The Police Service Commission has lifted the suspension it placed on the recruitment of 40,000 personnel into the constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.
Chief Information Officer of the Commission,Ferdinand Ekpe said the exercise would now commence on August 2 and end on September 9.
Ekpe said to ensure transparency the commission had set up a three-man Police Recruitment Board to conduct the exercise and the Board headed by Otive Igbuzor also has a representative each from the Nigeria Police and the Federal Character Commission.
He said the chairman of the Commission,Parry Osayande, enjoined the Board to conduct the recruitment in a transparent manner and set a standard for the conduct of national affairs.
According to him,one of the terms of reference of the Board was to institute and implement a mechanism aimed at preventing the abuse of the recruitment process.
Ekpe listed the educational qualifications required for Category A, for the recruitment exercise as A/Level, National Certificate of Education and National Diploma or their equivalents.
He said that for Category B, the requirement was five credits in the West African School Certificate, including English Language and a pass in Mathematics.
The Information Officer said those in Categories A and B would undergo 15 months and 18 months training and stressed that forms for the recruitment exercise were not for sale.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
NASS endorses sack of NDLEA officers.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has foreclosed the re-absorption of its 71 disengaged officers, saying the National Assembly had endorsed their sack.
The officers were compulsorily retired in 2006 in what the agency called administrative restructuring.
It's Head of Public Affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju said the endorsement had been conveyed to the agency via a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa.
Ofoyeju said the agency had also been directed to immediately settle the gratuities and pensions of the affected staff.
The House of Representatives has considered the report of the Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes in respect of the petitions written by the 71 disengaged staff.
They resolved that having paid the three months salary in lieu of notice, the agency should immediately proceed to pay the gratuities and pensions of the affected staff as due process has been established to have been followed.
Ofoyeju said the Agency Chairman, Ahmadu Giade had already indicated readiness to commence payment as soon as possible.
The officers were compulsorily retired in 2006 in what the agency called administrative restructuring.
It's Head of Public Affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju said the endorsement had been conveyed to the agency via a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa.
Ofoyeju said the agency had also been directed to immediately settle the gratuities and pensions of the affected staff.
The House of Representatives has considered the report of the Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes in respect of the petitions written by the 71 disengaged staff.
They resolved that having paid the three months salary in lieu of notice, the agency should immediately proceed to pay the gratuities and pensions of the affected staff as due process has been established to have been followed.
Ofoyeju said the Agency Chairman, Ahmadu Giade had already indicated readiness to commence payment as soon as possible.
Jonathan appoints new Comtroller-General of Immigration.
President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Rose Uzoma as the new Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Services.
The approval is contained in a statement issued from the Ministry of Interior, signed by Timothy Oyedeji, an Assistant Director Press in the ministry.
Uzoma’s appointment is with effect from July 30 and she would be taking over from C.J. Udeh, who has retired from the service on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
Uzoma hails from Umuahia, Abia,She was Deputy Comptroller-General Operations before the appointment.
Uzoma will be decorated on August two.
By the appointment, Uzoma becomes the second woman Comptroller- General and the 12th in the leadership of the Services.
The approval is contained in a statement issued from the Ministry of Interior, signed by Timothy Oyedeji, an Assistant Director Press in the ministry.
Uzoma’s appointment is with effect from July 30 and she would be taking over from C.J. Udeh, who has retired from the service on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
Uzoma hails from Umuahia, Abia,She was Deputy Comptroller-General Operations before the appointment.
Uzoma will be decorated on August two.
By the appointment, Uzoma becomes the second woman Comptroller- General and the 12th in the leadership of the Services.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Environmental Sanitation: LASG frowns at indifferent attitude exhibited by motor park operators.
The Lagos State Government has accused motor park operators of flouting sanitation laws, saying it had mobilised security operatives to arrest and prosecute offenders.
Commissioner for the Environment,Muiz Banire, said the operators always went about their businesses during the state’s monthly sanitation.
The state holds environmental sanitation from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month.
Banire warned commuters to desist from leaving their homes early in the morning or sleeping in parks to evade participation in the sanitation.
He said government had formally notified the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria and independent motor park operators on the government’s decision.
He said this is in spite of enlightenment campaigns at motor parks on why the operators should take part in the cleaning exercise, they have refused to change.
Commissioner for the Environment,Muiz Banire, said the operators always went about their businesses during the state’s monthly sanitation.
The state holds environmental sanitation from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month.
Banire warned commuters to desist from leaving their homes early in the morning or sleeping in parks to evade participation in the sanitation.
He said government had formally notified the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria and independent motor park operators on the government’s decision.
He said this is in spite of enlightenment campaigns at motor parks on why the operators should take part in the cleaning exercise, they have refused to change.
Son charged with murdering father.
A police constable, Ayodeji Oduyingbo,has appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly murdering his father over a quarrel the deceased had with his accused mother.
Oduyingbo was charged with conspiracy and murder before Chief Magistrate Philip Ojo.
The prosecutor,SP Innocent Effiong, submitted that the accused’s father,Adebayo Oduyingbo, was found dead in a pool of his own blood with his hands, legs and neck tied.
Effiong said the corpse was discovered by neighbours who broke into his room after they perceived a foul odour oozing out from the room.
He submitted that the neighbours had been worried that they did not see Adebayo for two days.
Effiong said the accused was the last person who visited the deceased, and that he killed his father because he threw his mother out of their matrimonial home following a quarrel.
He said that the alleged crime occurred on April 21 at No. 3, Ipebi St., Ikorodu.
The prosecutor said the alleged crime contravened Sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with death.
The court did not take Ayodeji’s plea as the chief magistrate said that he needed the advice of the state Director of Public Prosecution.
Ojo, however, remanded the accused in the Ikoyi Prisons pending the DPP’s advice.
He adjourned the case till Sept. 24.
In a related development, a physically challenged bus conductor, Sikiru Rufai, was charged before the same court for allegedly killing a policeman during a fracas at the Ajegunle Area of Lagos.
Rufai who limps, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder before Chief Magistrate Ojo.
The prosecutor,SP Innocent Effiong, said the accused and some others still at large, attacked and killed a policeman Gbenga Oladipupo at his residence in Ajegunle.
Effiong said the alleged incident occurred on April 10 during a crisis between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers at Bara Junction on the Ayetoro Road, Ajegunle.
He said the accused and the others attacked the policeman with dangerous weapons.
The prosecutor said the alleged crime contravened Sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with death.
The accused plea was also not taken by the court as Ojo said that he needed the DPP’s advice on the matter.
He remanded the accused in the Ikoyi Prisons, and adjourned the case till Sept. 24.
Oduyingbo was charged with conspiracy and murder before Chief Magistrate Philip Ojo.
The prosecutor,SP Innocent Effiong, submitted that the accused’s father,Adebayo Oduyingbo, was found dead in a pool of his own blood with his hands, legs and neck tied.
Effiong said the corpse was discovered by neighbours who broke into his room after they perceived a foul odour oozing out from the room.
He submitted that the neighbours had been worried that they did not see Adebayo for two days.
Effiong said the accused was the last person who visited the deceased, and that he killed his father because he threw his mother out of their matrimonial home following a quarrel.
He said that the alleged crime occurred on April 21 at No. 3, Ipebi St., Ikorodu.
The prosecutor said the alleged crime contravened Sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with death.
The court did not take Ayodeji’s plea as the chief magistrate said that he needed the advice of the state Director of Public Prosecution.
Ojo, however, remanded the accused in the Ikoyi Prisons pending the DPP’s advice.
He adjourned the case till Sept. 24.
In a related development, a physically challenged bus conductor, Sikiru Rufai, was charged before the same court for allegedly killing a policeman during a fracas at the Ajegunle Area of Lagos.
Rufai who limps, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder before Chief Magistrate Ojo.
The prosecutor,SP Innocent Effiong, said the accused and some others still at large, attacked and killed a policeman Gbenga Oladipupo at his residence in Ajegunle.
Effiong said the alleged incident occurred on April 10 during a crisis between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers at Bara Junction on the Ayetoro Road, Ajegunle.
He said the accused and the others attacked the policeman with dangerous weapons.
The prosecutor said the alleged crime contravened Sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with death.
The accused plea was also not taken by the court as Ojo said that he needed the DPP’s advice on the matter.
He remanded the accused in the Ikoyi Prisons, and adjourned the case till Sept. 24.
Contempt: Court suspends one month sentence slammed on Enwerem's sons.
The Federal High Court, Lagos, has suspended its order sentencing the two sons of the late former Senate President,Evans Enwerem, to one month imprisonment for contempt of court.
Justice Cecelia Olatoregun-Ishola suspended the sentence following a plea for mercy by the defendants` counsel,Kennedy Osunwa.
The sons, Richard and Miguel Enwerem were sued by their stepmother, Vivian Enwerem, in 2009 for removing her name from those managing her late husband’s property.
She alleged the children had failed to remit to her the proceeds from the property situated at 95/96, Ladipo St., Mushin, Lagos,comprising 240 lockup shops and four warehouses.
The judge had ordered the duo to file the statement of account of the property at the court and deposit the proceeds in an account at Guarantee Trust Bank in the name of the court registrar.
At the resumed hearing of the case,Justice Olatoregun- Ishola observed that her order had not been obeyed and sentenced the accused to one month imprisonment.
But their counsel, Osunwa promised that the accused would obey the order of the court before the next adjournment date.
Counsel to Mrs Enwerem, Victor Gwam, also confirmed the out-of-court settlement, saying ``it is a family rift’’.
In her ruling, Olatoregun-Ishola threatened that if her order was not obeyed before Aug. 5, the respondents would be sentenced to more than one month imprisonment.
Justice Cecelia Olatoregun-Ishola suspended the sentence following a plea for mercy by the defendants` counsel,Kennedy Osunwa.
The sons, Richard and Miguel Enwerem were sued by their stepmother, Vivian Enwerem, in 2009 for removing her name from those managing her late husband’s property.
She alleged the children had failed to remit to her the proceeds from the property situated at 95/96, Ladipo St., Mushin, Lagos,comprising 240 lockup shops and four warehouses.
The judge had ordered the duo to file the statement of account of the property at the court and deposit the proceeds in an account at Guarantee Trust Bank in the name of the court registrar.
At the resumed hearing of the case,Justice Olatoregun- Ishola observed that her order had not been obeyed and sentenced the accused to one month imprisonment.
But their counsel, Osunwa promised that the accused would obey the order of the court before the next adjournment date.
Counsel to Mrs Enwerem, Victor Gwam, also confirmed the out-of-court settlement, saying ``it is a family rift’’.
In her ruling, Olatoregun-Ishola threatened that if her order was not obeyed before Aug. 5, the respondents would be sentenced to more than one month imprisonment.
Chinese suspects to face trial in Nigeria.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says suspects arrested for the unlawful importation of 450.4kg of cocaine will be prosecuted in the country.
Chairman of the agency,Ahmadu Giade,announced the seizure of 450.4kg of cocaine at the Tin-Can Port, Lagos and the arrest of suspected barons, including a Chinese national, for the importation of the drug.
Giade said the suspects smuggled the cocaine from South American countries to West Africa.
He said those likely to be arraigned soon included two Chinese businessmen.
Giade said the decision to arraign the suspects in the country might have kept the Chinese in high spirit, since the law in China stipulated capital punishment for drug trafficking.
He said the agency is not considering extradition for now, and the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.
Chairman of the agency,Ahmadu Giade,announced the seizure of 450.4kg of cocaine at the Tin-Can Port, Lagos and the arrest of suspected barons, including a Chinese national, for the importation of the drug.
Giade said the suspects smuggled the cocaine from South American countries to West Africa.
He said those likely to be arraigned soon included two Chinese businessmen.
Giade said the decision to arraign the suspects in the country might have kept the Chinese in high spirit, since the law in China stipulated capital punishment for drug trafficking.
He said the agency is not considering extradition for now, and the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.
Businessman in trouble over N100m ransom demand.
The Police in Lagos have arraigned a 39-year-old businessman, Melvin Adeshiyan, for allegedly demanding a N100 million ransom from a Lagos State Government official.
Adeshiyan, according to the prosecution, demanded the ransom from the Managing Director, Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency,Makanjuola Alabi.
The accused is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, threat and intent to cause injuries at an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court.
Sgt. Stephen Molo told the court that the accused, with others still at large, demanded that the money be paid to Majekobaje Eko Integrity Group, a socio-cultural organisation.
He said the offence was committed sometime in 2008 at the premises of Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
He said the offence contravened Sections 366, 407 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 in addition to two sureties in like sum.
Magistrate,W.B. Balogun, adjourned the case till Aug. 20 for further hearing.
Adeshiyan, according to the prosecution, demanded the ransom from the Managing Director, Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency,Makanjuola Alabi.
The accused is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, threat and intent to cause injuries at an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court.
Sgt. Stephen Molo told the court that the accused, with others still at large, demanded that the money be paid to Majekobaje Eko Integrity Group, a socio-cultural organisation.
He said the offence was committed sometime in 2008 at the premises of Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
He said the offence contravened Sections 366, 407 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 in addition to two sureties in like sum.
Magistrate,W.B. Balogun, adjourned the case till Aug. 20 for further hearing.
EFCC quizzes Adamawa officials.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited some top officials of the Adamawa State Ministry for Local Government Affairs to Abuja over an alleged N22.8 billion fraud.
10 out of the 21 Local Government Council Chairmen in the state are already being investigated.
Two officials of the Ministry for Local Government, Abubakar Madaki, the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary,Gladys Delo, were brought to Abuja for questioning.
Confirming her interrogation, Delo said she was invited by the the EFCC to produce some confidential documents, relating to transactions in state and local government statutory allocations to agencies.
EFCC operatives had stormed the venue of the state and local government joint accounts meeting and interrogated the Permanent Secretary.
10 out of the 21 Local Government Council Chairmen in the state are already being investigated.
Two officials of the Ministry for Local Government, Abubakar Madaki, the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary,Gladys Delo, were brought to Abuja for questioning.
Confirming her interrogation, Delo said she was invited by the the EFCC to produce some confidential documents, relating to transactions in state and local government statutory allocations to agencies.
EFCC operatives had stormed the venue of the state and local government joint accounts meeting and interrogated the Permanent Secretary.
Police arraign employee for allegedly defrauding firm of N6.4m.
Thirty-three-year-old Tochukwu Onyia, a sales clerk with Lagos-based Renaissance Communication Ltd, has arraigned for allegedly defrauding the company of N6.4 million.
Onyia, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing recharge cards before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor,Sgt. Stephen Molo, told the court that the accused, along with others still at large, committed the offence sometime in June 2007 at the Victoria Island office of the company.
He alleged that the accused and his accomplices stole N6.4 million being the proceeds from the sale of recharge cards belonging to the firm, also known as Zoom Mobile.
The offence, he said, contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Magistrate,Mulikat Ali-Balogun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Aug. 20 for further hearing.
Onyia, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing recharge cards before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor,Sgt. Stephen Molo, told the court that the accused, along with others still at large, committed the offence sometime in June 2007 at the Victoria Island office of the company.
He alleged that the accused and his accomplices stole N6.4 million being the proceeds from the sale of recharge cards belonging to the firm, also known as Zoom Mobile.
The offence, he said, contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Magistrate,Mulikat Ali-Balogun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Aug. 20 for further hearing.
Wife docked for allegedly killing husband.
A 26-year-old trader, Ifunanya Marcus, who allegedly stabbed her husband to death, appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos charged with murder.
Prosecutor,SP Innocent Effiong, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 25 at the Total Filling Station on the Badagry-Seme Expressway, Lagos.
Effiong said the alleged murder occurred as a result of a quarrel between the accused and the deceased, Princewill Chukwu, over allegation of the latter dating his salesgirl.
The prosecutor said the accused claimed that her husband drove her out of their matrimonial home and brought in the salesgirl.
He said the accused explained that her husband had a blood covenant with her never to marry another woman before bringing her to Lagos from Delta in 2003.
Effiong said the deceased died two days later in hospital as a result of the injuries sustained.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State 2003.
The accused plea was not taken, while the Chief Magistrate, Philip Ojo, ordered that she be remanded in prison custody.
Ojo said The court will send the case file to the State Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General of Lagos State for advice.
The case was adjourned till Sept. 24 for further hearing.
Prosecutor,SP Innocent Effiong, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 25 at the Total Filling Station on the Badagry-Seme Expressway, Lagos.
Effiong said the alleged murder occurred as a result of a quarrel between the accused and the deceased, Princewill Chukwu, over allegation of the latter dating his salesgirl.
The prosecutor said the accused claimed that her husband drove her out of their matrimonial home and brought in the salesgirl.
He said the accused explained that her husband had a blood covenant with her never to marry another woman before bringing her to Lagos from Delta in 2003.
Effiong said the deceased died two days later in hospital as a result of the injuries sustained.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State 2003.
The accused plea was not taken, while the Chief Magistrate, Philip Ojo, ordered that she be remanded in prison custody.
Ojo said The court will send the case file to the State Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General of Lagos State for advice.
