A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday restrained the Nigerian Police from extraditing one James Tillery, an American who naturalised in Nigeria.
The police attempted to extradite Tillery to the U.S. on Aug. 13.
He had challenged the planned extradition requested by the America’s Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Tillery was alleged to have committed some sundry offences in the U.S. between 2003 and 2005, but he argued that the FBI did not follow due process in seeking his extradition.
In a ruling, Justice Mohammed Idris held that Tillery’s arrest by the Interpol on Aug. 13 and his subsequent detention violated his fundamental right to liberty.
Idris, who ruled on Tillery’s application for the enforcement of his fundamental rights, said that his arrest and detention did not comply with the provisions of the Extradition Act.
The judge awarded N10 million cost against the police and ordered it to release Tillery from its custody immediately.
He held that the arrest and detention of Tillery, pursuant to the request of a U.S. District Court in Texas, was unconstitutional, null and void.
Idris ruled that Nigeria was a responsible member of the international community and that it would always respect its treaty obligations.
Tillery had argued through his counsel, Tayo Oyetibo, that the U.S. government did not show respect for Nigeria’s law in the planned extradition.
Oyetibo said The arrest of Tillery by the Nigerian Police on the authority of a U.S. District Court and handing him over to the FBI is preposterous.
Oyetibo said the detention was an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and an infringement of Tillery’s rights.
He had urged the court to protect the rights of the applicant and order his immediate release from detention.
According to him, the extradition violated Sections 5 and 6 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation.
There was no written request addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation by any consular officer of the U.S. Embassy,’’ he added.
Counsel to the Police, Susan Ezema, had submitted that the applicant was arrested because of the treaty between the U.S. and Nigeria.
She said the applicant was arrested as an American and that Interpol was empowered to hand over a country’s citizen to the requesting country.
Tillery was arrested in his office on Victoria Island, Lagos and detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi.
The attempt to extradite Tillery to the U.S. was aborted by the Nigeria Immigration officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
LASTMA clamps down on erring motorists
The Lagos State Transport Management Authority on Tuesday impounded more than 20 motorists in Ikeja over illegal parking by their owners.
Most of the vehicles, impounded on the Medical Road, Ikeja, were towed to the authority’s office in Alausa, Ikeja.
Adeyiolu Ademola, an Assistant Head of Operations of LASTMA,said the vehicles contravened traffic laws.
We have been directed by the state government to clear all illegally parked vehicles,” he said.
Some of the vehicles towed belonged to the workers of the Medical Road branch of the Zenith Bank.
An official of the branch, who pleaded anonymity,said the bank paid N200 daily to the Ikeja Local Government Council for the parking of each employee’s car on the Medical Road.
Michael Ude, a customer of the Zenith Bank branch whose car was also towed, said that he was surprised to see his vehicle being towed by LASTMA personnel as he was coming out of the bank.
Most of the vehicles, impounded on the Medical Road, Ikeja, were towed to the authority’s office in Alausa, Ikeja.
Adeyiolu Ademola, an Assistant Head of Operations of LASTMA,said the vehicles contravened traffic laws.
We have been directed by the state government to clear all illegally parked vehicles,” he said.
Some of the vehicles towed belonged to the workers of the Medical Road branch of the Zenith Bank.
An official of the branch, who pleaded anonymity,said the bank paid N200 daily to the Ikeja Local Government Council for the parking of each employee’s car on the Medical Road.
Michael Ude, a customer of the Zenith Bank branch whose car was also towed, said that he was surprised to see his vehicle being towed by LASTMA personnel as he was coming out of the bank.
Never accept drinks from passengers, Police warns commercial drivers, motorcyclists
The Lagos State police command on Tuesday advised commercial drivers and motorcyclists against accepting food or drinks from their passengers.
The warning followed the arrest of a man who allegedly drugged a commercial motorcyclist in Lagos in order to steal his motor bike.
Frank Mba, the Lagos police spokesman, who paraded the 36-year-old suspect before journalists, said such food items or drinks could have been drugged or poisoned.
Mba explained that the suspect, who claimed to be a commercial motorcyclist, was arrested on Aug. 24 at Magodo area of Lagos after allegedly drugging his victim.
He said the suspect asked his victim to convey him from Ketu to Magodo area for a fare of N100.
He told journalists that at a point along the route, the suspect claimed he had a phone call and after answering the purported call, handed over the handset to the victim.
He said luckily for the motorcyclist, the manager of the eatery, who suspected some foul play, invited the police who arrested the suspect.
The police spokesman said at the time of the arrest, the motorcyclist had slept off, adding that he woke up two days later in a hospital after doctors had neutralised the drug.
Mba, who displayed the remaining pack of the drugged juice, said that the story should serve as a warning to motorists and commercial motorcyclists.
The warning followed the arrest of a man who allegedly drugged a commercial motorcyclist in Lagos in order to steal his motor bike.
Frank Mba, the Lagos police spokesman, who paraded the 36-year-old suspect before journalists, said such food items or drinks could have been drugged or poisoned.
Mba explained that the suspect, who claimed to be a commercial motorcyclist, was arrested on Aug. 24 at Magodo area of Lagos after allegedly drugging his victim.
He said the suspect asked his victim to convey him from Ketu to Magodo area for a fare of N100.
He told journalists that at a point along the route, the suspect claimed he had a phone call and after answering the purported call, handed over the handset to the victim.
He said luckily for the motorcyclist, the manager of the eatery, who suspected some foul play, invited the police who arrested the suspect.
The police spokesman said at the time of the arrest, the motorcyclist had slept off, adding that he woke up two days later in a hospital after doctors had neutralised the drug.
Mba, who displayed the remaining pack of the drugged juice, said that the story should serve as a warning to motorists and commercial motorcyclists.
2 arraigned for buying stolen car
The police in Lagos on Tuesday arraigned two men for being in possession of a stolen car.
Charged before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court, the duo -- Dauda Ipadeola, 52, and Ajadi Akeem, 42, -- pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution told the court that a stolen Toyota Camry, belonging to Mr Boniface Ogbole, was found in their possession.
Insp. Sunday Olaide said the car was stolen by Ademola Ogunyomi and Kehinde Beyiose sometime in Dec. 2008 and was sold to the accused.
According to him, both Ogunyomi and Beyiose were on Aug. 10 arraigned over the charge.
Olaide said the offence contravened Section 430 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Chief Magistrate, Abiola Soladoye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept. 8.
Charged before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court, the duo -- Dauda Ipadeola, 52, and Ajadi Akeem, 42, -- pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution told the court that a stolen Toyota Camry, belonging to Mr Boniface Ogbole, was found in their possession.
Insp. Sunday Olaide said the car was stolen by Ademola Ogunyomi and Kehinde Beyiose sometime in Dec. 2008 and was sold to the accused.
According to him, both Ogunyomi and Beyiose were on Aug. 10 arraigned over the charge.
Olaide said the offence contravened Section 430 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Chief Magistrate, Abiola Soladoye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept. 8.
Police arrest 26-year-old over N5.7m fraud
The police in Lagos on Tuesday said they had arrested a 26-year-old school leaver name withheld for allegedly defrauding a businessman of N5.7 million.
The spokesman for the police command, Frank Mba, told newsmen in Ikeja that the suspect, arrested at the Palm-Groove area of Lagos, intercepted his victim’s business deal.
Upon investigation, the police discovered that the suspect hacked into the victim’s e-mail, changed his password and was communicating with the Chinese company, Mba said.
The police spokesman advised the public not to disclose the details of their bank accounts, automated teller machine cards, e-mail addresses, international passports and driver’s licences.
Mba also urged the citizens to endeavour to be computer literate to avoid falling victims of cyber fraud stars.
The spokesman for the police command, Frank Mba, told newsmen in Ikeja that the suspect, arrested at the Palm-Groove area of Lagos, intercepted his victim’s business deal.
Upon investigation, the police discovered that the suspect hacked into the victim’s e-mail, changed his password and was communicating with the Chinese company, Mba said.
The police spokesman advised the public not to disclose the details of their bank accounts, automated teller machine cards, e-mail addresses, international passports and driver’s licences.
Mba also urged the citizens to endeavour to be computer literate to avoid falling victims of cyber fraud stars.
3 friends docked for alleged theft of laptops, cash, valued at N2.9m
Three friends were on Tuesday docked at an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing laptops valued at over N2.5million from a computer shop.
The trio, Innocent Mabia, 31, Donatus Ogugua, 37, and Emeka Anegbu, 36, are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, breaking and illegal entry and stealing before Magistrate O.A. Adegite.
They, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP W.G. Wagbara, said the defendants conspired and stole 14 HP laptops valued at N2,590,000, from the shop one Chuks Aylor.
Wagbara said they also stole N325,000 cash from him, bringing the total amount of theft to N2, 915,000.
The prosecutor said the offences were contrary punishable under Sections 516, 413 (1) (2), 414 and 390 (9) of the Criminal code, Laws of Lagos State.
He said the alleged offences were committed on Sept. 29, 2009 at No.5 Oremeji str., Computer Village in Ikeja.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N250,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
Adegite adjourned the case till Oct. 18 for the continuation of the hearing.
The trio, Innocent Mabia, 31, Donatus Ogugua, 37, and Emeka Anegbu, 36, are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, breaking and illegal entry and stealing before Magistrate O.A. Adegite.
They, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP W.G. Wagbara, said the defendants conspired and stole 14 HP laptops valued at N2,590,000, from the shop one Chuks Aylor.
Wagbara said they also stole N325,000 cash from him, bringing the total amount of theft to N2, 915,000.
The prosecutor said the offences were contrary punishable under Sections 516, 413 (1) (2), 414 and 390 (9) of the Criminal code, Laws of Lagos State.
He said the alleged offences were committed on Sept. 29, 2009 at No.5 Oremeji str., Computer Village in Ikeja.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N250,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
Adegite adjourned the case till Oct. 18 for the continuation of the hearing.
Suspected robber docked for snatching vehicle
The police on Tuesday arraigned a 23-year-old man, John Ikechukwu, for allegedly snatching a Toyota Corolla car valued at N3 million at gunpoint.
Ikechukwu is standing trial before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.
The prosecutor, W.G. Wagbara, said the accused and others still at large armed with a locally-made pistol and other dangerous weapons, attacked the car owner, Mr Tope Aina, on June 4, at Alausa, Lagos.
Wagbara said the offence contravened Section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
The court, however, did not take the plea of the accused.
The magistrate, O. A. Adegite, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
She adjourned the case till Oct. 18
Ikechukwu is standing trial before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.
The prosecutor, W.G. Wagbara, said the accused and others still at large armed with a locally-made pistol and other dangerous weapons, attacked the car owner, Mr Tope Aina, on June 4, at Alausa, Lagos.
Wagbara said the offence contravened Section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
The court, however, did not take the plea of the accused.
The magistrate, O. A. Adegite, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
She adjourned the case till Oct. 18
Suspected robber docked for snatching vehicle
31/08/2010 17:44:14
NAN-H-51
Robbery
Ikeja, Aug. 31, 2010 (NAN) The police on Tuesday arraigned a 23-year-old man, John Ikechukwu, for allegedly snatching a Toyota Corolla car valued at N3 million at gunpoint.
Ikechukwu is standing trial before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.
The prosecutor, W.G. Wagbara, said that the accused and others still at large armed with a locally-made pistol and other dangerous weapons, attacked the car owner, Mr Tope Aina, on June 4, at Alausa, Lagos.
Wagbara said that the offence contravened Section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
The court, however, did not take the plea of the accused.
The magistrate, Mrs O. A. Adegite, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
She adjourned the case till Oct. 18
31/08/2010 17:44:14
NAN-H-51
Robbery
Ikeja, Aug. 31, 2010 (NAN) The police on Tuesday arraigned a 23-year-old man, John Ikechukwu, for allegedly snatching a Toyota Corolla car valued at N3 million at gunpoint.
Ikechukwu is standing trial before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.
The prosecutor, W.G. Wagbara, said that the accused and others still at large armed with a locally-made pistol and other dangerous weapons, attacked the car owner, Mr Tope Aina, on June 4, at Alausa, Lagos.
Wagbara said that the offence contravened Section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
The court, however, did not take the plea of the accused.
The magistrate, Mrs O. A. Adegite, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
She adjourned the case till Oct. 18
Para-military retirees in Lagos lament shoddy verification exercise
Retirees of the Prisons, Immigration and Customs Services on Tuesday in Lagos decried the ``poor organisation’’ of the ongoing verification exercise for the payment of their pension arrears.
The Kirikiri Prisons, venue of the exercise, recorded a high turnout of pensioners, including the aged.
The exercise, which began on Aug. 25, will end on Sept. 7.
Some of the elderly people, who looked sickly, had to be assisted by their relations at the venue.
Many of the pensioners had to lie down on the field or sit atop their vehicles, as chairs were not provided for them.
The retirees complained that the process was too slow and that they were being subjected to inhuman treatment.
The Public Relations Officer of Customs Retirees,Johnson Olubayo, described the organisation of the exercise as poor.
A retired Comptroller of Customs, Ladi Sowemimo, described as distasteful the way the retirees were treated.
Other retirees, who did not want to be identified, noted that the organisers were not prepared for the exercise.
Efforts to get the officials to comment on the matter were unsuccessful as they said they were not authorised to speak to the media.
The Kirikiri Prisons, venue of the exercise, recorded a high turnout of pensioners, including the aged.
The exercise, which began on Aug. 25, will end on Sept. 7.
Some of the elderly people, who looked sickly, had to be assisted by their relations at the venue.
Many of the pensioners had to lie down on the field or sit atop their vehicles, as chairs were not provided for them.
The retirees complained that the process was too slow and that they were being subjected to inhuman treatment.
The Public Relations Officer of Customs Retirees,Johnson Olubayo, described the organisation of the exercise as poor.
A retired Comptroller of Customs, Ladi Sowemimo, described as distasteful the way the retirees were treated.
Other retirees, who did not want to be identified, noted that the organisers were not prepared for the exercise.
Efforts to get the officials to comment on the matter were unsuccessful as they said they were not authorised to speak to the media.
Bank manager charged with unlawfully selling bank’s furniture
A former assistant bank manager, James Bakare, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos charged with stealing furniture belonging to the bank.
Bakare, 40, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, said the defendant, a former employee of AIMS ASSET, a microfinance bank located at No. 36 Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, unlawfully sold the office furniture.
Orji said Bakare committed the offence on July 8.
He said the accused failed to get the authority of his employers before disposing of the furniture.
The prosecutor said after disposing of the furniture at a cost of N744,000, Bakare subsequently converted the money to his personal use.
Orji said the offence contravened Section 390 (7) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate,C.J. Momodu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Momodu adjourned the case till Oct. 22, for further hearing.
Bakare, 40, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, said the defendant, a former employee of AIMS ASSET, a microfinance bank located at No. 36 Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, unlawfully sold the office furniture.
Orji said Bakare committed the offence on July 8.
He said the accused failed to get the authority of his employers before disposing of the furniture.
The prosecutor said after disposing of the furniture at a cost of N744,000, Bakare subsequently converted the money to his personal use.
Orji said the offence contravened Section 390 (7) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate,C.J. Momodu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Momodu adjourned the case till Oct. 22, for further hearing.
Striking Lagos resident doctors adamant
Resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on Tuesday vowed to continue with their strike in spite of a court order asking them to suspend the action.
The association’s President, Oseni Saliu, told newsmen in Ikeja on Tuesday that they decided to resume the strike following a breakdown of negotiations between them and the Lagos State Government.
The doctors had on Aug. 28 resumed their strike after the National Industrial Court, Lagos, had ordered them to suspend an earlier action and to negotiate with the government.
The court had ordered that the negotiations on the doctors demands, which include the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scheme, be concluded on Aug. 28.
The doctors, who are also demanding the recall of their colleague,Ibrahim Olaifa, who was sacked for allegedly taking part in a nationwide strike early this year, however, resumed the strike after the negotiations appeared to have broken down.
Saliu said the strike will continue because the government has refused to meet our demands.
Meanwhile, patients at the hospital are still being attended to in spite of the strike.
Correspondent who visited the hospital at Ikeja on Tuesday, report that nurses were seen attending to the patients at the wards and the Out-Patient Departments.
Some patients complained that they were not being attended to while others said they were being treated by the nurses.
A student, Sylvia Azonsi, whose father was hospitalised, said The nurses have been doing their best to give us the necessary attention.
A disappointed father of a patient, who simply identified himself as Evans, described the strike as unjustifiable.
The association’s President, Oseni Saliu, told newsmen in Ikeja on Tuesday that they decided to resume the strike following a breakdown of negotiations between them and the Lagos State Government.
The doctors had on Aug. 28 resumed their strike after the National Industrial Court, Lagos, had ordered them to suspend an earlier action and to negotiate with the government.
