Crime Facts

Again, suspected herders kill 11 in Benue

  No fewer than 11 people were killed in the early hours of Sunday in a renewed attack by suspected herders at Igama communty in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. Sources around the area said that no building is standing in the community as the invaders burnt down all the houses. “The people who are Fulani herdsmen stormed Igama village at the wee hours of today (Sunday) and directed their attack on youths in the community. “They allowed the elderly, children and women to run away while they descended on younger ones, as am talking to you, eleven young men were killed,” a resident who did not want to be mentioned told our corresondent on the phone. The LG chairman, Mrs Amina Audu, confirmed the attack but said nine corpses had been recovered and brought to council headquarters, Okpoga as of the time she spoke to our correspondent on the phone around 4:22pm on Sunday. She said, “I had the report that the Fulani herders stormed Igama communty between 4:00 am and 6:00 am today (Sunday). “As am talking to you now, am in the police station at Okpoga, three corpses have been brought from the community and people from the area just told me that they are on their way coming with another six corpses to be taken to mortuary. Audu added, “The attackers were said to have left women, children and elderly to run away but attacked and killed youths in the community. So also, they burnt down all the houses in the community. When contacted, the state Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, a Superintendent of Police confirmed the attack but said the command had yet to get details. “The incident is confirmed but the command is yet to receive details from officers who went to the scene,” Anene said in a message.

15 youths abducted in Imo community

  There is tension in Ekwe community in Isu local government area of Imo State after masked gunmen suspected to be operatives of Ebubeagu Security Outfit invaded the community and abducted 15 male youths. The gunmen also invaded the palace of the traditional ruler, Eze Nicholas Ibekwe and ordered everyone to lie down while they fired gunshots. An indigene of Ekwe community, Princewill said the gunmen arrested 15 young men who were excavating sand at the Njaba River. He said; “This morning, some masked gunmen invaded our community, Ekwe through Amucha, and arrested some young men who were escavating sand at Njaba River. Then, they went into the community shooting sporadically leading to people running helter-skelter. Some ran into the surrounding bush to escape arrest. The gunmen were arresting only male young men. They ignored girls and women as well as elderly men. “They also stormed the palace of our traditional ruler, Eze Nicholas Ibekwe, and commanded everyone to lie down and fired about 20 gunshots into the air. They didn’t kill anybody but some people sustained gunshot injuries”, he said. The traditional ruler of the community, Eze Nicholas Ibekwe, confirmed the development via telephone. According to him, one of the gunmen who spoke Hausa language alleged that the community was training criminals. When contacted Imo police spokesperson, Mike Abattam’s line wasn’t reachable as at press time.

Why we arrested Imo radio personality – Police

  The Imo Police Command has clarified that Prof. Jachimike Adiele, a staff of Boss FM radio, was arrested by policemen and not abducted by gunmen as being claimed. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) CSP Mike Abattam debunked social media reports claiming Adiele was abducted by gunmen at the Boss FM radio station after presenting a programme. The news of his abduction caused serious panic in Imo. The police, however, described the news of the abduction as false and claimed he was arrested over a case of financial fraud reported against him. “The news is false, because he was never abducted rather, he was arrested by police operatives from Police Area Command Owerri, lmo State. “The fact was that sometime in the month of March, 2022, a lady reported a case of fraud against Prof. Jachimike Adiele at the Police Area Command Owerri, alleging that the suspect collected N1.2 million from her with a promise to give her a shop in Douglas market. The PPRO stated that after some months, the victim discovered that there was no shop and demanded for her money but could not get it hence, her report . He said on the strength of the complaint, Adiele was invited and after his statement, he was released on bail due to his status in the society and he promised refunding the money back to the victim but never did. ” When all efforts made to reach him proved abortive, the surety was invited and he claimed not to know the whereabouts of the suspect and pleaded for time to trace him. “Luck ran against him today when the surety got information that he was in the studio presenting a programme and alerted the police. “On arrival, the police were professional, they never went to the station rather, they waited until he concluded his programme presentation and was heading home when he was arrested to the station. ” He has since been released and on conclusion of investigation, he will be charged to court”, Abattam said. Adiele has also confirmed his release. In a statement, he wrote: “May I use this opportunity to thank my friends, relations and associates who called to check on me after the news that I was abducted by Policemen. I am now safely at home.”.

