The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Policeman killed

  • Policeman killed as Shi’ites protest in Kaduna, Abuja

    •El-Zakzaky’s trial stalled

    A riot policeman died yesterday when members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ites, protested in Kaduna.

    This protest followed their inability to access the court where their leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, was billed for trial.

    Exits and entrances leading to the court located inside Gabasawa police station were blocked.

    Reporters, who arrived at the court as early as 7am, were barred from the premises, and only stood far away to observe happenings.

    An eyewitness said the policeman, who was among troops deployed to stop the protesters, was overpowered around Ahmadu Bello Way.

    He said: “The policemen fired tear gas and live ammunition and initially succeeded in pushing the protesters back, but the protesters overpowered a mobile policeman and he was mobbed to death. His gun was also taken away.”

    Meanwhile, El-Zakzaky’s trial did not hold as the trial Magistrate was said to be indisposed and absent.

    It was gathered that the Magistrate was in an accident on Wednesday, barely 24 hours before hearing.

    A source who pleaded for anonymity said: “The judge went to the barbing saloon on Wednesday and he was hit by an oncoming tricycle.”

    But El-Zakzaky’s lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) told reporters that the case did not hold as the Magistrate was indisposed and so absent.

    Falana, however, declined further comment, saying he would not comment on the charges against his client until they are read in court.

    The case, it was gathered, was adjourned till July 11.

    As at press time yesterday, a detachment of military team had been deployed in the affected area, patrolling between Leventist and Katsina Roundabout of the highway.

    Members of the sect also  marched on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja to protest El-Zakzaky’s “unlawful prosecution”.

    They were received by the NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu.

    The protest halted vehicular movement.

    Their spokesman, Abdullahi Musa berated the police for attacking the Kaduna protesters with live ammunition.

    He said: “The police have continued to violate our right to peaceful gathering. Yesterday (Wednesday), they opened fire on us in Kaduna and 23 people were injured. They arrested 10 of the injured people and we have only 13 of them with us receiving treatment.

    “As I speak now, the police are still shooting at our members in Kaduna and the carnage continues.”

    Musa urged President Muhammadu Buhari to release their leader, El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since December 2015.

    Ojukwu, who emphasised the right of every Nigerian to embark on peaceful demonstration, described it as a constitutional right which the NHRC will protect as long as the demonstration is peaceful.

    “We will stand with you as long as you are peaceful. Nobody has any right to use live ammunition on anybody carrying out a peaceful demonstration. We urge you to continue to be peaceful because the truth must come to light one day.

    “It is good that somebody is taken to court than to be perpetually kept in detention because in court, unless you prove a case beyond every reasonable doubt, nothing can be done. All you need is to put evidences together, get a good lawyer and put across your case,” Ojukwu said.

    The protesters later dispersed upon Ojukwu’s advice.

     

  • Policeman killed in bank robbery in Ekiti

    Robbers yesterday attacked a first generation bank at Ifaki-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government of Ekiti State.

    One policeman was killed. Another was injured. He has been hospitalised.

    The incident occurred barely two weeks after a similar attack on five banks in Offa, Kwara State. Over 30 people died in the robbery.

    An eyewitness told The Nation that the incident happened about 4pm.

    The robbers, whose number could not be ascertained last night, destroyed the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) gallery.

    Activities were paralysed for about 30 minutes, as residents fled.

    Human and vehicular traffic on Ifaki-Ado Road, Ifaki-Ido Road and Ifaki-Oye-Omuo Road were affected.

    Police Commissioner Abdullahi Chafe, who confirmed the incident, refused to give details.

    He said: “I cannot give you details now because we are in a meeting. We will give details in due course.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Policeman killed, three others injured in Delta

    A police sergeant has been killed and three others injured as armed youths opened fire on a police patrol van at Obo-Deti community in Ndokwa West Local Government of Delta State, following a communal violence.

    The Nation learnt that the youth took the rifle of the deceased policeman.

    The incident, which occurred yesterday at 6:30 am, caused panic, as many fled their homes for fear of arrest by the police.

    A source said the police arrested youths allegedly involved in the communal crises and while they were on their way out of the community, they were attacked.

    The source said officers injured in the attack included two assistant superintendents of police and an inspector attached to Abbi and Kwale police divisions.

    He said trouble started over a dispute regarding the location of a transformer donated by the government in the community.

    It was gathered that youths loyal to a top government official informed him of the incident and he allegedly mobilised security agents to arrest youths in the opposing camp.

    Over 25 youths have reportedly been arrested.

    The Nation learnt that soldiers have been drafted to the community to maintain peace.

    Police Commissioner Mr. Mustafa Muhammadu confirmed the incident.

    He said:  “Yes, of course, we are investigating the matter. They went to effect an arrest for attempted murder. The team had made the arrest and were on their way out when armed youths accosted them and opened fire on them. A sergeant died and two others were injured.”

    Muhammadu denied that a top government official was being questioned in connection with the arrest.

    “Twenty-five persons have been arrested. We are closing in on finding the gun.”

  • Policeman killed, others injured as gunmen attack checkpoint

    A police sergeant was yesterday killed following an attack by gunmen at a checkpoint, at Kolo in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State.