The case was adjourned till Sept. 24 for further hearing.
Police worried at rampant use of uncompleted buildings by criminals.
The Lagos State Police Command has expressed worry that criminals were turning uncompleted buildings into their hideouts.
The command has been recovering arms and ammunition from such buildings.
Spokesman for the command,Frank Mba,said the police in the state recovered some arms in an uncompleted building at No. 144, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.
Mba said the recovered arms included 15 dane guns, a revolver pistol, five swords, a cutlass, a digger and a box containing two pistols.
According to him,the state Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba would carry out an investigation into the matter.
He advised residents of the state to monitor uncompleted buildings around them to ensure that they were not being used by criminals.
The Spokesman urged owners of such buildings to weed the premises regularly to discourage criminals from hiding there.
The command has been recovering arms and ammunition from such buildings.
Spokesman for the command,Frank Mba,said the police in the state recovered some arms in an uncompleted building at No. 144, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.
Mba said the recovered arms included 15 dane guns, a revolver pistol, five swords, a cutlass, a digger and a box containing two pistols.
According to him,the state Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba would carry out an investigation into the matter.
He advised residents of the state to monitor uncompleted buildings around them to ensure that they were not being used by criminals.
The Spokesman urged owners of such buildings to weed the premises regularly to discourage criminals from hiding there.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Court rejects Lafiaji's post-conviction bail application.
A Lagos High Court has refused the bail application filed by the convicted former Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Bello Lafiaji.
Lafiaji, currently serving a jail term, had wanted the court to admit him to bail pending the determination of his appeal.
Justice Olusola Williams had on July 21 sentenced Lafiaji and his Special Assistant, Usman Amali to four years and two years imprisonment for corruption.
They were jailed for receiving 164,300 Euros from a suspected drug baron, Ikenna Onochie, to facilitate his release from NDLEA’s custody.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, Lafiaji and Amali had through their counsel,Taiwo Osipetan, filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Lagos and a bail application at a Lagos High Court.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Williams held that it did not disclose any special circumstance to warrant granting it.
she said the issue that he Lafiaji should be granted bail because he had served the country meritoriously or that his appeal may be delayed because of the congestion at the Appeal Court does not constitute a special circumstance.
She said In the final analysis, I find it difficult to grant the application and it is hereby dismissed.
Lafiaji, currently serving a jail term, had wanted the court to admit him to bail pending the determination of his appeal.
Justice Olusola Williams had on July 21 sentenced Lafiaji and his Special Assistant, Usman Amali to four years and two years imprisonment for corruption.
They were jailed for receiving 164,300 Euros from a suspected drug baron, Ikenna Onochie, to facilitate his release from NDLEA’s custody.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, Lafiaji and Amali had through their counsel,Taiwo Osipetan, filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Lagos and a bail application at a Lagos High Court.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Williams held that it did not disclose any special circumstance to warrant granting it.
she said the issue that he Lafiaji should be granted bail because he had served the country meritoriously or that his appeal may be delayed because of the congestion at the Appeal Court does not constitute a special circumstance.
She said In the final analysis, I find it difficult to grant the application and it is hereby dismissed.
We are ready for 2011 polls says Police.
Inspector General of Police Ogbonna Onovo has said the Nigeria Police Force would deploy personnel to ensure adequate security during the 2011 general elections.
Onovo stated this when Attahiru Jega, Chairman of INEC paid him a courtesy visit at the force headquarters in Abuja.
According to Onovo, the Police is well equipped to ensure the protection of lives and properties all through the exercise.
Onovo said the force would provide security beginning from the process of voter registration to when the election would be held.
According to him, the appointment of Jega as INEC chairman is a sacred mandate for the realisation of good governance through the conduct of credible elections.
Earlier, Jega had solicited the co-operation of the police in the provision of adequate security during the 2011 general elections.
Jega said adequate security formed crucial part of what was required in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country.
Onovo stated this when Attahiru Jega, Chairman of INEC paid him a courtesy visit at the force headquarters in Abuja.
According to Onovo, the Police is well equipped to ensure the protection of lives and properties all through the exercise.
Onovo said the force would provide security beginning from the process of voter registration to when the election would be held.
According to him, the appointment of Jega as INEC chairman is a sacred mandate for the realisation of good governance through the conduct of credible elections.
Earlier, Jega had solicited the co-operation of the police in the provision of adequate security during the 2011 general elections.
Jega said adequate security formed crucial part of what was required in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country.
Cyber café operators urged to check crime with mandatory tools.
The Internet Service Providers Association of Nigeria has urged cyber café operators to join the government in the fight against cyber crime in the country.
The association’s President,Sam Adeleke said the operators were better positioned to contain the trend.
Adeleke said there are security solutions in form of filtering tools and spam blocking software that the operators can use to discourage the sending of fraudulent messages.
According to him,the problem is that many of the business centre owners do not want to use the ISP software because they want to attract more customers.
Adeleke said many sites had been blocked by ISPs because they were used to facilitate scams, otherwise known as `419’.
He said this is why many cyber café operators do not want to use the connection of the ISPs, hence, they now own their private connections known as VSAT.
In his word, there is a regulation that says cyber café operators should not allow scams through their operations.
Adeleke said if the operators join the government in the fight against such crime it would change the image of Nigeria among the comity of nations.
He said there were laws that say cyber café owners should register through the ISPs but the laws were yet to be fully implemented.
President of the Nigeria Internet Group,Lanre Ajayi said there should be collaboration between the Nigerian Communications Commission, Police and Nigerians to curb cyber crime.
He, however, urged cyber café owners to physically monitor activities of customers using their facilities.
The association’s President,Sam Adeleke said the operators were better positioned to contain the trend.
Adeleke said there are security solutions in form of filtering tools and spam blocking software that the operators can use to discourage the sending of fraudulent messages.
According to him,the problem is that many of the business centre owners do not want to use the ISP software because they want to attract more customers.
Adeleke said many sites had been blocked by ISPs because they were used to facilitate scams, otherwise known as `419’.
He said this is why many cyber café operators do not want to use the connection of the ISPs, hence, they now own their private connections known as VSAT.
In his word, there is a regulation that says cyber café operators should not allow scams through their operations.
Adeleke said if the operators join the government in the fight against such crime it would change the image of Nigeria among the comity of nations.
He said there were laws that say cyber café owners should register through the ISPs but the laws were yet to be fully implemented.
President of the Nigeria Internet Group,Lanre Ajayi said there should be collaboration between the Nigerian Communications Commission, Police and Nigerians to curb cyber crime.
He, however, urged cyber café owners to physically monitor activities of customers using their facilities.
Businessman charged with stealing diesel worth N3.4m.
An Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has granted bail in the sum of N1 million to a businessman,Anthony Okpala charged with fraudulently obtaining 33,000 litres of diesel.
Magistrate O.J. Awope granted bail to Okpala after he pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge of obtaining diesel worth N3.4 million by false pretence.
Awope ordered the accused to also produce two sureties as a condition for his bail.
The prosecutor,Sergent Stephen Molo, had said that the accused, with others still at large, fraudulently collected the commodity from one Mr Ponmile Gbadammosi on April 4.
Molo said the accused and the others promised to pay for the diesel within a week, but failed to do so.
He said Okpala later issued a dud Oceanic bank cheque No. 00000026 to the accused, and that the cheque was dishonoured for lack of fund in the accused’s account.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 516, 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court adjourned further hearing in the case till Sept. 30.
Magistrate O.J. Awope granted bail to Okpala after he pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge of obtaining diesel worth N3.4 million by false pretence.
Awope ordered the accused to also produce two sureties as a condition for his bail.
The prosecutor,Sergent Stephen Molo, had said that the accused, with others still at large, fraudulently collected the commodity from one Mr Ponmile Gbadammosi on April 4.
Molo said the accused and the others promised to pay for the diesel within a week, but failed to do so.
He said Okpala later issued a dud Oceanic bank cheque No. 00000026 to the accused, and that the cheque was dishonoured for lack of fund in the accused’s account.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 516, 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court adjourned further hearing in the case till Sept. 30.
Middle-aged man docked for allegedly duping caterer of N195,000.
A middle-aged man, Olufemi Olupitan,has been arraigned for allegedly defrauding a caterer of N195,000.
Olupitan is standing trial before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
The prosecutor,Inspector Olaide Sunday, told the court that the accused on Dec. 14, 2009 collected N195, 000 from one Ogunneye Omolara, with the promise to assist her to secure a catering contract.
Sunday submitted that instead of fulfilling the promise, the accused converted the money to his own use.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Olupitan, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate,Abiola Soladoye, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Aug. 18 for further hearing.
Olupitan is standing trial before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
The prosecutor,Inspector Olaide Sunday, told the court that the accused on Dec. 14, 2009 collected N195, 000 from one Ogunneye Omolara, with the promise to assist her to secure a catering contract.
Sunday submitted that instead of fulfilling the promise, the accused converted the money to his own use.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Olupitan, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate,Abiola Soladoye, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Aug. 18 for further hearing.
Housewife docked for allegedly pouring hot water on sister-in-law.
The police in Lagos has arraigned a housewife for allegedly pouring hot water on her sister-in-law, following a dispute.
The accused, Wosilat Oke is standing trial before a Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on the charge of causing grievous bodily harm to Taiwo Oke.
The prosecutor,Sergent Idowu Onime said the offence was committed on May 5, at No 1871 Akerele Extension, Surulere, Lagos.
Onime told the court that the assault resulted in burns on Taiwo’s left side, including the left arm, the stomach and hip.
The prosecutor submitted that the offence contravened Section 335 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
When the charge was read to her, the accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate,A. Tobi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum.
The magistrate fixed further hearing of the case for August 2.
The accused, Wosilat Oke is standing trial before a Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on the charge of causing grievous bodily harm to Taiwo Oke.
The prosecutor,Sergent Idowu Onime said the offence was committed on May 5, at No 1871 Akerele Extension, Surulere, Lagos.
Onime told the court that the assault resulted in burns on Taiwo’s left side, including the left arm, the stomach and hip.
The prosecutor submitted that the offence contravened Section 335 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
When the charge was read to her, the accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate,A. Tobi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum.
The magistrate fixed further hearing of the case for August 2.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
4 charged with theft of N356,000 worth of goods.
Four people, including two brothers, have been arraigned for allegedly breaking into a shop and carting away goods worth N356,000.
The accused Segun Akinsanya,Mutairu Mukaila, Abdullahi Mukaila and Saheed Animashaun are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, shop breaking and stealing at an Igbosere magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor, Inspector Nwosu George, said the accused stole the items between July 1and July 15 at 15, Docemo Street in contravention of Sections 413, 427 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
He listed the items as men’s singlets, tee-shirts, boxers, women’s pant, property of Mrs Omolara Fadiya.
According to Geroge, one of the accused, Animashaun, received the stolen items.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each and two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate,Mulikat Ali-Balogun, adjourned the case till Aug. 28 for further hearing.
The accused Segun Akinsanya,Mutairu Mukaila, Abdullahi Mukaila and Saheed Animashaun are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, shop breaking and stealing at an Igbosere magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor, Inspector Nwosu George, said the accused stole the items between July 1and July 15 at 15, Docemo Street in contravention of Sections 413, 427 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
He listed the items as men’s singlets, tee-shirts, boxers, women’s pant, property of Mrs Omolara Fadiya.
According to Geroge, one of the accused, Animashaun, received the stolen items.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each and two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate,Mulikat Ali-Balogun, adjourned the case till Aug. 28 for further hearing.
$3.5 m fraud Prophet granted N10million bail.
A 40-year-old prophet, Sunday Agbojo, who allegedly defrauded a company of 3.5 million dollars has admitted to N10 million bail bond.
Agbojo is standing trial before Magistrate J. A. Adegun of an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money under pretence.
The Prosecutor, Inspector Haruna Ibrahim, said the accused and others now at large sometimes between 2008 and 2009 in Lagos conspired to commit the offence.
He said the accused fraudulently obtained the said sum under the pretext of assisting the company to secure a Mining Lease Right from the Government of the Republic of South Africa.
Adegun adjourned the case till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
Agbojo is standing trial before Magistrate J. A. Adegun of an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money under pretence.
The Prosecutor, Inspector Haruna Ibrahim, said the accused and others now at large sometimes between 2008 and 2009 in Lagos conspired to commit the offence.
He said the accused fraudulently obtained the said sum under the pretext of assisting the company to secure a Mining Lease Right from the Government of the Republic of South Africa.
Adegun adjourned the case till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
Court slams N10m bail on prophet over fraud charge.
A self-proclaimed prophet, Sunday Agbojo, who was docked in Lagos allegedly defrauding a company of 3.5 million dollars has been admitted to a bail of N10 million.
Sunday,40, is standing trial before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
But the prosecutor, Inspector Haruna Ibrahim said the accused and others still at large had sometimes in 2008 and 2009 committed the offence in Lagos.
He alleged that the accused obtained the money from Unispace Import/Export and Investment Ltd, Lagos, under the pretext of assisting it to secure a mining lease right from the South African Government.
The offence, he said, contravened Sections 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
In his ruling, the Magistrate, J.A. Adegun, granted the N10 million bail and two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
Sunday,40, is standing trial before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
But the prosecutor, Inspector Haruna Ibrahim said the accused and others still at large had sometimes in 2008 and 2009 committed the offence in Lagos.
He alleged that the accused obtained the money from Unispace Import/Export and Investment Ltd, Lagos, under the pretext of assisting it to secure a mining lease right from the South African Government.
The offence, he said, contravened Sections 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
In his ruling, the Magistrate, J.A. Adegun, granted the N10 million bail and two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
5 docked for demolishing Neighbour’s house.
Five men have appeared before a Kaduna Chief Magistrate’s Court 2 for alleged demolition of their neighbour’s house in Rigasa Quarters in Kaduna.
The accused are Bala Mamuda, 38, Ismaila Zakari, 47, Hamisu Musa, 34, Rabiu Idris, 30, and Nasiru Wagani, 41, of Shanona Road, Rigasa, Kaduna.
The Police Prosecutor, Solomon Machu, told the court that the accused destroyed the house of John Nwama, their neighbour.
The house, having 10 rooms, was completed to linter level at a cost of N4 million.
Machu said the house was abandoned by the complainant, following the 2000 political crisis and re-located to Lagos.
He said when Nwama returned to Kaduna in 2008, he found that the house had been demolished and sold to an undisclosed person.
The accused were charged for trespassing under section 94 and 326 of the Penal Code Law.
When the charges were read to the accused, they pleaded not guilty.
However, the Chief Magistrate, Nasiru Idris, adjourned the case to August 11, to enable the accused to produce evidences.
He also granted them bail in the sum N100, 000 each with two sureties, residing in Kaduna.
The accused are Bala Mamuda, 38, Ismaila Zakari, 47, Hamisu Musa, 34, Rabiu Idris, 30, and Nasiru Wagani, 41, of Shanona Road, Rigasa, Kaduna.
The Police Prosecutor, Solomon Machu, told the court that the accused destroyed the house of John Nwama, their neighbour.
The house, having 10 rooms, was completed to linter level at a cost of N4 million.
Machu said the house was abandoned by the complainant, following the 2000 political crisis and re-located to Lagos.
He said when Nwama returned to Kaduna in 2008, he found that the house had been demolished and sold to an undisclosed person.
The accused were charged for trespassing under section 94 and 326 of the Penal Code Law.
When the charges were read to the accused, they pleaded not guilty.
However, the Chief Magistrate, Nasiru Idris, adjourned the case to August 11, to enable the accused to produce evidences.
He also granted them bail in the sum N100, 000 each with two sureties, residing in Kaduna.
Court strikes out suit against Peace Corps.
An Abuja Federal High Court has struck out an application by the Corporate Affairs Commission, seeking for a leave to de-register Peace Corps of Nigeria.
Justice Ibrahim Auta, who presided over the proceeding, said the applicant's action was an abuse of the court process.
Auta held that there were a number of pending cases on the legitimacy or otherwise of the corps with the police.
The CAC, through its counsel,Femi Oyekola, on April 9 filed a suit to de-register the corps.
CAC‘s petition was hinged on police complaint against the corps’ suspicious activities, allegedly inimical to the country’s security.
Oyekola, in the motion, prayed that the incorporated trustees of the Peace Corps of Nigeria with certificate number CAC/IT/NO14589 be wound up by the court.
The plaintiff had held that its submission was based on the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
Chris Alashi, counsel to the defendant, in the counter motion, pointed out that the section cited by the plaintiff to support his argument was not contained in the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
Alashi also argued that the plaintiff had come to mislead the court to take an unpopular decision, saying that the application must be ignored.
It is clear here with this action that the police are collaborating with the plaintiff to disregard the law, the application should be dismissed my lord, he said.
Justice Ibrahim Auta, who presided over the proceeding, said the applicant's action was an abuse of the court process.
Auta held that there were a number of pending cases on the legitimacy or otherwise of the corps with the police.
The CAC, through its counsel,Femi Oyekola, on April 9 filed a suit to de-register the corps.