The court had ordered that the negotiations on the doctors demands, which include the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scheme, be concluded on Aug. 28.
The doctors, who are also demanding the recall of their colleague,Ibrahim Olaifa, who was sacked for allegedly taking part in a nationwide strike early this year, however, resumed the strike after the negotiations appeared to have broken down.
Saliu said the strike will continue because the government has refused to meet our demands.
Meanwhile, patients at the hospital are still being attended to in spite of the strike.
Correspondent who visited the hospital at Ikeja on Tuesday, report that nurses were seen attending to the patients at the wards and the Out-Patient Departments.
Some patients complained that they were not being attended to while others said they were being treated by the nurses.
A student, Sylvia Azonsi, whose father was hospitalised, said The nurses have been doing their best to give us the necessary attention.
A disappointed father of a patient, who simply identified himself as Evans, described the strike as unjustifiable.
Man pleads guilty to stealing N1.8m, 4,000 dollars
A middle-aged man, Vincent Odimagwu, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing N1.8 million and N600,000.
Odimagwu is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and fraud before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that the accused and others at large committed the offence on July 30, 2007 at Abule Ado, Amuwo Odofin in Lagos.
Iberedem said the syndicate collected the money from Mr Anabike Nenso under the pretext of assisting him to get a cure for a sexually transmitted infection, staphylococcus.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390, 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap. C17, Vol. 11, Laws of Lagos State 2003.
The Chief Magistrate, O. O Oshin, consequently ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned judgment till Sept. 1
Odimagwu is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and fraud before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that the accused and others at large committed the offence on July 30, 2007 at Abule Ado, Amuwo Odofin in Lagos.
Iberedem said the syndicate collected the money from Mr Anabike Nenso under the pretext of assisting him to get a cure for a sexually transmitted infection, staphylococcus.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390, 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap. C17, Vol. 11, Laws of Lagos State 2003.
The Chief Magistrate, O. O Oshin, consequently ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned judgment till Sept. 1
Monday, August 30, 2010
Students want drinking spots near police stations dismantled.
Students of the University of Lagos on Monday called for the dismantling of drinking spots close to police stations to prevent accidental discharge.
The students, at an interactive forum organised by CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, said that such places were bad influence on policemen.
They claimed that some of the policemen, especially those on patrol duties, drink at such spots before going out on patrol.
The forum held at the UNILAG Sports Centre has as its theme: Youths and Crime Prevention.
The students also urged the police authorities to re-orientate their men to make them friendly to members of the public.
Peter Ogumba, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, who represented the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, Panti, said that it was an offence for any policeman to drink while on duty.
He said the law banning policemen from taking alcohol while on duty was still in force.
Many policemen have been dismissed and prosecuted for accidental discharges where innocent lives have been lost, Ogumba said.
He described extra judicial killing as a professional misconduct which the police authorities frowned at strongly, saying many policemen had been prosecuted for such offence.
He advised the students to always give information to the police as a way to prevent crime.
He also urged them to be disciplined, have the fear of God and avoid friends that could negatively influence them.
Earlier, the representative of CLEEN Foundation, Onyiyen Onyemobi, advised students to partner with security agencies, particularly the police, to rid the society of crime.
She said the forum was taken to UNILAG as a way of sensitising students on the need to prevent crime.
About 100 students attended the forum.
The students, at an interactive forum organised by CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, said that such places were bad influence on policemen.
They claimed that some of the policemen, especially those on patrol duties, drink at such spots before going out on patrol.
The forum held at the UNILAG Sports Centre has as its theme: Youths and Crime Prevention.
The students also urged the police authorities to re-orientate their men to make them friendly to members of the public.
Peter Ogumba, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, who represented the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, Panti, said that it was an offence for any policeman to drink while on duty.
He said the law banning policemen from taking alcohol while on duty was still in force.
Many policemen have been dismissed and prosecuted for accidental discharges where innocent lives have been lost, Ogumba said.
He described extra judicial killing as a professional misconduct which the police authorities frowned at strongly, saying many policemen had been prosecuted for such offence.
He advised the students to always give information to the police as a way to prevent crime.
He also urged them to be disciplined, have the fear of God and avoid friends that could negatively influence them.
Earlier, the representative of CLEEN Foundation, Onyiyen Onyemobi, advised students to partner with security agencies, particularly the police, to rid the society of crime.
She said the forum was taken to UNILAG as a way of sensitising students on the need to prevent crime.
About 100 students attended the forum.
Woman ,33, faces house breaking charge
A woman, who allegedly broke into a shop at Agege, a Lagos suburb, was on Monday charged before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court.
Alake Ayinde, 33, who is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, house breaking and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution said the accused, with others still at large, broke into a shop at a shopping complex owned by the Police Officers Wives’ Association, Elere, Agege and stole textiles worth N160,000.
Sgt. Francis Igbinosa alleged that the accused stole one bundle of textile and one gown, property of one Esther Egbebi.
He said the offences, which were committed on Aug. 20, contravened Sections 414, 430 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, O. A. Ogunbowale, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 and two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept. 21 for mention.
Alake Ayinde, 33, who is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, house breaking and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution said the accused, with others still at large, broke into a shop at a shopping complex owned by the Police Officers Wives’ Association, Elere, Agege and stole textiles worth N160,000.
Sgt. Francis Igbinosa alleged that the accused stole one bundle of textile and one gown, property of one Esther Egbebi.
He said the offences, which were committed on Aug. 20, contravened Sections 414, 430 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, O. A. Ogunbowale, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 and two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept. 21 for mention.
3 docked for allegedly robbing businessman of valuables worth N1.7mln.
Three suspected armed robbers on Monday appeared before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly robbing a businessman of valuables estimated at N1.7 million.
The accused, Idowu Saliu, 34, Saheed Onitolo, 23, and Gbenga Adedeji, 35, were charged with conspiracy, armed robbery and receipt of stolen property.
The prosecutor, Insp. Jack Asuquo, told the court that Saliu, Onitolo and other gang members attacked Mr Yusuf Akindiya, armed with a rifle, two pistols and other lethal weapons.
Asuquo alleged that the offence was committed on April 10, at Jegede Close, Egbeda, Lagos.
He said accused and others still at large made away with Akindiya’s Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, with registration No. EC 216 EKY valued at N800,000.
He alleged that the gang also carted away a plasma television, a Home Theatre disc player, nine wrist watches and jacket valued at N825,000, as well as N160,000 cash.
The prosecutor said Adedeji, knowing the Pathfinder to have been stolen, received it from Saliu.
The court, however, did not take the pleas of the accused persons.
The Magistrate,T. A. Abolarinwa, ordered the trio to be remanded in prison custody pending the advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions.
Abolarinwa adjourned the case till Oct. 15 for further hearing.
The accused, Idowu Saliu, 34, Saheed Onitolo, 23, and Gbenga Adedeji, 35, were charged with conspiracy, armed robbery and receipt of stolen property.
The prosecutor, Insp. Jack Asuquo, told the court that Saliu, Onitolo and other gang members attacked Mr Yusuf Akindiya, armed with a rifle, two pistols and other lethal weapons.
Asuquo alleged that the offence was committed on April 10, at Jegede Close, Egbeda, Lagos.
He said accused and others still at large made away with Akindiya’s Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, with registration No. EC 216 EKY valued at N800,000.
He alleged that the gang also carted away a plasma television, a Home Theatre disc player, nine wrist watches and jacket valued at N825,000, as well as N160,000 cash.
The prosecutor said Adedeji, knowing the Pathfinder to have been stolen, received it from Saliu.
The court, however, did not take the pleas of the accused persons.
The Magistrate,T. A. Abolarinwa, ordered the trio to be remanded in prison custody pending the advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions.
Abolarinwa adjourned the case till Oct. 15 for further hearing.
Police advise public to be wary of lover websites.
The Nigeria Police has advised Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters, who pose as lover boys in search of relationships and marriages online.
The warning is contained in a statement issued by Emmanuel Ojukwu, the Force Public Relations Officer, in Abuja on Monday.
Ojukwu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said while some members of the international community were falling victims to the fraudsters, women were the most targeted.
Some criminal elements pose as innocent lover boys in search of genuine relationships and marriage with the opposite sex.
But no sooner than the cord is established, the fraudster begins to inundate his unsuspecting `lover' with requests for one favour or the other.
Reports reaching the Nigeria Police indicate that many lovers’ websites are being used to access the victims and establish contact with them,he said.
He said investigation had revealed that most of the names and addresses dropped by the would-be lovers were fake and far from reality.
Ojukwu stressed that the mere act of posing as a lover does not in any way translate to sincerity of purpose.
The mere act of soliciting financial favours is enough warning that all may not be well with the relationship. Nigeria is a developing economy but begging is not part of our culture,he added.
The Force PRO urged discerning adults to be cautious before parting with their hard earned resources.
He advised that anyone in doubt should clarify with the Nigeria Police through its website:www.npf.gov.ng.
The warning is contained in a statement issued by Emmanuel Ojukwu, the Force Public Relations Officer, in Abuja on Monday.
Ojukwu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said while some members of the international community were falling victims to the fraudsters, women were the most targeted.
Some criminal elements pose as innocent lover boys in search of genuine relationships and marriage with the opposite sex.
But no sooner than the cord is established, the fraudster begins to inundate his unsuspecting `lover' with requests for one favour or the other.
Reports reaching the Nigeria Police indicate that many lovers’ websites are being used to access the victims and establish contact with them,he said.
He said investigation had revealed that most of the names and addresses dropped by the would-be lovers were fake and far from reality.
Ojukwu stressed that the mere act of posing as a lover does not in any way translate to sincerity of purpose.
The mere act of soliciting financial favours is enough warning that all may not be well with the relationship. Nigeria is a developing economy but begging is not part of our culture,he added.
The Force PRO urged discerning adults to be cautious before parting with their hard earned resources.
He advised that anyone in doubt should clarify with the Nigeria Police through its website:www.npf.gov.ng.
Terrorism: FBI begins training of Nigerian operatives
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation on Monday described terrorism as a global crime which required global efforts to fight it.
FBI Representative in Nigeria,Victor Mc Cullum made this remark in Abuja at the start of a four-day training for Nigerian security operatives on Anti-Money Laundering and Control of Terrorist Financing.
Mc Cullum said no single agency had all it took to curb terrorism, stressing the need for collaboration.
Because criminals are always initiating the action and we are always reacting to the action. It is difficult to get ahead of them.
But things like following the money of criminals and tracking the money of terrorists allows us to prevent something from happening,he said.
Farida Waziri, the Chairman of EFCC, at the opening of the training said that the event demonstrated the continued partnership between Nigeria and U.S. governments in fighting crime.
According to her, past events has made it clear that no country is immune to the consequences of money laundering.
She said this had made it imperative to recognise and treat terror networks as enemies of humanity.
With the EFCC establishment Act and the enactment into law of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004, Nigeria has declared her partisanship in a war, which neutrality can be deadly.
Apart from the legislative hurdles still ahead of the war against terrorism in Nigeria, we still have to win the minds and conscience of many,Waziri said.
Participants from the Nigeria Police, State Security Service, NDLEA and EFCC are attending the training.
The participants would be trained on interviewing and interrogation, hostage crisis negotiation, basic forensics and major case management.
FBI Representative in Nigeria,Victor Mc Cullum made this remark in Abuja at the start of a four-day training for Nigerian security operatives on Anti-Money Laundering and Control of Terrorist Financing.
Mc Cullum said no single agency had all it took to curb terrorism, stressing the need for collaboration.
Because criminals are always initiating the action and we are always reacting to the action. It is difficult to get ahead of them.
But things like following the money of criminals and tracking the money of terrorists allows us to prevent something from happening,he said.
Farida Waziri, the Chairman of EFCC, at the opening of the training said that the event demonstrated the continued partnership between Nigeria and U.S. governments in fighting crime.
According to her, past events has made it clear that no country is immune to the consequences of money laundering.
She said this had made it imperative to recognise and treat terror networks as enemies of humanity.
With the EFCC establishment Act and the enactment into law of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004, Nigeria has declared her partisanship in a war, which neutrality can be deadly.
Apart from the legislative hurdles still ahead of the war against terrorism in Nigeria, we still have to win the minds and conscience of many,Waziri said.
Participants from the Nigeria Police, State Security Service, NDLEA and EFCC are attending the training.
The participants would be trained on interviewing and interrogation, hostage crisis negotiation, basic forensics and major case management.
Man, 32, arraigned for allegedly stealing cars.
A 32-year-old man, Elijah Oluwaseyi, on Monday, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing cars worth N3.5 million.
Oluwaseyi, who pleaded not guilty, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP Samuel Abraham, alleged that the defendant with others still at large, had on July 1at Oke-Ira, Ikeja, stole a Peugeot 406 salon car with registration number EG 390 EKY, valued at N1.5 million, property of David Adeoni.
He alleged that the accused also on June 6 at Plot 209, 21/211 Road, Gowon Estate, Egbeda stole a Ford Expedition Jeep with registration no. DN 875 LSD, valued at N2 million, property of Samuel Ojekhile.
According to Abraham, the offences are punishable under Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, A.T. Omoyele, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept.29 for hearing.
Oluwaseyi, who pleaded not guilty, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP Samuel Abraham, alleged that the defendant with others still at large, had on July 1at Oke-Ira, Ikeja, stole a Peugeot 406 salon car with registration number EG 390 EKY, valued at N1.5 million, property of David Adeoni.
He alleged that the accused also on June 6 at Plot 209, 21/211 Road, Gowon Estate, Egbeda stole a Ford Expedition Jeep with registration no. DN 875 LSD, valued at N2 million, property of Samuel Ojekhile.
According to Abraham, the offences are punishable under Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, A.T. Omoyele, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept.29 for hearing.
Lagos govt seals 3 financial firms for allegedly evading tax
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service on Monday sealed the premises of three financial institutions for allegedly owing more than N23.8 million in tax.
Head of the enforcement team,Jide Sosan,said two of the institutions were microfinance banks located at Maryland and Allen Avenue, Ikeja.
He said the amount was the accumulation of tax owed the state government between 2003 and 2008.
Sosan said the allegation that the government did not serve them warning notices before sealing firms was not true.
He said Several notices and correspondences were sent to the companies, asking them to pay their outstanding taxes, but to no avail.
Sosan noted with regret that some banks were found of evading tax even when their management had deducted same from their staff salaries.
It is a criminal offence to evade tax, hence anybody found guilty of the crime will face the wrath of the law.
Head of the enforcement team,Jide Sosan,said two of the institutions were microfinance banks located at Maryland and Allen Avenue, Ikeja.
He said the amount was the accumulation of tax owed the state government between 2003 and 2008.
Sosan said the allegation that the government did not serve them warning notices before sealing firms was not true.
He said Several notices and correspondences were sent to the companies, asking them to pay their outstanding taxes, but to no avail.
Sosan noted with regret that some banks were found of evading tax even when their management had deducted same from their staff salaries.
It is a criminal offence to evade tax, hence anybody found guilty of the crime will face the wrath of the law.
NDLEA arrests London-based Nigerian woman with 1.53kg of cocaine.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Monday announced the arrest of a London-based Nigerian woman with some substance that tested positive to cocaine.
A statement signed by NDLEA spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said that the woman was arrested at the weekend with the substance weighing 1.53kg, during the screening of passengers on Arik flight to London.
The agency said the suspect, Ifeoma Ethel, ingested 20 wraps of the substance weighing 300 grammes while 54 wraps weighing 1.23 kg were packed and worn by her as diaper.
Ofoyeju quoted the NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, as describing her action as shameful.
Drug trafficking is a shameful act. It is a criminal offence and those caught are put to shame.
Ofoyeju said the suspect would soon be charged to court.
A statement signed by NDLEA spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said that the woman was arrested at the weekend with the substance weighing 1.53kg, during the screening of passengers on Arik flight to London.
The agency said the suspect, Ifeoma Ethel, ingested 20 wraps of the substance weighing 300 grammes while 54 wraps weighing 1.23 kg were packed and worn by her as diaper.
Ofoyeju quoted the NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, as describing her action as shameful.
Drug trafficking is a shameful act. It is a criminal offence and those caught are put to shame.
Ofoyeju said the suspect would soon be charged to court.
Court grants Akingbola bail
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on Monday, granted the bail application of the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola.
Justice Mohammed Idris granted Akingbola bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties who must have landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Other conditions set by the court were that the sureties must show evidence of tax payment for eight years, adding that their title deeds and tax certificates should be verified with the appropriate authorities.
Idris also ordered that Akingbola’s international passport be seized and that the accused should report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office every first working day of the week.