CRARN dedicates int’l freedom award to gov Udom 

~~ Describes Akwa Ibom as the most peaceful state in Africa — Describes Nigeria Police as most child friendly institution in the world A charity group in Nigeria, the Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) has dedicated the 2022 international Freedom Prize award to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. The dedication was announced by its President and CEO, Dr. Sam Itauma in Caen, Normandy, France during the commemoration ceremony of the Second World War invasion of Normandy that took place on May 31st 2022. Itauma averred that Mr. Emmanuel has not only brought peace and serenity to Akwa Ibom State but has made the state the most peaceful in Africa. He called on investors to take advantage of the unique and vibrant economic potentials that Akwa Ibom State offers. “…Today, I make bold to say that my State, Akwa Ibom is not only the most peaceful state in Nigeria but the most peaceful and loving state in Africa. And we as the people think that this individual deserves a pat on the back. Therefore, we dedicate this International Freedom Prize 2022 award hosted here in Caen, Normandy Region in the French Republic to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, in the person of Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel….” The Freedom Prize award which was presented to Dr. Itauma by the President of Normandy, France, His Excellency, Mr.  Hervé Morin who assured Itauma of the France support for his fight for freedom. He stated that his office would consider options that will facilitate greater ties and leverage to support vulnerable people in Nigeria. The presentation of the Freedom Prize came as a result of the landslide victory recorded by the  charity organization in an online contest organized among 370 countries where only three were selected to Contest for the prize. The Three countries which contested for the final laureate were Malawi,  represented by Mrs Theresa Kachindamoto, Lebanon represented by Muhammad Al Jounde and Nigeria where her charity organization, CRARN was adjudged as the winner of the 2022 world freedom prize. According to the president of Normandy of the French Republic, the activities and performance of the Nigerian charity organization is seen in the international fora, especially in the rescuing of  discriminated, stigmatized and abandoned children of Nigeria, which prompted a high school student of Rouen, the Normandy Region France, Ms. Lena Baro to  norminate CRARN for this year’s Freedom Prize. Sam Itauma who received the award on behalf of his organization and the good people of Nigeria, appreciated the organizers of the world Freedom Prize and the president of France for the  liberal contest which saw CRARN as the winner. Dr Itauma, a freedom fighter, a defender of the oppressed, and a crusader against witchcraft beliefs and superstition in Africa recounted various horrible ordeals he encountered in the course of fighting  for  freedom and appreciated the Nigeria Police Force for always standing by the organization where and whenever the need arose and at the same time appealed to the State Security Services (SSS) aka Department of State Security (DSS) to eschew intimidation and harassment of children-supporting organizations but return to the supportive role which the security outfit was previously known for as the cause of children rescue and support cannot be accomplished in an atmosphere of rancor, harassment and intimidation. “I’m glad to report that the Nigeria Police is the most child-friendly security outfit in the world.  We see them as amiable partners because of the tremendous amount of support we receive from them despite their chequered and battered image in some quarters. In contrast, the Department of State Security (DSS) which was  hitherto a friendly institution to our work has now morphed its position into an antagonistic and repressive gamut.  Reports from all the children-supporting organizations in Eket are laced with harassment, intimidation, and bottlenecks from the once revered security outfit in Africa. I appeal to the DSS to take us back to the days when we see them as a beacon of hope and friends of the oppressed. We look forward to working with them in an atmosphere devoid of rancor, suspicion, and intimidation.” Itauma laid bay succinctly how and why he founded CRARN thus: “I founded   the Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) consequent upon the massive abandonment of children after stigmatizing, torturing and abusing them in the name of witchcraft. It was actually an accidental phenomenon after I witnessed three children who were being dragged to the bush, beaten and tortured with sticks and almost killed by the adult who were about a dozen in number. I intercepted the Killings when I witnessed their torture and their torturer claimed they were bringing down the  progress of a nearby market, which was close to me. This happened while I was preparing to return to the university in the year 2003…” Dr. Itauma recounted. The CRARN President assured the International Institute for Human Right and Peace as well as the mammoth crowd that played host to him that continuous enlightenment campaign was a sine qua non for to ending of witchcraft superstition and abuse and his organization shall continue to carry out enlightenment campaigns in various quarters of Nigeria and other parts of Africa to eliminate the unfounded belief in witchcraft  and to accelerate the  peaceful fight for human freedom. Itauma thanked all those who came in from different countries of the world to grace the occasion while encouraging all to rekindle their fight for freedom.