CAC‘s petition was hinged on police complaint against the corps’ suspicious activities, allegedly inimical to the country’s security.
Oyekola, in the motion, prayed that the incorporated trustees of the Peace Corps of Nigeria with certificate number CAC/IT/NO14589 be wound up by the court.
The plaintiff had held that its submission was based on the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
Chris Alashi, counsel to the defendant, in the counter motion, pointed out that the section cited by the plaintiff to support his argument was not contained in the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
Alashi also argued that the plaintiff had come to mislead the court to take an unpopular decision, saying that the application must be ignored.
It is clear here with this action that the police are collaborating with the plaintiff to disregard the law, the application should be dismissed my lord, he said.
Court orders EFCC to pay Vaswanis N5m damages.
The Federal High Court, Lagos, has ordered the EFCC to pay N5 million as damages to the Vaswani brothers and five co-plaintiffs for unlawful detention and sealing of their company.
The Vaswanis Sunil, Mahesh and Harash had in 2009 sued the EFCC and the Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for alleged harassment and infringement of their fundamental human rights.
Listed as co-plaintiffs are Tajudeen Olalere, Vinaty Tuteja, Bhaskar Sinha, Pius Kizhakkudan and Chandrasekaran Ramamoorthy, all employees of the Vaswanis.
Eight companies of the Vaswanis were also named as co-plaintiffs.
They are Popular Foods Ltd, Stallion Nig. Ltd, Premium Sea Foods Ltd and Hyundai Motors Nig. Ltd.
Others are Stallion Motors Ltd, Honda Place Ltd, Stallion Plastic Industries Ltd and Stallion Textile Industries Ltd.
Delivering judgment, Justice Dan Abutu, held that the sealing or seizure of the properties of the plaintiffs and their arrest and detention was wrong and unlawful.
He also ruled that the commission’s placement of No Debt Note’’ that froze the plaintiff’s bank accounts in some banks in the country was unlawful.
The EFCC is hereby restrained from sealing any of the properties of the plaintiffs and also restrained from asking them to pay any money in respect of custom duties.
The commission is further restrained from placing a `No Debt Note' on the accounts of the plaintiffs without an order from a competent court,’’ Abutu ordered.
Abutu also ordered the EFCC to pay N10,000 as cost to the plaintiffs.
The Vaswanis Sunil, Mahesh and Harash had in 2009 sued the EFCC and the Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for alleged harassment and infringement of their fundamental human rights.
Listed as co-plaintiffs are Tajudeen Olalere, Vinaty Tuteja, Bhaskar Sinha, Pius Kizhakkudan and Chandrasekaran Ramamoorthy, all employees of the Vaswanis.
Eight companies of the Vaswanis were also named as co-plaintiffs.
They are Popular Foods Ltd, Stallion Nig. Ltd, Premium Sea Foods Ltd and Hyundai Motors Nig. Ltd.
Others are Stallion Motors Ltd, Honda Place Ltd, Stallion Plastic Industries Ltd and Stallion Textile Industries Ltd.
Delivering judgment, Justice Dan Abutu, held that the sealing or seizure of the properties of the plaintiffs and their arrest and detention was wrong and unlawful.
He also ruled that the commission’s placement of No Debt Note’’ that froze the plaintiff’s bank accounts in some banks in the country was unlawful.
The EFCC is hereby restrained from sealing any of the properties of the plaintiffs and also restrained from asking them to pay any money in respect of custom duties.
The commission is further restrained from placing a `No Debt Note' on the accounts of the plaintiffs without an order from a competent court,’’ Abutu ordered.
Abutu also ordered the EFCC to pay N10,000 as cost to the plaintiffs.
2 killed as overturned tanker bursts into flames.
Two occupants of a tanker laden with diesel have been burnt to death when the vehicle overturned and caught fire on the Liverpool bridge, Apapa, Lagos.
The third occupant, who is the driver’s mate, however, escaped with minor injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
An eyewitness told Security Alert with Jide that the tanker skidded and landed on its side while negotiating a bend on the bridge.
The eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, blamed the accident on over-speeding.
It took a combined team of firemen from Lagos State, the Federal Fire Service and Nigerian Ports Authority some about four hours to put out the fire which caused extensive damage to the bridge and resulted in a traffic gridlock.
Chairman of Apapa Local Government,Ayodeji Joseph, who was at the scene, expressed shock at the loss of lives and the degree of damage to the bridge.
Joseph said as soon as he was notified, he mobilised his workers and men of the fire service to the scene and they were able to salvage the situation and stop the fire from spreading.
Chief Fire Officer, Nigeria Ports Authority, Wale Olayiwola, attributed the accident to the driver’s carelessness and over-speeding.
The third occupant, who is the driver’s mate, however, escaped with minor injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
An eyewitness told Security Alert with Jide that the tanker skidded and landed on its side while negotiating a bend on the bridge.
The eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, blamed the accident on over-speeding.
It took a combined team of firemen from Lagos State, the Federal Fire Service and Nigerian Ports Authority some about four hours to put out the fire which caused extensive damage to the bridge and resulted in a traffic gridlock.
Chairman of Apapa Local Government,Ayodeji Joseph, who was at the scene, expressed shock at the loss of lives and the degree of damage to the bridge.
Joseph said as soon as he was notified, he mobilised his workers and men of the fire service to the scene and they were able to salvage the situation and stop the fire from spreading.
Chief Fire Officer, Nigeria Ports Authority, Wale Olayiwola, attributed the accident to the driver’s carelessness and over-speeding.
Court grants leave to EFCC to try Bankole
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted leave to the EFCC to try the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, for alleged financial crimes.
Justice Adamu Bello, delivering ruling on the application filed by the EFCC, said the commission's prayer had merit and must be allowed to proceed.
Bello said If the Commission has actually completed its investigation on this matter, justice demands a further action.
The applicant’s suit hinged on the fear that the defendant had suppressed the result of the investigation on allegations of fraud.
Counsel to the Human Rights, Justice and Peace Foundation,Nwoke Kalu on June 7 brought the exparte motion against the EFCC for its inability to arraign Bankole after it completed its investigation.
The applicant had prayed for order to compel the respondent to, in accordance with facts disclosed by its investigation, arraign the Speaker before a competent court.
The application listed fraud, fraudulent misappropriation, embezzlement and stealing and abuse of office as the crimes committed by the Speaker.
The applicant said it approached the Court based on the fact that the respondent received a petition to investigate the Speaker with respect to the purchase of 380 cars from Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd without due process
Justice Adamu Bello, delivering ruling on the application filed by the EFCC, said the commission's prayer had merit and must be allowed to proceed.
Bello said If the Commission has actually completed its investigation on this matter, justice demands a further action.
The applicant’s suit hinged on the fear that the defendant had suppressed the result of the investigation on allegations of fraud.
Counsel to the Human Rights, Justice and Peace Foundation,Nwoke Kalu on June 7 brought the exparte motion against the EFCC for its inability to arraign Bankole after it completed its investigation.
The applicant had prayed for order to compel the respondent to, in accordance with facts disclosed by its investigation, arraign the Speaker before a competent court.
The application listed fraud, fraudulent misappropriation, embezzlement and stealing and abuse of office as the crimes committed by the Speaker.
The applicant said it approached the Court based on the fact that the respondent received a petition to investigate the Speaker with respect to the purchase of 380 cars from Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd without due process
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Court remands two friends in prison custody for alleged robbery.
Two friends arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for alleged armed robbery have been remanded in prison custody.
The suspects, Abiodun Olatishe and Samuel Abiodun are to remain in prison custody pending an advice from the office of the Directorate for Public Prosecution .
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, told the court that the two men while armed with guns and other dangerous weapons robbed one Pastor Mathew Adebayo of a Honda Accord Saloon car, valued at N1.8 million.
Orji said the accused also robbed Adebayo of one Apple IPhone valued at N160,000, one Nokia phone valued at N35,000, a Redeemed Church identity card and N75,000 cash.
He said that the offences were committed on May 18, at No. 22 Ona-Ara St., off Ewaba Street, Idimu, Lagos.
The prosecutor said the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 5(b), 1 (2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
No plea was taken from the accused.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, C. J. Momodu, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the DPP’s legal advice.
Momodu then adjourned the case till Oct. 22 for mention.
The suspects, Abiodun Olatishe and Samuel Abiodun are to remain in prison custody pending an advice from the office of the Directorate for Public Prosecution .
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, told the court that the two men while armed with guns and other dangerous weapons robbed one Pastor Mathew Adebayo of a Honda Accord Saloon car, valued at N1.8 million.
Orji said the accused also robbed Adebayo of one Apple IPhone valued at N160,000, one Nokia phone valued at N35,000, a Redeemed Church identity card and N75,000 cash.
He said that the offences were committed on May 18, at No. 22 Ona-Ara St., off Ewaba Street, Idimu, Lagos.
The prosecutor said the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 5(b), 1 (2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
No plea was taken from the accused.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, C. J. Momodu, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the DPP’s legal advice.
Momodu then adjourned the case till Oct. 22 for mention.
Alleged police killing sparks of protest in Lagos.
Youths in the Egbeda area of Lagos took to the streets to protest against the alleged killing of a commercial bus driver by a policeman at a check point.
Security Alert with Jide gathered that the incident which occurred at Vulcanizer Bus Stop, Egbeda, caused pandemonium as the youths blocked the road.
Sources said the policeman allegedly opened fire on the driver, simply identified as Kazeem, for refusing to stop when ordered to.
They said Other commercial drivers and area boys consequently started protesting the killing and also started harassing policemen around.
Police Public Relations Officer,Frank Mba confirmed the incident, saying an investigation into the killing had already started with a view to ascertaining the truth.
Mba said if the policeman is found guilty, he will be punished accordingly.
Meanwhile, the situation has been brought under control but a policeman was injured during the fracas that ensued and a patrol vehicle was also damaged.
He advised the public against jungle justice, saying that two wrongs never make a right.
No fewer than 25 police patrol vehicles and two Armoured Personnel Carriers had been stationed in the area to check the further break down of law and order.
Security Alert with Jide gathered that the incident which occurred at Vulcanizer Bus Stop, Egbeda, caused pandemonium as the youths blocked the road.
Sources said the policeman allegedly opened fire on the driver, simply identified as Kazeem, for refusing to stop when ordered to.
They said Other commercial drivers and area boys consequently started protesting the killing and also started harassing policemen around.
Police Public Relations Officer,Frank Mba confirmed the incident, saying an investigation into the killing had already started with a view to ascertaining the truth.
Mba said if the policeman is found guilty, he will be punished accordingly.
Meanwhile, the situation has been brought under control but a policeman was injured during the fracas that ensued and a patrol vehicle was also damaged.
He advised the public against jungle justice, saying that two wrongs never make a right.
No fewer than 25 police patrol vehicles and two Armoured Personnel Carriers had been stationed in the area to check the further break down of law and order.
Court strikes out Okereke-Onyiuke’s name from contempt proceedings.
The Federal High Court, Lagos, on Tuesday struck out the name of Prof. Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange from the contempt charge filed by 11 African Petroleum shareholders.
The shareholders had filled a contempt charge against Aliko Dangote, Chairman Dangote group of companies, Okereke–Onyiuke and Mrs Josephine Igbinosun, Secretary to the Council of NSE.
They alleged that Dangote paraded himself as the NSE president despite an existing order of the court preventing him from doing so pending the determination of the substantive suit instituted by them.
Justice James Tsoho had on July 22 ordered the arrest of Dangote and the two others for contempt and fixed the hearing for July 27.
At the resumed hearing of the case, counsel to Okereke-Onyiuke and Igbinosun,Wole Olanipekun urged the court to strike out the names of his clients.
He argued that their names were not listed in the substantive suit and nobody would be at a disadvantage if their names were struck out.
Counsel to Dangote,Ricky Tarfa informed the court that his client was out of the country and so could not appear before it as ordered.
He further informed the court that he had filed a stay of proceedings in the matter at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division.
The plaintiff's counsel, Onyebuchi Aniakor, told the court that he had no objections that the names of Okereke-Onyiuke and Igbinosun be struck out.
He, however, urged the court not to hear any application filed by Dangote because he was in contempt of the court.
Tsoho in his ruling held that since there was no objection from the plaintiffs that the names of Okereke-Onyiuke and Igbinosun be struck out, the names are hereby struck out.
On the issue of stay of proceedings, Tsoho said he was not comfortable in making any pronouncement since there was a similar application before the Court of Appeal.
Tsoho consequently adjourned the case to Oct. 20 for the hearing of Dangote’s application.
The shareholders had filled a contempt charge against Aliko Dangote, Chairman Dangote group of companies, Okereke–Onyiuke and Mrs Josephine Igbinosun, Secretary to the Council of NSE.
They alleged that Dangote paraded himself as the NSE president despite an existing order of the court preventing him from doing so pending the determination of the substantive suit instituted by them.
Justice James Tsoho had on July 22 ordered the arrest of Dangote and the two others for contempt and fixed the hearing for July 27.
At the resumed hearing of the case, counsel to Okereke-Onyiuke and Igbinosun,Wole Olanipekun urged the court to strike out the names of his clients.
He argued that their names were not listed in the substantive suit and nobody would be at a disadvantage if their names were struck out.
Counsel to Dangote,Ricky Tarfa informed the court that his client was out of the country and so could not appear before it as ordered.
He further informed the court that he had filed a stay of proceedings in the matter at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division.
The plaintiff's counsel, Onyebuchi Aniakor, told the court that he had no objections that the names of Okereke-Onyiuke and Igbinosun be struck out.
He, however, urged the court not to hear any application filed by Dangote because he was in contempt of the court.
Tsoho in his ruling held that since there was no objection from the plaintiffs that the names of Okereke-Onyiuke and Igbinosun be struck out, the names are hereby struck out.
On the issue of stay of proceedings, Tsoho said he was not comfortable in making any pronouncement since there was a similar application before the Court of Appeal.
Tsoho consequently adjourned the case to Oct. 20 for the hearing of Dangote’s application.
Anambra Election Tribunal upholds obi's election.
The Anambra Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Awka has upheld the election of Gov. Peter Obi, as the winner of the Feb. 6, election in the state.
The tribunal in a seven-hour unanimous judgment read by Justice Peter Ige, dismissed the petition filed by the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Hope Democratic Party, Mike Okoye.
Okoye filed a petition challenging Obi’s election on the grounds that Obi of APGA did not score one-quarter of the total votes cast in two third of 21 local governments of the state.
The tribunal in its judgment interpreted the constitutional provision of all votes cast to mean all valid votes cast, and held that Obi scored the highest number of valid votes cast in the election.
Okoye had argued that Obi was not the authentic candidate having been expelled from the party before the election, but the tribunal ruled that Obi was validly nominated by APGA to contest the election.
In his reaction to the judgment, Okoye said he would appeal against the judgment, adding that the tribunal did not state the number of valid votes cast in determining the winner of the election.
The counsel to INEC, Osita Nnadi, praised the judgment as sound and detailed, while counsel to APGA, Okoli Akirika, described the judgment as a sound one.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Pius Damulak said that the judgment was significant.
The tribunal in a seven-hour unanimous judgment read by Justice Peter Ige, dismissed the petition filed by the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Hope Democratic Party, Mike Okoye.
Okoye filed a petition challenging Obi’s election on the grounds that Obi of APGA did not score one-quarter of the total votes cast in two third of 21 local governments of the state.
The tribunal in its judgment interpreted the constitutional provision of all votes cast to mean all valid votes cast, and held that Obi scored the highest number of valid votes cast in the election.
Okoye had argued that Obi was not the authentic candidate having been expelled from the party before the election, but the tribunal ruled that Obi was validly nominated by APGA to contest the election.
In his reaction to the judgment, Okoye said he would appeal against the judgment, adding that the tribunal did not state the number of valid votes cast in determining the winner of the election.
The counsel to INEC, Osita Nnadi, praised the judgment as sound and detailed, while counsel to APGA, Okoli Akirika, described the judgment as a sound one.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Pius Damulak said that the judgment was significant.
Man pleads guilty to attampted escape from Kirikiri Prisons.
The Police in Lagos have arraigned an accused before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court on a one-count charge for trying to escape from lawful custody
The prosecutor had told the court that the accused, Maniru Abdulahi on July 20, about 14.39 hrs escaped from lawful custody of the Nigeria Prison Service.
Abdulahi, who was awaiting trial on theft charges, was in prison custody because he had nobody to stand surety for him.
Sgt. Benedict Unawunwa said further that it was the eagle eyes of the Warders of the prison that prevented the accused from escaping before he was re-arrested.
He said the accused had contravened Section 135 (a&b) of Criminal Code, Cap.17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded guilty with the one count charge.
Unawunwa urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending facts and sentence.
Chief Magistrate,Oluyemisi Adelaja remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned judgment till July 28.
The prosecutor had told the court that the accused, Maniru Abdulahi on July 20, about 14.39 hrs escaped from lawful custody of the Nigeria Prison Service.
Abdulahi, who was awaiting trial on theft charges, was in prison custody because he had nobody to stand surety for him.