The former managing director was arraigned by the EFCC on Aug. 13 on a 22-count charge of theft, money laundering, market manipulation and tax fraud, totaling N346.2 billion and 10 million pounds sterling.
The anti-graft commission alleged that Akingbola committed the offences as the bank’s chief executive officer between 1989 and 2009.
His lead counsel, Felix Fagbohungbe, had on Aug. 12 filed an application on Akingbola’s behalf, urging the court to grant him bail on the grounds that all charges were bailable offences.
The prosecution, however, opposed the bail application on the grounds that the charges bothered on felony and that the accused was not likely to make himself available for trial if granted bail.
The prosecution team, which was led at various times, by Messrs Kola Awodein, Emmanuel Kala and Godwin Obla opposed the bail application in two separate counter-affidavits.
However, at the resumed hearing, Idris struck out the objection in the two counter-affidavits.
According to him, the newspaper reports and an EFCC’s newsletter tendered as exhibits were not enough evidence that Akingbola was declared wanted.
The judge also said that the applicant was unlikely to influence the trial as claimed in the affidavit, as he was no longer the CEO of the bank.
He said the claim that Akingbola returned to the country to avoid extradition was speculative, adding that facts before the court showed that he willingly returned to the country and reported to the EFCC.
In granting the bail, Idris noted that the defendant had no prior criminal record that would suggest that he might jump bail.
He, therefore, ordered that the applicant be remanded in EFCC’s custody until the conditions for bail were met.
The judge fixed Oct. 25 for the commencement of the substantive trial.
Justice Mohammed Idris granted Akingbola bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties who must have landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Other conditions set by the court were that the sureties must show evidence of tax payment for eight years, adding that their title deeds and tax certificates should be verified with the appropriate authorities.
Idris also ordered that Akingbola’s international passport be seized and that the accused should report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office every first working day of the week.
The former managing director was arraigned by the EFCC on Aug. 13 on a 22-count charge of theft, money laundering, market manipulation and tax fraud, totaling N346.2 billion and 10 million pounds sterling.
The anti-graft commission alleged that Akingbola committed the offences as the bank’s chief executive officer between 1989 and 2009.
His lead counsel, Felix Fagbohungbe, had on Aug. 12 filed an application on Akingbola’s behalf, urging the court to grant him bail on the grounds that all charges were bailable offences.
The prosecution, however, opposed the bail application on the grounds that the charges bothered on felony and that the accused was not likely to make himself available for trial if granted bail.
The prosecution team, which was led at various times, by Messrs Kola Awodein, Emmanuel Kala and Godwin Obla opposed the bail application in two separate counter-affidavits.
However, at the resumed hearing, Idris struck out the objection in the two counter-affidavits.
According to him, the newspaper reports and an EFCC’s newsletter tendered as exhibits were not enough evidence that Akingbola was declared wanted.
The judge also said that the applicant was unlikely to influence the trial as claimed in the affidavit, as he was no longer the CEO of the bank.
He said the claim that Akingbola returned to the country to avoid extradition was speculative, adding that facts before the court showed that he willingly returned to the country and reported to the EFCC.
In granting the bail, Idris noted that the defendant had no prior criminal record that would suggest that he might jump bail.
He, therefore, ordered that the applicant be remanded in EFCC’s custody until the conditions for bail were met.
The judge fixed Oct. 25 for the commencement of the substantive trial.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Professional drivers apprehended for reckless driving to pay N50,000 fine.
Professional drivers caught driving recklessly in Lagos State and found not to have attended the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute for retraining, risk a N50,000.00 fine.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the one year old Lagos State Drivers’ Institute, Ayodeji Oyedokun who stated this explained that if such a professional driver was privately employed, he would be made to pay personally and if he was employed by a corporate entity, his employer would have to shoulder the fine.
Oyedokun implored all professional drivers to avail themselves of the retraining and recertification opportunities which the institute has been providing by attending its one-day mandatory course.
He said the Drivers’ Institute has its centres in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Oshodi and Lagos Island and that each centre was equipped with modern facilities to retrain and certify professional drivers.
There, the drivers would be retrained and recertified about basic knowledge relating to vehicle maintenance and traffic regulations,” he said and advised that they guide against undue rush as the enforcement of a law on this would commence soon.
According to him, Every professional driver driving in the state is expected to pay a N500 fee for the one day mandatory course which must be done on an annual basis.
He said Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has graciously subsidized the fee to be paid by every driver because if the institute has to charge, based on its course contents, it would cost each driver N5,000.00.
According to Oyedokun, the institute also designs and runs structured courses for hydraulic vehicles and tanker drivers who haulage combustive products, since it has what it takes to train them.
He said Part of the Institute collaboration is with the Lagos State Transport Management Authority which has been sending erring professional drivers to the institute for retraining and recertification in traffic codes, rules and regulations and how to ensure safety on the roads.
Oyedokun said the Drivers’ Institute is also mandated to develop a data base for professional drivers in Lagos State and that all its five centres were connected to the VSAT where information about any driver that has attended any of their courses could be sourced.
He said the institute’s 35 simulators for cars and buses and two others for articulated vehicles would award a driver on any of them a grade—without any human interference—to show how good his driving is.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the one year old Lagos State Drivers’ Institute, Ayodeji Oyedokun who stated this explained that if such a professional driver was privately employed, he would be made to pay personally and if he was employed by a corporate entity, his employer would have to shoulder the fine.
Oyedokun implored all professional drivers to avail themselves of the retraining and recertification opportunities which the institute has been providing by attending its one-day mandatory course.
He said the Drivers’ Institute has its centres in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Oshodi and Lagos Island and that each centre was equipped with modern facilities to retrain and certify professional drivers.
There, the drivers would be retrained and recertified about basic knowledge relating to vehicle maintenance and traffic regulations,” he said and advised that they guide against undue rush as the enforcement of a law on this would commence soon.
According to him, Every professional driver driving in the state is expected to pay a N500 fee for the one day mandatory course which must be done on an annual basis.
He said Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has graciously subsidized the fee to be paid by every driver because if the institute has to charge, based on its course contents, it would cost each driver N5,000.00.
According to Oyedokun, the institute also designs and runs structured courses for hydraulic vehicles and tanker drivers who haulage combustive products, since it has what it takes to train them.
He said Part of the Institute collaboration is with the Lagos State Transport Management Authority which has been sending erring professional drivers to the institute for retraining and recertification in traffic codes, rules and regulations and how to ensure safety on the roads.
Oyedokun said the Drivers’ Institute is also mandated to develop a data base for professional drivers in Lagos State and that all its five centres were connected to the VSAT where information about any driver that has attended any of their courses could be sourced.
He said the institute’s 35 simulators for cars and buses and two others for articulated vehicles would award a driver on any of them a grade—without any human interference—to show how good his driving is.
Drivers Institute to help learner drivers.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Drivers’ Institute, Ayodeji Oyedokun says though the school is for now retraining professional drivers, it is concerned about first line drivers.
Oyedokun said the institute was collaborating with driving schools to ensure that their graduates would be well equipped to face the challenges of Nigeria roads.
According to him, part of the mandate of the State Government for setting up the Drivers’ Institute is to rectify, assist and upgrade private driving schools in the state.
He said the institute was already helping driving schools with audio visual materials and would send its drivers’ curriculum to them very soon as it was still being printed.
According to him, the curriculum includes chapters on what it takes to be a good driver, responsibilities of a driver to himself, to the vehicle, to the environment and to his passengers or cargo.
He said the institute also has courses for drivers of articulated vehicles as well as bullion vans.
Oyedokun said the heavy human and material losses from accidents involving these category of vehicles-- trailers and tankers—could be drastically reduced through the retraining of their drivers.
According to Oyedokun, the Drivers’ Institute, with centres in Epe, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Ikeja and Badagry, has retrained 7,500 professional drivers in its first year of operation.
He said however, that private vehicle owners who drive themselves could approach any of the institute’s centres for a one-day refresher course as no knowledge is lost.
Oyedokun said the institute was collaborating with driving schools to ensure that their graduates would be well equipped to face the challenges of Nigeria roads.
According to him, part of the mandate of the State Government for setting up the Drivers’ Institute is to rectify, assist and upgrade private driving schools in the state.
He said the institute was already helping driving schools with audio visual materials and would send its drivers’ curriculum to them very soon as it was still being printed.
According to him, the curriculum includes chapters on what it takes to be a good driver, responsibilities of a driver to himself, to the vehicle, to the environment and to his passengers or cargo.
He said the institute also has courses for drivers of articulated vehicles as well as bullion vans.
Oyedokun said the heavy human and material losses from accidents involving these category of vehicles-- trailers and tankers—could be drastically reduced through the retraining of their drivers.
According to Oyedokun, the Drivers’ Institute, with centres in Epe, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Ikeja and Badagry, has retrained 7,500 professional drivers in its first year of operation.
He said however, that private vehicle owners who drive themselves could approach any of the institute’s centres for a one-day refresher course as no knowledge is lost.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
PR training for army personnel will enhance civilian-military relations.
Training of army personnel in public relations will improve civilian-military relations.
Commanding Officer, 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Col. Bulama Biu said the Army School of Public Relations and Information, Lagos, was doing its best to provide such training.
According to him, the school is set up to train army personnel in journalism and public relations to curb misrepresentation of facts.
he said the idea behind setting up the school is to make our personnel grounded in media relations and create the enabling environment that would achieve civilian-military relations.
Earlier at a graduation ceremony of students of School in Lagos, Biu said the graduating students undertook courses that would enhance their productivity, especially in journalism and public relations.
he said the Directorate of Army Public Relations is updating its men and women to cope with emerging challenges faced by the Nigerian Army as it performs its constitutional role as an image maker in our dynamic society.
Biu, the special guest of honour at the event, commended the directorate for maintaining credible image for the army and achieving the targeted excellent civilian-military relations.
He said this was in line with the army’s vision of professionalism.
The Commanding Officer, urged the graduating students to share the knowledge they acquired with their colleagues who could not attend the training.
In his speech, the Chief Instructor of the School, Lt.-Col. Sumaila Uba, said the graduating students were trained in innovations and challenges in photo journalism and news reporting.
The 18 photographers and 10 news reporters drawn from various formations and training institutions in the Nigerian Army were updated on modern journalism, media relations, press law, and image transfer.
Uba said the graduating students had a tour of some media houses to get some practical knowledge.
The School set up in February this year, graduated 17 officers in young Officers’ Course and also Basic Public Relations Course for young soldiers in the same month.
The best student in photo journalism, Cpl. Mathew John, attached to the National Defence College, said the training exposed him to new challenges in journalism.
Sgt. Bassey Umoeben, the best student in news reporting, from the Army Headquarters, Abuja, said he gained knowledge in military reporting.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards and gifts to deserving students and instructors.
Commanding Officer, 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Col. Bulama Biu said the Army School of Public Relations and Information, Lagos, was doing its best to provide such training.
According to him, the school is set up to train army personnel in journalism and public relations to curb misrepresentation of facts.
he said the idea behind setting up the school is to make our personnel grounded in media relations and create the enabling environment that would achieve civilian-military relations.
Earlier at a graduation ceremony of students of School in Lagos, Biu said the graduating students undertook courses that would enhance their productivity, especially in journalism and public relations.
he said the Directorate of Army Public Relations is updating its men and women to cope with emerging challenges faced by the Nigerian Army as it performs its constitutional role as an image maker in our dynamic society.
Biu, the special guest of honour at the event, commended the directorate for maintaining credible image for the army and achieving the targeted excellent civilian-military relations.
He said this was in line with the army’s vision of professionalism.
The Commanding Officer, urged the graduating students to share the knowledge they acquired with their colleagues who could not attend the training.
In his speech, the Chief Instructor of the School, Lt.-Col. Sumaila Uba, said the graduating students were trained in innovations and challenges in photo journalism and news reporting.
The 18 photographers and 10 news reporters drawn from various formations and training institutions in the Nigerian Army were updated on modern journalism, media relations, press law, and image transfer.
Uba said the graduating students had a tour of some media houses to get some practical knowledge.
The School set up in February this year, graduated 17 officers in young Officers’ Course and also Basic Public Relations Course for young soldiers in the same month.
The best student in photo journalism, Cpl. Mathew John, attached to the National Defence College, said the training exposed him to new challenges in journalism.
Sgt. Bassey Umoeben, the best student in news reporting, from the Army Headquarters, Abuja, said he gained knowledge in military reporting.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards and gifts to deserving students and instructors.
Friday, August 27, 2010
NDLEA justifies introduction of scratch card for its e-recruitment
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has defended the introduction of scratch cards for job applicants, saying it is not meant to exploit them.
The Agency said its good intention in introducing the scratch cards should not be misconstrued.
The Agency had on Aug. 23 advertised job vacancies in the national dailies requesting applicants to buy N1,500 scratch card to file in their applications.
The statement was signed by the agency’s spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju.
It promised that the exercise would be transparent, saying it would not be hijacked by drug barons and traffickers.
The Agency said its good intention in introducing the scratch cards should not be misconstrued.
The Agency had on Aug. 23 advertised job vacancies in the national dailies requesting applicants to buy N1,500 scratch card to file in their applications.
The statement was signed by the agency’s spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju.
It promised that the exercise would be transparent, saying it would not be hijacked by drug barons and traffickers.
Couple arraigned over burglary, assault
A couple, Raymond and Uzoamaka Ananewu, was on Friday arraigned in Lagos over alleged assault, burglary and damage to property.
Raymond and Uzoamaka were charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court with burgling their tenant's apartment, assaulting him and destroying his household items worth N118,000.
The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of conspiracy, assault, burglary and unlawful damage before Magistrate H.O. Omisore.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Gabriel Ekundayo, said that the couple broke into the apartment occupied by Mr Emeka Chukwuma at about 10 p.m., and assaulted the occupant, as well as damaged some household items.
He said the alleged incident occurred on July 11 on the Raymond Estate, Ojo.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 355, 411 and 516 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with 14 years’ imprisonment.
The court granted Raymond and Uzoamaka bail in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties each.
The case was adjourned till Sept. 15 for further hearing
Raymond and Uzoamaka were charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court with burgling their tenant's apartment, assaulting him and destroying his household items worth N118,000.
The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of conspiracy, assault, burglary and unlawful damage before Magistrate H.O. Omisore.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Gabriel Ekundayo, said that the couple broke into the apartment occupied by Mr Emeka Chukwuma at about 10 p.m., and assaulted the occupant, as well as damaged some household items.
He said the alleged incident occurred on July 11 on the Raymond Estate, Ojo.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 355, 411 and 516 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with 14 years’ imprisonment.
The court granted Raymond and Uzoamaka bail in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties each.
The case was adjourned till Sept. 15 for further hearing
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Man, 48, faces trial over N300, 000 fraud
A 48-year-old man, Nicholas Obi, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding his friend of N300,000.
Obi, who is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Fola Takumbe, alleged that Obi obtained the money from Mr Gibson Ugboaja at Iwaya, Yaba, under the pretext of supplying some heavy duty vehicle batteries.
He said the offence which was committed sometime in March contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, E. O. Ogunkanmi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept. 24 for mention
Obi, who is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Fola Takumbe, alleged that Obi obtained the money from Mr Gibson Ugboaja at Iwaya, Yaba, under the pretext of supplying some heavy duty vehicle batteries.
He said the offence which was committed sometime in March contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, E. O. Ogunkanmi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept. 24 for mention
Man in court for allegedly burgling co-tenant’s apartment.
A Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on Thursday granted bail in the sum of N50,000 to a 23-year-old man, Lateef Salau, who allegedly burgled his co-tenant’s apartment and stole household items.
Magistrate O.S. Aka-Bashorun granted Salau bail after he pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge.
Aka-Bashorun ordered Salau to produce two sureties also as a condition for the bail.
Salau was accused of breaking into Christian Otubo’s apartment and stealing a television set, a power generator and N52,000.
The prosecutor, Insp. Gbemileke Ago, submitted that all the stolen items were worth N74,000 and that Salau also damaged mosquito nets in Otubo’s apartment.
He said the alleged incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 21 at No. 28, Adetie Str., Makoko.
Agoi said the alleged offence contravened Sections 390 (9), 412 and 415 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years’ imprisonment.
The case was adjourned till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
Magistrate O.S. Aka-Bashorun granted Salau bail after he pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge.
Aka-Bashorun ordered Salau to produce two sureties also as a condition for the bail.
Salau was accused of breaking into Christian Otubo’s apartment and stealing a television set, a power generator and N52,000.
The prosecutor, Insp. Gbemileke Ago, submitted that all the stolen items were worth N74,000 and that Salau also damaged mosquito nets in Otubo’s apartment.
He said the alleged incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 21 at No. 28, Adetie Str., Makoko.
