TheNewsGuru

Tag: Vigilante

  • Female corps member, assaulted, stripped by Vigilante breaks silence

    Female corps member, assaulted, stripped by Vigilante breaks silence

    Jennifer Elohor, a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, has recalled the dehumanising experience with the Udo Ga Chi vigilante group after they assaulted and stripped her in public.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the incident, captured in a viral video, showed the operatives pointing pump-action rifles while attacking her.

    The vigilante group reportedly whisked Elohor and other NYSC members away, against their wishes.

    Recounting her ordeal on a podcast, Elohor said the Agunechemba operatives stormed the corps members’ lodge at about 5 pm that fateful day.

    She said, “At first, we thought it was our neighbours’ door because it’s a three-storey building with several flats.

    “But the knock became louder and more aggressive, so I decided to check. Before I could reach the door, it was kicked open.

    The Delta State indigene stated that the intruders ransacked their room, seized their phones and laptops, and became violent.

    “They pushed us downstairs, almost shoving me down the staircase. They kept asking what gave me the right, as a woman, to challenge them.

    “It was when we got outside that we saw their vehicle and discovered they were from the Anambra Vigilante Group,” she said.

    She further claimed that when they requested to call their lodge proprietor or NYSC officials to notify them of where they were being taken, the vigilante members became more brutal.

    “They beat me, tore my clothes, and even hit one of my colleagues with an iron rod for pleading on my behalf.

    “They forced me into their vehicle, pressing my neck, slapping me, and threatening to smash our phones if we contacted anyone,” she said.

  • Court sentences 5 vigilante members to death by hanging

    Court sentences 5 vigilante members to death by hanging

    A Kano State High Court on Thursday in Kano sentenced five vigilante members to death by hanging for stabbing one Ahmed Musa, 17, to death.

    The convicts: Korau Sani, Elisha Ayuba, Irimiya Timothy, Auwalu Jafar, and Mustafa Haladu, attached to the Sani Abacha Youth Centre, were convicted on a two-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

    Delivering judgment, the Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki, held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    “I hereby sentence the defendants to two years imprisonment for conspiracy, and to death by hanging, for homicide,” the Chief Judge held.

    Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr Lamido Sorondinki, had informed the court that the defendants committed the offence on Jan. 22, 2022, at Sabon Titi Panshekara, Kano.

    Sorondinki said that on the same date at about 10:00 a.m, the defendants conspired and attacked the deceased (Ahmed) while he was crossing Sabon Titi Panshekara Road.

    “The defendants came out of a tricycle and started beating the deceased with a long wooden hard stick (Gora) and in the process, the deceased held the stick.

    “In the process, the first defendant used a long sharp knife and stabbed the deceased on his neck and dragged him on the ground and put him in the said tricycle and took him away.

    “As a result, the deceased sustained grievous injuries and a swollen face,” the prosecution counsel said.

    He said the victim was later taken to Kutau Police Division and was rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor.

    The Prosecution presented five witnesses to the court to prove its case.

    The defendants, however, denied committing the offence.

    According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes the provision of Section 97 and 221(b) of the Penal Code.

    The defense counsel, Mr Ahmad Muhammad, presented six witnesses including the defendants.

    Earlier in their testimony, the defendants claimed that they approached the deceased with a view to arresting him because of some complaint lodged against him but he resisted.

  • Umahi suspends Ebubeagu, inaugurates 2 new vigilance groups

    Umahi suspends Ebubeagu, inaugurates 2 new vigilance groups

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has suspended the operations of the state vigilance group, Ebubeagu, in deference to a Federal High Court ruling, which declared the security outfit as illegal.

    In its place, Umahi announced the setting up of two new vigilance outfits in the state.

    They are Ebonyi Neighborhood Watch and Ebonyi Vigilante Corps.

    A federal high court sitting in Abakaliki recently disbanded the Ebubeagu security outfit, ruling that its operations in Ebonyi were illegal.