Sgt. Benedict Unawunwa said further that it was the eagle eyes of the Warders of the prison that prevented the accused from escaping before he was re-arrested.
He said the accused had contravened Section 135 (a&b) of Criminal Code, Cap.17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded guilty with the one count charge.
Unawunwa urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending facts and sentence.
Chief Magistrate,Oluyemisi Adelaja remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned judgment till July 28.
Businessman docked over N3 mln diesel scam
The police in Lagos have arraigned a 42-year-old businessman, Godswill Eberim, for allegedly obtaining 33,000 litres of diesel valued at N3 million under false pretence.
Eberim is standing trial before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on two-count charge of obtaining goods under false pretence and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Stephen Molo said the accused committed the offence on May 28, 2009 at Apapa.
Molo said the accused acted on the representation of having enough capital at his disposal to off-set full payment for the said product.
He said the offence contravened sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to him.
The Magistrate,O.J. Awope granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Aug. 17 for further hearing.
Eberim is standing trial before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on two-count charge of obtaining goods under false pretence and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Stephen Molo said the accused committed the offence on May 28, 2009 at Apapa.
Molo said the accused acted on the representation of having enough capital at his disposal to off-set full payment for the said product.
He said the offence contravened sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to him.
The Magistrate,O.J. Awope granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Aug. 17 for further hearing.
Police parade suspected NITEL cable thief.
The Lagos State Police Command has paraded a suspected NITEL cable thief.
Arresting of cable vandals had become a major challenge to the police as the cable thieves usually operated at odd hours between midnight and 5 a.m.
Police Public Relations Officer,Frank Mba, who paraded the suspect before journalists, said the suspect name withheld was arrested by a team of policemen from the Apapa Division.
Mba said six NITEL cables cut from the underground hole were recovered from the suspect.
He said the suspect claimed that he belonged to a five-man gang of cable vandals operating in different parts of the metropolis.
The police spokesman said the suspect also claimed the operation was his first as his friends, now at large, introduced him to the crime.
He said the police were on the trail of the other members of the gang.
Arresting of cable vandals had become a major challenge to the police as the cable thieves usually operated at odd hours between midnight and 5 a.m.
Police Public Relations Officer,Frank Mba, who paraded the suspect before journalists, said the suspect name withheld was arrested by a team of policemen from the Apapa Division.
Mba said six NITEL cables cut from the underground hole were recovered from the suspect.
He said the suspect claimed that he belonged to a five-man gang of cable vandals operating in different parts of the metropolis.
The police spokesman said the suspect also claimed the operation was his first as his friends, now at large, introduced him to the crime.
He said the police were on the trail of the other members of the gang.
3 suspected bag snatchers docked in Lagos.
Three men, described by the police as specialists in handbag snatching, have been docked for allegedly snatching handbags containing handsets, chains and money, all totaling N134,000.
The accused, Oladimeji Oyinloye, Idowu Jimoh and Toheeb Adisa are facing a six-count charge of felony, stealing, snatching of handbags and shop breaking at an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.
The Prosecutor,Sgt. Benedict Unawunwa, told the court that the trio on July 20 snatched two bags containing money, handsets and documents, from Mrs Olayinka Kadri and Mrs Patricia Lucky.
Unawunwa said the accused on the same date and place assaulted one Mohammed Shehu by stabbing him with broken bottles in their attempt to rob him.
He said the injuries inflicted on Shehu’s head and left eye led to his being hospitalised.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 355, 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
All the accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the accused,O. Obiye pleaded with the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms.
Chief Magistrate,Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned further hearing in the case till Aug. 28.
The accused, Oladimeji Oyinloye, Idowu Jimoh and Toheeb Adisa are facing a six-count charge of felony, stealing, snatching of handbags and shop breaking at an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.
The Prosecutor,Sgt. Benedict Unawunwa, told the court that the trio on July 20 snatched two bags containing money, handsets and documents, from Mrs Olayinka Kadri and Mrs Patricia Lucky.
Unawunwa said the accused on the same date and place assaulted one Mohammed Shehu by stabbing him with broken bottles in their attempt to rob him.
He said the injuries inflicted on Shehu’s head and left eye led to his being hospitalised.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 355, 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
All the accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the accused,O. Obiye pleaded with the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms.
Chief Magistrate,Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned further hearing in the case till Aug. 28.
FRSC warns motorists in Anambra against recklessness.
The Federal Road Safety Commission has warned motorists in Anambra to desist from recklessness on the highways or face the wrath of the law.
Sector Commander,Ayobami Omiyale who described recklessness as a menace on the highway, said it must be curbed, using all available strategies.
Omiyale said the FRSC patrol and enforcement of traffic rules and regulations on the highways had not gone down well with motorists in the state.
He alleged that drivers plying the Awka-Abagana-Onitsha route had met and decided to set up some men of the commission,saying they were planning mob action against the operatives of the FRSC.
According to him,the matter had been reported to the state police commissioner and the Director of the State Security Service.
He then urged drivers in the state to have a change of attitude and obey traffic laws in their own interest and in the interest of other road users.
Sector Commander,Ayobami Omiyale who described recklessness as a menace on the highway, said it must be curbed, using all available strategies.
Omiyale said the FRSC patrol and enforcement of traffic rules and regulations on the highways had not gone down well with motorists in the state.
He alleged that drivers plying the Awka-Abagana-Onitsha route had met and decided to set up some men of the commission,saying they were planning mob action against the operatives of the FRSC.
According to him,the matter had been reported to the state police commissioner and the Director of the State Security Service.
He then urged drivers in the state to have a change of attitude and obey traffic laws in their own interest and in the interest of other road users.
Two former microfinance bank employees arraigned for alleged N8 mln fraud.
Two former employees of a microfinance bank have been arraigned at an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding their employer of N8 million.
The accused, Samuel Olusola and Paul Fawole are facing a five-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, forgery and theft before Chief Magistrate D. T. Olatokun.
The police prosecutor, DSP. Haruna Ebhodaghe, told the court that the accused fraudulently obtained more than N1.5 million, property of the finance house, Aims Asset Management Ltd., using a fictitious name, Idowu Adepegba.
Ebhodaghe said the accused on three other occasions also conspired and defrauded the finance house of N2.5 million, N2.8 million and N1.2 million.
He said the men obtained the money by forging and using fictitious names and documents.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Olatokun granted the two accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till August 11, for further hearing.
The accused, Samuel Olusola and Paul Fawole are facing a five-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, forgery and theft before Chief Magistrate D. T. Olatokun.
The police prosecutor, DSP. Haruna Ebhodaghe, told the court that the accused fraudulently obtained more than N1.5 million, property of the finance house, Aims Asset Management Ltd., using a fictitious name, Idowu Adepegba.
Ebhodaghe said the accused on three other occasions also conspired and defrauded the finance house of N2.5 million, N2.8 million and N1.2 million.
He said the men obtained the money by forging and using fictitious names and documents.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Olatokun granted the two accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till August 11, for further hearing.
Tin-Can customs collects N71.9b in 6 months.
The Tin-Can Island Command of Nigeria Customs Service has collected the sum of N71.9 billion in the first six months of 2010.
The amount was 40.91 per cent more than what was collected in the corresponding period in 2009.
Its Public Relations Officer,Chris Osunkwo said the command was expected by its headquarters in Abuja to meet a target of N168 billion for 2010 as against N122.2 billion generated in 2009.
Osunkwo said the improvement in revenue collection in 2010 was due to dedication and motivation of officers and men of the command by the management.
According to him,the management had improved the welfare package of officers, which he said was a morale booster.
He said the command realised appreciable revenue because the information technology being adopted was integrity-driven with no room for fraudsters.
The amount was 40.91 per cent more than what was collected in the corresponding period in 2009.
Its Public Relations Officer,Chris Osunkwo said the command was expected by its headquarters in Abuja to meet a target of N168 billion for 2010 as against N122.2 billion generated in 2009.
Osunkwo said the improvement in revenue collection in 2010 was due to dedication and motivation of officers and men of the command by the management.
According to him,the management had improved the welfare package of officers, which he said was a morale booster.
He said the command realised appreciable revenue because the information technology being adopted was integrity-driven with no room for fraudsters.
NUJ Chairman urges increased funding of police.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,Wahab Oba, who was kidnapped a few weeks ago, has called for increased funding of the police.
Oba was kidnapped, along with three other journalists and a driver in Abia, but was released a week later as a result of police’s efforts.
He said at a reception organised for the kidnapped journalists by some of their colleagues in Lagos that his experience made him to know that kidnappers had guns superior to those used by the police.
The reception was organised by the Federated Chapel of the NUJ made up of the Voice of Nigeria, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority, News Agency of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Information.
Oba said the Nigerian police are grossly under-funded and therefore,called on the Federal Government to fund the police very well.
According to him,kidnapping should make the three tiers of the government to deliver more dividends of democracy to the citizens.
He said although the crime was not justifiable, the governments should live up to their responsibilities of providing jobs and basic amenities to the masses.
Chairman of the Federated Chapel,Dele Akinsola who thanked God for the release of the journalists, prayed for reduction in crime in the society.
He hoped that the Federal Government would soon approve the Media salary structure to encourage journalists who, he said, faced much hazards while carrying out their duties.
Oba was kidnapped, along with three other journalists and a driver in Abia, but was released a week later as a result of police’s efforts.
He said at a reception organised for the kidnapped journalists by some of their colleagues in Lagos that his experience made him to know that kidnappers had guns superior to those used by the police.
The reception was organised by the Federated Chapel of the NUJ made up of the Voice of Nigeria, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority, News Agency of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Information.
Oba said the Nigerian police are grossly under-funded and therefore,called on the Federal Government to fund the police very well.
According to him,kidnapping should make the three tiers of the government to deliver more dividends of democracy to the citizens.
He said although the crime was not justifiable, the governments should live up to their responsibilities of providing jobs and basic amenities to the masses.
Chairman of the Federated Chapel,Dele Akinsola who thanked God for the release of the journalists, prayed for reduction in crime in the society.
He hoped that the Federal Government would soon approve the Media salary structure to encourage journalists who, he said, faced much hazards while carrying out their duties.
Four Nigerians have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping six people in Malaysia.
Four Nigerians have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping six people in Malaysia.
Nigerian High Commissioner to that country,Peter Anegbeh said the suspects allegedly kidnapped four Nigerians, one Malaysian and an Indonesian late in June.
Anegbeh noted with regret that hostage taking involving supposedly Nigerian students had become a common trend in recent times in Malaysia.
According to him,the unfortunate trend is portraying Nigeria in negative light in spite of government's efforts to project the country's good image through its Good People, Great Nation slogan.
Anegbeh said the group of Nigerians allegedly involved in the kidnap cases were fake students who were desperate to receive ransom from the families of their victims.
He also announced that four Nigerians were currently on death row for various offences.
The envoy said the Malaysian authorities had introduced new measures to address minor offences, such as overstaying in the country as a result of visa expiration, which, according to him, carries a two-week jail term before deportation.
Nigeria and Malaysia are signatories to the agreement on Preferential Trade and Free Movement of Goods and Persons under the D-8 policy.
The D-8 Commission, established in 1997, comprises of developing nations, including Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran and Pakistan.
The grouping aims at promoting economic growth and development among member-countries.
Nigerian High Commissioner to that country,Peter Anegbeh said the suspects allegedly kidnapped four Nigerians, one Malaysian and an Indonesian late in June.
Anegbeh noted with regret that hostage taking involving supposedly Nigerian students had become a common trend in recent times in Malaysia.
According to him,the unfortunate trend is portraying Nigeria in negative light in spite of government's efforts to project the country's good image through its Good People, Great Nation slogan.
Anegbeh said the group of Nigerians allegedly involved in the kidnap cases were fake students who were desperate to receive ransom from the families of their victims.
He also announced that four Nigerians were currently on death row for various offences.
The envoy said the Malaysian authorities had introduced new measures to address minor offences, such as overstaying in the country as a result of visa expiration, which, according to him, carries a two-week jail term before deportation.
Nigeria and Malaysia are signatories to the agreement on Preferential Trade and Free Movement of Goods and Persons under the D-8 policy.
The D-8 Commission, established in 1997, comprises of developing nations, including Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran and Pakistan.
The grouping aims at promoting economic growth and development among member-countries.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Badagry community banishes man for allegedly raping daughter.
The Badagry community in Lagos State has banished a man for allegedly defiling his 14-year-old daughter.
The randy father name withheld was expelled from Ajara Agamathen, where he lived before the alleged incident.
Baale of Ajara Agamathen, Agano Toniyan 1, said in Badagry that the man was banished to protect the community’s tradition.
He said Igbo leaders in the area were invited for a meeting on the matter before the decision to expel him from the community was taken.
Meanwhile, the police have charged the man to court and he is currently in prison custody awaiting trial.
The randy father name withheld was expelled from Ajara Agamathen, where he lived before the alleged incident.
Baale of Ajara Agamathen, Agano Toniyan 1, said in Badagry that the man was banished to protect the community’s tradition.
He said Igbo leaders in the area were invited for a meeting on the matter before the decision to expel him from the community was taken.
Meanwhile, the police have charged the man to court and he is currently in prison custody awaiting trial.
Businessman docked for allegedly defrauding prospective landowner of N12 million.
The police in Lagos has arraigned a self professed businessman, Odo Chukwuma, at an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for alleged fraud involving N12 million.
Chukwuma, is facing a six-count-charge of fraud, firearms possession and serial issuance of dud cheques, before Magistrate,O.A. Adedayo.
Prosecutor, Inspector Chris Takim, told the court that Chukwuma obtained N12,050,000 from one Vitalis Udeagbala with the pretext of selling to him 50 plots of land at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Takim said the accused claimed that he was the owner of the property but stole the said amount meant for the purchase of the property and was unable to release the vital documents for the said plots of land.
He told the court that the police also found the accused in illegal possession of one pump action gun with 18 rounds of live cartridges.
Chukwuma pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.
Adedayo adjourned the case till Aug. 11, for further hearing.
Chukwuma, is facing a six-count-charge of fraud, firearms possession and serial issuance of dud cheques, before Magistrate,O.A. Adedayo.
Prosecutor, Inspector Chris Takim, told the court that Chukwuma obtained N12,050,000 from one Vitalis Udeagbala with the pretext of selling to him 50 plots of land at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Takim said the accused claimed that he was the owner of the property but stole the said amount meant for the purchase of the property and was unable to release the vital documents for the said plots of land.
He told the court that the police also found the accused in illegal possession of one pump action gun with 18 rounds of live cartridges.
Chukwuma pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.
Adedayo adjourned the case till Aug. 11, for further hearing.
Men arraigned over threat to lives and demanding N5m ransom.
The police in Lagos has arraigned three men over an alleged threat to the lives of a couple and demanding a N5 million ransom
The accused, Ayodeji Olawale,Adinoye Abubakar, and Adesina Ibrahim are standing trial before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on charges of conspiracy and threat to life.
Prosecutor,Inspector Augustine Orji, told the court that the men demanded the amount from Alero Emenike, threatening that if they were not paid, she and her husband and son would be killed.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate,C. J. Mommodu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N900,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till July 30 for further hearing.
The accused, Ayodeji Olawale,Adinoye Abubakar, and Adesina Ibrahim are standing trial before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on charges of conspiracy and threat to life.
Prosecutor,Inspector Augustine Orji, told the court that the men demanded the amount from Alero Emenike, threatening that if they were not paid, she and her husband and son would be killed.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate,C. J. Mommodu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N900,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till July 30 for further hearing.
Man charged with distributing fake drugs worth N1.8m.
A 27-year-old businessman, Afam Okechukwu and an accomplice, Chigozie Adibe were arraigned for allegedly distributing and selling 169 packets of fake drugs worth N1.8 million.
The accused appeared before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a seven-count-charge of conspiracy, forgery, intent to defraud, impersonation and possession of fake drugs.
Prosecutor,Sergent Daniel Apoche said the accused, trading under the name AFAM Investments, with others still at large, sometime in June in Lagos, conspired to commit the offence.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty and the magistrate, Abolaji Sonuga, granted them bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
He adjourned the case till Aug. 18 for mention.
The accused appeared before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a seven-count-charge of conspiracy, forgery, intent to defraud, impersonation and possession of fake drugs.
Prosecutor,Sergent Daniel Apoche said the accused, trading under the name AFAM Investments, with others still at large, sometime in June in Lagos, conspired to commit the offence.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty and the magistrate, Abolaji Sonuga, granted them bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
He adjourned the case till Aug. 18 for mention.
Police assure residents of adequate security
The Ekiti State Police Command has assured residents of the state of adequate protection of their lives and property.
The command also gave the assurance that banks and other business concerns operating in the state would be provided with adequate security.
Police Public Relations Officers,Mohammed Jimoh, said in Ado-Ekiti that there was no cause for fear in the state.
Reacting to Tuesday's robbery attempt in a first-generation bank in Emure-Ekiti in Emure Local Government Area, Jimoh advised the residents to go about their businesses.
