How Police Is Taking Crimes in Kogi-FORCE PRO

Gentlemen of the Press,

OPENING STATEMENTS

You may recall that following the upsurge of activities of armed bandits, kidnappers, social miscreants and hoodlums in Kogi State especially along Auchi-Okene-Lokoja, Ajaokuta-Lokoja, Kabba-Obajana highways, the Inspector-General of Police IGP Solomon Arase NPM,fdc directed the Special Anti-Crime Task Force led by CP Chris Ezike of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad to relocate to Kogi State and quickly address the situation. Consequently, the team arrived Lokoja on the 27^th of May, 2015 and was supported by a strong Force of 300 personnel of the Police Mobile Force drawn from across Nigeria and complemented by the Kogi State Police Command work force.

2. MISSION:-

The Inspector-General of Police charged the Task Force with the following responsibilities among others.

(i). To appreciate the worrisome crime situation in Kogi State and

quickly design a template to contain the same.

(ii). To Identify all criminal syndicates, their leaders/foot soldiers,

Sponsors and arrest them with operational precision.

(iii). To carryout sporadic raids of their houses/homes, hideouts,

rendezvous and other tabernacles and recover arms/ammunition,

dangerous weapons, dangerous charms and all other items/propert

ies reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

(iv). To identify kidnappers safe havens, hideouts, warehouses and

liberate victims.

(v). Dominate Kogi State and restore the confidence of the people.

3. ACCOMPLISHMENTS:-

Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to inform you that barely three weeks into this operation which has been prosecuted with vigour, dedication, Utmost professionalism and passion, tremendous results have been recorded as follows:-

(A).ARREST OF ARMED ROBBERY/KIDNAPPING SUSPECTS/RECOVERY OF 1No AK47 RIFLE NO BA 360834 WITH 13 ROUNDS OF LIVE AMMUNITION ETC

On the 13th of June, 2015 at about 0200hrs, Operatives of the Special Squad acting on tip-off arrested one Isa Sunday Omouya aka “CAT or Sunday Moscow” aged 36years of Ihima inOkehi LGA of Kogi State. Search of his premises and surrounding environment led to the recovery of:-

(i). 1No AK47 rifle with 13rounds of Live ammunition

(ii). 1No single barrel gun with two rounds of live cartridges.

(iii).  3Nos ATM Cards of different banks

Further investigation revealed that the recovered AK47 with No BA 360834 was snatched from F/NO 381387 Cpl Apogu Dzakwa who was shot dead on the 18^th of May, 2015 at about 1130hrs along Ayere/Ajowa Road in Ijumu LGA of Kogi State. The deceased Corporal was on escort duties of an Expatriate one Engineer KarunadasaDorawaka of Boroni Prono Construction Co. Ltd who was equally kidnapped by the \armed hoodlums.

The suspect has admitted the crime and named his criminal gang including Salami Abdulazeez aka TARGET. He has equally admitted several other armed robberies and kidnapping escapades along Okene-Lokoja highway and Kabba road. Part of the ransom he received has also been traced to the wife’s account in one of the banks (name withheld). The suspect further revealed that their sources of arms/ammunition is traceable to

(i). IdrisOziShaibu and

(ii). EnejiObeito   aka “Different”

All of Ihima in Okehi LGA of Kogi State.

  (B).ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS AND CRIMINAL RECEIVERS/RECOVERY OF VEHICLES/ARMS

On 10/06/2015 at about 1320hrs along Eika Road by Itakpe junction, a special team on stop and search duties intercepted a Toyota Corolla Saloon car, 2013 model, Silver colour with RegistrationNo. Sokoto, AL 304 SKK. The vehicle was driven by one Sule Isaac Eneji aka “Landlord” aged 42years, an indigene of Obeiba-Ihima in Okehi LGA of Kogi State. On close examination, the vehicle was seen with another registration number, Lagos LSR 569 CM engraved on the rear bomber, front grill and front head lamp respectively. Consequently, the suspect was arrested and investigation commenced. Investigation has revealed that the vehicle was snatched at gun point on 08/06/2015 at about 1925hrs in Minna Metropolis, Niger from oneLinus Sunday a staff of FrislandCanbina WAPCO Nig. Plc. Further investigation has led to the unmasking of other members of the gang as follows:-

(i). SadiqUsmanAged 27yrs – Gang Member

(ii). JimohIdrisAged 45yrs – Criminal Receiver

(iii). Johnson  AbrahamAged 55yrs – Blacksmith/Gun manufacturer

(iv). Yekini Ibrahim Aged 41yrs- Gang member

(v). KarimSaliuAged 66yrs – Criminal Receiver

Similarly the following robbed vehicles and other exhibits have been recovered:-

(i). Honda Accord Reg. No. RV 982 KJA

(ii). Mazda 323 Saloon car Reg No. YAB 209 DY

(iii).Kia Sportage Jeep Reg No. AE 498 DTM

(iv). ML 450 Mercedes Benz Jeep Reg No. KJA 866 AA

(v). Honda Accord Reg No. CX 487 ABJ

(vi). Honda Accord Reg No. KAB 316 AA

Others

(i). 1 cut to size locally made double barrel gun

(ii). 1 wooden butt

(iii). 1 muzzle Pipe

(iv). 4 Nos Cartons of 3 – Phase prepayment metre with box

(v). 9 Nos Hexing Momas metres.