    The state government through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Uchenna Orji,  however, said it would appeal the ruling.

    “The Ebubeagu security outfit will not function in the state until the stay of execution is granted and appeal entered.

    “This is in obedience to the rule of law; and whether it is good or bad for our people, it is the court’s judgement,” Umahi said.

    The governor recalled that a judgement from a court of equal jurisdiction had a month ago, restrained anyone from disbanding the Ebubeagu security outfit.

    “This means that I have two judgements on the same subject matter, as such the second one shouldn’t have been entertained due to an earlier decision on it.

    “I could have chosen which one to obey if I were not a lover of the judiciary, but has chosen to obey the latter.

    “When the stay of execution is granted, Ebubeagu will function again,” the governor said.

    He thanked the state House of Assembly for passing into law, two sets of vigilance outfits which processes commenced since 2021.

    “These outfits include the Ebonyi neighborhood watch patterned after such in Anambra and the Ebonyi vigilante corps patterned after Amotekun in the south west geo-political zone.

    “When Ebubeagu returns, they all should not infringe on the rights of the citizens.

    “None of them would be involved in the forthcoming general election and the public must note this,” he said.

    Umahi called on political parties in the state to carry out their activities with decorum and not heat up the polity as the election approaches.

    NAN reports that the broadcast was preceded by a security meeting between the governor and heads of security agencies in the state.

  • Gov Bala Mohammed signs bill to establish Bauchi State Vigilante into law

    Gov Bala Mohammed signs bill to establish Bauchi State Vigilante into law

    Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State signed into law a bill for the establishment of the Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment scheme and other related purposes in 2022.

    He signed the bill along with 11 other bills into Law passed by the State House of Assembly into Law on Friday.

    The governor explained that the objective of the bill was to explore opportunities in job creation and provide training for youths in skills acquisition that would enable them to be gainfully employed and self-reliant.

    Others included a bill on the establishment of Bauchi State and Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme and other related matters 2022; a Bill to repeal the Bauchi state Urban Planning and Development Board 2012 and enactment of the Bauchi State Physical Planning and Development Control Board 2022.

    According to the governor, other bills signed into law included a bill to repeal the Bauchi State College of Agriculture 2013 and enact a law to establish divisions of agricultural colleges in Bauchi State University and for related matters 2022; a bill to provide for the establishment of Bauchi Infrastructure development and maintenance agency 2022.

    He also said there was a bill to repeal the Bauchi State separation of account judiciary law; a bill to provide Bauchi state tourism development corporation, a bill to repeal the Bauchi state university establishment law 2010 and enact a law to establish Sa’adu Zungur University 2022 and a bill to establish the Bauchi state security Trust fund and other related purposes 2022.

    “Other bills to be signed into law are a bill to establish Bauchi State Environmental Trust Fund 2022 and a Bill to repeal the Bauchi State House Management Law 2017 and enact a law to provide for the management of funds accrued to the Bauchi State House of Assembly from the consolidated revenue funds of the state, among others.

    The governor, however, commended the state House of Assembly for studying the details of the bills before passing them for assent, pointing out that this showed the cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive arm of government.

    Earlier, the Speaker of the Assembly, Suleiman Abubakar, said all the laws, if properly implemented, would have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state as well as protect their lives and properties.

    He called on the people to continue to support the present administration, adding that the infrastructure and other development recorded in the state were the product of cordial relationship and mutual cooperation between the legislature and the executive arm of government.

  • Vigilante Commander shot dead in Delta

    Vigilante Commander shot dead in Delta

    The Zone 2 Vigilante Commander in Sapele, Delta State, Lucky Victor has been shot dead by yet to be identified gunmen.

    The vigilante commander popularly known as Asikolo, was killed by the gunmen on Thursday evening, while driving in a Sienna car along Okpe Road, close to License Office in Sapele.

    It was gathered that Victor’s assailants numbering about five, drove in a tinted Sienna car without a number plate.

    Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) in the state, Voke Ubuara, exercised sadness over the incident.