He confirmed the attempted robbery on the bank which led to the closure of banks in the state on Tuesday.
Jimoh, who called on members of the public to always inform the police of any suspicious movement in their areas or communities, noted that crime fighting and control should be the collaborative effort of everybody in the society.
Banks in Ado-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Aramoko, Iworoko-Ekiti and Ijero, among others, were shut for the fear of attack by the robbers over tuesdays attack.
The command also gave the assurance that banks and other business concerns operating in the state would be provided with adequate security.
Police Public Relations Officers,Mohammed Jimoh, said in Ado-Ekiti that there was no cause for fear in the state.
Reacting to Tuesday's robbery attempt in a first-generation bank in Emure-Ekiti in Emure Local Government Area, Jimoh advised the residents to go about their businesses.
He confirmed the attempted robbery on the bank which led to the closure of banks in the state on Tuesday.
Jimoh, who called on members of the public to always inform the police of any suspicious movement in their areas or communities, noted that crime fighting and control should be the collaborative effort of everybody in the society.
Banks in Ado-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Aramoko, Iworoko-Ekiti and Ijero, among others, were shut for the fear of attack by the robbers over tuesdays attack.
Man drags prostitute to court for biting his organ.
A 24-year-old commercial sex worker, Abosede Johnson has been in Lagos arraigned for biting a customer’s organ.
Abosede, who claimed to be a hairdresser before she went into prostitution, was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on one-count charge of biting a male private organ.
Prosecutor, Sergent Austin Adams, told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 19, at about 10 p.m. within People’s Palace Hotel, Ojuolobun, Lagos Island.
The Prosecutor said the offence contravened section 355 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
Abosede, in her defense and plea for leniency, acknowledged receiving a fee of N1,400 from Kanayo but denied biting his private part.
She said trouble started when she informed Kanayo that the condom he was putting on had ruptured and he seemed unperturbed as he “continued with the action.
A mild drama ensued and those present in court were shocked when the complainant showed his swollen and blood-soaked private part in bandages.
Counsel to the accused,Daniel Abbey, appearing with Oyaruvuegbed Gani, while applying for her bail on most liberal terms, told the court that the complainant had indicated his readiness to withdraw the case.
Magistrate, Makanju Oshodi, granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Aug. 23 for further hearing.
Abosede, who claimed to be a hairdresser before she went into prostitution, was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on one-count charge of biting a male private organ.
Prosecutor, Sergent Austin Adams, told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 19, at about 10 p.m. within People’s Palace Hotel, Ojuolobun, Lagos Island.
The Prosecutor said the offence contravened section 355 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
Abosede, in her defense and plea for leniency, acknowledged receiving a fee of N1,400 from Kanayo but denied biting his private part.
She said trouble started when she informed Kanayo that the condom he was putting on had ruptured and he seemed unperturbed as he “continued with the action.
A mild drama ensued and those present in court were shocked when the complainant showed his swollen and blood-soaked private part in bandages.
Counsel to the accused,Daniel Abbey, appearing with Oyaruvuegbed Gani, while applying for her bail on most liberal terms, told the court that the complainant had indicated his readiness to withdraw the case.
Magistrate, Makanju Oshodi, granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Aug. 23 for further hearing.
Court threatens to seal building over poor sanitation.
A Mushin grade 'A' Customary Court in Lagos has threatened to seal a one-storey building at No. 5, Ojo St, Mushin over poor sanitation.
Court President,Abayomi Ipaye, gave the landlady three months to repair the building’s leaking roof, defective septic tank and dilapidated fence.
Abayomi said the court would close the building if the repairs were not effected within the period.
He held that the occupants were living under poor hygiene and were being exposed to health hazards.
Mushin Local Government had on June 8 charged the landlady to court over poor environmental sanitation.
Council’s Sanitation Officer, Mr Raji Razak, the offence contravened Section 6, 7 and 8 of the Lagos State Environmental Health Law, 2003.
Court President,Abayomi Ipaye, gave the landlady three months to repair the building’s leaking roof, defective septic tank and dilapidated fence.
Abayomi said the court would close the building if the repairs were not effected within the period.
He held that the occupants were living under poor hygiene and were being exposed to health hazards.
Mushin Local Government had on June 8 charged the landlady to court over poor environmental sanitation.
Council’s Sanitation Officer, Mr Raji Razak, the offence contravened Section 6, 7 and 8 of the Lagos State Environmental Health Law, 2003.
Court adjourns Nnamani's money laundering case.
The Federal High Court, Lagos,has adjourned further hearing till October 27 in the money laundering charge preferred against former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani.
The EFCC is prosecuting Nnamani and 11 others on amended 124-count charge of allegedly laundering about N5.4 billion belonging to the state from 2006 to 2007.
Standing trial with Nnamani are the former State Commissioner for Finance, Peter Mbah, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Sam Ejiofor and a consultant to the state government, Victor Udeh.
Others are the Personal Assistant to Nnamani, Sunday Anyaugu and a Permanent Secretary in the state, Sylvia Onwumeneni.
Also joined in the suit are Rainbownet Nig. Ltd, Hillgate Nig. Ltd, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School, Enugu.
At the resumed hearing of the case, the prosecution counsel,Kelvin Uzozie, asked for an adjournment on the grounds that the new charge against the accused had not been perfected.
Counsel to Onwumeneni,Tony Igboji, however, opposed the application for adjournment on the grounds that the case had dragged on for too long.
But counsel to other defendants, Hyeladzia Ngaujiwa and Mrs Pauline Ulolu, did not object to an adjournment.
In his ruling, Justice Charles Archibong granted the adjournment for either the re-arraignment of the accused or the hearing of Onwumeneni’s application.
The EFCC is prosecuting Nnamani and 11 others on amended 124-count charge of allegedly laundering about N5.4 billion belonging to the state from 2006 to 2007.
Standing trial with Nnamani are the former State Commissioner for Finance, Peter Mbah, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Sam Ejiofor and a consultant to the state government, Victor Udeh.
Others are the Personal Assistant to Nnamani, Sunday Anyaugu and a Permanent Secretary in the state, Sylvia Onwumeneni.
Also joined in the suit are Rainbownet Nig. Ltd, Hillgate Nig. Ltd, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School, Enugu.
At the resumed hearing of the case, the prosecution counsel,Kelvin Uzozie, asked for an adjournment on the grounds that the new charge against the accused had not been perfected.
Counsel to Onwumeneni,Tony Igboji, however, opposed the application for adjournment on the grounds that the case had dragged on for too long.
But counsel to other defendants, Hyeladzia Ngaujiwa and Mrs Pauline Ulolu, did not object to an adjournment.
In his ruling, Justice Charles Archibong granted the adjournment for either the re-arraignment of the accused or the hearing of Onwumeneni’s application.
Estate agent charged with duping accommodating seeker.
A 33-year-old estate agent who allegedly absconded with an accommodation seeker’s money, has appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court charged with conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
The accused, Mathew Agboola, was accused of conniving with another man still at large to dupe one favour Ibare of N108,000, an amount he gave the accused to lease an accommodation.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge before Magistrate C. J. Momodu.
Prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Orji, said Agboola claimed that he was in a position to secure an accommodation for Ibare but failed to do so and did not return the money.
Orji said the alleged incident occurred in November last year at Ajegunle, Lagos.
The prosecutor said the accused disappeared to an unknown destination after the alleged fraud.
He noted that the alleged offences were punishable under Sections 516, 419 and 390 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
Momodu granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety, and adjourned the case till Aug. 13 for further hearing.
The accused, Mathew Agboola, was accused of conniving with another man still at large to dupe one favour Ibare of N108,000, an amount he gave the accused to lease an accommodation.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge before Magistrate C. J. Momodu.
Prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Orji, said Agboola claimed that he was in a position to secure an accommodation for Ibare but failed to do so and did not return the money.
Orji said the alleged incident occurred in November last year at Ajegunle, Lagos.
The prosecutor said the accused disappeared to an unknown destination after the alleged fraud.
He noted that the alleged offences were punishable under Sections 516, 419 and 390 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
Momodu granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety, and adjourned the case till Aug. 13 for further hearing.
Police lack equipment to fight kidnapping,says Okiro.
The Nigeria Police lacks the equipment to adequately fight kidnapping.
Immediate past Inspector-General of Police,Mike Okiro said this during his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Volunteers for Awareness against Kidnapping and Human Trafficking.
Okiro said the police needed modern equipment to combat kidnapping, considering that kidnappers were well equipped.
He called on the public to assist the Police with useful information that would lead to the arrest of criminals and stressed that the police cannot do wonders without information from the citizens.
Immediate past Inspector-General of Police,Mike Okiro said this during his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Volunteers for Awareness against Kidnapping and Human Trafficking.
Okiro said the police needed modern equipment to combat kidnapping, considering that kidnappers were well equipped.
He called on the public to assist the Police with useful information that would lead to the arrest of criminals and stressed that the police cannot do wonders without information from the citizens.
Police arrest six for siphoning NNPC fuel
The police in Lagos have arrested six persons, including a woman, for allegedly siphoning petroleum products from an NNPC pipeline.
Briefing journalists in Ikeja, the police spokesman, Frank Mba said the suspects were arrested on July 19 at Isheri-Olofin, off the Isheri-Igando-Idimu road.
Mba said a deep well was discovered in the compound which was linked to the pipeline from where the petroleum product was siphoned.
He said 500 drums of different sizes were also found in the compound used for the storage of the stolen fuel.
According to him, the activities of the suspects constitute a serious threat to lives and property in the area.
Mba said the owner of the compound, one Chuks Okonkwo, claimed to be using the compound as a furniture industry.
He said the suspect claimed the product in the well was an oil spillage, which occurred recently in the area, claiming that officials of the NNPC were aware of the situation.
The police spokesman said the suspects will be charge to court soon.
Briefing journalists in Ikeja, the police spokesman, Frank Mba said the suspects were arrested on July 19 at Isheri-Olofin, off the Isheri-Igando-Idimu road.
Mba said a deep well was discovered in the compound which was linked to the pipeline from where the petroleum product was siphoned.
He said 500 drums of different sizes were also found in the compound used for the storage of the stolen fuel.
According to him, the activities of the suspects constitute a serious threat to lives and property in the area.
Mba said the owner of the compound, one Chuks Okonkwo, claimed to be using the compound as a furniture industry.
He said the suspect claimed the product in the well was an oil spillage, which occurred recently in the area, claiming that officials of the NNPC were aware of the situation.
The police spokesman said the suspects will be charge to court soon.
Monday, July 19, 2010
SSS parades 4 kidnappers in Abuja
The State Security Service in Abuja has paraded four persons suspected to be members of a kidnapping gang operating in the FCT.
Its Director,Mike Fubara who paraded the suspects before newsmen, said the four were men aged from 24 to 26 years.
Fubara said the Service had rescued two men, Maurice Gonga and Abel Aguele, allegedly abducted by the gang along Abuja-Keffi road on July 12 and July 14.
According to him, the leaders of the gang, residing in Port Harcourt, are now at large.
Fubara explained the kidnappers took their victims to a thick forest in Masaka village in Nasarawa State and demanded N50 million ransom to set them free.
He said the families of the victims alerted SSS and after negotiations, the kidnappers reduced their demand to N30 million and finally N500,000.
Fubara, however, said the victims were released on July 16 after some members of the gang were arrested during a “sting operation” by the Service.
He said the kidnappers, from Rivers, Lagos and Abia states had pretended to be policemen on duty at different locations in Mararaba and Masaka, some 11km from the FCT.
He appealed to the public to report any strange persons to the nearest formation of SSS or any security agency, adding that such persons often lodged in remote hotels, claiming to be construction workers.
The two cars, a Rio with registration no. AT406YEN, and a Volkswagen Golf AE740MBA were recovered from the suspects.
One of the victims, Aguele, a car dealer, told newsmen that the kidnappers blocked his car and abducted him on Abuja-Keffi road at about 10 p.m., while he was travelling to Jos.
Aguele said the men were armed with sophisticated weapons, including an AK 47 riffle, blindfolded him and took him away in his own car.
He said they took him to the thick forest and initially demanded a ransom of N50 million to set him free, adding that after series of negotiations, they reduced their demand to N30 million.
Its Director,Mike Fubara who paraded the suspects before newsmen, said the four were men aged from 24 to 26 years.
Fubara said the Service had rescued two men, Maurice Gonga and Abel Aguele, allegedly abducted by the gang along Abuja-Keffi road on July 12 and July 14.
According to him, the leaders of the gang, residing in Port Harcourt, are now at large.
Fubara explained the kidnappers took their victims to a thick forest in Masaka village in Nasarawa State and demanded N50 million ransom to set them free.
He said the families of the victims alerted SSS and after negotiations, the kidnappers reduced their demand to N30 million and finally N500,000.
Fubara, however, said the victims were released on July 16 after some members of the gang were arrested during a “sting operation” by the Service.
He said the kidnappers, from Rivers, Lagos and Abia states had pretended to be policemen on duty at different locations in Mararaba and Masaka, some 11km from the FCT.
He appealed to the public to report any strange persons to the nearest formation of SSS or any security agency, adding that such persons often lodged in remote hotels, claiming to be construction workers.
The two cars, a Rio with registration no. AT406YEN, and a Volkswagen Golf AE740MBA were recovered from the suspects.
One of the victims, Aguele, a car dealer, told newsmen that the kidnappers blocked his car and abducted him on Abuja-Keffi road at about 10 p.m., while he was travelling to Jos.
Aguele said the men were armed with sophisticated weapons, including an AK 47 riffle, blindfolded him and took him away in his own car.
He said they took him to the thick forest and initially demanded a ransom of N50 million to set him free, adding that after series of negotiations, they reduced their demand to N30 million.
23-year-old man in court for giving false information to police.
A 23-year-old man,Ikechukwu Okonkwo has appeared before an Asaba Chief Magistrate’s court charged with conspiracy and giving false information to the police.
The police prosecutor,Faith Esenwah, told the court that the accused person committed the offence on June 24 at B Division Police Station, Asaba.
The charge sheet stated that the accused person and one other now at large on the same day and place did conspire to give and gave wrong information to the police.
The charge sheet also started that the accused person and one other now at large on the same day and place gave false information to the police officers, knowing that the information was false.
It further stated that the Okonkwo and one other on the same day and place gave the police officers false information that made them to do things they should not have done.
The accused person, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge against him and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate,Patricia Nsolo said the surety should reside in Asaba and should provided two passport sized photograph.
Nsolo also said the surety should swear to an affidavit of means and adjourned the case to August 9, for hearing.
The police prosecutor,Faith Esenwah, told the court that the accused person committed the offence on June 24 at B Division Police Station, Asaba.
The charge sheet stated that the accused person and one other now at large on the same day and place did conspire to give and gave wrong information to the police.
The charge sheet also started that the accused person and one other now at large on the same day and place gave false information to the police officers, knowing that the information was false.
It further stated that the Okonkwo and one other on the same day and place gave the police officers false information that made them to do things they should not have done.
The accused person, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge against him and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate,Patricia Nsolo said the surety should reside in Asaba and should provided two passport sized photograph.
Nsolo also said the surety should swear to an affidavit of means and adjourned the case to August 9, for hearing.
Police arrest 4 suspects for journalists’ kidnap.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police,Emmanuel Ojukwu has said four persons have been arrested in connection with the abduction of four journalists.
The journalists, Wahab Oba, Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Zone G Secretary, Adolphous Okonkwo, Assistant Secretary, Sylva Okereke, Shola Oyeyipo and their driver Azeez Abdulrauf, were abducted at Ukpabiri in Abia on July 11.
They were rescued on July 18 by the police in Obioma Ngwa Local Government in Abia after a week in captivity.
Ojukwu said in Port Harcourt that the police arrested the four suspects in an operation to rescue the kidnapped journalists.
According to him,more than 600 persons have been arrested for kidnapping in different parts of the country and that the strike by the courts delayed their prosecution.
He said some of the kidnappers had been charged to court and their cases were ongoing.
The force spokesman said ahead of next year’s election, the police had commenced training of its personnel and would re-train them to meet the challenges of the election.
He said the recent visit of the Inspector-General of Police to the South-East zone was to sensitise the communities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders on their role in crime fighting and criminality.
The journalists, Wahab Oba, Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Zone G Secretary, Adolphous Okonkwo, Assistant Secretary, Sylva Okereke, Shola Oyeyipo and their driver Azeez Abdulrauf, were abducted at Ukpabiri in Abia on July 11.
They were rescued on July 18 by the police in Obioma Ngwa Local Government in Abia after a week in captivity.
Ojukwu said in Port Harcourt that the police arrested the four suspects in an operation to rescue the kidnapped journalists.
According to him,more than 600 persons have been arrested for kidnapping in different parts of the country and that the strike by the courts delayed their prosecution.
He said some of the kidnappers had been charged to court and their cases were ongoing.
The force spokesman said ahead of next year’s election, the police had commenced training of its personnel and would re-train them to meet the challenges of the election.