Obasanjo To Youths: Don’t Leave Nigeria To Those Messing It Up

  A former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Saturday challenged Nigerian youths not to leave the country to “those who are messing it up.” He told them to hold their future in their hands, with a firm belief that “today is their day”, as against the famous cliché that “youths are the leaders of tomorrow.” Obasanjo spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at an event tagged: “OBJ @85 Free Keke Programme,” where 85 tricycles (keke) were distributed to beneficiaries as part of the activities marking the former president’s 85th birthday. The tricycles were donated through the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), with beneficiaries drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. In his remarks, Obasanjo said that despite many challenges confronting Nigeria, there are “opportunities” and asked the younger generation to take advantage of them. He also charged them to roll up their sleeves and make necessary contributions towards addressing the challenges of the country. He said, “If the youth leave things to those who are messing it up, and who are saying they are the leaders of tomorrow, they will never have that tomorrow.” The chairperson of the centre, Dr Bisi Kolapo, implored the youth to emulate Obasanjo’s passion and commitment in an effort to build the “Nigeria of our dreams.” Kolapo also warned them against corruption and greed, saying it would be difficult to fight the menace if they became culprits.

APC ticket: Umahi accuses south-east delegates of trading votes

  Dave Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, says delegates from the south-east “traded their votes” in the just-concluded presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Bola Tinubu, former Lagos governor, was declared winner of the primary on Wednesday after he secured 1,271 votes. Tinubu had contested against 13 other presidential hopefuls — including Umahi, who polled 38 votes. Speaking on Saturday at his hometown, Uburu, during the maiden matriculation ceremony of the King David University of Medical Sciences, Umahi said his focus, henceforth, would be on Ebonyi and not on the Igbo in general.   “I had a series of meetings with the party’s chairmen in the five states of the zone in the company of its national vice-chairman. I implored the delegates that the issue was not about me, but the mood of the Igbo in the nation. I implored that they should vote for any south-east aspirant, so that when the votes are counted, we would not be missing,” NAN quoted him as saying. “We would have made a strong statement in the process that the Igbo are eminently qualified with due capacity to lead the country. “They will come later to preach about Igbo unity and its agenda but henceforth, the only agenda I know is the Ebonyi agenda. This shows that even if we have equal number of local government areas and delegates such as other zones, we would still trade our votes.   “We are currently regarded as people who can sell anything but they should remember that anyone who betrays his brother will lose the trust of those who gained from the betrayal. “There was no sort of lobbying I did not receive, but I maintained that it was about bringing the marginalisation of the Igbo to the fore. “You (Ebonyi delegates) have made yourselves reference points of steadfastness in the country and when people are seeking trustworthy people, they will come for you. “I have lost total confidence in the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo socio-cultural organisation, and will openly confront anyone who challenges the Ebonyi agenda.”

2023: SERAP asks Atiku, Tinubu, Obi, others to publish their assets, reject vote-buying

  Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an open letter to presidential candidates ahead of the February 2023 presidential election, urging them to “urgently publish details of your assets and liabilities, and to publicly commit to rejecting vote buying and electoral bribery before and during the elections.” SERAP said: “While there is no constitutional requirement for presidential candidates to publish their assets and liabilities before elections, doing so would show that you can stand up for transparency in assets declaration by public officers if elected.” In the open letter dated 11 June 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The public office is a public trust. As such, the voters deserve to hear from presidential candidates regarding what they will do about issues of public interest, particularly with respect to integrity, selflessness, openness, accountability, human rights, and the rule of law if elected.” SERAP said, “As you and your parties prepare for presidential election campaigns, we hope that you will seize the opportunity to show your commitment to addressing these fundamental issues of public interest by immediately publishing details of your assets and rejecting vote buying, intimidation and harassment.” The letter, read in part, “Publicly committing to these issues will also show the voters that if elected you would act solely to protect the public interest; and avoid placing yourself under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence you in the discharge of your constitutional duties.” “It would also show that you would be accountable to the public for your actions and submit yourself to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.” “Your public commitment to these issues will also demonstrate to the voters that if elected you would act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner, and that you would not withhold information from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.” “Now is the time to show the voters that it will be no business as usual, and to make a public commitment on issues that if addressed would strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption and human rights records, and improve access of Nigerians to public goods and services.” “SERAP also urges you to publicly commit to probing the spending of security votes since the return of democracy in 1999, and widely publishing details of spending of security votes; finding the missing N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply for Nigerians; as well as obeying court orders and the rule of law if elected.” “Widely publishing your assets before the elections would also show your principled stand on transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s resources.” “Making asset declarations open would ensure that leaders do not abuse their powers for personal gain and allow civil society to hold leaders to account. If leaders are seen to live beyond their means, an asset declaration can be a starting point for investigations.” “The practice of vote buying and electoral bribery by politicians have characterised elections in the country for many years, preventing political equality and fair electoral competition. Yet, no body politic worthy of being called a democracy entrusts the selection of leaders to a process of auction or barter.” “Vote buying amounts to undue influence and improper electoral influence. When politicians buy votes, they reinforce social subjugation and do long-term damage to poor voters.” “Public officials rarely publish their asset declarations submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau, contrary to the principles of transparency and accountability, and other international standards.” “Impunity for corruption and grave human rights violations is widely prevalent in Nigeria, as perpetrators are rarely brought to justice. Successive governments, including the government of President Muhammadu Buhari have persistently failed to obey court orders and the rule of law, thereby eroding the citizens’ trust in the judiciary, and violating Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.” “N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply has been allegedly squandered by governments since 1999. Many unimplemented reports of corruption in the electricity sector continue to gather dust on the shelves while suspected perpetrators continue to profit from their crimes. Socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians continue to pay the price for corruption in the electricity sector.” “Successive governments and state governors have persistently failed to explain to Nigerians how they spend security votes meant to ensure the security and welfare of Nigerians. In fact, the misuse and embezzlement of public funds in the name of security votes is widely recognized as a major cause of the ongoing security challenges in several parts of the country.” “Please let us know if you and your political party are willing to commit to some or all of the issues outlined in this letter.” Presidential candidates for Nigeria’s general elections in 2023 include: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP); Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of All Progressive Congress (APC); Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP); Mr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); and Professor Peter Umeadi of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Others include: Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim of Young Progressive Party (YPP); Omoyele Sowore of Africa Action Congress (AAC); Prince Adewole Adebayo of Social Democratic Party (SDP); Mr Kola Abiola of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Professor Christopher Imumulen of Accord Party (AP); Dumebi Kachikwu of African Democratic Congress (ADC); and Yusuf Mamman Dan Talle of Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Democracy Day: New President Will Emerge Through Transparent Process – Buhari