Agoi said the alleged offence contravened Sections 390 (9), 412 and 415 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years’ imprisonment.
The case was adjourned till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
Court rules on Akingbola’s bail application on Aug. 30.
A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned till Aug. 30 ruling on the bail application by the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola.
Akingbola was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Mohammed Idris on Aug. 13 on a 22-count charge of theft, money laundering, market manipulation and tax fraud.
Cumulatively, a total of N374.2 billion and 10 million pounds sterling was allegedly involved in the charges against him.
His lead counsel, Felix Fagbohungbe, had on Aug. 12 filed an application on Akingbola’s behalf urging the court to grant him bail on the grounds that all charges against him were bailable offences.
The prosecution, however, opposed the bail application on the grounds that the charges against the applicant bothered on felony and that he was not likely to make himself available for trial if granted bail.
Lead prosecuting counsel, Emmanuel Kala told the court that the respondent had opposed the application in two separate counter-affidavits.
Kala said the applicant had refused to submit his international passport to the Commission and would, therefore, be at liberty to travel out of the country if granted bail.
Moreover, Kala said Akingbola had made some statements in the custody of Commission, which had implicated some highly placed Nigerians and which might elicit fresh charges against him and others.
He argued that the enormous influence he wielded as chief executive of the bank for 20 years and the various assets he had across the world were enough evidence to show that he might influence or make him unavailable during trial.
The applicant had travelled out of the country on Aug. 14, 2009 and only returned after staying for one year in the UK.
According to him, Akingbola’s home coming is to avoid extradition, as it came barely one month after the Attorney- General of the Federation sent letters to that effect to the UK.
Kala, therefore, urged the court in the interest of justice to strike out the application in its entirety.
Fagbohungbe, on the other hand, told the court that the EFCC had contrary to the general belief, not declared his client wanted for any crime till date.
He said the only pointer to this fact was contained in a newspaper report published in August 2009 and another publication in Commission’s newsletter in December 2009.
He argued that the court could not rely on a mere news report, which was not an advertorial, to declare someone wanted for an alleged serious crime as the one before the court.
Akingbola’s lead counsel further told the court that as at the time his client travelled out of the country there were no Commission charges against him and that his trip abroad was as a result of the alleged threat to his life.
According to him, his client also returned voluntarily to the country on Aug. 3 not aware of any extradition process.
He, therefore, urged the court to discard all claims in the two counter-affidavits on the grounds of incompetence.
He argued that granting of bail should be at the discretion of the court and pleaded that his client be admitted on bail on liberal terms.
Justice Mohammed Idris then fixed Aug. 30 for ruling on the application.
Court issues bench warrant on sureties.
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of two men who unlawfully acted as sureties for an accused.
Victor Behia, 37, and O. Elum, 53 were alleged to have stood as sureties for Sunday Osor, with the intention of misleading the court.
The defendants were first arraigned on July 30 but pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge preferred against them.
The prosecutor, Insp. Chris Takim, told the court that the defendants conspired while applying to be sureties for Osor, thereby misleading the Chief Magistrate, D. T. Olatokun.
Takim said the alleged offence, committed on July 30, contravened Sections 125 (a) (1) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, O. A. Adedayo, adjourned the case till Sept. 1 for further hearing.
Akingbola was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Mohammed Idris on Aug. 13 on a 22-count charge of theft, money laundering, market manipulation and tax fraud.
Cumulatively, a total of N374.2 billion and 10 million pounds sterling was allegedly involved in the charges against him.
His lead counsel, Felix Fagbohungbe, had on Aug. 12 filed an application on Akingbola’s behalf urging the court to grant him bail on the grounds that all charges against him were bailable offences.
The prosecution, however, opposed the bail application on the grounds that the charges against the applicant bothered on felony and that he was not likely to make himself available for trial if granted bail.
Lead prosecuting counsel, Emmanuel Kala told the court that the respondent had opposed the application in two separate counter-affidavits.
Kala said the applicant had refused to submit his international passport to the Commission and would, therefore, be at liberty to travel out of the country if granted bail.
Moreover, Kala said Akingbola had made some statements in the custody of Commission, which had implicated some highly placed Nigerians and which might elicit fresh charges against him and others.
He argued that the enormous influence he wielded as chief executive of the bank for 20 years and the various assets he had across the world were enough evidence to show that he might influence or make him unavailable during trial.
The applicant had travelled out of the country on Aug. 14, 2009 and only returned after staying for one year in the UK.
According to him, Akingbola’s home coming is to avoid extradition, as it came barely one month after the Attorney- General of the Federation sent letters to that effect to the UK.
Kala, therefore, urged the court in the interest of justice to strike out the application in its entirety.
Fagbohungbe, on the other hand, told the court that the EFCC had contrary to the general belief, not declared his client wanted for any crime till date.
He said the only pointer to this fact was contained in a newspaper report published in August 2009 and another publication in Commission’s newsletter in December 2009.
He argued that the court could not rely on a mere news report, which was not an advertorial, to declare someone wanted for an alleged serious crime as the one before the court.
Akingbola’s lead counsel further told the court that as at the time his client travelled out of the country there were no Commission charges against him and that his trip abroad was as a result of the alleged threat to his life.
According to him, his client also returned voluntarily to the country on Aug. 3 not aware of any extradition process.
He, therefore, urged the court to discard all claims in the two counter-affidavits on the grounds of incompetence.
He argued that granting of bail should be at the discretion of the court and pleaded that his client be admitted on bail on liberal terms.
Justice Mohammed Idris then fixed Aug. 30 for ruling on the application.
Court issues bench warrant on sureties.
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of two men who unlawfully acted as sureties for an accused.
Victor Behia, 37, and O. Elum, 53 were alleged to have stood as sureties for Sunday Osor, with the intention of misleading the court.
The defendants were first arraigned on July 30 but pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge preferred against them.
The prosecutor, Insp. Chris Takim, told the court that the defendants conspired while applying to be sureties for Osor, thereby misleading the Chief Magistrate, D. T. Olatokun.
Takim said the alleged offence, committed on July 30, contravened Sections 125 (a) (1) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, O. A. Adedayo, adjourned the case till Sept. 1 for further hearing.
Police arrest 2 persons over attempt to murder AP Plc chairman.
The police have arrested two persons in connection with the alleged attempted murder of Femi Otedola, Chairman of African Petroleum Plc, and six other persons.
Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo who made this known at a news briefing, said the suspects were being interrogated by the police.
Onovo said Otedola and the six other persons were trapped in the lift at the AP Plaza in Lagos on July 25, while on his way to an emergency meeting of the board of the company.
He said some crucial decisions affecting the operations of the company were to be taken at the said meeting.
According to him, Otedola and his team entered an empty lift, but were trapped for more than two hours, saying the timely intervention saved the incident from being tragic.
Onovo said the chairman was ushered into an empty lift with six other members of his team. Soon after they entered the lift, all the seven occupants were trapped for over two hours.
He said the case was initially investigated by the Lagos State Police Command before he directed that it should be taken over by the Force CID, Abuja for discreet investigation.
Onovo said the investigation led to the invitation of three technical elevator engineers, whose report after interrogation indicated that the lift was tampered with.
He appealed to the public to assist the police with useful information that could help the force to unravel the motive behind the attempt on Otedola’s life.
Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo who made this known at a news briefing, said the suspects were being interrogated by the police.
Onovo said Otedola and the six other persons were trapped in the lift at the AP Plaza in Lagos on July 25, while on his way to an emergency meeting of the board of the company.
He said some crucial decisions affecting the operations of the company were to be taken at the said meeting.
According to him, Otedola and his team entered an empty lift, but were trapped for more than two hours, saying the timely intervention saved the incident from being tragic.
Onovo said the chairman was ushered into an empty lift with six other members of his team. Soon after they entered the lift, all the seven occupants were trapped for over two hours.
He said the case was initially investigated by the Lagos State Police Command before he directed that it should be taken over by the Force CID, Abuja for discreet investigation.
Onovo said the investigation led to the invitation of three technical elevator engineers, whose report after interrogation indicated that the lift was tampered with.
He appealed to the public to assist the police with useful information that could help the force to unravel the motive behind the attempt on Otedola’s life.
Court orders Police to compensate suspect for unlawful detention.
An Abuja High Court on Thursday ordered the Inspector- General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo, to pay N500,000 as damages to one Emmanuel Akinola for unlawful detention.
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi in his ruling also ordered the police to charge Akinola to a competent court within 24 hours or release him on bail with a reasonable surety.
Akinola through his lawyer, David Inufin, had sued the Inspector- General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in FCT, for the breach of his right to liberty and for detaining him at the Special Anti Robbery Squad for more than two months.
Inufin had filed an application before the court for his client to be allowed to enjoy his constitutional and fundamental human rights to personal liberty and freedom without any restriction.
He informed the court that his client was arrested by the police on June 18 when he went to see his pastor for counselling and accused of armed robbery.
In his counter affidavit, Counsel to the police, Malik Taiwo, sought the leave of the court to prefer a criminal charge against the accused for committing felony by conspiring with one Rabiu Buari, 25, to rob one Haliru Rufai of N65,000 and other valuables.
He told the court that the police detained the accused because investigation was still on, adding that Akinola allegedly confessed to the Investigative Police Officers that he was an armed robber.
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi in his ruling also ordered the police to charge Akinola to a competent court within 24 hours or release him on bail with a reasonable surety.
Akinola through his lawyer, David Inufin, had sued the Inspector- General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in FCT, for the breach of his right to liberty and for detaining him at the Special Anti Robbery Squad for more than two months.
Inufin had filed an application before the court for his client to be allowed to enjoy his constitutional and fundamental human rights to personal liberty and freedom without any restriction.
He informed the court that his client was arrested by the police on June 18 when he went to see his pastor for counselling and accused of armed robbery.
In his counter affidavit, Counsel to the police, Malik Taiwo, sought the leave of the court to prefer a criminal charge against the accused for committing felony by conspiring with one Rabiu Buari, 25, to rob one Haliru Rufai of N65,000 and other valuables.
He told the court that the police detained the accused because investigation was still on, adding that Akinola allegedly confessed to the Investigative Police Officers that he was an armed robber.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
LASG introduces partial ban on commercial motorcyclists.
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has assured commercial motorcycle operators popularly called okada that they will not be totally banned in the state.
Fashola gave the assurance at the first stakeholders’ forum on commercial motorcycle operations in the state.
The event, coordinated by the state Ministry of Transportation, was attended by representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the National Association of Road Transport Owners.
Others are from the Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State, the Motorcycles Owners and Riders Association, traders and the motorcycle riders.
Also in attendance were the representatives of the FRSC, LASTMA, the police command, the army, navy and the Nigeria Air Force.
Fashola said said Banning okada from operations in the state is not the solution because he knew where the shoe pinches.
He said the stakeholders’ forum was to collectively ensure security of lives and protection of properties as the cardinal responsibilities of any responsible government.
The governor, however, said the operations of the commercial motorcyclists would be banned from the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikorodu Road to Mile 12 and the Lagos- Badagry Expressway.
According to him, They are also banned from the entire Lagos Central Business District and other highways, due to dangers such places posed to riders and passengers.
He advised them not to carry pregnant women, children of school age and should not carry more than one passenger beside the rider.
Fashola also appealed to the operators to be law abiding by obeying traffic lights and laws for their safety and other road users.
The Governor who said the riders rendered services to the citizenry, however, charged them to venture into other forms of transportation being put in place by government.
He urged security agencies empowered to enforce the okada operations not to brutalise the riders while enforcing the law.
Fashola directed the Commissioners for Transportation and Justice to release motorcycles that had been seized from their owners if they were not involved in any litigation.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers State Chairman, Rafiu Olohunwa, promised that okada riders were ready to abide by the laws of the state.
Chairman, Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State, Tijani Pekins appealed to the government to help create some orderliness in their operations.
He said this is by ensuring that only recognised bodies practise trade union activities among motorcycle riders.
Chairman, Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, Ade Ikuesan said his members were ready to abide by the state regulations on okada operations.
Fashola gave the assurance at the first stakeholders’ forum on commercial motorcycle operations in the state.
The event, coordinated by the state Ministry of Transportation, was attended by representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the National Association of Road Transport Owners.
Others are from the Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State, the Motorcycles Owners and Riders Association, traders and the motorcycle riders.
Also in attendance were the representatives of the FRSC, LASTMA, the police command, the army, navy and the Nigeria Air Force.
Fashola said said Banning okada from operations in the state is not the solution because he knew where the shoe pinches.
He said the stakeholders’ forum was to collectively ensure security of lives and protection of properties as the cardinal responsibilities of any responsible government.
The governor, however, said the operations of the commercial motorcyclists would be banned from the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikorodu Road to Mile 12 and the Lagos- Badagry Expressway.
According to him, They are also banned from the entire Lagos Central Business District and other highways, due to dangers such places posed to riders and passengers.
He advised them not to carry pregnant women, children of school age and should not carry more than one passenger beside the rider.
Fashola also appealed to the operators to be law abiding by obeying traffic lights and laws for their safety and other road users.
The Governor who said the riders rendered services to the citizenry, however, charged them to venture into other forms of transportation being put in place by government.
He urged security agencies empowered to enforce the okada operations not to brutalise the riders while enforcing the law.
Fashola directed the Commissioners for Transportation and Justice to release motorcycles that had been seized from their owners if they were not involved in any litigation.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers State Chairman, Rafiu Olohunwa, promised that okada riders were ready to abide by the laws of the state.
Chairman, Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State, Tijani Pekins appealed to the government to help create some orderliness in their operations.
He said this is by ensuring that only recognised bodies practise trade union activities among motorcycle riders.
Chairman, Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, Ade Ikuesan said his members were ready to abide by the state regulations on okada operations.
Police yet to make arrests over ultima studios fire.
The police said they were still investigating the fire that gutted the Ultima Studios, Murhi House, Ogba, Lagos on Sunday.
The popular programme Who wants to be a millionaire is transmitted from the studios.
Lagos State Police Command’s spokesman,Frank Mba said the police were yet to arrest anybody in connection with the fire.
Mba said the command has begun investigation into the fire incident in collaboration with the management of the studios to unravel the cause of the fire.
He said no life was lost in the incident, adding that the police were keeping watch over the place.
The Ultima Studios was gutted at about 7.30 p.m. on Sunday, destroying equipment, which value was yet to be ascertained.
The General Manager of the Studios,Adetunji Adebakin, had earlier told newsmen that he would not make any comment until investigation into the incident was concluded.
The popular programme Who wants to be a millionaire is transmitted from the studios.
Lagos State Police Command’s spokesman,Frank Mba said the police were yet to arrest anybody in connection with the fire.
Mba said the command has begun investigation into the fire incident in collaboration with the management of the studios to unravel the cause of the fire.
He said no life was lost in the incident, adding that the police were keeping watch over the place.
The Ultima Studios was gutted at about 7.30 p.m. on Sunday, destroying equipment, which value was yet to be ascertained.
The General Manager of the Studios,Adetunji Adebakin, had earlier told newsmen that he would not make any comment until investigation into the incident was concluded.
Police arraign suspected rapist.
For allegedly raping an 18-year-old girl, a man was on Wednesday charged before an Apapa Senior Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.
The accused, Lawal Faruk, 31, who is facing a two-count charge of felony and rape, however, pleaded not guilty.
But the prosecutor, Sgt. Umeh Kalu told the court that the accused and his accomplice --still at large-- committed the offence.
According to him, the accused lured their victim, (names withheld) to an isolated place and raped her one after the other.
Kalu said the offence, which was committed on Aug. 17 at about 8.30 a.m. at First Gate, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, contravened Sections 357, 358 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Senior Magistrate, Ariyike Ipaye-Nwachukwu, who stood in for Chief Magistrate O.Oshin, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case has been adjourned till Sept. 10 for further hearing.
The accused, Lawal Faruk, 31, who is facing a two-count charge of felony and rape, however, pleaded not guilty.
But the prosecutor, Sgt. Umeh Kalu told the court that the accused and his accomplice --still at large-- committed the offence.
According to him, the accused lured their victim, (names withheld) to an isolated place and raped her one after the other.
Kalu said the offence, which was committed on Aug. 17 at about 8.30 a.m. at First Gate, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, contravened Sections 357, 358 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Senior Magistrate, Ariyike Ipaye-Nwachukwu, who stood in for Chief Magistrate O.Oshin, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case has been adjourned till Sept. 10 for further hearing.
LASG warns communities of imminent dangers.
The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, warned residents of communities along the bank of Ogun River of imminent dangers arising out of a rise in the water level.
Commissioner for the Environment, Muiz Banire, gave the warning in a statement signed by Segun Ogundeji, the Ministry’s spokesman.
Banire’s warning was said to have be hinged on what the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority described as precautionary release of water from Oyan Dam.