He said the recent visit of the Inspector-General of Police to the South-East zone was to sensitise the communities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders on their role in crime fighting and criminality.
Man bags 6 months in jail for stealing generator.
An Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court has in Lagos sentenced a 19-year-old man, Bimbo Ogundele, to six months imprisonment for stealing a generator, valued at N10,000.
Magistrate,H.O. Omisore, found Ogundele guilty of the two-count charge of stealing and trespassing into the premises of the Nigerian Railway Corporation terminus at Iddo, Lagos.
She said the court considered the accused’s plea for leniency as a first offender by sentencing him to only six months imprisonment.
The convict had pleaded guilty when he was arraigned on June 2.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector Moses Uademevbo, had told the court that the convict was caught on May 30 by the police patrol team attached to the NRC while attempting to scale the fence of the terminus.
Magistrate,H.O. Omisore, found Ogundele guilty of the two-count charge of stealing and trespassing into the premises of the Nigerian Railway Corporation terminus at Iddo, Lagos.
She said the court considered the accused’s plea for leniency as a first offender by sentencing him to only six months imprisonment.
The convict had pleaded guilty when he was arraigned on June 2.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector Moses Uademevbo, had told the court that the convict was caught on May 30 by the police patrol team attached to the NRC while attempting to scale the fence of the terminus.
Police dock 5 for alleged forgery, cheating.
The Police have arraigned four persons before an Abuja Magistrate’s Court for alleged joint act to commit forgery and cheating.
The accused were Bridget Micah, Paul Ugochukwu, Abdul Lawal, Ibrahim Ado and Paul Chogodo.
Arraigning the accused, the prosecutor, Inspector Isenyo Adoche, said the offences were committed on Feb. 16, March 13, and April 23.
The complainant,Mary Ameh, told the court that on Feb. 16, she received a call from the accused concerning her documents, which she submitted to the National Assembly Service Commission for employment.
She claimed that the accused demanded the sum of N45,000, which she paid into the account of Bridget Micah number 4393010036494 with First Bank of Nigeria Plc.
Ameh said she received another call on March 13, from one Peter Kadiri, now at large, who demanded that the sum of N15,000 be paid into his Oceanic Bank account number 0440001022469 to speed up the employment process.
She told the court that she made the payment into the account of the accused, who is now at large, on the same day she received the call.
On April 23, she said Abdul Lawal called her again and handed over a letter of offer of employment from the commission and collected the sum of N50,000.
Ameh said she later discovered that the appointment letter was fake thereby making the accused liable for the said offences.
Magistrate Binta Mohammed, however, granted them bail in the sum of N100,000, with a surety in like sum, who must to be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
Mohammed also said the surety must sign an undertaking that they would produce the 6th accused Kadiri Peter, now at large, on the day of the next hearing of the case.
She adjourned the case to August 18, for further hearing.
The accused were Bridget Micah, Paul Ugochukwu, Abdul Lawal, Ibrahim Ado and Paul Chogodo.
Arraigning the accused, the prosecutor, Inspector Isenyo Adoche, said the offences were committed on Feb. 16, March 13, and April 23.
The complainant,Mary Ameh, told the court that on Feb. 16, she received a call from the accused concerning her documents, which she submitted to the National Assembly Service Commission for employment.
She claimed that the accused demanded the sum of N45,000, which she paid into the account of Bridget Micah number 4393010036494 with First Bank of Nigeria Plc.
Ameh said she received another call on March 13, from one Peter Kadiri, now at large, who demanded that the sum of N15,000 be paid into his Oceanic Bank account number 0440001022469 to speed up the employment process.
She told the court that she made the payment into the account of the accused, who is now at large, on the same day she received the call.
On April 23, she said Abdul Lawal called her again and handed over a letter of offer of employment from the commission and collected the sum of N50,000.
Ameh said she later discovered that the appointment letter was fake thereby making the accused liable for the said offences.
Magistrate Binta Mohammed, however, granted them bail in the sum of N100,000, with a surety in like sum, who must to be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
Mohammed also said the surety must sign an undertaking that they would produce the 6th accused Kadiri Peter, now at large, on the day of the next hearing of the case.
She adjourned the case to August 18, for further hearing.
NDLEA arrest 2,883 drug traffickers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 2,883 suspected drug traffickers between January and May.
The agency’s operational results obtained by Security Alert with Jide showed that the figure comprised 2,780 males and 103 females.
The document said 77,796.12kg of narcotic drugs were seized from drug traffickers.
It stated that Indian hemp formed the bulk of the exhibits with 77,267.04kg, psychotropic substances 419.59kg, cocaine 82.281kg and heroin 27.21kg.
Between January and May 674 drug offenders were convicted and 43.42 hectares of Indian hemp plantations destroyed, the document said.
It said 81 traffickers, comprising 68 males and 13 females, were arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport during the period, bringing it to an average of four arrests weekly.
The document said 192.159kg of illicit drugs comprising 82.281kg of cocaine, 64.110kg of psychotropic substances, 27.208kg of heroin and 18.550kg of Indian hemp were seized at the airport during the period.
The agency’s operational results obtained by Security Alert with Jide showed that the figure comprised 2,780 males and 103 females.
The document said 77,796.12kg of narcotic drugs were seized from drug traffickers.
It stated that Indian hemp formed the bulk of the exhibits with 77,267.04kg, psychotropic substances 419.59kg, cocaine 82.281kg and heroin 27.21kg.
Between January and May 674 drug offenders were convicted and 43.42 hectares of Indian hemp plantations destroyed, the document said.
It said 81 traffickers, comprising 68 males and 13 females, were arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport during the period, bringing it to an average of four arrests weekly.
The document said 192.159kg of illicit drugs comprising 82.281kg of cocaine, 64.110kg of psychotropic substances, 27.208kg of heroin and 18.550kg of Indian hemp were seized at the airport during the period.
NCC to arrest disc replicating plants without SID codes.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission says owners of optical discs replicating plants, who failed to obtain Source Identification codes from the commission, will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Lagos Zonal Manager of the Commission, Emeka Ogbonna, said optical discs which did not have the SID codes would henceforth be presumed pirated and liable to confiscation.
The commission had on May 28 initiated reforms, known as Optical Discs Plants Regulation and Collective Management of Copyright, in a bid to check piracy.
The reforms became operational on June 1.
The reforms demand that all companies, which produce or replicate optical discs in Nigeria, should register with the Commission and obtain appropriate SID codes to be inscribed on the discs.
Ogbonna said although some companies had complied with the directive, many had yet to do so.
The zonal manager said the registration was free but that companies would pay for inscribing the SID codes on the discs.
The Lagos Zonal Manager of the Commission, Emeka Ogbonna, said optical discs which did not have the SID codes would henceforth be presumed pirated and liable to confiscation.
The commission had on May 28 initiated reforms, known as Optical Discs Plants Regulation and Collective Management of Copyright, in a bid to check piracy.
The reforms became operational on June 1.
The reforms demand that all companies, which produce or replicate optical discs in Nigeria, should register with the Commission and obtain appropriate SID codes to be inscribed on the discs.
Ogbonna said although some companies had complied with the directive, many had yet to do so.
The zonal manager said the registration was free but that companies would pay for inscribing the SID codes on the discs.
Court adjourns former Afribank MD's case to October 28.
The Federal High Court, Lagos, has application filed by the former Managing Director of Afribank Plc, Sebastian Adigwe to quash the charge against him.
Adigwe was re-arraigned by the EFCC on April 21 with four directors of the bank on a 33-count charge of granting credit facilities to the tune of N38 billion, without collaterals.
The directors are Osa Osunde, Isa Zailani, Chinedu Onyia and Henry Arogundade.
Also joined in the suit are the Managing Director of Falcon Securities, Peter Ololo, and his company.
At the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, counsel to the accused,Tony Idigbe, told the court that an application had been filed to quash the charge.
He contended that the proof of evidence did not link the accused with the case.
Idigbe urged the court to order the EFCC to release the international passports of the accused,stressing it is illegal for the EFCC to hold on to their passports.
The prosecution counsel,Rotimi Jacobs, however, did not object to the release of the passports to the court but raised objections to the verification of the bail terms.
Justice Jonathan Tsoho ruled that the passports should be deposited with the court and adjourned the case till October 28.
Adigwe was re-arraigned by the EFCC on April 21 with four directors of the bank on a 33-count charge of granting credit facilities to the tune of N38 billion, without collaterals.
The directors are Osa Osunde, Isa Zailani, Chinedu Onyia and Henry Arogundade.
Also joined in the suit are the Managing Director of Falcon Securities, Peter Ololo, and his company.
At the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, counsel to the accused,Tony Idigbe, told the court that an application had been filed to quash the charge.
He contended that the proof of evidence did not link the accused with the case.
Idigbe urged the court to order the EFCC to release the international passports of the accused,stressing it is illegal for the EFCC to hold on to their passports.
The prosecution counsel,Rotimi Jacobs, however, did not object to the release of the passports to the court but raised objections to the verification of the bail terms.
Justice Jonathan Tsoho ruled that the passports should be deposited with the court and adjourned the case till October 28.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
KIDNAPPED JOURNALISTS REGAIN FREEDOM.
The Chairman of Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Wahab Oba and three other journalists with their driver kidnapped a week ago in Abia have regained their freedom.
They regained their freedom today at Ukpakiri in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia.
Oba who Narratted their ordeal to newsmen at the Police Headquarters, Umuahia said they were released by their abductors miraculously in a market.
According to him,the kidnappers collected all their personal effects, including laptops, wrist watches and the sum of three million naira.
Oba said they were fed on bread once a day but that at a time they declared a fast.
He said the hoodlums accused the government of insensitivity to the plight of residents of the state and threatened to disrupt the twenty eleven general elections.
The Council Assistant Secretary,Silver Okereke said at a point the kidnappers blindfolded them and took them to a point they were to be slaughtered as they were asked to say their final prayer.
Okereke said the hoodlums had the best of communication networking and all the information that transpired in the course of their captivity were at the finger-tips of the kidnappers.
He said the Kidnappers were well connected and are aware of every bit of police movement both internal and external.
They regained their freedom today at Ukpakiri in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia.
Oba who Narratted their ordeal to newsmen at the Police Headquarters, Umuahia said they were released by their abductors miraculously in a market.
According to him,the kidnappers collected all their personal effects, including laptops, wrist watches and the sum of three million naira.
Oba said they were fed on bread once a day but that at a time they declared a fast.
He said the hoodlums accused the government of insensitivity to the plight of residents of the state and threatened to disrupt the twenty eleven general elections.
The Council Assistant Secretary,Silver Okereke said at a point the kidnappers blindfolded them and took them to a point they were to be slaughtered as they were asked to say their final prayer.
Okereke said the hoodlums had the best of communication networking and all the information that transpired in the course of their captivity were at the finger-tips of the kidnappers.
He said the Kidnappers were well connected and are aware of every bit of police movement both internal and external.
Reactions trail release of abducted journalists.
Stand up against criminals, pay no ransom,so says an elated Minister of Information and Communications,Dora Akunyili.
Akunyili comments came following the release of the journalists who were kidnapped on July eleven.
She said payment of ransom had encouraged kidnapping which has now become an industry.
In his reaction,President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors,Gbenga Adefaye recommended a harsh example be made of deviants to put an end to kidnapping.
National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,Leman Shuaib said Nigerians should resolve to make the recent episode, the last of kidnap saga in the country.
Akunyili comments came following the release of the journalists who were kidnapped on July eleven.
She said payment of ransom had encouraged kidnapping which has now become an industry.
In his reaction,President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors,Gbenga Adefaye recommended a harsh example be made of deviants to put an end to kidnapping.
National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,Leman Shuaib said Nigerians should resolve to make the recent episode, the last of kidnap saga in the country.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Businessman in court for allegedly duping a Lagos White Cap Chief.
A 45-year-old businessman, Hakeem Azeez, who allegedly defrauded a Lagos White Cap Chief of N560,000 has been arraigned in court.
Azeez is standing trial before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
Prosecutor, Inspector Nwosu George, told the court that Azeez committed the offence sometimes in July 2009, at 73 Idumiyibo St, Lagos Island.
The accused, on the said day and place, fraudulently obtained the sum of N560,000 from one Chief A.O.K Akasere, `The Ashogbon of Lagos'.
He said the accused knew that the representation was false and fraudulent.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate,Mulikat Ali-Balogun, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till August 2 for further hearing.
Azeez is standing trial before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
Prosecutor, Inspector Nwosu George, told the court that Azeez committed the offence sometimes in July 2009, at 73 Idumiyibo St, Lagos Island.
The accused, on the said day and place, fraudulently obtained the sum of N560,000 from one Chief A.O.K Akasere, `The Ashogbon of Lagos'.
He said the accused knew that the representation was false and fraudulent.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate,Mulikat Ali-Balogun, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till August 2 for further hearing.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Court adjourns divorce suit for possible reconciliation.
A Grade A Customary Court in Mushin, Lagos,has adjourned a divorce case till July 27 to allow the estranged couple time for possible reconciliation.
A 49-year-old engineer, Abubakar Adebayo, had pleaded with the court to dissolve his marriage of 26 years to Monsurat for alleged neglect.
The petitioner told the court that Monsurat, a trader in Mushin, had abandoned him and their five children aged 26, 22, 16, 15 and eight years.
He told the court that he was no longer interested in the marriage since Monsurat preferred her business to her family.
However, Monsurat pleaded with the court to reconcile them, saying she abandoned the matrimonial home to reduce her stress of going to her shop in Mushin from her Ejigbo home on daily basis.
President of the court,Abayomi Ipaye, blamed the respondent for abandoning her matrimonial home.
He, however, asked the estranged couple to see the judges after the sitting for possible reconciliation.
He therefore adjourned the case till July 27.
A 49-year-old engineer, Abubakar Adebayo, had pleaded with the court to dissolve his marriage of 26 years to Monsurat for alleged neglect.
The petitioner told the court that Monsurat, a trader in Mushin, had abandoned him and their five children aged 26, 22, 16, 15 and eight years.
He told the court that he was no longer interested in the marriage since Monsurat preferred her business to her family.
However, Monsurat pleaded with the court to reconcile them, saying she abandoned the matrimonial home to reduce her stress of going to her shop in Mushin from her Ejigbo home on daily basis.
President of the court,Abayomi Ipaye, blamed the respondent for abandoning her matrimonial home.
He, however, asked the estranged couple to see the judges after the sitting for possible reconciliation.
He therefore adjourned the case till July 27.
Man begs court to stop wife from leaving.
A man whose wife is seeking divorce, has prayed a grade A Customary Court in Mushin, Lagos for more than 30 minutes to save his marriage.
Fatai Lawal pleaded with the court to reconcile him with his wife, Falilat, saying he wanted them to train their three children together.
He told the court that efforts by the two families to resolve his differences with Falilat were fruitless because she insisted on divorce.
The respondent said he relied on the court to reunite him with his enstranged wife.
Falilat had urged the court to dissolve the marriage, claiming that Fatai constantly beat her.
The petitioner said she had already packed out of her matrimonial home over the battery and was fed up with the relationship.
The President of the Court,Abayomi Ipaye, adjourned the case till July 27 for possible reconciliation.
In another development, four persons who allegedly stole building materials from their employer,have appeared before a Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on a three-count charge of theft.
The accused Chigozie Onyejiuwa,Wasiu Agboola,Uche Uzor and Ibrabim Babagana were charged before Magistrate A. Tobi, but they pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor,Sergent Idowu Onime, submitted that they stole copper pipes, pumping machines, iron rods and electrical wall fittings belonging to W.A.O. Engineering Company which employed them.
Onime said the building materials were worth N153,000.
He said the alleged incident occurred on June 6 on the Grace Court Estate, Makoko, Yaba.
The prosecutor said that the alleged crime were punishable under Sections 516, 390 (9) and 427 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court granted the accused bail and in the sum of N60, 000 and a surety each.
The case has been adjourned till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
Fatai Lawal pleaded with the court to reconcile him with his wife, Falilat, saying he wanted them to train their three children together.
He told the court that efforts by the two families to resolve his differences with Falilat were fruitless because she insisted on divorce.
The respondent said he relied on the court to reunite him with his enstranged wife.
Falilat had urged the court to dissolve the marriage, claiming that Fatai constantly beat her.
The petitioner said she had already packed out of her matrimonial home over the battery and was fed up with the relationship.
The President of the Court,Abayomi Ipaye, adjourned the case till July 27 for possible reconciliation.
In another development, four persons who allegedly stole building materials from their employer,have appeared before a Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on a three-count charge of theft.
The accused Chigozie Onyejiuwa,Wasiu Agboola,Uche Uzor and Ibrabim Babagana were charged before Magistrate A. Tobi, but they pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor,Sergent Idowu Onime, submitted that they stole copper pipes, pumping machines, iron rods and electrical wall fittings belonging to W.A.O. Engineering Company which employed them.
Onime said the building materials were worth N153,000.
He said the alleged incident occurred on June 6 on the Grace Court Estate, Makoko, Yaba.