  President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his determination to ensure that the new president is elected through a peaceful and transparent process. The president, in a national broadcast, to commemorate Democracy Day today, June 12, 2021, promised Nigerians a free, fair and transparent electoral process. uhari said all stakeholders must work together to ensure this transition was done in a peaceful manner in honour and memory of one of the national heroes for democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola, GCFR, as June 12th, 2023 will be exactly 30 years from the annulled 1993 presidential elections. “I am hopeful that we can achieve this. The signs so far are positive,” he said. The president, who said June 12, marked another Democracy Day anniversary and an occasion to celebrate the freedom and unity of Nigeria, pleaded with all citizens to come together and work with the government to build a peaceful and prosperous nation. Buhari, who expressed satisfaction over the outcome of political parties’ primaries, underscored the need to sustain the “mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting” “as we move into the general election campaign season”. “We must never see it as a “do or die” affair. We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers. “I will therefore take this opportunity on this very special day to ask all candidates to continue running issue-focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity. As leaders, you must all showcase the high character and never forget that the world is watching us and Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide an example in governance. The tone you set at the top will surely be replicated in your followers. “For the voters, I am pleased to inform you that in the last seven years, our government across all tiers have made significant investments to reform and enhance our electoral laws, systems, and processes to safeguard your votes. “The executive, legislature and Judiciary were and still remain united and committed to ensuring these reforms are fully implemented in the 2023 general elections. Fellow Nigerians, your right to choose your government will be preserved and protected,” he said. On the concern being expressed with the rise in insecurity due to terrorist activities in parts of the country, the president said the federal government was working hard to contain and address the challenges of insecurity and ensure that the 2023 general elections were safe and secure for all Nigerians. Buhari said the victory against the agents of terror and destruction would be certain if all Nigerians were united. “On this special day, I want us all to put all victims of terrorist activities in our thoughts and prayers. I am living daily with the grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping. I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely. “For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators. For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice. If we all unite, we will be victorious against these agents of terror and destruction. “We have reformed some of our security structures. Some of the defence assets we procured three years ago have arrived and have been deployed.”