    He stated that the deceased was trailed and shot dead by the gunmen, adding that the VGN will collaborate with the police tp fish out the perpetrators.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Delta Police Command, DSP Edafe Bright also confirmed the incident, saying investigation has been launched into the matter.

    Victor’s remains have since been deposited the Central Hospital’s morgue in Sapele.

    Recall that in December 2020, the president of the Anti-cult Volunteers Corps in Delta state, Amb Austyne Emu was shot dead by suspected cultists in Kwale, Delta State.

  • TRENDING VIDEO: Edo community detain cattle over alleged killing of vigilante by herders

    TRENDING VIDEO: Edo community detain cattle over alleged killing of vigilante by herders

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    A video clip has emerged online depicting cattle arrested by Uromi Community in Edo State over alleged killing of a vigilante by herders.

    The clip simply shows the cattle in a primary school while the narrator in the background explains why they had to detain cattle.

    He explained that the detention is in active collaboration with law enforcement officers.

    Watch video below:

  • Unknown gunmen kill vigilante commander in Delta

    Unknown gunmen kill vigilante commander in Delta

    There was tension in Jeddo community, Okpe local government area of Delta State on Friday after unknown gunmen killed the vigilante commander of the community, Mr Jude Akieru.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the sad incident, which happened at about 2:00 am, left motorists and residents stranded as angered youths of the community barricaded the ever busy community road.

    According to an eyewitness, the vigilante commander, popularly known as Skosko, who recently got married in February, was on routine patrol when the unknown gunmen attacked and killed him.

    “Skosko received a call at about 2:00 am that some armed robbers were operating in the area. Upon getting the information, he left his house to mobilize his men to the crime scene.

    “While he was on the road around Ogbele junction, he was then accosted by some boys, who asked him to put off his torchlight. As the argument was ongoing, one of the boys shot at him. He died on the spot,” the eyewitness, who spoke to TNG under the condition of anonymity narrated.

    Meanwhile, the acting Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe has confirmed the killing of the vigilante commander.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer said: “He was on a lone patrol when he was attacked and shot at”.

    Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Orerokpe Police Division, SP Ojo Oluwole has vowed that the killers of Mr Akieru would be brought to book.

    SP Oluwole said immediately he got wind of the incident, he mobilized his men to the community, but regretted that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were not immediately apprehended.

    While appealing to leaders and residents of Jeddo community to furnish his office with intelligence, Oluwole said investigation has commenced to unravel the killers of the vigilante commander.

    TNG reports the body of the dead vigilante commander has been deposited in the mortuary.

  • Abia killer vigilante detained in Port Harcourt for killing US-based entrepreneur

    Abia killer vigilante detained in Port Harcourt for killing US-based entrepreneur

    The Rivers State Police Command has detained a vigilante, Okorie Chukwuma, for allegedly killing his boss, Eyinaya Ogbonna, a businessman based in the United States of America.

    The suspect, after committing the crime in Abia State, absconded to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he sold off the deceased’s car.

    Ogbonna recently returned to Nigeria and started a gas station in Abia State.

    He was said to have employed the suspect to supervise the facility.

    The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, while parading the suspect, said the late Ogbonna hired him through the Abia State Vigilante Service.

    The police spokesman said the suspect, however, connived with another vigilante to take the life of the businessman after a disagreement.

    He said, “This young man you have interviewed is from Abia State and also works there. One Eyinnaya Ogbonna, a resident of US who came to Nigeria to build a gas station in Abia State, employed him and one other in his gas station.

    “The deceased got this man through a vigilance group. All of a sudden, he developed hatred for Ogbonna.

    “Precisely on Sunday, the owner of the gas station went there. One thing led to the other and the man was shot from behind. He fell on the spot and died.

    “The suspect, in continuing his criminal act, decided to take the man’s Venza car for sale and took it to Port Harcourt, whereupon he was intercepted by the police and arrested.