The prosecutor said that the alleged crime were punishable under Sections 516, 390 (9) and 427 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court granted the accused bail and in the sum of N60, 000 and a surety each.
The case has been adjourned till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
EFCC amends charge against bank employees.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has amended the charge it preferred against six employees of the Intercontinental Bank Plc and five companies facing trial for alleged misuse of depositors’ funds.
Counsel to the Commission, Olabisi Odiri,in Lagos informed the Justice Muhammed Idris of the Federal High Court that the commission had amended the charge.
Odiri sought the permission of the court to read the amended charge to the accused, but the defence objected, saying it had filed an application to quash it.
Defence counsel,Olatunde Adejuyigbe, argued that the proof of evidence did not link the accused to the crime.
A copy of the amended charge sheet made available to journalists revealed that the only amendment was the removal of a company from the charge.
The Commission removed Regal Investment Ltd from the charge, reducing the number of the firms to four.
The bank employees and companies were arraigned on January 4 on a 12-count charge of fraudulently transferring about N26 billion belonging to the bank.
The employees are, Bayo Dada Director, Akinwunmi Fabunmi Financial Controller and Toyin Odesile Head Domestic Banking.
The others are,Ayoola Ayinde Head Foreign Exchange, Oluwatoyin Oyelade Head Corporate Treasury and Ayodele Thomas General Manager.
The other four companies are, Tropics Securities Ltd, Tropics Properties Ltd, Tropics Finance and Investment Ltd and Bankinson Nigeria Ltd.
The Commission alleged that the companies were linked to a former Managing Director of the bank, Erastus Akingbola, who it declared wanted.
The commission alleged that the accused committed the alleged offence between May 11, 2009 and June 30, 2009.
Idris adjourned the case till August 2 for hearing in the application to quash the charge.
Counsel to the Commission, Olabisi Odiri,in Lagos informed the Justice Muhammed Idris of the Federal High Court that the commission had amended the charge.
Odiri sought the permission of the court to read the amended charge to the accused, but the defence objected, saying it had filed an application to quash it.
Defence counsel,Olatunde Adejuyigbe, argued that the proof of evidence did not link the accused to the crime.
A copy of the amended charge sheet made available to journalists revealed that the only amendment was the removal of a company from the charge.
The Commission removed Regal Investment Ltd from the charge, reducing the number of the firms to four.
The bank employees and companies were arraigned on January 4 on a 12-count charge of fraudulently transferring about N26 billion belonging to the bank.
The employees are, Bayo Dada Director, Akinwunmi Fabunmi Financial Controller and Toyin Odesile Head Domestic Banking.
The others are,Ayoola Ayinde Head Foreign Exchange, Oluwatoyin Oyelade Head Corporate Treasury and Ayodele Thomas General Manager.
The other four companies are, Tropics Securities Ltd, Tropics Properties Ltd, Tropics Finance and Investment Ltd and Bankinson Nigeria Ltd.
The Commission alleged that the companies were linked to a former Managing Director of the bank, Erastus Akingbola, who it declared wanted.
The commission alleged that the accused committed the alleged offence between May 11, 2009 and June 30, 2009.
Idris adjourned the case till August 2 for hearing in the application to quash the charge.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Man arraigned for stealing PHCN Vehicle.
The Police in Lagos has charged one Olawale Oyetayo before a Shomolu Senior Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Corolla car, worth N2.7 million.
Oyetayo is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
Prosecutor,Inspector Adegoke Akinlebi, told the court that the accused on June 7 at No. 11 Eyo Street Palm-Grove, Lagos stole the vehicle, property of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Akinlebi said Oyetayo and others at large conspired and stole the vehicle with Reg. No. FG 170 P41 where it was parked.
When the charges were read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.
Senior Magistrate,A.O. Gbajumo, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Gbajumo fixed further hearing in the matter till August 11.
Oyetayo is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
Prosecutor,Inspector Adegoke Akinlebi, told the court that the accused on June 7 at No. 11 Eyo Street Palm-Grove, Lagos stole the vehicle, property of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Akinlebi said Oyetayo and others at large conspired and stole the vehicle with Reg. No. FG 170 P41 where it was parked.
When the charges were read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.
Senior Magistrate,A.O. Gbajumo, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Gbajumo fixed further hearing in the matter till August 11.
Two female traders docked for allegedly defrauding an NGO of N590,000.
The Police in Lagos has docked two female traders, Lateefat Oyerinde and Idowu Toriola, for allegedly defrauding a non-governmental organisation of N590,000.
Oyerinde and Toriola are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and cheating before Magistrate A.O. Gbajumo of the Shomolu Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor,Inspector Adegoke Akinlebi, told the court that the accused on May 21 collected a loan of N590,000 from Development Empowerment and Establishment Project, an NGO in Maryland, Lagos.
Akinlebi said the accused told the NGO officials that the money was for trading and that the proceeds from the trade would be remitted to the NGO.
He said the accused, however, defaulted in remitting the proceeds, as agreed.
The duo pleaded not guilty and were each granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till August 11 for further hearing.
Oyerinde and Toriola are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and cheating before Magistrate A.O. Gbajumo of the Shomolu Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor,Inspector Adegoke Akinlebi, told the court that the accused on May 21 collected a loan of N590,000 from Development Empowerment and Establishment Project, an NGO in Maryland, Lagos.
Akinlebi said the accused told the NGO officials that the money was for trading and that the proceeds from the trade would be remitted to the NGO.
He said the accused, however, defaulted in remitting the proceeds, as agreed.
The duo pleaded not guilty and were each granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till August 11 for further hearing.
Kidnapped journalists would soon be released.
The Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists has said that it was optimistic that the four kidnapped journalists and driver would soon regain their freedom.
council’s vice-chairman, Deji Elumoye spoke in Lagos when receiving delegations on solidarity visits from the state government and the Council of Lagos State Indigenes.
He said the union’s president, Garba Mohammed, had received a call from the kidnappers and was allowed to speak with the Chairman of the State Council, Wahab Oba.
He said at present, the National Secretariat of the NUJ had temporarily relocated to Umuahia to address the problem.
Elumoye thanked the delegations for the solidarity visit, noting that immediately the news of the kidnapping broke on Sunday, the state government showed concern.
The Lagos State delegation was led by the Commissioner for Information, Opeyemi Bamidele.
In his remarks, Bamidele described the kidnapping as one kidnap too many.
He said there is no reason for anyone, either for physical gains or to heighten the tension in the country, to allow himself or herself to be driven into doing the obnoxious crime.
According to him, the state government is working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the NUJ leaders.
The commissioner, on behalf of Governor Babatunde Fashola, expressed the state government’s solidarity with the NUJ.
The Convener of the Council of Lagos State Indigenes,Sumbo Onitiri, expressed shock at the incident and advised the National Assembly to hasten the passage of the Freedom of Information and anti-terrorism bills.
Onitiri appealed to all security operatives to ensure that the kidnapped journalists are released and urged the Federal Government to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses.
Earlier, the NUJ officials paid solidarity visits to the wives and families of the four journalists and driver.
A former President of the National Association of Women Journalists,Toro Oladapo, who accompanied the NUJ officials, consoled the wives of the kidnapped men.
Oladapo, an Assistant Director, Information, Office of Lagos State Deputy Governor, assured the women that their husbands would soon be released.
Prayers were later offered for the safe release of the kidnapped persons.
council’s vice-chairman, Deji Elumoye spoke in Lagos when receiving delegations on solidarity visits from the state government and the Council of Lagos State Indigenes.
He said the union’s president, Garba Mohammed, had received a call from the kidnappers and was allowed to speak with the Chairman of the State Council, Wahab Oba.
He said at present, the National Secretariat of the NUJ had temporarily relocated to Umuahia to address the problem.
Elumoye thanked the delegations for the solidarity visit, noting that immediately the news of the kidnapping broke on Sunday, the state government showed concern.
The Lagos State delegation was led by the Commissioner for Information, Opeyemi Bamidele.
In his remarks, Bamidele described the kidnapping as one kidnap too many.
He said there is no reason for anyone, either for physical gains or to heighten the tension in the country, to allow himself or herself to be driven into doing the obnoxious crime.
According to him, the state government is working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the NUJ leaders.
The commissioner, on behalf of Governor Babatunde Fashola, expressed the state government’s solidarity with the NUJ.
The Convener of the Council of Lagos State Indigenes,Sumbo Onitiri, expressed shock at the incident and advised the National Assembly to hasten the passage of the Freedom of Information and anti-terrorism bills.
Onitiri appealed to all security operatives to ensure that the kidnapped journalists are released and urged the Federal Government to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses.
Earlier, the NUJ officials paid solidarity visits to the wives and families of the four journalists and driver.
A former President of the National Association of Women Journalists,Toro Oladapo, who accompanied the NUJ officials, consoled the wives of the kidnapped men.
Oladapo, an Assistant Director, Information, Office of Lagos State Deputy Governor, assured the women that their husbands would soon be released.
Prayers were later offered for the safe release of the kidnapped persons.
2 businessmen docked for allegedly stealing Shell's property.
Two businessmen, Nick Amusan and Simon Nwaemo have been arraigned for allegedly stealing 1,480 pieces of seismic detonators, worth N2.1 million, property of Shell Petroleum Development Company.
The accused, who reside in Lagos, were charged with conspiracy and stealing before an Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor, ASP Stanley Iwok, said that they committed the alleged crime on October 17, 2007 at the premises of the Niger Delta Development Commission located at No 11 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.
The accused person, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate,O.I. Oguntade, granted them bail in the sum of N500, 000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till September 13.
The accused, who reside in Lagos, were charged with conspiracy and stealing before an Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor, ASP Stanley Iwok, said that they committed the alleged crime on October 17, 2007 at the premises of the Niger Delta Development Commission located at No 11 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.
The accused person, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate,O.I. Oguntade, granted them bail in the sum of N500, 000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till September 13.
Police, Customs to collaborate in policing Nigeria-Benin border.
The Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Customs Service have agreed to collaborate in policing the country’s border with Benin Republic.
Comptroller of Customs, Seme Command, Mohammed Bawa said this in Ikeja when he visited the Lagos State Police Commissioner,Marvel Akpoyibo.
He said his visit was to enable him explore areas of assistance in policing the country’s border routes, particularly the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Akpoyibo promised that the police would cooperate with the Customs Service in their operations and urged security agencies to ensure adequate security of lives and property.
Comptroller of Customs, Seme Command, Mohammed Bawa said this in Ikeja when he visited the Lagos State Police Commissioner,Marvel Akpoyibo.
He said his visit was to enable him explore areas of assistance in policing the country’s border routes, particularly the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Akpoyibo promised that the police would cooperate with the Customs Service in their operations and urged security agencies to ensure adequate security of lives and property.
Former Leadway Mobile employee docked for diverting employer’s money.
A former employee of Leadway Mobile Nigeria Ltd Lagos, Onasanya Oluwole, has been arraigned in Lagos for allegedly diverting his employer’s N5.5 million.
Oluwole is standing trial before Chief Magistrate Oyindamola Ogala, at an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
Prosecutor,Inspector Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that Oluwole, a marketer with the company and was in a position to deposit customers’ funds into its account.
Eshiet said Oluwole, with others now at large, between October 2009 and January 2010 at No. 13, Adeniyi Jakande Street Ojuelegba, Lagos, diverted the funds into their personal accounts.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
The case was adjourned till August 10.
Oluwole is standing trial before Chief Magistrate Oyindamola Ogala, at an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
Prosecutor,Inspector Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that Oluwole, a marketer with the company and was in a position to deposit customers’ funds into its account.
Eshiet said Oluwole, with others now at large, between October 2009 and January 2010 at No. 13, Adeniyi Jakande Street Ojuelegba, Lagos, diverted the funds into their personal accounts.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
The case was adjourned till August 10.
Director arraigned for allegedly stealing firm's N3million.
A director with African Wild Dogs Communication Ltd Lagos, Michael Bassey, has been arraigned in Lagos for allegedly stealing the firm’s N3 million.
Bassey is standing trial before Folake Davies-Abegunde of an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a one-count charge of stealing.
Prosecutor,Sergent Zacheus Arekhandia, said the accused committed the offence between June 2, 2008 and Sept. 25, 2008 at Suite 119, Opic Plaza, Ikeja.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The defence counsel,Oyaruvuegbe Gani, applied for liberal bail condition for the accused.
But Arekhandia objected to the bail application, arguing that the accused had not been honouring duly served invitations from the police.
Davies-Abegunde, however, granted the accused bail in the sum of N750,000, with one surety in like sum.
She adjourned the case till August 10 for further hearing.
Bassey is standing trial before Folake Davies-Abegunde of an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a one-count charge of stealing.
Prosecutor,Sergent Zacheus Arekhandia, said the accused committed the offence between June 2, 2008 and Sept. 25, 2008 at Suite 119, Opic Plaza, Ikeja.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The defence counsel,Oyaruvuegbe Gani, applied for liberal bail condition for the accused.
But Arekhandia objected to the bail application, arguing that the accused had not been honouring duly served invitations from the police.
Davies-Abegunde, however, granted the accused bail in the sum of N750,000, with one surety in like sum.
She adjourned the case till August 10 for further hearing.
Two friends arraigned for alleged attempted murder.
Two friends have been arraigned at a Senior Magistrate’s Court, Apapa, on a three-count charge of felony, causing bodily harm and attempted murder.
Prosecutor,Sergent Joseph Kalu said the accused, Elvis Otarighorua and Onyekachi Okorie had on March 3 at Sinclair Secondary School, Olodi, Apapa, Lagos conspired to commit the alleged crime.
He said that the accused lured their victim, one Toheeb Bello, to the school and used machetes to inflict grievous injuries on him.
Kalu told the court that the injuries led to Bello being hospitalised.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
Senior Magistrate,Ariyike Ipaye-Nwachukwu, granted the two accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 each, with one surety each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Sept. 8.
Prosecutor,Sergent Joseph Kalu said the accused, Elvis Otarighorua and Onyekachi Okorie had on March 3 at Sinclair Secondary School, Olodi, Apapa, Lagos conspired to commit the alleged crime.
He said that the accused lured their victim, one Toheeb Bello, to the school and used machetes to inflict grievous injuries on him.
Kalu told the court that the injuries led to Bello being hospitalised.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
Senior Magistrate,Ariyike Ipaye-Nwachukwu, granted the two accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 each, with one surety each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Sept. 8.
Court restrains African Petroleum from suspending secretary.
A Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the African Petroleum Plc from suspending the company’s Secretary,Elizabeth Idigbe.
In a ruling, Justice Okechukwu Okeke held that Idigbe should remain African Petroleum’s Secretary and Legal Adviser pending the determination of a suit she filed on her suspension.
The judge ruled on a motion ex-parte filed by Idigbe on July nine.
The plaintiff filed the ex parte application along with a substantive suit over her suspension.
Okeke also restrained the African Petroleum, its Chairman of Board of Directors,Femi Otedola and the company’s agents from taking further steps regarding Idigbe’s suspension.
The court, however, directed Idigbe to write an undertaking to pay damages if the court discovered that it ought not to have made the ex-parte order.
In the suit, Idigbe prayed the court to order the African Petroleum to deposit her entitlements until retirement in 2026 in an interest yielding account pending the determination of the suit.
She claimed that the entitlements were N728, 626, 773.04k.
The plaintiff urged the court to compel the African Petroleum to deposit the sum in the name of the chief registrar of the court within 30 days of the service of the order.
Hearing in the substantive suit will begin on July twenty-six.
In a ruling, Justice Okechukwu Okeke held that Idigbe should remain African Petroleum’s Secretary and Legal Adviser pending the determination of a suit she filed on her suspension.
The judge ruled on a motion ex-parte filed by Idigbe on July nine.
The plaintiff filed the ex parte application along with a substantive suit over her suspension.
Okeke also restrained the African Petroleum, its Chairman of Board of Directors,Femi Otedola and the company’s agents from taking further steps regarding Idigbe’s suspension.
The court, however, directed Idigbe to write an undertaking to pay damages if the court discovered that it ought not to have made the ex-parte order.
In the suit, Idigbe prayed the court to order the African Petroleum to deposit her entitlements until retirement in 2026 in an interest yielding account pending the determination of the suit.
She claimed that the entitlements were N728, 626, 773.04k.
The plaintiff urged the court to compel the African Petroleum to deposit the sum in the name of the chief registrar of the court within 30 days of the service of the order.
Hearing in the substantive suit will begin on July twenty-six.
Lawyer canvasses the removal of security votes.
The President, Catholic Christian Lawyers Association of Nigeria, Mbanugo Udenze has canvassed the stoppage of security votes allocation to the executive arm of government.
Udenze said the Federal Government should stop appropriating security votes since such votes were meant for a few and not for the majority of Nigerians.
He said security vote was a brainchild of the military and has outlived its usefulness in a democracy.
Udenze blamed the spate of kidnapping, especially of four journalists and their driver, on a weakened security institution.
The lawyer also urged the government to equip the police appropriately to enable them detect crime before they were committed and arrest perpetrators.
