The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday urged the judiciary to speed up the trial of corruption cases in the country.
Chairman of the Commission, Farida Waziri, made the appeal in Abuja when she received the President of the Nigeria Bar Association , Joseph Dauda.
According to her, it is the accused persons that approach the court to seek speedy trial on the ground of proving their innocence to the law court.
She said she had instituted more than 55 cases within the last two years in office as the chairman, adding that most of the cases were stalled at the plea stage due to the numerous antics of the accused persons.
I have approached your predecessors in the past to join hands with us so that we can collectively salvage our nation from the grip and weight of corruption.
I am seizing this opportunity to renew the same call and I am sure you will do your best,’’ Waziri pleaded.
The anti graft chief said there was no other means to fight the course of justice other than the law court and insisted that was why she had remained committed to the rule of law since she assumed office.
She, however, urged the general public to snub an allegation that she was interfering in the judicial process.
On his part, Dauda congratulated her for putting more effort on the fight to free the country from corruption.
He said there was no way an anti-graft executive would not face challenges on that seat, and encouraged Waziri to be firm and resolute as well as continue with the good work of relieving the nation.
I don’t want EFCC to be distracted in the performance of their duty and constitutional law. There are already separations of power in the constitution, Dauda said.
He stated that some of the judges were not equipped with relevant materials to help them pronounce judgments on some of the cases.
Some of the judges also lack the mentality and intellectual capacity to deal with corruption cases which amounts to the delay of judgments.
Until we get the court structure right, we will continue to have blame from one angle or the other. Investigation and prosecution of persons is where the problem is, Dauda said.
He pledged the readiness of NBA to partner with the commission and called on it to invest more on investigation
The NBA president was accompanied on the visit by other top officials of the association.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sacked DCP knows fate Nov. 15
An Abuja Federal High Court on Thursday, reserved Nov. 15 for ruling on an application filed by DCP Patrick Okoli over the police authority’s refusal to fully reinstate him after his unlawful retirement in 1992.
Justice Haladu Soba said the ruling earlier billed to be read today could not be taken because of the volume of work on my desk, the ruling is thereby adjourned till Nov. 15,’’ he said.
The applicant brought the motion on notice pursuant to Order 34 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rule 2009 Section 30 of the third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution.
He prayed for an order of mandamus to compel the respondent to without delay comply with the judgment of the High Court of Bauchi dated Feb. 9, 1994.
The Bauchi judgment upturned the compulsory retirement of the applicant by the respondent.
The applicant also sought a declaration that the refusal of the respondent to comply with the directive of the Police Service Commission to reinstate the applicant was Unconstitutional.
Okoli further prayed the court to grant him N10 million being claim for special and general damages against him as senior officer of the Nigeria Police Force from 1993 to date.
The grounds upon which the reliefs were sought, were that the respondent failed to comply with the judgment of a court.
According to it, the respondent was the Inspector General of Police, a public officer, established by law and assigned with specific duties under the law.
It was also based on the fact that the applicant was on June 16, 1992 unlawfully retired from the Nigeria Police Force, pursuant to the abrogated Decree No. 17 of 1984.
The applicant being dissatisfied with the retirement instituted a suit against the then Nigeria Police Council (now Police Service Commission) and the Attorney General of the Federation before a High Court in Bauchi.
The court in its wisdom and in a considered judgment delivered on Feb. 9, 1994 quashed the letter of compulsory retirement of the applicant and ordered his immediate reinstatement.
The applicant held on those grounds that the office of the AGF variously advised the respondent to give effect to the judgment.
He averred that the Head of Civil Service of the Federation by a letter dated Oct. 9 2001 to the Minister of Police Affairs advised the force against non-compliance with the court order.
The applicant further averred that the respondent only partially complied with the order by promoting him from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Deputy Commissioner, which he had remained on for 17 years.
He affirmed that colleagues with whom he ought to be at par with were now of and have been enjoying the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Okoli said the respondent was deliberately and maliciously foot-dragging in compliance with the order hoping that his remaining period of service would be exhausted without benefits.
The applicant further averred that the entire family and other dependants were exposed to hardships as a result of his unpaid salaries and emolument since 1992.
He stated that the respondent merely attached him to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, without assigning any post, duty or desk to him.
The applicant finally averred that as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he had been unfairly discriminated against by the respondent, contrary to the provision of the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Haladu Soba said the ruling earlier billed to be read today could not be taken because of the volume of work on my desk, the ruling is thereby adjourned till Nov. 15,’’ he said.
The applicant brought the motion on notice pursuant to Order 34 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rule 2009 Section 30 of the third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution.
He prayed for an order of mandamus to compel the respondent to without delay comply with the judgment of the High Court of Bauchi dated Feb. 9, 1994.
The Bauchi judgment upturned the compulsory retirement of the applicant by the respondent.
The applicant also sought a declaration that the refusal of the respondent to comply with the directive of the Police Service Commission to reinstate the applicant was Unconstitutional.
Okoli further prayed the court to grant him N10 million being claim for special and general damages against him as senior officer of the Nigeria Police Force from 1993 to date.
The grounds upon which the reliefs were sought, were that the respondent failed to comply with the judgment of a court.
According to it, the respondent was the Inspector General of Police, a public officer, established by law and assigned with specific duties under the law.
It was also based on the fact that the applicant was on June 16, 1992 unlawfully retired from the Nigeria Police Force, pursuant to the abrogated Decree No. 17 of 1984.
The applicant being dissatisfied with the retirement instituted a suit against the then Nigeria Police Council (now Police Service Commission) and the Attorney General of the Federation before a High Court in Bauchi.
The court in its wisdom and in a considered judgment delivered on Feb. 9, 1994 quashed the letter of compulsory retirement of the applicant and ordered his immediate reinstatement.
The applicant held on those grounds that the office of the AGF variously advised the respondent to give effect to the judgment.
He averred that the Head of Civil Service of the Federation by a letter dated Oct. 9 2001 to the Minister of Police Affairs advised the force against non-compliance with the court order.
The applicant further averred that the respondent only partially complied with the order by promoting him from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Deputy Commissioner, which he had remained on for 17 years.
He affirmed that colleagues with whom he ought to be at par with were now of and have been enjoying the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Okoli said the respondent was deliberately and maliciously foot-dragging in compliance with the order hoping that his remaining period of service would be exhausted without benefits.
The applicant further averred that the entire family and other dependants were exposed to hardships as a result of his unpaid salaries and emolument since 1992.
He stated that the respondent merely attached him to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, without assigning any post, duty or desk to him.
The applicant finally averred that as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he had been unfairly discriminated against by the respondent, contrary to the provision of the 1999 Constitution.
Bankole seeks stiffer penalty for terrorism
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Dimeji Bankole, on Thursday called for stiffer penalties for terrorism, including the death sentence.
Bankole, who was represented by the Deputy House Leader, Rep. Baba Agaie, made the call during an interactive session with stakeholders on the Anti-Terrorism Bill now in the National Assembly.
The speaker said the task before the house was to review and strengthen mechanisms to fight the vices in a most effective and sustainable manner.
The speaker said the internal security situation in the country was precarious and unpredictable.
The menace of violent crimes is rife, and the emerging trends of kidnapping and terrorism have added a more frightening dimension to our contemporary security challenges.
The Oct. 1 attack which claimed many lives and left others injured has brought to the fore the fact that Nigeria is not immune to terrorist attacks, he said.
He noted that the bill was significant in the bid to enhance the security, peace and stability of the country’s national entity, especially against the backdrop of its set national targets and the 2011 elections.
The anti-terrorism bill seeks to provide measures to combat terrorism.
The session was moderated by the chairmen of the seven committees who formed the ad hoc committee on the anti-terrorism bill, with other stakeholders in attendance.
Bankole, who was represented by the Deputy House Leader, Rep. Baba Agaie, made the call during an interactive session with stakeholders on the Anti-Terrorism Bill now in the National Assembly.
The speaker said the task before the house was to review and strengthen mechanisms to fight the vices in a most effective and sustainable manner.
The speaker said the internal security situation in the country was precarious and unpredictable.
The menace of violent crimes is rife, and the emerging trends of kidnapping and terrorism have added a more frightening dimension to our contemporary security challenges.
The Oct. 1 attack which claimed many lives and left others injured has brought to the fore the fact that Nigeria is not immune to terrorist attacks, he said.