The commissioner explained that a visit to some of the communities within the river’s catchments within Lagos State showed that some property had been taken over by floods.
The communities are Ikosi-Ketu, Mile 12, Agiliti, Thomas Laniyan Estate, Owode Elede, Owode Onirin, Agboyi, Odogun and Maidan.
The recent experiences of Pakistan, China and some states in Nigeria such as Kano, Ogun and others, where thousands of lives and property were lost to floods are still fresh in our memories.
Banire said these are enough reasons for any responsive government to be apprehensive of the damage a ravaging flood could wreck on lives and property to embark on proactive measures.
He said the development was being closely monitored while emergency service providers had been put on the alert.
The Commissioner implored residents of the communities to be vigilant and report any threat to the appropriate authorities for early response.
Commissioner for the Environment, Muiz Banire, gave the warning in a statement signed by Segun Ogundeji, the Ministry’s spokesman.
Banire’s warning was said to have be hinged on what the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority described as precautionary release of water from Oyan Dam.
The commissioner explained that a visit to some of the communities within the river’s catchments within Lagos State showed that some property had been taken over by floods.
The communities are Ikosi-Ketu, Mile 12, Agiliti, Thomas Laniyan Estate, Owode Elede, Owode Onirin, Agboyi, Odogun and Maidan.
The recent experiences of Pakistan, China and some states in Nigeria such as Kano, Ogun and others, where thousands of lives and property were lost to floods are still fresh in our memories.
Banire said these are enough reasons for any responsive government to be apprehensive of the damage a ravaging flood could wreck on lives and property to embark on proactive measures.
He said the development was being closely monitored while emergency service providers had been put on the alert.
The Commissioner implored residents of the communities to be vigilant and report any threat to the appropriate authorities for early response.
Court orders production of woman who allegedly bought stolen botttles and crates.
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday ordered that a woman, who allegedly received stolen crates and empty bottles, be produced in court.
Magistrate Teslim Elias gave the order at the resumed hearing of the case of theft preferred against two men, Olawale Taiwo, 31, and Olusoji Popoola, 32.
The duo first appeared in court on March 1 on a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.
The woman allegedly bought the 712 empty bottles with crates of different products of the Guinness, valued at N890,000.
The prosecutor, Insp. Barth Nwokenye, said the defendants stole the empty bottles and crates which they sold to the woman.
According to him, the offences were committed sometimes on Feb. 24, at Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ogba branch.
He said the offences were punishable under Sections 516 and 390 (6) of the Criminal code, Laws of Lagos State.
The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were first arraigned and were granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case has been adjourned till Nov. 8 for continuation of hearing.
Magistrate Teslim Elias gave the order at the resumed hearing of the case of theft preferred against two men, Olawale Taiwo, 31, and Olusoji Popoola, 32.
The duo first appeared in court on March 1 on a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.
The woman allegedly bought the 712 empty bottles with crates of different products of the Guinness, valued at N890,000.
The prosecutor, Insp. Barth Nwokenye, said the defendants stole the empty bottles and crates which they sold to the woman.
According to him, the offences were committed sometimes on Feb. 24, at Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ogba branch.
He said the offences were punishable under Sections 516 and 390 (6) of the Criminal code, Laws of Lagos State.
The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were first arraigned and were granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case has been adjourned till Nov. 8 for continuation of hearing.
Man, 26, arraigned for assaulting policeman
A man, who allegedly tore a policeman’s uniform, was on Wednesday charged before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on a one-count charge of unlawful assault.
Larry Onyebuchi, 26, was alleged to have assaulted Cpl. Aizoba Kelly on Aug. 10 at about 7.30 p.m. at an eatery at Olodi-Apapa, Lagos, and tore his uniform in the process.
The prosecutor, PC Friday Inedu, told the court that the accused had contravened Section 356 (2) 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 N20,000, with one surety in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate,Amos Adeyemi, adjourned the case till Sept. 6 for further hearing.
Larry Onyebuchi, 26, was alleged to have assaulted Cpl. Aizoba Kelly on Aug. 10 at about 7.30 p.m. at an eatery at Olodi-Apapa, Lagos, and tore his uniform in the process.
The prosecutor, PC Friday Inedu, told the court that the accused had contravened Section 356 (2) 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 N20,000, with one surety in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate,Amos Adeyemi, adjourned the case till Sept. 6 for further hearing.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tankers allegedly laden with adulterated fuel under watch
All the tankers alleged to be laden with adulterated petrol in Lagos are under close watch by the police in the state, the police said on Tuesday.
spokesman for the state police command,Frank Mba,said in Lagos that the affected tankers were under 24-hour watch by the police at a compound at Ilasamaja where they were discovered.
The Petroleum Tanker Drivers Unit of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers on Monday went on strike in Lagos to protest alleged release of the tanker drivers caught with the allegedly adulterated petroleum products.
Lagos Zonal Coordinator of the association, Razaq Akanbi, told journalists that the one-day warning strike was to expose those allegedly behind fuel adulteration in Lagos State.
Mba said the owner of the compound where the tankers were discovered was being detained and interrogated.
The police spokesman said personnel of the Department of Petroleum Resources had taken samples of the alleged adulterated fuel for test, and that the police was awaiting the result.
spokesman for the state police command,Frank Mba,said in Lagos that the affected tankers were under 24-hour watch by the police at a compound at Ilasamaja where they were discovered.
The Petroleum Tanker Drivers Unit of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers on Monday went on strike in Lagos to protest alleged release of the tanker drivers caught with the allegedly adulterated petroleum products.
Lagos Zonal Coordinator of the association, Razaq Akanbi, told journalists that the one-day warning strike was to expose those allegedly behind fuel adulteration in Lagos State.
Mba said the owner of the compound where the tankers were discovered was being detained and interrogated.
The police spokesman said personnel of the Department of Petroleum Resources had taken samples of the alleged adulterated fuel for test, and that the police was awaiting the result.
Prison official lauds sitting on Saturdays by Lagos magistrates.
The controller of prisons in Lagos State,Abayomi Oguntuase, has applauded the decision by the State for Magistrate’s Courts to sit on Saturdays.
Oguntuase said the move would facilitate speedy dispensation of justice and enhance the decongestion of prisons.
It’s a welcome development and if possible, the courts should sit on Sundays to facilitate quick dispensation of justice as justice delayed is justice denied, he said.
The development followed the passage of the Lagos State Magistrate’s Courts Law Amended 2009, which provides for the sitting of the courts on Saturdays.
Oguntuase said prison facilities in the state were overstretched with a population of 4,700-- more than double what they were expected to hold—and that about 70 per cent of these inmates were awaiting trial.
According to Oguntuase, the 800-man capacity Ikoyi prison currently has 1,708 inmates out of which 1,593 are awaiting trial.
Out of the 256 inmates of Badagry Prison, 188 are awaiting trial, The female prison has 175 inmates, 139 are awaiting trial,he said.
Oguntuase, however, explained that sitting on Saturdays was not the only solution to prison congestion as attitudinal change on the part of law enforcement and judicial officers should complement.
According to him, the justice delivery system, which comprises the police, Ministry of Justice, judiciary and prison facilities, need to be totally overhauled.
Oguntuase explained that at the police level, investigations should be conducted speedily and thoroughly, while case files of the accused should be sent to the Ministry of Justice on time.
As long as the case files do not get to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on time, there is no way they will come out, he said.
He also decried what he described as “incessant and frivolous adjournment’” of cases by judicial officers, saying the trend had to be adequately addressed.
Ogutuase explained that currently, transportation remained a major problem for the prison service in Lagos State as it was becoming increasingly difficult to move detainees to court sittings.
He said though some former “Black Maria” vans inherited from the Police Force and rechristened
Green Maria helped for a while, they had broken down due to old age.
He said the command could only boast of a coaster bus and a Hilux pickup van each in three of its four facilities in Ikoyi, Kirikiri and Badagry prisons, adding that the ideal would have been a tripling of the vehicles.
The prison chief said female prison which has a population of 175 in-mates has only one operational vehicle and often depended on the Medium Security Prison to convey accused women to court.
Oguntuase said the move would facilitate speedy dispensation of justice and enhance the decongestion of prisons.
It’s a welcome development and if possible, the courts should sit on Sundays to facilitate quick dispensation of justice as justice delayed is justice denied, he said.
The development followed the passage of the Lagos State Magistrate’s Courts Law Amended 2009, which provides for the sitting of the courts on Saturdays.
Oguntuase said prison facilities in the state were overstretched with a population of 4,700-- more than double what they were expected to hold—and that about 70 per cent of these inmates were awaiting trial.
According to Oguntuase, the 800-man capacity Ikoyi prison currently has 1,708 inmates out of which 1,593 are awaiting trial.
Out of the 256 inmates of Badagry Prison, 188 are awaiting trial, The female prison has 175 inmates, 139 are awaiting trial,he said.
Oguntuase, however, explained that sitting on Saturdays was not the only solution to prison congestion as attitudinal change on the part of law enforcement and judicial officers should complement.
According to him, the justice delivery system, which comprises the police, Ministry of Justice, judiciary and prison facilities, need to be totally overhauled.
Oguntuase explained that at the police level, investigations should be conducted speedily and thoroughly, while case files of the accused should be sent to the Ministry of Justice on time.
As long as the case files do not get to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on time, there is no way they will come out, he said.
He also decried what he described as “incessant and frivolous adjournment’” of cases by judicial officers, saying the trend had to be adequately addressed.
Ogutuase explained that currently, transportation remained a major problem for the prison service in Lagos State as it was becoming increasingly difficult to move detainees to court sittings.
He said though some former “Black Maria” vans inherited from the Police Force and rechristened
Green Maria helped for a while, they had broken down due to old age.
He said the command could only boast of a coaster bus and a Hilux pickup van each in three of its four facilities in Ikoyi, Kirikiri and Badagry prisons, adding that the ideal would have been a tripling of the vehicles.
The prison chief said female prison which has a population of 175 in-mates has only one operational vehicle and often depended on the Medium Security Prison to convey accused women to court.
FRSC wants age limit for tanker, trailer drivers.
The unit commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Surulere-Lagos, Gregory Drambi, on Monday called for a law banning youths from driving articulated vehicles.
Drambi said in Lagos that many of the frequent accidents involving trailers and tankers were mostly due to their being driven by inexperienced drivers. .
Most of the accidents on our roads involving tankers and trailers are caused by young, inexperienced and impatient drivers.
Most of them over speed and overtake other vehicles, even at bends, without consideration for oncoming motorists,’’ he said.
According to Drambi, there will be less carnage on the highways if there is a law limiting the age of persons who can drive articulated vehicles.
He said investigations by the commission showed that most of the accidents on Nigerian highways were caused by drivers aged between 18 years and 24 years.
This category of people should not be allowed to drive lorries, tankers and trailers because they drive as if they are handling cars,’’ he said.
Drambi said in Lagos that many of the frequent accidents involving trailers and tankers were mostly due to their being driven by inexperienced drivers. .
Most of the accidents on our roads involving tankers and trailers are caused by young, inexperienced and impatient drivers.
Most of them over speed and overtake other vehicles, even at bends, without consideration for oncoming motorists,’’ he said.
According to Drambi, there will be less carnage on the highways if there is a law limiting the age of persons who can drive articulated vehicles.
He said investigations by the commission showed that most of the accidents on Nigerian highways were caused by drivers aged between 18 years and 24 years.
This category of people should not be allowed to drive lorries, tankers and trailers because they drive as if they are handling cars,’’ he said.
Man in trouble for allegedly impersonating a professor
A middle-aged man, Yinka Adesola, was on Monday charged before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on a two-count charge of impersonation and fraud.
Adesola, 54, was alleged to have presented himself as a professor of the University of Lagos with the intention of defrauding a student, Julliana Olukoya.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
But the prosecutor, Gbemileke Agoi, insisted that Adesola committed the offences on Aug. 17 and 18 at the university premises.
He said the accused obtained N47, 000 under the guise of being Olukoya’s lecturer, a contravention of Sections 419 and 484 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The Magistrate, O.S. Aka-Bashorun granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties and adjourned the case to Sept. 17 for further hearing.
Adesola, 54, was alleged to have presented himself as a professor of the University of Lagos with the intention of defrauding a student, Julliana Olukoya.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
But the prosecutor, Gbemileke Agoi, insisted that Adesola committed the offences on Aug. 17 and 18 at the university premises.
He said the accused obtained N47, 000 under the guise of being Olukoya’s lecturer, a contravention of Sections 419 and 484 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The Magistrate, O.S. Aka-Bashorun granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties and adjourned the case to Sept. 17 for further hearing.
Court adjourns hearing on Akingbola’s bail application till Aug. 25
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday adjourned till Aug. 25, for hearing in the bail application filed by former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola.
Akingbola was arraigned on Aug. 13 by the EFFC on a 22-count charge of economic and financial crimes, including money laundering, theft, market manipulation and tax fraud.
Other charges are obtaining by false pretences, criminal granting of loans and facilities, insider abuse, insider trading and abuse of office.
He was alleged to have committed the offences between 1989 and 2009 when he was the chief executive of the bank
Cumulatively, the amount involved was put at N346.2 billion and 10 million pounds.
Akingbola’s lead counsel, Felix Fagbohungbe had on Aug. 12 applied for bail on behalf of his client on the ground that charges preferred against him were bailable.
However, the prosecution led by Kola Awodein , in a counter affidavit, said that preliminary investigations had further revealed fresh facts which had implicated the accused and which the EFCC would investigate.
It said investigations by EFCC revealed that the accused had employed a large number of staff of the bank, who would either be afraid or unwilling to give evidence against him, if granted bail.
The prosecution further said that it was apprehensive that the applicant would abscond if he was admitted to bail and would interfere with the investigation of criminal allegations against him and others he had implicated.
This honorable court has ordered accelerated hearing of this matter and the prosecution has already indicated its readiness for a speedy trial.
Granting bail to the applicant will be prejudicial to the administration of justice, the prosecution said in its counter affidavit.
In his response Fagbohungbe argued that all relevant investigations necessary for the prosecution of his client were completed before he was arraigned in court on Aug. 13.
Fagbohungbe said the respondents failed to comply with the court’s directive to file their counter affidavit by Aug. 18, to technically keep the accused in custody.
Justice Mohammed Idris said though the liberty of the accused was at stake, all parties would be given opportunities to present all available facts to enable the court do justice accordingly.
He, therefore adjourned till Aug. 25 for definite hearing on the bail application.
Akingbola was arraigned on Aug. 13 by the EFFC on a 22-count charge of economic and financial crimes, including money laundering, theft, market manipulation and tax fraud.
Other charges are obtaining by false pretences, criminal granting of loans and facilities, insider abuse, insider trading and abuse of office.
He was alleged to have committed the offences between 1989 and 2009 when he was the chief executive of the bank
Cumulatively, the amount involved was put at N346.2 billion and 10 million pounds.
Akingbola’s lead counsel, Felix Fagbohungbe had on Aug. 12 applied for bail on behalf of his client on the ground that charges preferred against him were bailable.
However, the prosecution led by Kola Awodein , in a counter affidavit, said that preliminary investigations had further revealed fresh facts which had implicated the accused and which the EFCC would investigate.
It said investigations by EFCC revealed that the accused had employed a large number of staff of the bank, who would either be afraid or unwilling to give evidence against him, if granted bail.
The prosecution further said that it was apprehensive that the applicant would abscond if he was admitted to bail and would interfere with the investigation of criminal allegations against him and others he had implicated.
This honorable court has ordered accelerated hearing of this matter and the prosecution has already indicated its readiness for a speedy trial.
Granting bail to the applicant will be prejudicial to the administration of justice, the prosecution said in its counter affidavit.
In his response Fagbohungbe argued that all relevant investigations necessary for the prosecution of his client were completed before he was arraigned in court on Aug. 13.
Fagbohungbe said the respondents failed to comply with the court’s directive to file their counter affidavit by Aug. 18, to technically keep the accused in custody.
Justice Mohammed Idris said though the liberty of the accused was at stake, all parties would be given opportunities to present all available facts to enable the court do justice accordingly.
He, therefore adjourned till Aug. 25 for definite hearing on the bail application.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Prison chief says several inmates, accomplices arrested for drug peddling.
Lagos State Controller of Prisons, Abayomi Oguntuase says several inmates and their accomplices have been arrested for drug peddling.
Oguntuase said those arrested had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution.
He did not give the number of those arrested and when they were arrest but said that the issue of drug peddling in prisons remained a problem.
The prison chief said adequate measures had been introduced to check such crimes.
As a panacea to the drug problem, Oguntuase said social and religious activities had been introduced for the inmates for emotional and psychological balance.
