The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Imohimi Edgal

  • Bring my son’s killers to justice, widow begs Ambode, Police

    A widow, Mrs. Bridget Chiwokwu has appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal to apprehend those who killed her son and bring them to justice.

    Her son, Sylvester, a footballer, was shot by suspected cultists at Alapere who also used axes and cutlasses to murder him.

    According to the woman, her son was a victim of the murderous group, whose angst against him was that he dressed well and refused to join them.

    Narrating how he was killed, the widow said he had gone to visit his sister at Alapere, adding that he was on a motorcycle back to Ikorodu when he was shot.

    She said: “I was not there but I was told by a witness that when my son was on Okada, he was shot in the hand. He fell and as he was struggling to stand, one of the gunmen who were in a Toyota Camry car ordered him to stay on the ground or he would be killed.

    “As he was struggling in pains, he asked what his offence was and one of them, Femi, said he was always dressing well and has refused to associate with their group. Another one queried him for asking questions and commended the men to finish him up.

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    “He was stabbed several times. One of them used axe on him. He was shouting for help but no one came to his rescue.”

    Continuing, the widow said her son was based in Abuja and was preparing to travel abroad with the help of his elder brother who was making plans to link him up with a football club.

    “He just came in few months ago to help me in some projects. On that day, he had gone to see his sister who stayed in Alapere.  As he arrived her house, my daughter told him to go back to Ikorodu because cult groups were fighting and shooting guns.

    “He adhered and boarded Okada to leave the area. One of his friends called him on phone and told him to come over to his place from where he intended to leave for Ikorodu. It was on the way to his friend’s that he met his untimely death.

    “I am pained because his father died a long time ago. My children and I suffered to bring them up. We hawked together to raise money to train them in school. He has finished his studies and has taken to soccer. His brother has perfected plans to put him in a club.

    “My son used to complain that each time he went to see his elder sister, Femi and his group used to tell him that he was proud. That because he has been blessed he did not want to assist them. We used to stay at Alapere before my first son managed to build a house for me in Ikorodu.

    “I learnt that the police seized the vehicle they used in the operation and parked it at Thomas Police Station, off Owede Onirin. I learnt the owner of the vehicle has been coming to claim it.

    “I am calling on Governor Ambode and CP Edgal to wade into the matter and bring the killers to justice. I want to know those who killed my son and why they butchered him like a common criminal.

    “I want to know if he took something from them. My heart is burning like fire. I am finished because Sylvester was a loving child. He was a special person who kept people happy. There was never a dull moment with him. If I had the premonition, I would not have allowed come from Abuja.”

    A friend of the desist who refused to be named said he was not a cultist, adding that he was killed for not paying homage to the bad boys.

    He said the cult groups usually stayed at beer parlours looking for people to buy drinks and peppersoup for them and anyone who refused becomes their enemy.

    “They have relocated to Ikorodu but Sylvester used to come to Alapere to visit his sister who lives here with her husband.

    “The police killed two of the suspects. Through one of them, the police would be able to trace others. They have been killing people for long. This should  be the last killing. Let the police do their job and fish out the killers.”

    Confirming the incident, spokesman for the command Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) said investigation was ongoing to ascertain the owner of the vehicle.

    He said: “We are aware of the killing. When our men received a distress that a man was shot, they gave the vehicle a hot chase and one of the suspects was shot dead while others escaped with bullet wounds.

    “We have recovered the operational vehicle which is at Thomas Police Station. The vehicle has no number plate. We are trying to know who owns the car and under the circumstances the car reached the hands of the hoodlums.

    “I want to assure that as usual, we will get the killers. We will do justice to the matter. We are investigating and we will do it to a logical conclusion.”

  • We have confidence in the police – Japanese Ambassador

    Japanese Ambassador Yutaka Kikuta on Thursday passed a vote of confidence on the Lagos State Police Command’s ability to protect his countrymen and businesses.

    Kikuta spoke at the command headquarters in Ikeja where he visited Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal.

    The Ambassador who was accompanied by Japanese Head of Economic Team, Yosuhiro Ha Shimota and his deputy Hiroki Ogawa said more than half of Japanese resident in the country were in Lagos, adding that he was pleased there had not been any untoward security report.

    He promised that the embassy would work out plans to assist the police with training and gadgets.

    Kikuta said: “Security and protection of Japanese resident in Lagos is of great importance to us. I am very happy to be here. I appreciate the Commissioner for the corporation we have enjoyed so far.

    “We have more than half of Japanese population in Nigeria living in Lagos and we have enjoyed collaboration from the police.”