He noted that the bill was significant in the bid to enhance the security, peace and stability of the country’s national entity, especially against the backdrop of its set national targets and the 2011 elections.
The anti-terrorism bill seeks to provide measures to combat terrorism.
The session was moderated by the chairmen of the seven committees who formed the ad hoc committee on the anti-terrorism bill, with other stakeholders in attendance.
Ex-soldier, 10 others in court for torturing Journalist.
A retired soldier Lt.Col. F. Ofodile and 10 others, appeared before an Abuja Magistrate's Court on Thursday for allegedly beating up a Journalist and two others for taking their pictures during a fight.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Simon Ibrahim, told the court that on Oct. 26, one Ben Atonko of Media Trust Newspapers, Udosen Imoeke of Maku's Plaza, Wuse II and one Ademola Kayode lodged a complaint against Ofodile and 10 others.
He said Ofodile, Emeka Okeke, Abia Edet, Olumba Inyang, Joshua Abu, Precious Anebo, Bassey Edet, Ojona Ahmed, Okafor Boniface, Obi Clement and Nwike Emmanuel all of an NGO called RAPSON, beat up the Atonko and Imoeke at No. 24, Okotie Eboh Street, Utako in Abuja.
The Prosecutor said the beating caused one of the complainants an injuiry to his mouth and leg, while his Nokia handset valued at N16,000 and another Nokia set valued at N4,000 got missing.
Ibrahim alleged that Atonko's MD 9000 Panasonic camera, valued at N850,000 also got damaged during the beating.
He said the offences were punishable under Sections 79, 264, 265 and 327 of the Penal Code.
Magistrate, Hauwa Aliyu, asked the accused whether they understood the crime they allegedly committed and they responded that they did but denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 each and one surety each.
She also ordered that the sureties must be civil servants on any grade level or persons with means of livelihood.
She adjourned the case till Nov. 9 for further mention.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Simon Ibrahim, told the court that on Oct. 26, one Ben Atonko of Media Trust Newspapers, Udosen Imoeke of Maku's Plaza, Wuse II and one Ademola Kayode lodged a complaint against Ofodile and 10 others.
He said Ofodile, Emeka Okeke, Abia Edet, Olumba Inyang, Joshua Abu, Precious Anebo, Bassey Edet, Ojona Ahmed, Okafor Boniface, Obi Clement and Nwike Emmanuel all of an NGO called RAPSON, beat up the Atonko and Imoeke at No. 24, Okotie Eboh Street, Utako in Abuja.
The Prosecutor said the beating caused one of the complainants an injuiry to his mouth and leg, while his Nokia handset valued at N16,000 and another Nokia set valued at N4,000 got missing.
Ibrahim alleged that Atonko's MD 9000 Panasonic camera, valued at N850,000 also got damaged during the beating.
He said the offences were punishable under Sections 79, 264, 265 and 327 of the Penal Code.
Magistrate, Hauwa Aliyu, asked the accused whether they understood the crime they allegedly committed and they responded that they did but denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 each and one surety each.
She also ordered that the sureties must be civil servants on any grade level or persons with means of livelihood.
She adjourned the case till Nov. 9 for further mention.
Court grants Cele prophet N.5 million bail over fraud.
An Ikeja High Court on Thursday granted a N500,000 bail to a middle-age man, Israel Ogundipe, who was accused of allegedly defrauding one Oladele Oni of more than N17 million.
Ogundipe, who claimed to be a prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, is facing a six-count charge, including fraud and forgery.
In her ruling on the bail application, the presiding judge, Justice Olabisi Akinlade, said the offence was bailable.
She said the prosecution had no clear evidence that the accused would jump bail and therefore ruled in his favour.
The prosecutor, Olabisi Ogungbesan had earlier objected to the bail application on the grounds that Ogundipe was unreliable and could jump bail.
The accused, according to the prosecutor had collected money from Oni under the pretext of assisting her to procure some landed property in Lagos.
The prosecutor told the court that the accused collected the money in five installments of N900, 000; N2.5 million; N8.5 million; N2.7 million and 12,000 pound sterling between 2002 and 2005.
She also alleged that the accused forged a Nigerian passport number A2799555.