We Must Ensure A Peaceful Transition Of Power To Honour MKO Abiola – Buhari

  It is important to ensure a peaceful transition of power in 2023 in honour of the late M.K.O. Abiola, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Sunday. The President gave the charge to Nigerians in his nationwide broadcast to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day. Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, he appealed to the electorate to ensure that Abiola’s sacrifices and that of other heroes of democracy were not allowed to go in vain. “It is important for all of us to remember that June 12, 2023 will be exactly 30 years from the 1993 presidential elections,” President Buhari stated. “In honour and memory of one of our national heroes of democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola, GCFR, we must all work together to ensure this transition is done in a peaceful manner. I am hopeful that we can achieve this.”   According to the President, the signs so far are positive, especially with the primaries recently conducted by all registered political parties to select their candidates for the 2023 general elections. He stated that the primaries were peaceful and orderly, saying those who won were magnanimous in their victories. President Buhari added that while those who lost were gracious in defeat, the aggrieved ones opted to seek judicial justice as opposed to jungle justice. Another positive that came from the party primaries, he said, was the significant increase in the rate of participation by women and youth across all parties. The President who said he was very pleased to see the development believes it augurs well for the future and shows the level of maturity the nation’s democracy has achieved in the last 23 years. “I followed the party primaries closely from the state level to the presidential level; I was very impressed to see across all the political parties that most candidates ran issue-based campaigns. The language and tone throughout were on the whole measured and controlled,” the President remarked. “By June 12, 2023, exactly one year from today, you will already have a new President. I remain committed and determined to ensure that the new President is elected through a peaceful and transparent process.”   Read the full text of the President’s broadcast below: ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF COMMEMORATION AND CELEBRATION OF DEMOCRACY DAY 12TH JUNE, 2022 Fellow Nigerians, Today, June The 12th, marks another Democracy Day anniversary and an occasion to celebrate the freedom and unity of our Nation. 2. From 1999, we consistently celebrated Democracy Day to mark the end of military rule and the return of power and control into the hands of those freely elected by the people. On this day, Nigerians recommit themselves to ensuring we protect and preserve the ideals of democracy. 3. In 2018, we moved Democracy Day from 29th of May to the 12th of June. This change was to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner along with Nigerians were denied their rights and their choice. 4. On June 12th, 1993, Nigerians saw the best in our citizens as we all went out to vote peacefully. By June 24th, 1993, we also saw the worst of our leadership as the elections were annulled. 5. We must never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993. Their patriotism and peaceful struggle should guide our actions especially when it comes to electing our leaders and holding them accountable, now and in future. 6. Fellow Nigerians this is my last Democracy Day speech as your President. By June 12th, 2023, exactly one year from today, you will already have a new President. I remain committed and determined to ensure that the new President is elected through a peaceful and transparent process. 7. It is important for all of us to remember that June 12th, 2023 will be exactly 30 years from the 1993 Presidential elections. In honour and memory of one of our national heroes for democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola, GCFR, we must all work together to ensure this transition is done in a peaceful manner. 8. I am hopeful that we can achieve this. The signs so far are positive. Recently, all registered political parties conducted primaries to select their candidates for the 2023 general elections. 9. These primaries were peaceful and orderly. Those who won were magnanimous in their victories. Those who lost were gracious in defeat. And those aggrieved opted to seek judicial justice as opposed to jungle justice. 10. I followed the party primaries closely from the state level to the Presidential level. I was very impressed to see across all the political parties that, most candidates ran issue-based campaigns. The language and tone throughout were on the whole measured and controlled. 11. Another positive that came from the 2022 party primaries was the significant increase in women and youth particularly across all parties. I was very pleased to see this development. This augurs well for the future. These trends clearly show the level of maturity our democracy has achieved in the last 23 years. 12. As we move into the general election campaign season, we must sustain this mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting. We must never see it as a “do or die” affair. We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers. 13. I will therefore take this opportunity on this very special day to ask all candidates to continue running issue-focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity. As leaders, you must all showcase high character and never forget that the world is watching us and Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide example in governance. The tone you set at the top will surely be replicated in your followers. 14. For the voters, I am pleased to inform you that in the last 7 years, our government across all tiers, has made significant investments to

Katsina man rapes master’s wife, two other married women

  The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly raping his master’s wife and two other married women in Jimkashi, Musawa Local Government Area of the state. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state SP Gambo Isah, while parading the suspect, Jume Bello, said, “Aside from having unlawful carnal knowledge of the married women, he also robbed them of their money.”   Bello, who confessed to committing the crime, blamed the devil for the act. “Yes, it is true that I had carnal knowledge of all the three married women forcefully. It is the work of the devil”, the suspect stated. “First, it was my master’s wife who sent me to call a water vendor for her. It was when I returned in the evening to tell her that I could not find any, that I forced myself on her after noticing that she was alone. “The second married woman too, I entered her compound while she was all alone and knocked on the door. When she opened the door, I pointed a knife at her, and asked her to follow me to the backyard where I raped her”. He, however, denied raping the third woman as alleged. The PPRO in his statement said: “On the 31/05/2022 at about 0900hrs, three (3) women, all from Jikamshi village, Musawa LGA, reported at Musawa Police Division that at different time intervals, one Jume Bello, male, aged 20 years of the same address, criminally trespassed into their houses, attacked them with a knife and robbed them of their money, handset and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of the victims. In the course of investigations, the suspect was arrested and confessed to the commission of the offence.”