Udenze said the Federal Government should stop appropriating security votes since such votes were meant for a few and not for the majority of Nigerians.
He said security vote was a brainchild of the military and has outlived its usefulness in a democracy.
Udenze blamed the spate of kidnapping, especially of four journalists and their driver, on a weakened security institution.
The lawyer also urged the government to equip the police appropriately to enable them detect crime before they were committed and arrest perpetrators.
Monday, July 12, 2010
6 plead guilty to robbing an accident victim.
Six men, who allegedly stole the property of an accident victim,have pleaded guilty before an Apapa Senior Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.
Charged with a two-count offence of felony and stealing, the accused owned up to the theft of some personal effects of an accident victim, Mercy Afowosine.
The accused are Ali Mohammed,Lasa Jida, Jessy Garuba, Sunday Banuso, Modu Wakli and Shehu Mohammed.
The prosecution told the court that the men had on July 7 under the bridge at Nigerian Breweries, Iganmu, Lagos, stole her handbag containing two Nokia handsets, N31,000 cash, recharge cards, and a neck chain, all valued at N73, 000.
Sergent John Iberedem said the accused committed the offence under the pretext of helping Afowosine, a contravention of Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Senior Magistrate,Amos Adeyemi adjourned the case till July 16 for judgment and remanded the accused in prison custody.
Charged with a two-count offence of felony and stealing, the accused owned up to the theft of some personal effects of an accident victim, Mercy Afowosine.
The accused are Ali Mohammed,Lasa Jida, Jessy Garuba, Sunday Banuso, Modu Wakli and Shehu Mohammed.
The prosecution told the court that the men had on July 7 under the bridge at Nigerian Breweries, Iganmu, Lagos, stole her handbag containing two Nokia handsets, N31,000 cash, recharge cards, and a neck chain, all valued at N73, 000.
Sergent John Iberedem said the accused committed the offence under the pretext of helping Afowosine, a contravention of Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Senior Magistrate,Amos Adeyemi adjourned the case till July 16 for judgment and remanded the accused in prison custody.
Man in court over theft of Nissan car.
A man who allegedly unlawfully towed a car, has been appeared before a Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on charges of conspiracy and stealing.
The accused, John Gadeke was accused of stealing a Nissan Tiida saloon car worth N2.9 million which the owner parked by the roadside.
Gadeke, however, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate A. Tobi.
Prosecutor, Sergent Idowu Onime, said the owner of the vehicle, Paul Ola, parked it on Ladele Street, Aguda in Surulere on June 16.
The court granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case has been adjourned till August five for further hearing.
The accused, John Gadeke was accused of stealing a Nissan Tiida saloon car worth N2.9 million which the owner parked by the roadside.
Gadeke, however, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate A. Tobi.
Prosecutor, Sergent Idowu Onime, said the owner of the vehicle, Paul Ola, parked it on Ladele Street, Aguda in Surulere on June 16.
The court granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case has been adjourned till August five for further hearing.
Man arraiged for alleged theft of baby wears.
A twenty-seven-year-old unemployed man has been arraigned at an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for the alleged theft of a container laden with baby wears, valued at N750,000.
The accused, Maxwell Chigbo, is standing trial on a two-count charge of felony and stealing.
Prosecutor, Sergent Benedict Unawunwa, told the court that Chigbo conspired with others still at large on June 15 to steal the container, property of one Jude Maduka.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Chief Magistrate,Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case to August 13 for further hearing.
The accused, Maxwell Chigbo, is standing trial on a two-count charge of felony and stealing.
Prosecutor, Sergent Benedict Unawunwa, told the court that Chigbo conspired with others still at large on June 15 to steal the container, property of one Jude Maduka.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Chief Magistrate,Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case to August 13 for further hearing.
Man docked for allegedly stealing betting proceeds valued N1.9m.
A 42-year-old man, who allegedly stole pools betting sales totaling N1.9 million,has been docked in Lagos.
The accused, Adedoyin Nurudeen, is facing a one-count charge of theft before Magistrate A. Tobi of a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor, Sergent Idowu Onime, told the court that Nurudeen stole the proceeds of the lotto collected between March and May at Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere.
Onime said the accused did not remit the takings he collected during the period to the property owner, one Segun Adebutu.
Nurudeen pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate adjourned the case till August five for further hearing.
The accused, Adedoyin Nurudeen, is facing a one-count charge of theft before Magistrate A. Tobi of a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor, Sergent Idowu Onime, told the court that Nurudeen stole the proceeds of the lotto collected between March and May at Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere.
Onime said the accused did not remit the takings he collected during the period to the property owner, one Segun Adebutu.
Nurudeen pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate adjourned the case till August five for further hearing.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Man wants to commit suicide for being denied sex.
A driver with a bank, Anthony Obi, has said he would commit suicide if his plea for divorce was denied by the court.
Obi had pleaded with the Grade A Customary Court, Somolu, Lagos, to dissolve his eight-year-old marriage because his wife was starving him of sex.
The petitioner told the court that his wife, Ukamaka a housewife, often denied him sex since they got married in 2002.
He said though he did not suspect his wife of extra marital affairs, she had not been taking care of him and their two children aged five years and nine months.
Obi claimed that he never had a sexual affair before marriage or extramarital affair after he married Ukamaka.
Josephine 0sae, counsel to both parties said all her efforts to reconcile the estranged couple proved abortive and therefore urged the court to dissolve the marriage.
However, the respondent, Ukamaka, told the court that she would continue to deny her husband sex until he empowered her, saying she was fed up with being a housewife.
The Court President, Modupe Bajulaiye, reprimanded the petitioner for saying he would commit suicide because of sex.
Bajulaiye, adjourned the case till August 9 for further hearing but advised the petitioner to allow both families to intervene.
Obi had pleaded with the Grade A Customary Court, Somolu, Lagos, to dissolve his eight-year-old marriage because his wife was starving him of sex.
The petitioner told the court that his wife, Ukamaka a housewife, often denied him sex since they got married in 2002.
He said though he did not suspect his wife of extra marital affairs, she had not been taking care of him and their two children aged five years and nine months.
Obi claimed that he never had a sexual affair before marriage or extramarital affair after he married Ukamaka.
Josephine 0sae, counsel to both parties said all her efforts to reconcile the estranged couple proved abortive and therefore urged the court to dissolve the marriage.
However, the respondent, Ukamaka, told the court that she would continue to deny her husband sex until he empowered her, saying she was fed up with being a housewife.
The Court President, Modupe Bajulaiye, reprimanded the petitioner for saying he would commit suicide because of sex.
Bajulaiye, adjourned the case till August 9 for further hearing but advised the petitioner to allow both families to intervene.
COURT REMANDS MAN OVER STEALING.
An Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court, Sura Street, Lagos,has ordered Emmanuel Nzenike remanded in prison custody for stealing N9,720 from a church tithe.
Nzenike had pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of stealing N9,720 tithe belonging to the Church of Assumption, Lagos.
Prosecutor, Sergent Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused on July 6 entered the Church of Assumption, Lagos with intent to commit felony to wit stealing.
The accused pleaded guilty to the charge.
Magistrate, A.A. Famobiwo, said in view of the guilty stance of the accused, he should be remanded in prison custody till July twelve for sentencing.
Nzenike had pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of stealing N9,720 tithe belonging to the Church of Assumption, Lagos.
Prosecutor, Sergent Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused on July 6 entered the Church of Assumption, Lagos with intent to commit felony to wit stealing.
The accused pleaded guilty to the charge.
Magistrate, A.A. Famobiwo, said in view of the guilty stance of the accused, he should be remanded in prison custody till July twelve for sentencing.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
CP, FRSC chief call for ``okada'' ban in Lagos
The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Marvel Akpoyibo, has called for the banning of commercial motorcycles, otherwise known as okada, in some parts of the metropolis.
He said in Ikeja that commercial motorcyclists should be barred from operating in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Ikeja, as well as on the highways.
Speaking at a public hearing on the operations of commercial motorcyclists, Akpoyibo noted that accidents caused by the them accounted for 68.3 per cent in January.
The public hearing, which was organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly, was attended by stakeholders, including officials of the state transportation ministry.
Others were representatives of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Akpoyibo said the percentage of motorcycle accidents rose to 70.1 in May, adding that 70 per cent of road accidents recorded in the state this year were caused by the okada operators.
Also, 70 per cent of crimes being committed in the state are attributable to armed bandits, who use motorcycles,’’ said the police commissioner, who was represented by Vincent Brown, a senior officer.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Jonas Agwu, described the okada riders as law breakers whose activities should be restricted to feeder roads.
He also called for the banning of the okada riders from major roads and expressways in the state.
Commissioner for Transportation, Bamidele Badejo, said that the argument that okada was a good means of transportation was unacceptable.
He accused local governments of scuttling the government’s effort at regulating okada operations.
Kayode Opeifa, the Special Adviser on Transportation, said that motorcycles were not meant for commuting people, pointing out that making regulations on their activities would mean regulating illegality.
Speaking on behalf of okada riders, Anaja Michael, Assistant General Secretary of ACOMORAN, suggested that the existing two associations ACOMORAN and ANACOWA should be merged for effective regulation.
Other stakeholders urged the government not to ban the operation of okada, saying that it has helped to fill the vacuum created by inefficient transportation system in the state.
Lanre Osun, Ad-Hoc Chairman of the Committee on Transportation, promised that stakeholders’ contributions would be considered in making a law that would regulate the operations of commercial motorcyclists.
He said in Ikeja that commercial motorcyclists should be barred from operating in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Ikeja, as well as on the highways.
Speaking at a public hearing on the operations of commercial motorcyclists, Akpoyibo noted that accidents caused by the them accounted for 68.3 per cent in January.
The public hearing, which was organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly, was attended by stakeholders, including officials of the state transportation ministry.
Others were representatives of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Akpoyibo said the percentage of motorcycle accidents rose to 70.1 in May, adding that 70 per cent of road accidents recorded in the state this year were caused by the okada operators.
Also, 70 per cent of crimes being committed in the state are attributable to armed bandits, who use motorcycles,’’ said the police commissioner, who was represented by Vincent Brown, a senior officer.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Jonas Agwu, described the okada riders as law breakers whose activities should be restricted to feeder roads.
He also called for the banning of the okada riders from major roads and expressways in the state.
Commissioner for Transportation, Bamidele Badejo, said that the argument that okada was a good means of transportation was unacceptable.
He accused local governments of scuttling the government’s effort at regulating okada operations.
Kayode Opeifa, the Special Adviser on Transportation, said that motorcycles were not meant for commuting people, pointing out that making regulations on their activities would mean regulating illegality.
Speaking on behalf of okada riders, Anaja Michael, Assistant General Secretary of ACOMORAN, suggested that the existing two associations ACOMORAN and ANACOWA should be merged for effective regulation.
Other stakeholders urged the government not to ban the operation of okada, saying that it has helped to fill the vacuum created by inefficient transportation system in the state.
Lanre Osun, Ad-Hoc Chairman of the Committee on Transportation, promised that stakeholders’ contributions would be considered in making a law that would regulate the operations of commercial motorcyclists.
Lagos govt seals 12 filling stations for alleged tax evasion.
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has sealed 12 petroleum products retail outlets in different parts of the metropolis over alleged tax evasion.
Assistant Legal Adviser, Afolashade Afolayan said the outlets allegedly owed the state government a sum of N4.8 million.
Afolayan said the amount was what the operators failed to remit into government coffers between 2006 and 2008.
According to her, government also sealed the premises of six travel agencies for allegedly owing N4.5 million.
Afolayan told Newsmen who accompanied the team, that the government sealed the firms as a last resort to get its revenue.
She said government took the step after notices to the firms failed and urged firms and individuals yet to remit their taxes to government to pay and avoid being visited by the enforcement team.
The firms were sealed under the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue Law, Section 104, Cap 8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Assistant Legal Adviser, Afolashade Afolayan said the outlets allegedly owed the state government a sum of N4.8 million.
Afolayan said the amount was what the operators failed to remit into government coffers between 2006 and 2008.
According to her, government also sealed the premises of six travel agencies for allegedly owing N4.5 million.
Afolayan told Newsmen who accompanied the team, that the government sealed the firms as a last resort to get its revenue.
She said government took the step after notices to the firms failed and urged firms and individuals yet to remit their taxes to government to pay and avoid being visited by the enforcement team.
The firms were sealed under the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue Law, Section 104, Cap 8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Man, 42, defiles 13-year-old girl
A 42-year-old truck driver, Aloy Onu, has been brought before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly abducting and defiling a 13-year-old girl.
Charged with a one-count offence of having an unlawful carnal knowledge with a minor, the accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor, Inspector Moses Uademevbo, insisted that the accused committed the offence on June 15 in Iddo, Lagos Mainland.
He told the court that the girl ran away from her sister’s home to rejoin her parents and was in the process, abducted by the accused.
Magistrate, M.O. Olubi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 in addition to two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case till July 26 for further hearing.
Charged with a one-count offence of having an unlawful carnal knowledge with a minor, the accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor, Inspector Moses Uademevbo, insisted that the accused committed the offence on June 15 in Iddo, Lagos Mainland.
He told the court that the girl ran away from her sister’s home to rejoin her parents and was in the process, abducted by the accused.
Magistrate, M.O. Olubi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 in addition to two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case till July 26 for further hearing.
30-year-old sugarcane seller docked for defiling four-year-old girl
For allegedly defiling a four-year-old girl, a 30-year-old sugarcane seller, Iliyasu Baba, has been arraigned at an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.
The Police arraigned Baba on a one-count charge of defilement before Magistrate O. O. Olatunji.
Prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ojogo, told the court that Baba and the minor's parents were neighbours at the same Railway Compound, Iddo, Lagos.
Ojogo said the minor’s parent left the girl behind in the compound to play with her mates when they left home to visit a relation nearby.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Olatunji adjourned the case till July 30 for further hearing.
The Police arraigned Baba on a one-count charge of defilement before Magistrate O. O. Olatunji.
Prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ojogo, told the court that Baba and the minor's parents were neighbours at the same Railway Compound, Iddo, Lagos.
Ojogo said the minor’s parent left the girl behind in the compound to play with her mates when they left home to visit a relation nearby.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Olatunji adjourned the case till July 30 for further hearing.
2 remanded in prison for allegedly killing man over girl friend
An Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has remanded two men in prison custody for allegedly killing their friend in a fight over a girlfriend.
The accused Afeez Lamidi and Ahmed Salaudeen are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.
Prosecutor, Inspector Phillip Ugbodu, told the court that the accused had on May 17 at Pashoku Street, Ikorodu, Lagos State, attacked the deceased, Tobi Anifowoshe, with broken bottles and knives.
The pleas of the accused were not taken by the Magistrate,Kemi Doja-Ojo.
She said the court had no jurisdiction over the matter and adjourned the case till August 18 pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions.
The accused Afeez Lamidi and Ahmed Salaudeen are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.
Prosecutor, Inspector Phillip Ugbodu, told the court that the accused had on May 17 at Pashoku Street, Ikorodu, Lagos State, attacked the deceased, Tobi Anifowoshe, with broken bottles and knives.
The pleas of the accused were not taken by the Magistrate,Kemi Doja-Ojo.
She said the court had no jurisdiction over the matter and adjourned the case till August 18 pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions.
Man charged with duping rice dealer of N786,000
A man, who allegedly ran away with N786,000 meant for rice purchase, has appeared before a Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on charges of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
Victor Uba was charged with conspiring with five others still at large to dupe a rice dealer, Sunday Onu, in the guise of procuring bags of rice for him.
Prosecutor, Sergent Idowu Onime, said the accused and the others ran away with the money which they promised to use to buy rice for Onu at a cheaper cost.
Magistrate A. Tobi granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Tobi adjourned further hearing in the case till August 8.
Victor Uba was charged with conspiring with five others still at large to dupe a rice dealer, Sunday Onu, in the guise of procuring bags of rice for him.
Prosecutor, Sergent Idowu Onime, said the accused and the others ran away with the money which they promised to use to buy rice for Onu at a cheaper cost.
Magistrate A. Tobi granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Tobi adjourned further hearing in the case till August 8.
50-year-old man docked for giving police false information
A 50-year-old man, Victor Park, has been arraigned in Lagos for giving the police false information.
Park is facing a one-count-charge before Chief Magistrate A. Tobi of the Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor, Sergent Idowu Onime, said Park who lived in Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, on May 25 reported to the police that Boniface Ilewedin threatened to pour acid on him.
Onime told the court that on investigation, the police found that the information was false and, therefore, arrested the accused.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence and was granted bail in the sum of N10,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Tobi adjourned the case till Sept. 7 for further hearing.
Park is facing a one-count-charge before Chief Magistrate A. Tobi of the Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor, Sergent Idowu Onime, said Park who lived in Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, on May 25 reported to the police that Boniface Ilewedin threatened to pour acid on him.
Onime told the court that on investigation, the police found that the information was false and, therefore, arrested the accused.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence and was granted bail in the sum of N10,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Tobi adjourned the case till Sept. 7 for further hearing.
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