According to her, the offences contravened sections 390 (9), 419 and 467 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17, Vol. 2 , Laws of Lagos State 2003 .
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Akinlade therefore adjourned the trial to Nov. 30 for further hearing of evidence.
Ogundipe, who claimed to be a prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, is facing a six-count charge, including fraud and forgery.
In her ruling on the bail application, the presiding judge, Justice Olabisi Akinlade, said the offence was bailable.
She said the prosecution had no clear evidence that the accused would jump bail and therefore ruled in his favour.
The prosecutor, Olabisi Ogungbesan had earlier objected to the bail application on the grounds that Ogundipe was unreliable and could jump bail.
The accused, according to the prosecutor had collected money from Oni under the pretext of assisting her to procure some landed property in Lagos.
The prosecutor told the court that the accused collected the money in five installments of N900, 000; N2.5 million; N8.5 million; N2.7 million and 12,000 pound sterling between 2002 and 2005.
She also alleged that the accused forged a Nigerian passport number A2799555.
According to her, the offences contravened sections 390 (9), 419 and 467 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17, Vol. 2 , Laws of Lagos State 2003 .
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Akinlade therefore adjourned the trial to Nov. 30 for further hearing of evidence.
NEMA advises states to establish disaster management offices.
The Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, Mohammed Sani-Sidi, has called on State Governments to establish State Emergency Management Agencies to help manage disasters.
Sani-Sidi said the establishment of State Emergency Management Agencies would help states to respond to issues before the intervention of the mother agency.
According to him, one of the mandates of the agency, is to liaise with states on reduction of disasters in the country.
He noted that although some states had started responding to the call to establish State Emergency Management Agencies, there were still much to do in the area of equipping the states' offices.
On the issue of collaboration with similar agencies outside the shores of Nigeria, Sani-Sidi said the agency collaborated with other international agencies in providing relief materials when necessary.
Sani-Sidi said the establishment of State Emergency Management Agencies would help states to respond to issues before the intervention of the mother agency.
According to him, one of the mandates of the agency, is to liaise with states on reduction of disasters in the country.
He noted that although some states had started responding to the call to establish State Emergency Management Agencies, there were still much to do in the area of equipping the states' offices.
On the issue of collaboration with similar agencies outside the shores of Nigeria, Sani-Sidi said the agency collaborated with other international agencies in providing relief materials when necessary.
Woman in court for biting policeman
A 30-year-old woman was on Thursday arraigned before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court for biting a policeman on the hand.
Cordelia Abubakar was arraigned on a two-count charge of assault and unlawful obstruction of a police officer from performing his duty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Gbemileke Agoi, told the court that Abubakar on Oct. 21 at Ilaje bus stop, Bariga, Lagos unlawfully obstructed Cpl David Elisa from performing his duty.
He said the victim was attached to Bariga Police Station.
Agoi also told the court that Abubakar also assaulted the policeman by biting his hand, thus harming him.
He said the accused committed offences which contravened Sections 355 and 356 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate, Adeola Fusika, granted the accused N20,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Nov. 15 for further hearing.
Cordelia Abubakar was arraigned on a two-count charge of assault and unlawful obstruction of a police officer from performing his duty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Gbemileke Agoi, told the court that Abubakar on Oct. 21 at Ilaje bus stop, Bariga, Lagos unlawfully obstructed Cpl David Elisa from performing his duty.
He said the victim was attached to Bariga Police Station.
Agoi also told the court that Abubakar also assaulted the policeman by biting his hand, thus harming him.
He said the accused committed offences which contravened Sections 355 and 356 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate, Adeola Fusika, granted the accused N20,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Nov. 15 for further hearing.
NAPTIP arrests prophetess for child trafficking.
A 40-year-old prophetess and general overseer of a Pentecostal church has been arrested for child trafficking.
National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other related matters NAPTIP said the suspected child trafficker was arrested in Ikorodu over the trafficking of two children Aged 15 years and 17 years.
Its zonal officer, Godwin Morka said the agency got wind of the incident when the victims telephoned their mother that they were being used for prostitution in Libya.
Morka said about six other victims between the ages of 9 and 17 years who were trafficked by the suspect, were still in Libya.
He said the victims who have been in Libya since August have since lost their virginity in the process.