He said To check drug trafficking and give them some stability emotionally, social and religious programmes are being organised for them”.
On alleged cases of sexual harassments by prison officials, Oguntuase denied that no such incident had been recorded in the state or in any part of the country.
Oguntuase said five of the inmates in female prisons in the state were pregnant, and that the pregnancies were brought from outside ``as we expose them to pregnancy tests.
He said eight babies had been delivered and that such children were usually taken to orphanages ``if the relations of the inmates refuse to accept them after they are 18 months old.
Oguntuase said those arrested had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution.
He did not give the number of those arrested and when they were arrest but said that the issue of drug peddling in prisons remained a problem.
The prison chief said adequate measures had been introduced to check such crimes.
As a panacea to the drug problem, Oguntuase said social and religious activities had been introduced for the inmates for emotional and psychological balance.
He said To check drug trafficking and give them some stability emotionally, social and religious programmes are being organised for them”.
On alleged cases of sexual harassments by prison officials, Oguntuase denied that no such incident had been recorded in the state or in any part of the country.
Oguntuase said five of the inmates in female prisons in the state were pregnant, and that the pregnancies were brought from outside ``as we expose them to pregnancy tests.
He said eight babies had been delivered and that such children were usually taken to orphanages ``if the relations of the inmates refuse to accept them after they are 18 months old.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Police nab syndicate's kingpin.
The Police Special Fraud Unit has announced the arrest of a kingpin of a syndicate, which specialises in defrauding prospective land owners.
Commissioner of Police, Moses Saba gave the name of the arrested kingpin as Moses Taiwo-Olalekan.
Saba said Taiwo-Olalekan with other members of the syndicate duped some persons of millions of naira under the pretence of selling some lands to them.
He said the syndicate usually forged Certificate of Occupancy with which they lured prospective land buyers to part with their money.
Saba said Taiwo-Olalekan and others now at large, allegedly defrauded some persons of over N50 million between January, 2009 and June, 2010.
He said their victims had petitioned the SFU over the activities of the suspected fraudsters which led to police investigation.
According to him, prior to his arrest, Taiwo-Olalekan’s name had featured prominently in other cases in various sections of the Unit, one of which he was identified as Barrister Olatunji.
Saba said in that case, the suspect and others now at large, allegedly defrauded a victim of N20 million for the sale of a property at Magodo GRA in Lagos.
According to the Commissioner, Taiwo-Olalekan told the unit that the syndicate usually obtained photocopies of C of O from one Idowu Salami, a former employee of the Lagos State Land Registry.
He said another case involving the suspect was a case of forging of C of O of a property in Lekki, Lagos, an international passport and a PHCN bill of the land owner.
Saba said the syndicate used the items to impersonate the owner and defrauded their victim of N25 million.
Other cases involving the suspect, according to Saba, include a N5 million Lekki Phase 11 property case and another of an unregistered vehicle.
The Commissioner advised members of the public to always seek advice from appropriate authorities before paying for any property.
Commissioner of Police, Moses Saba gave the name of the arrested kingpin as Moses Taiwo-Olalekan.
Saba said Taiwo-Olalekan with other members of the syndicate duped some persons of millions of naira under the pretence of selling some lands to them.
He said the syndicate usually forged Certificate of Occupancy with which they lured prospective land buyers to part with their money.
Saba said Taiwo-Olalekan and others now at large, allegedly defrauded some persons of over N50 million between January, 2009 and June, 2010.
He said their victims had petitioned the SFU over the activities of the suspected fraudsters which led to police investigation.
According to him, prior to his arrest, Taiwo-Olalekan’s name had featured prominently in other cases in various sections of the Unit, one of which he was identified as Barrister Olatunji.
Saba said in that case, the suspect and others now at large, allegedly defrauded a victim of N20 million for the sale of a property at Magodo GRA in Lagos.
According to the Commissioner, Taiwo-Olalekan told the unit that the syndicate usually obtained photocopies of C of O from one Idowu Salami, a former employee of the Lagos State Land Registry.
He said another case involving the suspect was a case of forging of C of O of a property in Lekki, Lagos, an international passport and a PHCN bill of the land owner.
Saba said the syndicate used the items to impersonate the owner and defrauded their victim of N25 million.
Other cases involving the suspect, according to Saba, include a N5 million Lekki Phase 11 property case and another of an unregistered vehicle.
The Commissioner advised members of the public to always seek advice from appropriate authorities before paying for any property.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Surety arraigned for allegedly failing to produce suspect.
The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned a 34-year-old man, Segun Suru, for his alleged failure to produce a suspect for whom he stood as a surety.
Docked before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on a count charge, Suru pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sgt Seun Adeleke, told the court that Suru stood as a surety for one Tobi Yekini, a suspected thief, at the Area ‘G’ Police Command, Ogba in Ikeja.
Adeleke said the defendant pledged to always produce Yekini whenever he was needed until the latter’s case was disposal of.
He said Suru failed to produce Yekini on July 23 when he was needed at the police command, noting that the non-production of the suspect breached Section 18 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
Magistrate O.G. Oghre granted Suru bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till Oct. 6 for further hearing.
In another development, a 30-year-old unemployed man, Kingsley Isikwe, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly robbing one Mr Emeka Eze of N106,500 and gold jewelry at gunpoint.
Isikwe was charged with conspiracy and armed robbery before Magistrate Teslim Elias.
The prosecutor, Insp. Barth Nwokenye, said Isikwe and some others at large invaded Eze’s residence with guns and dispossessed him of the money and the gold worth N250,000.
Nwokenye said Isikwe and the others also removed Eze’s wristwatch worth N15,000.
He said the alleged armed robbery occurred on July 19 at Elepe Village in Ikorodu.
The prosecutor said the alleged offence was punishable with death under Section 1(2) of the Armed Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act.
The court could not take Isikwe’s plea as Elias said that he needed the advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.
He, however, remanded the accused in prison custody pending the DPP’s advice.
The magistrate adjourned the case till Sept. 15.
Docked before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on a count charge, Suru pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sgt Seun Adeleke, told the court that Suru stood as a surety for one Tobi Yekini, a suspected thief, at the Area ‘G’ Police Command, Ogba in Ikeja.
Adeleke said the defendant pledged to always produce Yekini whenever he was needed until the latter’s case was disposal of.
He said Suru failed to produce Yekini on July 23 when he was needed at the police command, noting that the non-production of the suspect breached Section 18 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
Magistrate O.G. Oghre granted Suru bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till Oct. 6 for further hearing.
In another development, a 30-year-old unemployed man, Kingsley Isikwe, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly robbing one Mr Emeka Eze of N106,500 and gold jewelry at gunpoint.
Isikwe was charged with conspiracy and armed robbery before Magistrate Teslim Elias.
The prosecutor, Insp. Barth Nwokenye, said Isikwe and some others at large invaded Eze’s residence with guns and dispossessed him of the money and the gold worth N250,000.
Nwokenye said Isikwe and the others also removed Eze’s wristwatch worth N15,000.
He said the alleged armed robbery occurred on July 19 at Elepe Village in Ikorodu.
The prosecutor said the alleged offence was punishable with death under Section 1(2) of the Armed Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act.
The court could not take Isikwe’s plea as Elias said that he needed the advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.
He, however, remanded the accused in prison custody pending the DPP’s advice.
The magistrate adjourned the case till Sept. 15.
LASG seals off 6 multinational companies over tax evasion
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has sealed off another six multinational companies for evading tax and failure to remit tax deducted from their workers’ salaries.
Head, Tax Enforcement team,Jide Sosan said the six companies had tax liabilities of more than N78.9 million.
Sosan said the companies allegedly refused to remit their tax liabilities to the state government.
He said two companies hurriedly issued a cheque for N2.3 million to the team to prevent their premises from being closed.
According to him,Tax defaulters or evaders in the state may be heading for a collision course with the state government, if they refused to remit their taxes.
He said government is set to check the excesses of tax evaders and defaulters,appealing to them to always remit their taxes to the government.
Sosan said despite the notices and appeals from the government urging them to pay, some companies still evaded taxes.
He advised those that could not cope to relocate their business premises to other states, saying that the state government would no longer take it lightly with any company found engaging in such an act.
Sosan said the fund realised from taxes was being used to develop the state in view of the reduction in the allocation from the Federation Account.
Head, Tax Enforcement team,Jide Sosan said the six companies had tax liabilities of more than N78.9 million.
Sosan said the companies allegedly refused to remit their tax liabilities to the state government.
He said two companies hurriedly issued a cheque for N2.3 million to the team to prevent their premises from being closed.
According to him,Tax defaulters or evaders in the state may be heading for a collision course with the state government, if they refused to remit their taxes.
He said government is set to check the excesses of tax evaders and defaulters,appealing to them to always remit their taxes to the government.
Sosan said despite the notices and appeals from the government urging them to pay, some companies still evaded taxes.
He advised those that could not cope to relocate their business premises to other states, saying that the state government would no longer take it lightly with any company found engaging in such an act.
Sosan said the fund realised from taxes was being used to develop the state in view of the reduction in the allocation from the Federation Account.
Some ethnic nationalities want Al-Mustapha and colleagues freed.
Leaders of some ethnic nationalities in Nigeria on Friday in Lagos appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to pardon Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha and others on trial with him.
The coalition included the Niger Delta Volunteers Force, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, the Igbo Youth Congress and the United Middle-Belt Youth Forum.
Founder of Oodua Peoples Congress, Frederic Fasheun who spoke for the coalition at a news briefing, urged the president to invoke the prerogative of mercy clause and free the accused.
Also at the briefing were Asari Dokubu of Niger Delta Volunteers Force,Yerima Shettima,Arewa Youth Consultative Forum and representatives of the Igbo Youth Congress and the United Middle Belt Youth Forum, among others.
According to Fasheun, Jonathan will be writing his name in gold if he frees the detainees.
He said Al-Mustapha and the others had been on trial for 12 years and had more than paid for their zeal in serving the late Gen. Sani Abacha.
The Oodua Peoples Congress founder noted that the amnesty granted the Niger Delta militants closed the ``chapter on a terrible period in the nation’s national history, saying it should be extended to Al-Mustapha and the others.
He also appealed to the Lagos State Government to join hands with the group in protecting the Human Rights provisions of the constitution.
Al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to the late Abacha, has been on trial for the alleged murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and the attempted murder on Alex Ibru.
Also on trial with Al-Mustapha are James Danbaba, former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, retired Col. Jubrin Bala Yakubu and Mohammed Rabo Lawal, a Chief Superintendent of Police.
The coalition included the Niger Delta Volunteers Force, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, the Igbo Youth Congress and the United Middle-Belt Youth Forum.
Founder of Oodua Peoples Congress, Frederic Fasheun who spoke for the coalition at a news briefing, urged the president to invoke the prerogative of mercy clause and free the accused.
Also at the briefing were Asari Dokubu of Niger Delta Volunteers Force,Yerima Shettima,Arewa Youth Consultative Forum and representatives of the Igbo Youth Congress and the United Middle Belt Youth Forum, among others.
According to Fasheun, Jonathan will be writing his name in gold if he frees the detainees.
He said Al-Mustapha and the others had been on trial for 12 years and had more than paid for their zeal in serving the late Gen. Sani Abacha.
The Oodua Peoples Congress founder noted that the amnesty granted the Niger Delta militants closed the ``chapter on a terrible period in the nation’s national history, saying it should be extended to Al-Mustapha and the others.
He also appealed to the Lagos State Government to join hands with the group in protecting the Human Rights provisions of the constitution.
Al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to the late Abacha, has been on trial for the alleged murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and the attempted murder on Alex Ibru.
Also on trial with Al-Mustapha are James Danbaba, former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, retired Col. Jubrin Bala Yakubu and Mohammed Rabo Lawal, a Chief Superintendent of Police.
Man docked for forceful entry and stealing items worth N160,000.
A 21-year-old Sodiq Lawal, who allegedly burgled a house in company with 14 other accomplices now at large, was docked on Friday in Lagos for stealing money and other property worth N160,000.
Lawal is facing a five-count charge of felony, stealing, malicious damage and assault before Chief Magistrate Amos Adeyemi of the Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The prosecutor, P.C. Friday Inedu, told the court that Lawal and his accomplices stole N40,000 cash, a gold neck chain and half a gallon of groundnut oil, all valued at N120,000.
Inedu said the money and the other items were property of Mrs Taiye Joseph and Mr Sunday Fashola.
He alleged that in the attempt to forcefully enter Joseph’s room, her sliding glass door was damaged.
He said the offence was committed on Aug. 6 at Ladega Street, Alaba Oro, Apapa, Lagos.
The prosecutor told the court that Lawal on the same date, time and place, also assaulted Fashola by giving him a blow on his head in an attempt to rob him of his money and belongings.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the five-count-charge and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Adeyemi adjourned the case till Sept. 6 for further hearing.
Also arraigned in the same court was an unemployed teenager who allegedly vandalised a vehicle parked in a mechanic workshop and stole some of its parts.
P.C. Inedu told the court that Simon Wale, 18, of 103, Ago-Hausa Str., Ajegunle, Lagos, stole one disk plate, key-starter, ignition, fuel pump and a gear selector from the Volkswagen Paragon bus.
He said the bus, property of one Orekoya Johnson, was parked in a mechanic workshop at No. 18, Akinsanya St. for repairs.
He said the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 53, Vol. II Laws of Lagos 2003.
Wale pleaded not guilty to the one-count-charge and was granted bail in the sum N20,000 with one surety in like sum.
Adeyemi adjourned hearing in the case till Aug. 27.
Lawal is facing a five-count charge of felony, stealing, malicious damage and assault before Chief Magistrate Amos Adeyemi of the Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The prosecutor, P.C. Friday Inedu, told the court that Lawal and his accomplices stole N40,000 cash, a gold neck chain and half a gallon of groundnut oil, all valued at N120,000.
Inedu said the money and the other items were property of Mrs Taiye Joseph and Mr Sunday Fashola.
He alleged that in the attempt to forcefully enter Joseph’s room, her sliding glass door was damaged.
He said the offence was committed on Aug. 6 at Ladega Street, Alaba Oro, Apapa, Lagos.
The prosecutor told the court that Lawal on the same date, time and place, also assaulted Fashola by giving him a blow on his head in an attempt to rob him of his money and belongings.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the five-count-charge and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Adeyemi adjourned the case till Sept. 6 for further hearing.
Also arraigned in the same court was an unemployed teenager who allegedly vandalised a vehicle parked in a mechanic workshop and stole some of its parts.
P.C. Inedu told the court that Simon Wale, 18, of 103, Ago-Hausa Str., Ajegunle, Lagos, stole one disk plate, key-starter, ignition, fuel pump and a gear selector from the Volkswagen Paragon bus.
He said the bus, property of one Orekoya Johnson, was parked in a mechanic workshop at No. 18, Akinsanya St. for repairs.
He said the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 53, Vol. II Laws of Lagos 2003.
Wale pleaded not guilty to the one-count-charge and was granted bail in the sum N20,000 with one surety in like sum.
Adeyemi adjourned hearing in the case till Aug. 27.
Man allegedly diverts employer’s N2.7m.
A 31-year-old man, Samuel Effiong, on Friday appeared before a Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for allegedly diverting his employer's N2.7 million.
Effiong was accused of cashing a cheque for N2,775,845 and diverting the sum meant for his employer’s three creditors.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge before Magistrate Mukaila Fadeyi.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, said that Effiong committed the alleged offence on Aug. 10, 2009 at No. 58, Adelabu St., Aguda, Surulere.
He said the accused was given a Zenith bank cheque by his employer, Ego Ohia, to cash the sum and pay the creditors, but Effiong converted the money to his personal use.
Onime said the alleged offence contravened Sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Further hearing in the case will come up on Aug. 26.
Effiong was accused of cashing a cheque for N2,775,845 and diverting the sum meant for his employer’s three creditors.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge before Magistrate Mukaila Fadeyi.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, said that Effiong committed the alleged offence on Aug. 10, 2009 at No. 58, Adelabu St., Aguda, Surulere.
He said the accused was given a Zenith bank cheque by his employer, Ego Ohia, to cash the sum and pay the creditors, but Effiong converted the money to his personal use.
Onime said the alleged offence contravened Sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Further hearing in the case will come up on Aug. 26.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Court refuses bail to teenager charged with theft, assault
A Surulere Magistrate’s Court on Thursday refused to grant bail to a teenager, John Onyenwenu, charged with stealing and inflicting wounds on a man.
Magistrate Mukaila Fadeyi remanded the 19-year-old Onyenwenu, along with one Iliasu Salami (23), charged along with him.
Although the duo pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge, Fadeyi granted the prosecutors prayers to remand them on the grounds that Salami had been arrested three times over alleged assault.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, had told the court that Onyenwenu and Salami, both Orile residents, conspired with some others at large to assault one Mr Chinedu Anyadigwu.
He said the duo and the others attacked Anyadiegwu with a cutlass and inflicted wounds on him.
Onime said the accused also stole Anyadigwu’s national identity card, automated teller machine card and a wallet containing N9,000.
He submitted that Salami had been arrested three times for alleged assault, and that each time he answered a different name.
Onime said the alleged offences contravened Sections 516, 390 (9) and 355 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court adjourned the further hearing in the case till Aug. 27.
Magistrate Mukaila Fadeyi remanded the 19-year-old Onyenwenu, along with one Iliasu Salami (23), charged along with him.
Although the duo pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge, Fadeyi granted the prosecutors prayers to remand them on the grounds that Salami had been arrested three times over alleged assault.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, had told the court that Onyenwenu and Salami, both Orile residents, conspired with some others at large to assault one Mr Chinedu Anyadigwu.
He said the duo and the others attacked Anyadiegwu with a cutlass and inflicted wounds on him.
Onime said the accused also stole Anyadigwu’s national identity card, automated teller machine card and a wallet containing N9,000.
He submitted that Salami had been arrested three times for alleged assault, and that each time he answered a different name.
Onime said the alleged offences contravened Sections 516, 390 (9) and 355 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court adjourned the further hearing in the case till Aug. 27.
Wife urges court to dissolve marriage over husband’s fetish practice.
A petty trader, Mrs Kafilat Lasisi, on Thursday, urged an Ikorodu Grade `A’ Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her marriage because of her husband’s involvement in fetish practice.
The 32-year-old trader told the court that her husband, Dauda Lasisi, frequently threatened her life with juju (charms) whenever they had a misunderstanding.
Also in her testimony, Kafilat alleged that her husband once attempted to use their first child for money-making rituals but was unsuccessful.
“My husband made an attempt to use our first child for money ritual but it was not successful. I am afraid to continue living with such a heartless man.
“I have been responsible for the upkeep of the two children of the family aged 10 and seven. I rented the house that I and my husband are living in because he is not responsible.
“I am pleading with the court to dissolve our marriage because my husband told me that he must be rich before his 40th birthday,” she said.
The petitioner also tendered as exhibit, the book that her husband wrote the incantations and instruction for the money-making rituals.
Kafilat pleaded with the court to dissolve the marriage between them saying that she was no longer interested in the marriage.
The respondent, a 35-year-old cobbler, was, however, absent in court.
The President of the court,Remi Adesanya said that even though Lasisi was served hearing notices he had not made an appearance neither did he send representation.
Adesanya said this showed that the respondent was not interested in the case.
She adjourned the case till Sep. 1 for judgment.
The 32-year-old trader told the court that her husband, Dauda Lasisi, frequently threatened her life with juju (charms) whenever they had a misunderstanding.
Also in her testimony, Kafilat alleged that her husband once attempted to use their first child for money-making rituals but was unsuccessful.
“My husband made an attempt to use our first child for money ritual but it was not successful. I am afraid to continue living with such a heartless man.
“I have been responsible for the upkeep of the two children of the family aged 10 and seven. I rented the house that I and my husband are living in because he is not responsible.
“I am pleading with the court to dissolve our marriage because my husband told me that he must be rich before his 40th birthday,” she said.
The petitioner also tendered as exhibit, the book that her husband wrote the incantations and instruction for the money-making rituals.
Kafilat pleaded with the court to dissolve the marriage between them saying that she was no longer interested in the marriage.
The respondent, a 35-year-old cobbler, was, however, absent in court.
The President of the court,Remi Adesanya said that even though Lasisi was served hearing notices he had not made an appearance neither did he send representation.
Adesanya said this showed that the respondent was not interested in the case.
She adjourned the case till Sep. 1 for judgment.
Three persons remanded for Child Trafficking
Three persons were on Thursday arraigned before an Ebute-Metta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on a three-count charge of alleged child stealing, human trafficking, intention to deprive and stealing.
The accused, Happiness Anene (25), Comfort Umunakwe (37) and Irono Nnaemeka (26), however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the offences were committed on July 5 at 6, Ajibade St., Itire, Lagos.
He alleged that the accused kidnapped a four-year old boy and took him to an unknown place with the intention of selling him.
He stated that the boy was found by the police a month after the arrest of the accused.
The offence, he stated, was contrary to Sections 516, 371(1) and 369(1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused were granted bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties each.
The magistrate, M.O. Olajuwon, adjourned the case till to Aug. 21
The accused, Happiness Anene (25), Comfort Umunakwe (37) and Irono Nnaemeka (26), however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the offences were committed on July 5 at 6, Ajibade St., Itire, Lagos.
He alleged that the accused kidnapped a four-year old boy and took him to an unknown place with the intention of selling him.
He stated that the boy was found by the police a month after the arrest of the accused.
The offence, he stated, was contrary to Sections 516, 371(1) and 369(1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused were granted bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties each.
The magistrate, M.O. Olajuwon, adjourned the case till to Aug. 21
Unemployed arraigned for allegedly stealing N65,000
A Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on Thursday granted bail in the sum of N80,000to a jobless man charged with the theft of N65,000.
He is also to provide two sureties in like sum.
Magistrate A. Tobi granted bail to Taiwo Isiaka (30) after he pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of stealing and burglary.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, had submitted that Isiaka stole N50,000 and a Nokia handset worth N15,000 from Atiku Bolaji of No. 2B Augustine Nwalu St., Orile -Iganmu.
Onime said the alleged offences contravened Sections 412 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years’ imprisonment.
The case has been adjourned till Sept. 16 for further hearing.
He is also to provide two sureties in like sum.
Magistrate A. Tobi granted bail to Taiwo Isiaka (30) after he pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of stealing and burglary.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, had submitted that Isiaka stole N50,000 and a Nokia handset worth N15,000 from Atiku Bolaji of No. 2B Augustine Nwalu St., Orile -Iganmu.
Onime said the alleged offences contravened Sections 412 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years’ imprisonment.
The case has been adjourned till Sept. 16 for further hearing.
Woman, 33, urges dissolution of her 14-year-old marriage
After 14 years of marriage, a 33-year-old nurse on Thursday urged an Ikorodu Grade `A’ Customary Court to sever the relationship on the grounds of abandonment.
The petitioner, Oluwatoyin Abayomi, told the court that her husband, Mr Otegbola Abayomi, 35, a timber contractor in Ikorodu, had neglected his family.
I love my husband to the extent that I gave him money three times to rent a house to enable us to move out of his family house.
He absconded on March 29 after collecting the money, abandoning myself and our three children to suffer. I want the marriage to be dissolved,’’ she submitted.
Oluwatoyin appealed to the court to compel her husband to be responsible for the upkeep of the children of between ages 17 months and 13 years.
He is too arrogant … all efforts by both families to save the marriage have proved abortive.
Since he moved out of the matrimonial home, I have not set my eyes on him. He should be warned not to continue to threaten me on phone,” she said.
The President of the court,Remi Adesanya, adjourned the case till Aug. 30 to enable the respondent to appear in court.
The petitioner, Oluwatoyin Abayomi, told the court that her husband, Mr Otegbola Abayomi, 35, a timber contractor in Ikorodu, had neglected his family.
I love my husband to the extent that I gave him money three times to rent a house to enable us to move out of his family house.
He absconded on March 29 after collecting the money, abandoning myself and our three children to suffer. I want the marriage to be dissolved,’’ she submitted.
Oluwatoyin appealed to the court to compel her husband to be responsible for the upkeep of the children of between ages 17 months and 13 years.
He is too arrogant … all efforts by both families to save the marriage have proved abortive.
Since he moved out of the matrimonial home, I have not set my eyes on him. He should be warned not to continue to threaten me on phone,” she said.
The President of the court,Remi Adesanya, adjourned the case till Aug. 30 to enable the respondent to appear in court.
Three persons remanded for Child Trafficking
Three persons were on Thursday arraigned before an Ebute-Metta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on a three-count charge of alleged child stealing, human trafficking, intention to deprive and stealing.
The accused, Happiness Anene (25), Comfort Umunakwe (37) and Irono Nnaemeka (26), however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the offences were committed on July 5 at 6, Ajibade St., Itire, Lagos.
He alleged that the accused kidnapped a four-year old boy and took him to an unknown place with the intention of selling him.
He stated that the boy was found by the police a month after the arrest of the accused.
The offence, he stated, was contrary to Sections 516, 371(1) and 369(1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused were granted bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties each.
The magistrate,M.O. Olajuwon, adjourned the case till to Aug. 21.
The accused, Happiness Anene (25), Comfort Umunakwe (37) and Irono Nnaemeka (26), however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the offences were committed on July 5 at 6, Ajibade St., Itire, Lagos.
He alleged that the accused kidnapped a four-year old boy and took him to an unknown place with the intention of selling him.
He stated that the boy was found by the police a month after the arrest of the accused.
The offence, he stated, was contrary to Sections 516, 371(1) and 369(1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused were granted bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties each.
The magistrate,M.O. Olajuwon, adjourned the case till to Aug. 21.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Man docked for assaulting construction workers rehabilitating rail lines.
An unemployed man, Ojo Omoba, on Wednesday, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly assaulting two construction workers handling the rehabilitation of the railway lines in Lagos.
Omoba, 23, is standing trial before the court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, breach of the peace and assault.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, told the court that the accused with others still at large obstructed workers of the Chinese firm and assaulted Daniel Orji and Hosea Gwaibu, causing them grievous injuries.
Orji said the offence was committed on Aug. 3, on the railway line in Agege, Ikeja.
The prosecutor said the accused and his accomplices were idling around the site and when requested to leave the area became violent and stabbed the two workers on the chest and stomach with an iron rod.
He said the offences committed contravened Sections 516, 249 (d) and 355 of the Criminal Code, Cap 17 Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State.
Omoba, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, C. J. Momodu granted the accused bail in the sum of N25,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 22, for further hearing.
Omoba, 23, is standing trial before the court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, breach of the peace and assault.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, told the court that the accused with others still at large obstructed workers of the Chinese firm and assaulted Daniel Orji and Hosea Gwaibu, causing them grievous injuries.
Orji said the offence was committed on Aug. 3, on the railway line in Agege, Ikeja.
The prosecutor said the accused and his accomplices were idling around the site and when requested to leave the area became violent and stabbed the two workers on the chest and stomach with an iron rod.
He said the offences committed contravened Sections 516, 249 (d) and 355 of the Criminal Code, Cap 17 Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State.
Omoba, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, C. J. Momodu granted the accused bail in the sum of N25,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 22, for further hearing.
Police authorities protest Human Rights Watch report on Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force has accused the Human Rights Watch of failing to recognise its responses and explanations to its enquiry in the latest human rights report.
Force Public Relations Officer,Emmanuel Ojukwu was reacting to the report of the international watchdog, which had accused the police of corruption and human rights abuses.
Ojukwu said the police had come a long way from its colonial oppressive era and was striving to meet its obligations to the citizenry in spite of the enormous challenges it faced, including under funding.
According to him,As it were, some of the recommendations of the report, on the way forward, are largely pedestrian as they understandably do not reflect proper grasp and understanding of the realities of policing in an emergent democracy.
He said It is certainly not the whole truth to aver that the Nigeria police personnel are of predators than protectors.
Ojukwu, however, said police personnel found involved in corruption, extortion, arbitrary arrests, torture and extra-judicial killings had been sanctioned.
In this respect, Ojukwu recalled that in the last one year, 764 senior, and 8,831 junior officers involved in such acts were sanctioned.
He said the Nigeria Police Force maintains an effective internal control mechanism to check abuses of human rights or professional misconduct.
The spokesman said The force is also subject to many external oversight bodies far from her control and manipulation.
He said Nigerians had confidence in the ability of the police to protect their lives and property, saying the demand for the services of the police had gone beyond the shores of the country.
Force Public Relations Officer,Emmanuel Ojukwu was reacting to the report of the international watchdog, which had accused the police of corruption and human rights abuses.
Ojukwu said the police had come a long way from its colonial oppressive era and was striving to meet its obligations to the citizenry in spite of the enormous challenges it faced, including under funding.
According to him,As it were, some of the recommendations of the report, on the way forward, are largely pedestrian as they understandably do not reflect proper grasp and understanding of the realities of policing in an emergent democracy.
He said It is certainly not the whole truth to aver that the Nigeria police personnel are of predators than protectors.
Ojukwu, however, said police personnel found involved in corruption, extortion, arbitrary arrests, torture and extra-judicial killings had been sanctioned.
In this respect, Ojukwu recalled that in the last one year, 764 senior, and 8,831 junior officers involved in such acts were sanctioned.
He said the Nigeria Police Force maintains an effective internal control mechanism to check abuses of human rights or professional misconduct.
The spokesman said The force is also subject to many external oversight bodies far from her control and manipulation.
He said Nigerians had confidence in the ability of the police to protect their lives and property, saying the demand for the services of the police had gone beyond the shores of the country.
Robbery accused knows fate on Aug. 23.
An Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, on Wednesday, reserved judgment till Aug. 23 in the trial of Monday Victor, 20, charged with alleged robbery.
Chief Magistrate Oluyemisi Adelaja reserved judgment following the guilty plea made by the accused to the two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery and ordered that he be remanded in prison custody.
Victor is standing trial before the court along with his alleged accomplice, Babatunde Bakare, 21, who, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Kalu Umeh, told the court that the accused and others still at large on June 1, at Amukoko, Lagos, conspired, abducted and robbed Mr Musiliu Fijabi.
Umeh said their victim was dispossessed of money, a pair of sandals, one Nokia camera handset and other valuables with a total value of N104,500.
He said the offence contravened Sections 401 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 17 Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State 2003.
Adelaja, however, granted Bakare bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She consequently adjourned further hearing in the case till Aug. 23
Chief Magistrate Oluyemisi Adelaja reserved judgment following the guilty plea made by the accused to the two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery and ordered that he be remanded in prison custody.
Victor is standing trial before the court along with his alleged accomplice, Babatunde Bakare, 21, who, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Kalu Umeh, told the court that the accused and others still at large on June 1, at Amukoko, Lagos, conspired, abducted and robbed Mr Musiliu Fijabi.
Umeh said their victim was dispossessed of money, a pair of sandals, one Nokia camera handset and other valuables with a total value of N104,500.
He said the offence contravened Sections 401 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 17 Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State 2003.
Adelaja, however, granted Bakare bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She consequently adjourned further hearing in the case till Aug. 23
Industrial court orders Lagos doctors to suspend strike.
The National Industrial Court, Lagos, on Wednesday ordered the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Medical Guild, Lagos, to suspend their strike within 48 hours.
Justice Babatunde Adejumo ordered the doctors to suspend the strike before 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20.
He also ordered that negotiations between the doctors and the Lagos State Government should commence on Aug. 23 and must be concluded on or before Aug. 27.
Adejumo told both parties to settle the dispute amicably in accordance with the provisions of Section 20 of National Industrial Court Act 2006.
Counsel to the respondent (doctors), Bamidele Aturu, told the court that the doctors would call off the strike if the state government showed a firm commitment to negotiate.
A leader of the Medical Guild, Dr Ayobode Williams, said that the striking doctors would meet on Friday to decide the way forward.
Justice Babatunde Adejumo ordered the doctors to suspend the strike before 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20.
He also ordered that negotiations between the doctors and the Lagos State Government should commence on Aug. 23 and must be concluded on or before Aug. 27.
Adejumo told both parties to settle the dispute amicably in accordance with the provisions of Section 20 of National Industrial Court Act 2006.
Counsel to the respondent (doctors), Bamidele Aturu, told the court that the doctors would call off the strike if the state government showed a firm commitment to negotiate.
A leader of the Medical Guild, Dr Ayobode Williams, said that the striking doctors would meet on Friday to decide the way forward.
Okada rider, security guard charged with N1.5m theft.
The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned a security guard and a commercial motorcyclist over alleged conspiracy and theft of jewelry worth N1.5 million.
The accused -- Ali Musa (24) and John Adamu (25) -- were charged before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court but they pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Sunday, submitted that Musa and Adamu broke into the house of one Mrs Irene Johnson and stole assorted gold jewelry on July 29.
Sunday said the duo also made away with two expired international passports belonging to Johnson.
He said the accused committed the alleged theft at Block J, Flat 5, LSDPC Executive Suites, Games Village, off Bode Thomas St., Surulere.
He noted that the alleged offences were punishable with seven years’ imprisonment under Sections 516, 411 (1) and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
Chief Magistrate Abiola Soladoye granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties each, and adjourned the case till Sept. 10 for further hearing.
In a related development, a Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on Wednesday granted bail in the sum of N50,000 to a 30-year-old housemaid arraigned for allegedly stealing jewelry worth N180,600.
Magistrate Mukaila Fadeyi granted bail to the housemaid, Abosede Nowel, after she pleaded not guilty to stealing the jewelry belonging to her master,Ridwan Badejo.
Fadeyi ordered the housemaid to produce two sureties, also as a condition for the bail.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, had told the court that Nowel and others still at large stole the jewelry on July 15.
Onime said the accused and the others also stole Badejo’s N3,800.
He said the alleged theft took place at No. 1 Ajao St., Surulere, noting that it contravened Sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court adjourned the case till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
The accused -- Ali Musa (24) and John Adamu (25) -- were charged before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court but they pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Sunday, submitted that Musa and Adamu broke into the house of one Mrs Irene Johnson and stole assorted gold jewelry on July 29.
Sunday said the duo also made away with two expired international passports belonging to Johnson.
He said the accused committed the alleged theft at Block J, Flat 5, LSDPC Executive Suites, Games Village, off Bode Thomas St., Surulere.
He noted that the alleged offences were punishable with seven years’ imprisonment under Sections 516, 411 (1) and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
Chief Magistrate Abiola Soladoye granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties each, and adjourned the case till Sept. 10 for further hearing.
In a related development, a Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on Wednesday granted bail in the sum of N50,000 to a 30-year-old housemaid arraigned for allegedly stealing jewelry worth N180,600.
Magistrate Mukaila Fadeyi granted bail to the housemaid, Abosede Nowel, after she pleaded not guilty to stealing the jewelry belonging to her master,Ridwan Badejo.
Fadeyi ordered the housemaid to produce two sureties, also as a condition for the bail.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, had told the court that Nowel and others still at large stole the jewelry on July 15.
Onime said the accused and the others also stole Badejo’s N3,800.
He said the alleged theft took place at No. 1 Ajao St., Surulere, noting that it contravened Sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court adjourned the case till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
Man in court for duping business associate.
The police on Wednesday arraigned a 22-year-old man, David Eze, for allegedly obtaining N105,000 under false pretence.
Eze is standing trial before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under pretence.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Inedu Friday, told the court that the accused collected the amount from one Mrs Glory Nwanna, under the pretext of supplying her with computer accessories.
Friday said the offence was committed sometime in July.
The prosecutor, however, said after collecting the money, the accused failed to deliver the goods.
He said the offences contravened Sections 419 and 516 Criminal Code Cap 17 Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Chief Magistrate, Amos Adeyemi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N30,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Adeyemi subsequently adjourned the hearing till Aug. 30
Eze is standing trial before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under pretence.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Inedu Friday, told the court that the accused collected the amount from one Mrs Glory Nwanna, under the pretext of supplying her with computer accessories.
Friday said the offence was committed sometime in July.
The prosecutor, however, said after collecting the money, the accused failed to deliver the goods.
He said the offences contravened Sections 419 and 516 Criminal Code Cap 17 Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Chief Magistrate, Amos Adeyemi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N30,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Adeyemi subsequently adjourned the hearing till Aug. 30
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Police should be independent of political control.
The Human Rights Watch on Tuesday advised that the police should be independent of political control to ensure credible elections in 2011.
Eric Guttschuss, a representative of the body in Nigeria, gave the advice in Lagos, when presenting a report on the survey on Corruption and Human Rights Abuses by the Nigeria Police.
Guttschuss said if the police could be separated from the control of politicians, there would be fewer cases of electoral malpractice in the country.
According to him, politicians usually manipulate elections with the assistance of security agencies, particularly the police.
He said although there were cases of unprofessional conduct by the police, many personnel had also distinguished themselves in spite of working in difficult and dangerous conditions.
Guttschuss called for investigation into all forms of corruption and human rights abuses levelled against police personnel, with a view to eradicating vices in the Force.
He said the group would present copies of their report to the federal Government and police authorities for necessary actions.
The other speakers, who corroborated the bodys claims at the briefing included representatives of Network on Police Reform in Nigeria and Access to Justice.
Eric Guttschuss, a representative of the body in Nigeria, gave the advice in Lagos, when presenting a report on the survey on Corruption and Human Rights Abuses by the Nigeria Police.
Guttschuss said if the police could be separated from the control of politicians, there would be fewer cases of electoral malpractice in the country.
According to him, politicians usually manipulate elections with the assistance of security agencies, particularly the police.
He said although there were cases of unprofessional conduct by the police, many personnel had also distinguished themselves in spite of working in difficult and dangerous conditions.
Guttschuss called for investigation into all forms of corruption and human rights abuses levelled against police personnel, with a view to eradicating vices in the Force.
He said the group would present copies of their report to the federal Government and police authorities for necessary actions.
The other speakers, who corroborated the bodys claims at the briefing included representatives of Network on Police Reform in Nigeria and Access to Justice.
Sales girl docked for allegedly stealing employer's N6 mln recharge cards.
A recharge card sales lady, who allegedly stole her employer’s N1.4 million and recharge cards valued N6 million, was on Tuesday arraigned in court.
Funmilayo Giwa, 29, is standing trial at a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that the accused sold the cards belonging to Kenneth and George Nigeria Ltd., and converted the money to her personal use.
Chinalu said Giwa with others at large committed the offences on Aug. 6, at 137, Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos.
He said the offences contravened Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and is punishable with seven years imprisonment.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate, A. A. Demi-Ajayi adjourned the case till Oct. 6, for further hearing.
Funmilayo Giwa, 29, is standing trial at a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that the accused sold the cards belonging to Kenneth and George Nigeria Ltd., and converted the money to her personal use.
Chinalu said Giwa with others at large committed the offences on Aug. 6, at 137, Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos.
He said the offences contravened Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and is punishable with seven years imprisonment.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate, A. A. Demi-Ajayi adjourned the case till Oct. 6, for further hearing.
Council revenue collector charged with assaulting naval officer.
A revenue collector with a local government council, Idowu Shodipo, on Tuesday, appeared before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos charged with assaulting a naval officer.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the accused, a staff member of Mushin Local Government Council assaulted W.O. Paul Mbonu at Idi-Oro Bus stop, Mushin.
Emuerhi said the offence was committed on Aug. 3 when the accused accosted the naval officer on his motorcycle and demanded money from him.
According to the prosecutor, an argument broke out when the naval officer refused to pay Shodipo the amount demanded as revenue.
He said the failure to pay the money consequently led to the accused slapping the naval officer, who was mistaken for a commercial motorcycle operator, aka Okada rider.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 351 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Salamah Matepo granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Matepo adjourned the case till Aug. 18 for further hearing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the accused, a staff member of Mushin Local Government Council assaulted W.O. Paul Mbonu at Idi-Oro Bus stop, Mushin.
Emuerhi said the offence was committed on Aug. 3 when the accused accosted the naval officer on his motorcycle and demanded money from him.
According to the prosecutor, an argument broke out when the naval officer refused to pay Shodipo the amount demanded as revenue.
He said the failure to pay the money consequently led to the accused slapping the naval officer, who was mistaken for a commercial motorcycle operator, aka Okada rider.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 351 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Salamah Matepo granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Matepo adjourned the case till Aug. 18 for further hearing.
Security Guards docked for stealing 29 cans of beer.
Two guards with Arksego Security Company, on Tuesday, appeared before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, over the alleged theft of 29 cans of beer worth N8,700.
The accused, Chukwudi Okafor, 28 and Festus Ajayi, 23, are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing the products, property of Nigeria Breweries Plc Lagos.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Gbemileke Agoi, told the court that the accused, both security guards at NB, Plc, Iganmu, Lagos, committed the offence on July 27, at its Shomolu depot.
According to him, the accused stole 12 cans of Gulder valued at N3,600 and 17 cans of Star lager valued at N5,100.
The prosecutor said the offences were contrary to Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, O. S. Aka-Bashorun granted the men bail in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties in like sum.
Aka-Bashorun adjourned the matter till Aug. 16 for further hearing.
The accused, Chukwudi Okafor, 28 and Festus Ajayi, 23, are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing the products, property of Nigeria Breweries Plc Lagos.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Gbemileke Agoi, told the court that the accused, both security guards at NB, Plc, Iganmu, Lagos, committed the offence on July 27, at its Shomolu depot.
According to him, the accused stole 12 cans of Gulder valued at N3,600 and 17 cans of Star lager valued at N5,100.
The prosecutor said the offences were contrary to Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, O. S. Aka-Bashorun granted the men bail in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties in like sum.
Aka-Bashorun adjourned the matter till Aug. 16 for further hearing.
Oil dealer in trouble over N6.4m fraud.
For allegedly duping three businesswomen of N6.4 million, a self-acclaimed petroleum products dealer, Olanrewaju Adebayo, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court.
Adebayo, 29, pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, unlawful obtainment and stealing.
The prosecutor, DSP Okoronkwo Okorie, however, submitted that the accused had a case to answer.
He told the court that Adebayo conspired with others still at large to collect the money from the complainants under the pretext of supplying them 43,000 litres of diesel.
Okorie said the accused also collected N2 million from Gloria Emmanuel to supply her an undisclosed quantity of diesel.
He said the offence which was committed between April and August 2010 at Oregun, Ikeja, contravened Sections 350, 390 (9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Chief Magistrate, Akintunde Isaacs, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till Aug. 28 for further hearing.
The accused, if convicted, risk seven years in prison.
Adebayo, 29, pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, unlawful obtainment and stealing.
The prosecutor, DSP Okoronkwo Okorie, however, submitted that the accused had a case to answer.
He told the court that Adebayo conspired with others still at large to collect the money from the complainants under the pretext of supplying them 43,000 litres of diesel.
Okorie said the accused also collected N2 million from Gloria Emmanuel to supply her an undisclosed quantity of diesel.
He said the offence which was committed between April and August 2010 at Oregun, Ikeja, contravened Sections 350, 390 (9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Chief Magistrate, Akintunde Isaacs, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till Aug. 28 for further hearing.
The accused, if convicted, risk seven years in prison.
3 in court over theft of N8.2m diesel.
Three suspects were on Tuesday arraigned at Apapa, Lagos for allegedly stealing N8.2 million diesel.
The accused, Bruce Agbogidi,50; Adekoya Sarafadeen, 35; and Christopher Ozor, 51, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of felony and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Benedict Uwawunwa, told the court that the accused, along with others still at large, on July 14 at 34, Creek Road, Apapa, at about 9.30 p.m. conspired and stole 67.7 tonnes of diesel valued at N8.2 million.
He said the products belonged to Fleet Coordinators Ltd, Lagos.
The Chief Magistrate, Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 each with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Oct. 29.
The accused, Bruce Agbogidi,50; Adekoya Sarafadeen, 35; and Christopher Ozor, 51, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of felony and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Benedict Uwawunwa, told the court that the accused, along with others still at large, on July 14 at 34, Creek Road, Apapa, at about 9.30 p.m. conspired and stole 67.7 tonnes of diesel valued at N8.2 million.
He said the products belonged to Fleet Coordinators Ltd, Lagos.
The Chief Magistrate, Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 each with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Oct. 29.
Lagos carnage: NARTO blames police.
The South-West Zonal Chairman, National Association of Road Transport Owners, Yemi Akinola, has attributed last Sunday’s fatal multiple accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to negligence on the part of the police.
Akinola said a checkpoint allegedly mounted by the police caused the mishap.
However, the spokesman for Lagos State Police Command, Frank Mba, a Superintendent, insisted that no checkpoint was mounted by his men at the scene of the accident.
Scores of people were reportedly roasted in the accident which occurred at Lagos end of the expressway, while more than 20 vehicles were burnt.
Akinola said the checkpoint mounted on the highway by the police was responsible for the accident.
He urged the police authorities to address the problem of indiscriminate setting up of checkpoints on highways across the country.
On efforts to reduce accidents involving 12-wheelers on the roads, Akinola said a work permit had been introduced for trailer drivers and their assistants.
According to him,The permit will contain information on the state of the vehicle, destination, the consignment and the owner.
He said it will also help reduce incessant accidents, diversion or theft of such consignments.
However, all efforts to get the National Union of Road Transport Workers officials to comment on the accident were unsuccessful.
Lagos State Chairman of the union, Rafiu Olorunwa, said he was not in the mood to speak on the incident.
Akinola said a checkpoint allegedly mounted by the police caused the mishap.
However, the spokesman for Lagos State Police Command, Frank Mba, a Superintendent, insisted that no checkpoint was mounted by his men at the scene of the accident.
Scores of people were reportedly roasted in the accident which occurred at Lagos end of the expressway, while more than 20 vehicles were burnt.
Akinola said the checkpoint mounted on the highway by the police was responsible for the accident.
He urged the police authorities to address the problem of indiscriminate setting up of checkpoints on highways across the country.
On efforts to reduce accidents involving 12-wheelers on the roads, Akinola said a work permit had been introduced for trailer drivers and their assistants.
According to him,The permit will contain information on the state of the vehicle, destination, the consignment and the owner.
He said it will also help reduce incessant accidents, diversion or theft of such consignments.
However, all efforts to get the National Union of Road Transport Workers officials to comment on the accident were unsuccessful.
Lagos State Chairman of the union, Rafiu Olorunwa, said he was not in the mood to speak on the incident.
3 mechanics arraigned for allegedly locking up policemen.
Three auto mechanics on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly locking up policemen who attempted to arrest them.
Afolabi Shittu (32), Isaac Abiodun (25) and Yinka Adekola (41) were charged with conspiracy, assault, unlawful damage and resisting arrest.
They, however, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Teslim Elias, and were granted bail in the sum of N25,000 and one surety each.
The prosecutor, Insp. Barth Nwokenye, said the trio conspired and locked the policemen inside their mechanic workshop on Aug. 6 at the Mechanic Village, Idi Mangoro in Agege.
Nwokenye said the policemen came to arrest the accused following a report that they beat a female food vendor from whom they collected food and did not pay.
He said the food vendor, Mary Peters, who regularly supplied food to the mechanics, had reported the alleged assault to a police station where the policemen were attached.
The prosecutor said the accused beat Peters when she demanded for her money.
Nwokenye said the accused also damaged the front windscreen of a bus vehicle in which the policemen came to arrest them.
He said the vehicle with Registration No. XY 602 APP, belonged to one Ismaila Amusat, and that the windscreen was worth N8,000.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences were punishable under Sections 516, 351, 197, 145 and 451 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The case has been adjourned till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
Afolabi Shittu (32), Isaac Abiodun (25) and Yinka Adekola (41) were charged with conspiracy, assault, unlawful damage and resisting arrest.
They, however, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Teslim Elias, and were granted bail in the sum of N25,000 and one surety each.
The prosecutor, Insp. Barth Nwokenye, said the trio conspired and locked the policemen inside their mechanic workshop on Aug. 6 at the Mechanic Village, Idi Mangoro in Agege.
Nwokenye said the policemen came to arrest the accused following a report that they beat a female food vendor from whom they collected food and did not pay.
He said the food vendor, Mary Peters, who regularly supplied food to the mechanics, had reported the alleged assault to a police station where the policemen were attached.
The prosecutor said the accused beat Peters when she demanded for her money.
Nwokenye said the accused also damaged the front windscreen of a bus vehicle in which the policemen came to arrest them.
He said the vehicle with Registration No. XY 602 APP, belonged to one Ismaila Amusat, and that the windscreen was worth N8,000.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences were punishable under Sections 516, 351, 197, 145 and 451 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The case has been adjourned till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
Alleged fraudster docked for swindling friend of N610,000.
An alleged fraudster, Ikechukwu Onyia, on Tuesday, was charged before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for duping his friend of N610,000.
Onyia, 30, is standing trial on a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining the amount under false pretence.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that the accused under the pretext of providing Mr Linus Asigbu, a talisman gold ring that would make him wealthy, collected N610,000 from his victim.
Iberedem said the offence was committed sometime in October 2009 at No. 5 Harunah Crescent, Ajegunle, Lagos.
The prosecutor said immediately after collecting the money, the accused absconded but was later arrested by the police.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap.17, Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State 2003.
Onyia pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.
O. Oshin, the Senior Magistrate, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She directed the sureties must also show evidence of tax payment and adjourned further hearing in the case till Sept.20.
Onyia, 30, is standing trial on a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining the amount under false pretence.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that the accused under the pretext of providing Mr Linus Asigbu, a talisman gold ring that would make him wealthy, collected N610,000 from his victim.
Iberedem said the offence was committed sometime in October 2009 at No. 5 Harunah Crescent, Ajegunle, Lagos.
The prosecutor said immediately after collecting the money, the accused absconded but was later arrested by the police.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap.17, Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State 2003.
Onyia pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.
O. Oshin, the Senior Magistrate, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She directed the sureties must also show evidence of tax payment and adjourned further hearing in the case till Sept.20.
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