    “We have recovered a pump-action gun, the man’s clothes and other exhibits. Investigation is ongoing. The second suspect is in Abia State as we speak. We are going to bring him.”

    Chukwuma, in an interview with Punch, confessed to the crime.

    He said, “I am a member of the Abia State Vigilante Service. I am here because I killed my boss. I came to Port Harcourt to sell his vehicle and escape with the money. Unfortunately, the police caught me.

    “It happened last Sunday. He came to my duty post (gas facility). He told me not to bring friends to the gas facility; I said Okay. That Sunday, my colleague came to visit me and unfortunately he (deceased) came to inspect the place. So, he got angry with me and asked why I brought my friend.

    “I told him that he was my colleague. So, from there he started quarrelling with me and my colleague. My colleague exchanged words with him. My boss rushed to beat him, but I held him back and promised not to bring anyone there again.

    “So, he said since I didn’t want to listen, he would stop my work and maybe meet my commander (vigilante head) that if his money would go, no problem.

    “When he left, my colleague and I started mocking him and planned how to hurt him. He came back later that afternoon and I killed him with my firearm. I shot him from the back.”

     

  • Local vigilante shoots police officer dead in Osun

    Local vigilante shoots police officer dead in Osun

    The Police Command in Osun on Friday said that it had arrested a local vigilante for allegedly shooting dead one of its officers, PC Akinsanya Akingbade, attached to the Olu of Ileogbo in Iwo Local Government Area of the state.

     

    The Spokesperson for the command, SP Yemisi Opalola, said the shooting happened at about 12:45p.m., during a communal clash between people from both Iwo and Ileogbo .

     

    Opalola said that the vigilante, who also served as a palace guard to the Olu of Ileogbo, accidentally and negligently, shot the police officer in the chest with a locally-made pistol.

     

    She said that the officer later died while being taken to the hospital and that his corpse had been deposited at the Osun University Teaching Hospital for post mortem.

     

    “At about 12:45p.m., during a communal clash between Iwo and Ileogbo, a police constable, PC Akinsanya Akingbade , attached to the Olu of Ileogbo was accidentally cum negligently shot in the chest.

     

    “The shooter, one Waheed Adeleye of Baale Adeleye compound Ileogbo, shot Akingbade with a locally- made pistol.

     

    “The said Adeleye, who is a local vigilante, also serves as a palace guard to the Olu of Ileogbo.

     

    “The weapon (gun) used by the suspect had been recovered from him and he had been arrested and taken into custody for further interrogation,” she said

  • Umahi orders vigilantes to enforce open grazing ban in Ebonyi

    Umahi orders vigilantes to enforce open grazing ban in Ebonyi

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has ordered vigilantes and the Local Government Areas leadership to immediately enforce the ban on open grazing across the state.

    Umahi gave the order in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen at the end of the state security council meeting attended by heads of security agencies and council chairmen.

    The governor said that though there was no herder presently in the state, the ban on open grazing should be seriously enforced.

    “The natives should not blame security agencies who cannot be everywhere as we will fully fund vigilante operations in the state.

    “Individuals who make inciting statements on the social media should desist because such increases tension in the land,” he said.

    He urged citizens of the south east zone especially its leaders, to totally condemn the incessant attacks on police facilities among other security threats.

    “The attacks are not perpetrated by herders but by criminals and bandits in the zone.

    “How would we feel if the Federal Government withdraws policemen from the zone as a result of this development?

    “The people claiming to protect us are not doing so and we should avoid creating another monster in the zone,” he said.

    Umahi reiterated his call on policemen to protect themselves and their facilities as the situation was becoming worrisome.

    “I have directed them to demobilise anyone aiming to attack them and this is contained in the police rule of engagement,” he said.

    The governor ordered the arrest of some people whose inciting utterances escalated the conflict and killings especially in Effium and Mgbo communities of the state.

    “The stakeholders of the affected communities have pledged to ensure the conflicts cease and abide by all government’s decisions on the issues,” he said.