charge of conspiracy, arson, murder and kidnapping.

    Their plea was not taken. The court ordered that they be remanded in prison custody, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

     

  • Tension as police, hoodlums clash

    Tension as police, hoodlums clash

    There was tension at the Ajao Estate, Ejigbo area of Lagos, yesterday, following a clash between policemen and some hoodlums.

    The hoodlums burnt a stationed armoured tank and a patrol vehicle belonging to the Lagos State Task Force on the Environment.

    The clash started at about 7.15pm following the arrest of some motorcyclists around the Canoe axis. It was learnt that the task force officials stormed the area in the early hours of the evening to arrest some motorcyclists and impound their motorcycles.

    The motorcyclists reportedly mobilised their colleagues and thugs in the area against the policemen in a shootout.

    The Nation gathered that there were sporadic gun shots from Afolabi Bus-stop in the estate across the Canoe Bridge linking Ejigbo. It prompted other motorists to scamper for safety.

    At the time of filing this report, it could not be ascertained if there were casualties but some persons were believed to have been injured.

    Police spokesman could not be reach as at press time.

  • Hoodlums on rampage in Lagos

    Hoodlums on rampage in Lagos

    There was pandemonium at Obalende and Third Mainland Bridge  yesterday as hoodlums vandalised properties and attacked motorists.

    The hoodlums, who took to the streets at 5:20pm,  robbed motorists.

    They were said to be venting their frustration over the raiding of the area by the Task Force on Environment.

    It was gathered that the rampaging crowd also damaged police vehicles at Obalende, just as they set a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol bike on fire.

    Besides the patrol vehicles and private cars, it was learnt that the angry touts also destroyed a LAGBUS.

    Eyewitnesses, who raised the alarm on social media, said the hoodlums robbed pedestrians.

    An eyewitness, Oluwatoyin, said the touts blocked the road at Adeniji Adele, causing vehicles to turn back, thereby worsening the traffic congestion.

    He said the hoodlums carried stones and sticks and occupied Obalende to Adeniji Adele.

    Olatunde Folasewa said the chaos was caused by the death of a young man, identified as a motorcyclist, who reportedly fell from the bridge.

    Another witness, Mola Oludiya, described the situation as a breakdown of law and order.

    It took the combined efforts of the police and soldiers to restore normalcy in the area.

    A group of 10 robbers besieged Costain-Eko Bridge , fleecing motorists of their valuables.

    They were said to have threatened their hostages with pistols, knives and cutlasses in the attack that lasted over 15 minutes.

    According to eyewitnesses, the robbers left without hassles as nobody challenged them.

  • RRS arrests 45 hoodlums

    RRS arrests 45 hoodlums

    Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives have arrested more than 45 hoodlums at some black spots in the city.

    RRS Commander Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said the arrests followed raids on criminals’ hideouts. He said the onslaught on criminals would continue to secured the environment for prospective investors and protect lives and properties of the residents.

    Disu said the suspects were arrested in Oshodi, Jibowu, Victoria Island, Mile 2, Ajegunle, Ijora and Law school under Bridge.

    “The arrest will be continuous as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is determined to rid the state of criminals and create an enabling environment for peaceful co-existence among residents and business owners,” he said.

    He assured that the increasing rate of armed robbery and criminal attacks in the state would soon be a thing of the past.

  • How hoodlums attacked Ayefele

    How hoodlums attacked Ayefele

    On the aftermath of the attack by hoodlums on gospel crooner, Yinka Ayefele, last Saturday in Akure, Ondo State, the artiste has been hospitalised following impact of the injuries he sustained.

    According to information, the popular musician was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Ado Ekiti where he had gone to honour the invitation of the Ekiti State government to perform at the World Teachers Day organised by the state government.

    A release signed by his Publicist, Mr. David Ajiboye disclosed that the physically challenged artiste was hit with a plank on his chest during the attack on Saturday in Akure.

    “Yinka Ayefele, MON, was attacked by hoodlums on the outskirt of Akure on Saturday October 3, during the burial party of Madam Ebunoluwa Lydia Odumakinde where he was contracted to perform with his band members.

    “The hoodlums, after collecting N200,000 from the artiste as ‘settlement’ later demanded for a sum of N500,000 which did not go down well with Ayefele and in the process of the argument, he was hit on the chest by a plank which was thrown at him,” the statement read.

    The release also added that Ayefele’s Ford Explorer was vandalized and his recently acquired N150 million musical equipment was not spared. “The hoodlums vandalised the newly acquired musical equipment and the truck while his new Ford Explorer 2015 model SUV was also vandalised, as well.”

    Only last year, the versatile singer, was hit by a sad incident when his abode in the Felele area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was engulfed by fire.

    Ayefele became a household name when he was involved in a ghastly auto accident in 1997, that led to a damage in his spinal cord and paralyzed him from the waist down.

  • Hoodlums invade PHCN Estate

    No fewer than eighty families have been rendered homeless at NEPA Estate, Egbin in Ijede Local Council Development Area of Ikorodu, Lagos after some hoodlums invaded the estate.

    The hoodlums’ attempt to forcefully evict the residents from their properties led to destruction of several buildings.

    The Nation learnt that the hoodlums looted many houses before vandalising more than 100 buildings within the estate.

    According to Ojo, one of the affected landlords, the hoodlums came in about five vehicles with two of them bearing Federal Government plate number. They also stormed the estate with scores of ladders with which they climbed the rooftops while vandalising the building.

    Some residents, mainly retired staffers of the defunct National Electrical Power Authority (NEPA) who tried to confront them, were beaten. A nonagenarian victim of the invasion, who was manhandled by the hoodlums, was rushed to a nearby hospital.

    Our correspondent, who visited the estate on Sunday afternoon, reported that many of the residents were seen trying to fix their vandalised buildings. While some were renovating damaged rooftops, others were replacing broken windows and ceilings.

    The Nation learnt that the landlords, through their association, reported the matter at the Ijede Police Station but were not attended to.

    “They told us to go to Court,” one of the landlords said.

    It was learnt that the police is yet to visit the scene of the attack as at press time.