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    In his remarks, Edgal said the command was aware of Japanese population in the and over 40 businesses.

    “We are also aware a lot of Japanese businessmen will be coming to Lagos for the International Trade Fair in November.

    “Let me assure you of the continuous safety of your nationals and other residents of the state. For those who will be attending the trade fair, they should have pleasurable moments in the state and enjoy Lagos night life.”

  • Herbalist, Masquerade held over Sergeant’s murder

    An 82-year-old herbalist, Babatunde Rufai, head of Igunuko Masquerade, Ariyo Elegbede and eight others have been arrested by the police in Lagos following last week’s murder of Sergeant Collins Esiabor.

    Sergeant Esiabor was lynched on August 29, by suspected members of Aiye cult at Ifako-Ijaiye who were said to have protested the death of their colleague.

    Others arrested in connection with the crime were Adewunmi Suleiman, 28, Olorunda Michael, 21, Omoba Idowu, 27, Olarewaju Hammed, 20, Ransom Adewuye, 27, Ayo Adeyanju, 27, Anu Akinola,24 and Ige Akanbi, 29.

    According to Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, the herbalist was found to have treated a self inflicted gunshot injury on one of the suspects, who mishandled an AK47 rifle the mob seized from the police Sergeant.

    He said Elegbede took part in the lynching of the cop adding that both men were official native doctors for the cult group and usually treated members’ gunshot wounds without reporting same to the police as stipulated.

    Although Elegbede denied the allegation, Edgal said he partook in the treatment of the injured member, said to have fled to Ondo State and concealed the information from the police.

    He said: “On August 29, at Haruna Bus Stop, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ogba, a mob, for no good reason and without any provocation whatsoever, attacked a police team and vandalised a patrol van stationed to provide security in the area, leading to the death of Sergeant Collins Esiabor.

    “I promised then that the command will do all it can to unravel and prosecute those behind the dastardly act. Investigation launched into the incident led to the arrest of 10 suspects.

    “The suspects are cultists as attested to by one of them, Ayo Adeyanju, who conveyed the corpse of their late member to the burial site. On their way, they decided to avenge the death of the deceased on the police patrol team even though it is clear that the police had no physical contact whatsoever with the deceased.

    “According to the suspects, the deceased sighted policemen within his vicinity and attempted to scale a fence believing they were after him. Unfortunately, he put the wrong foot forward and fatally injured himself.

    Read Also: I joined Black Axe to meet Davido, says suspect

    “Meanwhile, two native doctors, Babatunde Rufai and Ariyo Elegbede, mentioned as accomplices to the group were also arrested. Recovered from them are a dane gun and assorted charms,” said Edgal.
    Continuing, the police boss said those arrested would be charged with murder, adding that efforts were on to arrest other fleeing suspects.

    He said: “Those guys confronted the police and seized an AK47 rifle from the policeman. They did not know how to operate the gun and so, one of them mistakenly shot himself on the foot with the rifle.

    “These are the babalawos who they went to for treatment. They are official babalawo for the cult group. So, anytime they have gunshot wounds they go to them for treatment and these men conceal the information from the police.

    “Besides, they live in that neighbourhood and heard what happened to a policeman yet they never told us about a gunshot victim they treated until investigation implicated them.“

  • Dismissed Lance Corporals, others held for lorry ‘hijack’

    Two dismissed Lance Corporals, a fake soldier and two others have been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly hijacking a vegetable oil laden truck at Epe.

    The suspects, Akintola Abiodun of the Nigerian Air Force (13NAF/89/8811), Moses Johnson of the army (13NA/69/8811), Monday Ayele, 42, Esowanne Emeka, 30, and the fake soldier Osegbu Chidi, 30, were paraded on Wednesday  by Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal.

    According to Edgal, the suspects were notorious highway armed robbers, who specialised in intercepting, diverting lorries in that axis.

    He said the command had received several complaints from victims of military men hijacking vehicles carrying goods, adding that with the arrest of the suspects, it has been established that the perpetrators of the crime were criminals impersonating the military.

    Edgal said the suspects were arrested on Sunday night after they hijacked a Sterling truck with registration number LSR266XW carrying vegetable oil worth N13,250,000 million.

    He said: “They stopped the Kano State bound truck close to Ijebu Ode and pushed the conductor and the driver out of the vehicle. However, as the duo were trekking towards Epe, Lagos, they came across a policeman and narrated their ordeal to him.

    “The policeman immediately contacted some of the police stations along the route taken by the robbers. At about 10:30pm, policemen on stop and search duty, saw the truck coming and intercepted it. In the process, Ayele and Emeka were arrested.

    “During interrogation, they mentioned the others as part of those who hijacked the truck.

    “The truck and the goods were recovered intact and all the suspects have been identified by the victims. Suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.”

    However, the ex-personnel, who were dismissed for allegedly aiding Boko Haram and riotous behaviour, denied involvement in the hijack.

    They claimed they were only invited by one Oloja for escort duty. While Johnson said he was promised N10,000 to escort the truck, Abiodun disclosed that his fee was N20,000.

    Admitting it was wrong to have worn military camouflage years after they had been dismissed, the duo said they usually used the attire for escort duties so as to get money to feed.

    Narrating how his truck was hijacked, the driver, Rabiu Kazeem said: “I saw a hilux with amber light. It flagged me down and I saw some men with soldiers uniform. I stopped and they told me to get down. I asked them what I have done but they brought out their gun.

    Read Also: Man breaks into shop, steals N180,000 goods

    “My conductor jumped into the bush. Since I was alone, I could not do much. I stepped down but I didn’t  go far. I sat on an iron underneath the vehicle and clung to its arm rest because I wanted to know where they were taking the truck to.

    “But one of them who was on a bike saw me. I did not know he was their member. He told me to come down that he will help me pursue them, that it was dangerous for me to stay in that position.

    “I listened to him but instead of pursuing the truck, he became slow and so, I raised alarm. People in the community came out and I explained what happened, begged them to hold that man while I entered another vehicle to look for them.

    On our way to look for them, we saw Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol vehicle and informed them about what happened.

    “I am so grateful to the police for rescuing this truck and the product. If not, the owner would have sent me to jail that I sold his goods, whereas, it was armed robbers that took them.”

  • I wear white hijab to kill targets, says 20-year-old cultist

    Admits four murders, earns N10,000 for each

     

    A 20-year-old woman, Mariam Abiola, arrested by police operatives attached to Ilasa Division, Lagos, on Monday said she killed four people between December last year and last week.

    Abiola, who said she joined the Eiye confraternity after fleeing from her parent’s home at Abeokuta, Ogun State, told reporters she usually wore wore Jalabilia and hijab to assassinate her targets to cover the gun.

    According to her, she was an armourer for the cult group as well as an execution, adding that they usually gave her the picture of a target and identify the person’s house.

    Abiola said she was paid N10,000 for each of the four persons she killed for her group at Ilasa, adding that one Sadiq, taught her how to shoot a gun.

    She said:  ”I ran away from my house in Lafenwa Abeokuta to Lagos to look for work. I met one Mr. Sodiq when I got to Lagos. He took me to his house at Ilasamaja and initiated me into Eiye cult group.

    “He took me to an herbalist, who gave me a black substance to eat. He told me that their work was about killing people. He gave me a gun and taught me how to shoot. I learnt how to shoot by shooting on the wall.

    “I shot on the wall three times before I learnt how to shoot. Brother Sodiq gave three of us guns and pictures of persons to kill. He trained three of us. Two boys and myself.

    Read Also: Eight nabbed as suspected cultists clash

    “I have killed four persons. Each time that I want to go for the killing, I usually wear a white gown and a white veil (Hijab). Brother Sodiq usually showed us the target’s house.

    “We go to the house at night. The two boys will scale the fence and open the gate for me. We go straight to the apartment and shoot at the target at close range. None of our targets survived. I killed one guy at Fadeyi area of Lagos, another one at Hassan in Ilasa, one at Ajeh. “Each time we killed someone, brother Sodiq would pay me N10,000 but he would pay the others N20,000 each. I do not feel bad after killing anyone because I see it as a job I paid to do. ”

    Parading the suspect, Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal advised parents to monitor their wards.

    He said: “It is worrisome. Her confessions are startling, chronicling the number of killings. Apart from being an assassin, she was also an armourer for the gang.”

  • Ekiti: Police storm printing press, arrest two

    The police in Lagos have invaded a printing press, O’Naphtali Limited, where alleged fake electoral materials were being printed ahead of the July 14 governorship elections in Ekiti State.

    Located at 13A and 13B Oguntano Street, Gbagada, the press was alleged to be owned by one Eniola Fayose, a native of Ikere-Ekiti.

    It was gathered that Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal had led detectives to the place on July 8, following a tipoff that fake electoral materials were being manufactured there.

    Although the owner of the premises was not around when detectives got there, it was gathered that two- Human Resource Manager and Graphic Artist of the company were apprehended.

    Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal confirmed the incident, adding that those arrested were assisting investigation.

    He said: “The report further revealed that some of the printed ballot papers were moved to Ekiti state in three Hilux vans on Friday July 6, while the art works are still in their graphic computers.

    “Based on the report, a contingent of policemen was immediately deployed to the location to verify the information.

    “At the scene, it was discovered that the company has two buildings located at number 13A and 13B Oguntona Street, Gbagada Phase 1. It was also discovered that the two buildings are being used for general printing, art work.

    Read Also: Police begins manhunt for ritual killers in Edo

    “A search warrant was executed on the premises and the following items were recovered:

    “One HP laptop, one Acer laptop, one Booklet of form EC/ EK 8B Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission EKSIEC; three EKEC 50A envelop for miscellaneous materials, two pieces of Ekiti SEC , eight A(1) statement of result, one copy of form Ekiti SEC eight A(1), one income tax clearance certificate of Ekiti state, seven pieces of Ekiti State Internal Revenue Motor receipts and one piece of form EC 8A of Ekiti SEC.

    “Others include one piece of Ekiti State Voter Card register log book cover for Ado Local Government , one piece of NECO mark/ attendance sheet, Ekiti State Ministry of Education progress report for secondary schools and one colour turn flash drive.

    “Preliminary investigation indicated that the company is said to be in a contractual agreement with the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission to print election materials found during the search.”

    Edgal said that the recovered laptops are being scrutinized by the police ICT experts with a view to discovering any incriminating information.

  • Edgal: Rent your homes, vehicles to drug peddlers, face prosecution

    Says drugs, arms proliferation behind insecurity in Nigeria

     

    Lagos Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal on Tuesday warned landlords and vehicle owners to shun renting their properties to drug peddlers or face arrest.

    Edgal spoke during an interactive session with stakeholder within Area E Command, Festac Town.

    According to the police boss, property owners where drugs are found would be prosecuted as collaborators, adding that he was bent on flushing peddlers out of the state.

    Edgal said his drive to eradicate use of illicit drugs was as a result of the fact that easy access to narcotics, weapons was responsible for insecurity across the country.

    He warned hotels selling alcoholic beverages to underage persons as well as those housing teenage prostitutes to desist from the action or risk closure of their premises and revocation of licences.

    Edgal said: “The major problem we are having in crime today is cultism and drug proliferation especially among youths which has become a scourge.

    “It has become so bad that for every 10 young persons, four are involved in cultism and drug abuse.

    Read Also: Edgal reorganises Anti-Cultism Squad

    “The fight against drug abuse should be a collective one. Join the police and other law enforcement agencies to eradicate drug peddlers from our communities. A situation where these peddlers now go to primary and secondary schools to sell these illicit substances to our children should not be condoned. We cannot continue this way.

    “We must fight all these social vices that make our communities unsafe. Henceforth, we would arrest owners of buildings where drugs are sold. Owners of vehicles containing drugs would be prosecuted.

    “The country is currently battling several security challenges because of easy access to drugs and weapons.

    “Then, cultists should know that there are not welcome in Lagos. Henceforth, any cultist arrested would be tried on a special law that makes it difficult for them to get bail.”

    Giving police scorecard in the last six months, Edgal said 513 suspected cultists were arrested between January and June, adding that 455 of them have been charged to various courts in the state.

    “Cultism has now extended to neighborhoods and primary schools. Recently 27 cult members were arrested during initiation rites at Epe.

    “We cannot continue to create enabling environment for these hoodlums. This is why you have to be vigilant and say something when you see something,” said Edgal.

    On next year’s election, the police boss said the command had commenced pre-election plans to ensure there were no security issues.

    To policemen in the state, Edgal said they must respect the rights of the citizenry and avoid extortion to foster community partnership.

    “Policing has gone beyond carrying guns and pursuing people on the streets. It is about creating safe environment for people to grow and positively contribute their quota in the society. We are servants of the people and not their lords,” he said.

  • Police intercept Tramadol -laden truck, arrest drivers

    A truck load of Tramadol capsules, an addictive stimulant has been intercepted by Lagos State Police Command.

    The truck marked FST45OD reportedly came to the state from Onitsha on June 29.

    The police also arrested the truck driver, Ejike Igwe and his assistant, Stephen Osita, who said they were paid N75,000 to transport spare parts to the state.

    The duo claimed they did not know drugs were hidden inside the truck.

    The state Police Commissioner, Imohimi Edgal, said the truck, which was heading to Trade Fair, had 30 cartons of 100mg Tramadol hidden under the spare parts.

    Edgal said: “Despite the careful concealment of the drugs underneath the spare parts, eagle eyed detectives were able to detect the illegal consignment.

    “Let me reiterate that the Command will not rest on its oars until our streets are rid of hard drugs. The reward for hard work is more work.

    “Our children must be saved from the evil effects of illicit drugs. Suspects will definitely have their day in the court of law.”

    Similarly, the Command arrested four suspected armed robbers at Morogbo in Badagry, who attacked a bank customer, Cletus Odom, and snatched N250,000 from him.

    The suspects, Saka Buraimoh (25), Oni Kudaisi (35), Sodiq Dauda (28), and Taiwo Popoola (24), were said to have terrorised residents around Badagry for sometime now.

    Edgal said the suspects had been under the radar of the police, adding that while they robbed their victim, an onlooker notified the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who led his men to the scene.

    He added: “These are notorious armed robbers. The Baale and his people came to complain about a week ago of their activities. He said they have been making life difficult for the people of Morogbo.

    “On the day of their arrest, our men went to the scene and engaged the robbers forcing them to retreat into a nearby swamp where they were arrested. Recovered from them were a locally made double barrel pistol loaded with two live cartridges, a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle (MUS330OJ), which they used during the operation and the stolen N250,000.

    “We also arrested three robbery suspects in Mile Two on July 2. They are Kelvin Akanni (20), Godways Ifeanyi (20) and Francis Otaru (26).

    “A locally made pistol with live cartridge was recovered from them. All suspects would be charged to court.”

     

  • Man, 35, ‘rapes’ five-year-old girl

    A 35-year-old man, Achibong Koko has been arrested by the police in Lagos for alleged defilement of a toddler.

    Koko was said to have raped his five-year-old victim on June 24, around 5:40 pm, at Dansa in Abule-Oshun, Ojo.

    It was gathered the suspect was apprehended by operatives attached to Onireke Division by the victim’s mother.

    Our Correspondent gathered that Koko, a neighbour of the victim’s mother, had taken advantage of minor while the woman was asleep.

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    When the woman woke up, she was said to have noticed that the child was not walking properly.

    “She questioned the child and the victim told her mother what transpired,” said a source.

    According to Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, the victim was rushed to a hospital, adding that doctor confirmed she was defiled and her hymen had been broken.

    “I have directed gender unit to take charge of the case. The suspect would be prosecuted,” said Edgal.

  • Police arrest 48 ‘cultists’

    Fourty-eight suspected cultists have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command.

    Among the suspects were 30 rounded up inside Epe forest on June 23, said to have come from other states for initiation into the Black Axe confraternity.

    The others, the police said, were arrested at Ijora-Badia, Iponri, Dopemu, Ejigbo and Isolo areas of the state.

    According to Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, the suspects were between 15 and 29 years, adding that the Epe group were more than 100 who converged on the forest for initiation rites.

    Edgal said: “Credible intelligence available to the command revealed that the suspects were conducting initiation rites for new members into Aiye confraternity inside the forest. We moved in and the fled. Some jumped into the swamps but we were able to get 25 of them that ungodly hour.

    Read Also: Suspected cultist ‘threatens’ woman for refusing him sex

    “Since we arrested them, some of their parents have been coming to beg for their release. I asked them why they were begging for their release that they are underage? I have said it before that parents no longer pay attention to what their wards do. Some of these boys were out of their homes for two days. Does it mean those parents did not bother to know where their children were those days? I will continue to hold parents accountable for their children and wards. Anyone who wants to engage in cultism in Lagos should be ready for fight. We will not allow our soil to be used for such menace.”

    One of the suspects, John Jano, 22, a Togolese, denied being a cultist, insisting that he was apprehended while on his way to work.

    He said: “I live in Epe and work at Ajah. That Saturday morning, I was in my way to work. I was arrested inside a bus. The police stopped our bus and ordered us to come down.

    “They beat us without telling us what we did and then took us to the police command. Now what I hear them say is that we are cultists. I am no cultist.”

    Another suspect, Emmanuel Eyo, 17, said he went to Eleko to visit a friend and was on his way home when they arrested him.

    He said : “I was arrested around 9am. I went to see a friend at Eleko and was going back home at Lakwe when policemen stopped the car, told me to come down and brought me to Ikeja.

    “I am a student of Bridge Success Secondary School (SS2) and my exams start on Monday. They have not allowed me call my mother. No one knows where I am. I want to go home.”