(vi). 1 No MOJEC MetreBox (Empty).

(vii). Gun-manufacturing equipments/accessories.

(C).ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS/CATTLE RUSTLERS

On the 4^th of June, 2015 at about 0200hrs Operatives raided GidanGwari in Lokoja area suspected to be the hideout of the hoodlums who always emerge from the bush along Lokoja/Ajaokuta highway to rob unsuspecting motorists/passengers while armed. The following were arrested:-

(i). Aliyu Bello   ‘m’  Aged 27years

(ii). Lawalli Bello ‘m’ Aged 20years

(iii). SuleAdamu ‘m’ Aged 41years

(iv).  Husseini Mai-Mai  ‘m’ Aged 30years

(v). Ibrahim Suleiman ‘m’ Aged 25years

The following exhibits were recovered

(i).  3Nos Single Barrel guns

(ii). 1No Double Barrel gun

(iii). 13Nos live Catridges

The suspects have made useful statements.  Aliyu Bello particularly admitted several armed robberies and cattle rustling.

(D). RE-ARREST OF KIDNAPPING SUSPECT WHO ESCAPED FROM KOTON KARFE PRISONS/INVOLVEMENT IN ARMED ROBBERIES

On 17^th of June, 2015 at about 12noon following a tip-off, operatives of the Special team arrested one Ibrahim Garba “M”  aka D.O. aged 32years from Ihima in Okehi LGA of Kogi State for escaping from lawful Custody on the 3^rd of October, 2014 from Konto-Karfe Prisons. The suspect was previously arrested for involvement in a Case of Kidnapping of two children of the incumbent Speaker of the KGHA Rt. Hon. MomohJimohLawal, was charged to Court and remanded in custody from where he escaped during the jail break. The suspect has confessed to other armed robberies since re-arrest and investigation is in progress. He is seriously fingered to have been operating with his co-escapees which has accounted for the upsurge in criminality in Kogi State in recent times.

(E). ARREST OF SUSPECTED CRIMINALS/UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS

On the 15^th of June, 2015 at about 0930hrs, Operatives on stop and search duties along Okpella-Okene highway stopped a commuter bus Reg No AA 802 KKHfor routine search. The search revealed a sack neatly concealed in the vehicle and when opened the following items were recovered:-

(i). Two Locally made double Barrel guns dismantled in parts.

(ii). Two locally made single Barrel guns dismantled in parts.

(iii). Four cutlasses.

(iv). Three sharp knives.

(v). 50rounds of live a Cartridges.

(vi). Five torchlights.

(vii). Other miscellaneous items.

Consequently, the following occupants of the vehicle were arrested:-

(i). AbdulmumminiAlhajiTukur  ‘m’Aged 55years

(ii). Sunday Omewa ‘m’ Aged 40years

(iii). ImozieSylvanus ‘m’ Aged 55years

(iv). Yusuf Gomina‘m’  Aged   66years

(v). Hassan Ishmaila ‘m’ Aged 35years

(vi). Barnabas  Yegba ‘m’ Aged 40years

(vii). EzekielYerimoh‘m’ Aged 35years

Suspects are seriously suspected to belong to a gang of criminals who have menacingly robbed on the Okpella –Auchi – Okene road. The claim of Ezekiel Yerimoh that he is a hunter transiting from Okpella to Okene is contradicted by the way and manner the arms were concealed in knocked down parts and the quantum of ammunition therein. Investigation is in progress.

(F).ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS/RECOVERY OF FIREARMS IN ACTION

On 17^th of June, 2015 at about 1702hrs Operatives responded to a distress call along Auchi-Okene road where a commuter Bus was being robbed by four-armed bandits. On sighting the Police approach, the hoodlums fled into the bush. In the ensuing gun fire exchange, two of the hoodlums were arrested with bullet injuries namely Mumuni Monday ‘m’ and Joshua Peter ‘m’, all of Okura Olafia in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. 1No locally made pistol loaded with a cartridge and four expended AK47 rifle ammunition were recovered from the hoodlums. Mumuni Monday ‘m’ later died at General Hospital Okene from gunshot injuries. One of the victims of the armed robbery attack has been traced to Abuja on admission in hospital through the identification card picked from the crime scene.