Morka said the case was still under investigation and would be charged to court when the victims are deperted to the country to testify against the suspect.
He appealed to the public to beware of persons using religion to deceive parents in the name of helping their vulnerable children in getting jobs in the city.
The Agency Boss also advised the general public to report to the nearest agency office any suspected human traffickers.
National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other related matters NAPTIP said the suspected child trafficker was arrested in Ikorodu over the trafficking of two children Aged 15 years and 17 years.
Its zonal officer, Godwin Morka said the agency got wind of the incident when the victims telephoned their mother that they were being used for prostitution in Libya.
Morka said about six other victims between the ages of 9 and 17 years who were trafficked by the suspect, were still in Libya.
He said the victims who have been in Libya since August have since lost their virginity in the process.
Morka said the case was still under investigation and would be charged to court when the victims are deperted to the country to testify against the suspect.
He appealed to the public to beware of persons using religion to deceive parents in the name of helping their vulnerable children in getting jobs in the city.
The Agency Boss also advised the general public to report to the nearest agency office any suspected human traffickers.
Lagos : Court to visit Lekki-Epe road over toll gate suit.
Justice Bolaji Candide-Johnson of the Lagos High Court on Thursday said the court would conduct a visit to the Lekki-Epe expressway in its bid to determine the legality of toll gates on the road.
Speaking at the resumed hearing of the case brought by a Lagos lawyer challenging the erection of toll gates on the Lekki-Epe expressway, Candide-Johnson explained that the court would visit the highway to see things for itself.
By the agreement of the counsel, it is agreed for the court to conduct a visit to the scene together with a demonstration”, Candide-Johnson said at the hearing.
Candide-Johnson called for the contribution of all counsel on how to proceed with the visit and the demonstration.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa had on Sept. 28 filed a suit challenging the Lagos State Government over the erection of toll gates on the road which was concession to Lekki Concession Company in 2009.
Adegboruwa told the court of the need for an expert to partake in the demonstration to determine the existence of an alternative route on the highway as claimed by the concessionaire.
Candide-Johnson then adjourned the case till Nov. 1 for further hearing.
Speaking at the resumed hearing of the case brought by a Lagos lawyer challenging the erection of toll gates on the Lekki-Epe expressway, Candide-Johnson explained that the court would visit the highway to see things for itself.
By the agreement of the counsel, it is agreed for the court to conduct a visit to the scene together with a demonstration”, Candide-Johnson said at the hearing.
Candide-Johnson called for the contribution of all counsel on how to proceed with the visit and the demonstration.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa had on Sept. 28 filed a suit challenging the Lagos State Government over the erection of toll gates on the road which was concession to Lekki Concession Company in 2009.
Adegboruwa told the court of the need for an expert to partake in the demonstration to determine the existence of an alternative route on the highway as claimed by the concessionaire.
Candide-Johnson then adjourned the case till Nov. 1 for further hearing.
Cafe operators urge NCC, EFCC to check use of handsets for browsing.
Cyber cafe operators on Thursday, urged the Nigerian Communications Commission and the EFCC to check the use of handsets by subscribers’ for browsing.
The operators said the inability of telecom operators to block some illegal sites because of patronage could raise crime.
An operator of Etalom cybercafe at Oyingbo in Lagos,Leo Ayi said some subscribers visit some site and carry out cyber crimes on their phones
Operator of the Nationale Computer School, Ebute-Metta, Hammed Jimoh said should the security agencies fail to check the trend, it would be difficult to contain cyber crimes.
Jimoh urged the NCC to check network operators’ activities on broadband business in the country.
Soliu Oluwanishola of Easykhiel’s International Cyber Cafe, Apapa said there was need for the Federal Government to check the activities of telecom operators in the country.
According to Oluwanishola, cyber café business is about collapsing because cyber cafes have softwares that have been put in place to block some sites, including phonographic sites.
Micheal Ezema said the only thing some subscribers had not been able to do on their phones was to register for an examination but that fraud were being perpetrated daily through phones.
The operators said the inability of telecom operators to block some illegal sites because of patronage could raise crime.
An operator of Etalom cybercafe at Oyingbo in Lagos,Leo Ayi said some subscribers visit some site and carry out cyber crimes on their phones
Operator of the Nationale Computer School, Ebute-Metta, Hammed Jimoh said should the security agencies fail to check the trend, it would be difficult to contain cyber crimes.
Jimoh urged the NCC to check network operators’ activities on broadband business in the country.
Soliu Oluwanishola of Easykhiel’s International Cyber Cafe, Apapa said there was need for the Federal Government to check the activities of telecom operators in the country.
According to Oluwanishola, cyber café business is about collapsing because cyber cafes have softwares that have been put in place to block some sites, including phonographic sites.
Micheal Ezema said the only thing some subscribers had not been able to do on their phones was to register for an examination but that fraud were being perpetrated daily through phones.
Police arraign 4 over theft of N3.7m diesel
Four men, who allegedly stole 33,000 litres of diesel valued at N3.7 million, were on Wednesday charged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate's Court, Lagos.
The accused -- Kazeem Agbaje (30), Ahmed Oluyemi (39), Gideon Oluseyi (43), and Isiaka Kamaldeen (35) are standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, stealing and receiving stolen property.
The diesel, according to the prosecutor, ASP Innocent Effiong, belonged to Peter oil and Gas Ltd, Lagos.
He told the court that the accused, with others still at large, collected the petroleum product from Mr Richard Faruna on Oct. 13, 2009 at 73, Queen's St., Yaba, to sell but failed to remit the proceeds.
Effiong said the offence contravened Sections 390 (9), 419, 427 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and punishable with seven years imprisonment.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail each in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate, Philip Ojo adjourned the case till Nov.25 for further hearing.
The accused -- Kazeem Agbaje (30), Ahmed Oluyemi (39), Gideon Oluseyi (43), and Isiaka Kamaldeen (35) are standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, stealing and receiving stolen property.
The diesel, according to the prosecutor, ASP Innocent Effiong, belonged to Peter oil and Gas Ltd, Lagos.
He told the court that the accused, with others still at large, collected the petroleum product from Mr Richard Faruna on Oct. 13, 2009 at 73, Queen's St., Yaba, to sell but failed to remit the proceeds.
Effiong said the offence contravened Sections 390 (9), 419, 427 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and punishable with seven years imprisonment.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail each in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate, Philip Ojo adjourned the case till Nov.25 for further hearing.
Money doubler’’ in court for defrauding ladies
The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned a 30-year-old man, Samson Izuma, who allegedly defrauded two ladies in the guise of doubling money for them.
Izuma appeared before Magistrate Kemi Doja-Ojo of the Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by pretext.
The prosecutor, Insp. Phillip Ugbodu, said Izuma collected a Nokia handset worth N8, 500, a wristwatch worth N4, 500 and N1, 350 cash from one of the ladies, Miss Ngozi Nzegwu.
Ugbodu said the accused also collected N26, 000 and an Itel handset valued at N5, 500 from the other lady, Miss Margret Ikpe.
He submitted that the accused collected the money from the women under the pretext of buying a chemical to wash their money to doubly it many times over.
Ugbodu said Izuma promised the complainants that he would buy chemicals to ‘wash money’ for them so that they would become rich.
He submitted that the alleged offences contravened sections 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years’ imprisonment.
Izuma, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The court adjourned the case till the Nov. 26 for further hearing.
Izuma appeared before Magistrate Kemi Doja-Ojo of the Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by pretext.
The prosecutor, Insp. Phillip Ugbodu, said Izuma collected a Nokia handset worth N8, 500, a wristwatch worth N4, 500 and N1, 350 cash from one of the ladies, Miss Ngozi Nzegwu.
Ugbodu said the accused also collected N26, 000 and an Itel handset valued at N5, 500 from the other lady, Miss Margret Ikpe.
He submitted that the accused collected the money from the women under the pretext of buying a chemical to wash their money to doubly it many times over.
Ugbodu said Izuma promised the complainants that he would buy chemicals to ‘wash money’ for them so that they would become rich.
He submitted that the alleged offences contravened sections 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years’ imprisonment.
Izuma, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The court adjourned the case till the Nov. 26 for further hearing.
Estate agent jailed 2 yrs for defrauding lawyer
The Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Wednesday sentenced a 30-year-old estate agent, Muyideen Edidi, to two years imprisonment for duping a lawyer of N455,000.