    The Nation learnt the hoodlums also injured a corporal, two civilians and carted away arms and ammunition.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred about 8a.m. and created confusion, as residents ran for safety.

    Sources said the four attackers were armed with guns, machetes and other weapons.

    The policemen were said to have flagged down a vehicle conveying the suspects during a stop-and-search and discovered illegally-bunkered kerosene.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The attackers came down from the vehicle and shot dead the policeman. They attacked the corporal with a machete.

    “The other two policemen ran into the station. The hoodlums chased them, but left later.”

    The police alleged in a statement that members of the community aided the gunmen to attack them.

    Spokesman Asinim Butswat confirmed that a sergeant was killed.

    He said the hoodlums stole firearms.

    Butswat said: “Bayelsa State Command wishes to use this medium to inform the public that on September 4, about 2030hrs, policemen on vehicular patrol at Kolo 2 in Ogbia Local Government were attacked by gunmen.

    “Following a tip-off, the policemen intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected militants.

    “Two of the suspects were arrested and handcuffed, but they resisted attempt by the policemen to search their vehicle. Members of the community gathered round the vehicle and rescued the hoodlums. Policemen were attacked.

    “The command lost a sergeant, arms and ammunition. A corporal and a civilian were injured. They are responding to treatment in hospital.

    “People are advised to assist the police to fight crime.”

  • Policeman killed, many injured as robbers raid bank in Ogun

    Policeman killed, many injured as robbers raid bank in Ogun

    A gang of armed robbers in a Commando style, raided a bank in Agbara, Ogun State yesterday morning.

    A policeman was killed and many people were injured.

    Sources said other people were also shot dead, but it could not be confirmed last night.

    There are also various accounts of how the robbers stormed the area.

    The gang, believed to comprise about 20 members – some of them women, others in hoods – in one of the accounts, stormed the industrial estate, which houses about 10 branches of banks on motor bikes and a Camry car hijacked a few minutes earlier from the owner.

    They shot sporadically in the air as they headed for one of the banks.

    They smashed the entrance door with explosives, held members of the staff hostage as they carted away millions of naira. They escaped.

    Eyewitnesses reckoned that the robbers spent not less than 40 minutes before the police intervention.

    They were said to have escaped through the water way in Agbara after a gun battle with policemen.

    A policeman attached to the bank was killed. An expectant woman who was shot in the leg by the robbers, was taken to the hospital.

    A bank official said a lot of cash was stolen.

    It was learnt that the Camry Salon the armed bandit came with was snatched about 30 minutes from a man who was taking his children to school.

    The man, who pleaded not to be named, said: “I was taking my children to school when some guys stopped me at Ilase. They pointed a gun at me and asked me to step out of the car. I had to obey them because they were with a gun.”

    An eyewitness said: “I was on my way to withdraw money with the  ATM. I was three buildings away from the bank when I started hearing gun shots. People started running. I ran into another bank’s building. It was close enough for me to see what was going on outside. I saw guys with motor cycles and one car. I noticed there were two ladies and some covered their faces.

    “There were about 15 of them that I saw. I saw the Quick Response Squad Armored carrier in front of the bank and the robbers were shooting at the carrier, which was bullet proof.

    After a gun battle, the robbers fled and the police took over the scene. We saw the dead policeman, some injured bank workers and an expectant woman shot in the leg.”

    Another account said the robbers arrived at Agbara in two speed boats and hijacked two vehicles- a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a bus –  and rode right through Agbara market to Bank Road, which was their target.

    It was gathered that they blew open the metal doors and vaults at the bank with dynamite, packing their  loot, after holding the staff of the banks hostage at gunpoint.

    To ensure that no rescue operation would be carried out, the gang stationed some of their members at the entry and exit routes into the road. A police armoured personnel carrier in the area was riddled with bullets.

    They made their getaway through the waterways, carrying the stolen money in “Ghana must go bags”.

    According to an eyewitness account, the armed robbers came into Agbara through the waterway behind Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education in Ijanikin; as early as 8am.

    Ogun State Police Commissioner Abdulmajid Ali did not comment.

    But Lagos State Police Commissioner  Fatai Owoseni said: “Responding to the distress call,  policemen from Lagos Command cordoned off all  waterways in the area with aerial patrol covering the entire route which they fled through.

    “We had surveillance mounted at the bridge at Obadore, Agbara, and Ishashi while others combed. We have helicopter patrolling the area.

    “At present they are being held up along the waters. They have retreated and heading towards Ogun State. We are at alert.”

    Bank customers were also robbed yesterday on 23 Road in Festac,Lagos, where there was a robbery last month.

    Lagos Police spokesman Joseph Offor, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said: “What happened was that some robbers attacked a bank customer and collected his money. They shot him on the leg and fled. It happened on 23 Road.

    “So, three police patrol teams from Area E Command and the Festac Division learnt of the incident and divided themselves across different roads in pursuit of the criminals.

    “Those who went to Seventh Avenue met some hoodlums shouting at a man driving a Honda Accord. The soldiers on hearing the shout of thief, thought the man was the thief and opened fire on his vehicle.

    “In the process, two civilians, two policemen and a soldier were shot. The two civilians, including the vehicle owner, died but the security personnel are responding to treatment,” Offor said.