(G). ARREST OF SUSPECTED CRIMINALS AND RECOVERY OF FIREARMS

Between 16^th and 19^th of June 2015, the following persons suspected to be communal warlords who perpetrate violence and rent out firearms to armed robbers for fees were arrested at Obajana Junction and Okene respectively:-

(i). Ibrahim Ojo ‘m’ Aged 22years

(ii). Major Ali Abdullahi(rtd) aka “Hilter” Aged 62years

(iii). MomohJimohSalaudeen Aged 60years

During search, four (4) locally made single barrel guns were recovered. Major Ali Abdullahi (rtd) is implicated as the supplier of the firearms. Investigation is in progress.

(H). ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS/KIDNAPPERS

Intelligence reports and useful information from good citizens led to the arrest of the following persons known to have been fingered severally in armed robbery and kidnapping cases. Indeed all of the suspects are on Police wanted list

(i). John Sule ‘m’ Aged 40yrs

(ii). AdokeJimoh ‘m’ Aged 25years

(iii). SuberuAminu aka “Devil”  ‘m’  Aged 53yrs

(iv). Adoke Ahmed aka “Buruja”  ‘m’ Aged 72yrs

(v).  Isiyaku Bello aka “Mentor”  ‘m’ Aged 37yrs

(vi). Ekundayo Daniel aka Ekun  ‘m’   Aged 40yrs

(vii). Ojo Sunday Raji  ‘m’ Aged 22yrs

(viii). Audu George aka “Doctor”  Aged 23yrs

(ix). Sunday Omouyaaka  “Major”  Aged 20yrs

(x). Godwin Isah  aka White Lion   Aged 32yrs

Suspects have made useful statements, confessed to several armed robberies and/Kidnapping.Investigation is in progress.

(I).ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS:-

On the 4^th of June, 2015 at about 1425hrs acting on a tip-off, Operatives arrested Sadiq Ibrahim ‘m’ aged 30yrs, Sunday Omeiza ‘m’ aged 17yrs and ShehuSalihu ‘m’ aged 27yrs on suspicion of belonging to a gang of armed bandits.

2Nos Double barrel guns were recovered in the house of one Tairu ‘m’ surname unknown said to be the gang leader but at large. Investigation is in progress.

4. OBSERVATIONS

The Task Force has observed that the situation in Kogi State was fuelled and compounded by the following facts/factors

(i). The intra and inter clan conflicts which resulted in avoidable

violence and free use of firearms amongst restive youths in the

past years.

(ii). The unwholesome engagement of youths in thuggery and political violence by highly placed politicians who have over the years recycled the hoodlums/miscreants and assisted them through patronages to procure illicit firearms.

(iii). The gate-way and get-away nature of Kogi State which has boundaries with nine (9) States of the Federation.

(iv). The rising influence of hard drugs and other intoxicating substances amongst the youths- Drug Abuse

(v). Cultism

(vi). The activities of awaiting trial and convicted criminals who escaped from KotonKarfe Prisons during the two infamous jail breaks in 2013 and 2014.

(5). DEATH IN OPERATION:-

The Inspector-General of Police regrets the death of F/No 439467 Cpl Benjamin Agada of 3PMF Enugu who died in the course of the Operation. He was felled by enemy’s bullet on 11/06/2015 at Eika road by Itakpe Junction while on stop and search duties. The Inspector-General of Police commiserates with the family and assures that his death shall not be in vain.

(6). ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:-

I wish to convey the appreciation of the Inspector-General of Police to the Task Force for the dedication, professionalism and precision with which the mission is being prosecuted. The Inspector-General of Police has also asked that I convey the appreciation and gratitude of Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State to the Task Force for a good job done so far.

The Inspector-General of Police is excited that the crime graph is on a down ward trend, no kidnapping since the 8^th of June, 2015, significant reduction in armed banditry on the highways and the extensive use of intelligence in the success recorded so far. He however cautions that the job is just on course and not yet finished as the kidnapped Judge of the Kogi State High Court is still in captivity. He encourages the Task Force to improve on intelligence analysis which outcome will be predictable and do everything possible to rescue the Judge.

7. CONCLUSION:-

In conclusion, let me remind the good citizens of Kogi State and indeed all Nigerians that the bounty of #5million promised by Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State for any useful information that may assist the Task Force in its assignment is still up for grabs. Be rest assured that any information given in this regards will be confidentially managed.

Finally, let me thank the people of Kogi State for their cooperation so far, let me also remind them that it’s not over, until it is all over.

Thank you and God bless all of you.

 

CP EMMANUEL C.S. OJUKWU, psc

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA.