- Suspected rapists who specialise in targeting young women on social media apprehended
The Katsina State Police Command has within the month of April arrested about 36 persons in connection with rape and sodomy as well as 22 suspected armed robbers in the state.
The Command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed this while briefing newsmen on the command’s achievements within the month under review.
Sadiq-Aliyu said that 10 murder suspects were also arrested during the period.
He disclosed that 81 cases of major crimes, such as armed robbery, kidnapping, culpable homicides, cattle rustling among others were reported.
“Within the period, 69 cases were charged to court, as a total number of 145 suspects were arrested in connection with these suspected cases.
“A total number of 58 suspects were arrested for various offences such as criminal force, intimidation, inciting disturbance, theft, and belonging to gang of brigands, among others.
“Also, the command has succeeded in neutralising 12 suspected bandits, rescued over 30 kidnapped victims, and recovered 492 rustled animals,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.
He further revealed that on May 5, the command successfully foiled a bandit attack on two commercial motor-vehicles at Unguwar Boka village, along Funtua-Gusau road, and rescued 52 passengers.
According to him, a luxurious bus conveying passengers from Onitsha en route Gusau, Zamfara State, and a Volkswagen Golf-3 en route Zaria from Gusau, were attacked by suspected bandits, forcing the driver to veer off the road into the nearby bushes.
“Upon receipt of the report, promptly, the DPO mobilised operatives and responded to the scene, where they engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel, successfully thwarted the kidnapping attempt, and rescued all the passengers unhurt.
“Efforts have been intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects. The investigation is still ongoing,” the police spokesman said.
Likewise, the Police Command in Rivers has announced the arrest of a gang allegedly specialised in kidnapping and raping young women in the state.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the gang kidnapped and molested one Ogechi, 28, in Elele, Ikwerre LGA on July 1, 2023.
She said that the police had been pursuing the gang, resulting to the apprehension of a 32-year-old resident of Igoni Street, Abuloma, linked to the crime.
“Investigations revealed that Louise Brutolu engaged his victims through phone chats, inviting them to meet him at Pacific Suite Hotel in Abuloma, Rivers.
“After booking a room, the suspect drugs his victims, rendering them unconscious before disposing them of their valuables.
“In Ogechi’s case, the suspect took her iPhone, N28,000 and ATM card,” she explained.
Iringe-Koko stated that the police anti-kidnapping unit had swung into action to capture Brutolu after the incident was reported.
“Operatives recovered the substances used by the suspect to incapacitate his victims before disposing them of their valuables.
“During interrogation, Brutolu identified the gang leader, who was subsequently arrested after several months of persistent investigation.
“Various items belonging to different victims, such as 21 mobile phones, three female handbags, and receipt booklets, were found in possession of the gang leader,” she added.
Iringe-Koko, who declined to disclose the gang leader’s identity, mentioned that the suspects had previously faced charges for similar offences in 2021.
Similarly, the police spokesperson announced the arrest of one Jemifor Timi, 28, for his alleged involvement in several rape cases of young women in the state.
“Timi specialises in enticing women and Bolt and Uber drivers through social media platforms like Instagram, Tinder, and Badoo.
“After selecting victims who flaunt expensive phones on social media, the suspect invites them to his hotel rooms and offers them drinks.
“Following the consumption of drinks spiked with tramadol, Timi proceeds to rape and rob them of their belongings,” Iringe-Koko disclosed.
The police image maker emphasized that the suspect had been engaged in these crimes for three years and had been previously arrested and charged twice.
Iringe-Koko urged residents, particularly young women, to be cautious of kidnappers and rapists who exploit popular messaging platforms to lure victims.
“Personal safety should be a priority, with individuals insisting on meeting strangers in public places and informing family and friends about their whereabouts,” she advised.
NAN