The prosecutor, Insp. Phillip Ugbodu, said the accused obtained N455,000 from one Taiwo Obajimi, a lawyer, under the pretext of renting her a mini-flat.
Ugbodu said the accused absconded after collecting the money from the legal practitioner but was later arrested.
He said the accused committed the crime on Nov. 7, 2009 in Ojuelegba along with one Rotimi, now at large.
The accused had earlier pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing during his arraignment on Feb. 24, 2010.
In her sentence, the magistrate, Kemi Doja-Ojo, said the imprisonment would serve as a deterrent against similar crime-minded individuala.
The prosecutor, Insp. Phillip Ugbodu, said the accused obtained N455,000 from one Taiwo Obajimi, a lawyer, under the pretext of renting her a mini-flat.
Ugbodu said the accused absconded after collecting the money from the legal practitioner but was later arrested.
He said the accused committed the crime on Nov. 7, 2009 in Ojuelegba along with one Rotimi, now at large.
The accused had earlier pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing during his arraignment on Feb. 24, 2010.
In her sentence, the magistrate, Kemi Doja-Ojo, said the imprisonment would serve as a deterrent against similar crime-minded individuala.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Aug. 15 Lagos multiple accidents: DPO blames ``reckless'' driver
A police officer, CSP Adewale Adebayo, on Tuesday blamed the Aug. 15 multiple accidents on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on alleged recklessness by a driver of a trailer owned by Dangote Sugar Refinery Company.
Adebayo, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Isheri Police Division, Lagos testified at a coroner inquest into the accidents which claimed more than 40 lives.
The inquest being carried out at an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court is at the request of a group, Access to Justice, pursuant to Sections 14 (1) (2) (3) and 15 (1) (2) (3) of the Coroner’s System Law of Lagos State, 2007.
Adebayo On the spot investigation revealed that a driver of a truck belonging to the Dangote Sugar Refinery Company drove recklessly while descending from the Michael Otedola Bridge.
The DPO said the driver was still at large because of alleged unwillingness of his employers to release him to the police.
Adebayo, the sixth witness in the inquest, exonerated the police from any culpability, describing as strange and false, an allegation that the accident was caused by a road block mounted by policemen.
The Access to Justice had petitioned the Lagos State Coroner, Justice Yetunde Idowu, and the state Attorney-General, Supo Shasoke , requesting the inquest to ascertain the cause of the accident.
The Presiding Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, adjourned the inquest till Oct. 29 for continuation of evidence.
Adebayo, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Isheri Police Division, Lagos testified at a coroner inquest into the accidents which claimed more than 40 lives.
The inquest being carried out at an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court is at the request of a group, Access to Justice, pursuant to Sections 14 (1) (2) (3) and 15 (1) (2) (3) of the Coroner’s System Law of Lagos State, 2007.
Adebayo On the spot investigation revealed that a driver of a truck belonging to the Dangote Sugar Refinery Company drove recklessly while descending from the Michael Otedola Bridge.
The DPO said the driver was still at large because of alleged unwillingness of his employers to release him to the police.
Adebayo, the sixth witness in the inquest, exonerated the police from any culpability, describing as strange and false, an allegation that the accident was caused by a road block mounted by policemen.
The Access to Justice had petitioned the Lagos State Coroner, Justice Yetunde Idowu, and the state Attorney-General, Supo Shasoke , requesting the inquest to ascertain the cause of the accident.
The Presiding Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, adjourned the inquest till Oct. 29 for continuation of evidence.
Constitution amendment: Court delivers judgment Nov. 8
The Federal High Court, Lagos, will on Nov. 8 deliver judgment in a suit challenging the National Assembly’s claim that presidential assent was not required to amend the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Okechukwu Okeke fixed the date on Tuesday after conclusion of arguments in the suit by parties involved.
The suit was filed by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba.
Agbakoba sued the National Assembly over its claims that the amendments it recently made on the 1999 Constitution did not require the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Attorney-General of the Federation is joined in the suit as a defendant.
At the resumed hearing of the case, Agbakoba’s counsel, Emeka Chijioke, urged the court to declare that the amendments on the Constitution by the National Assembly would not become law without the president’s assent.
He argued that any amendment on the constitution without the approval of the president was illegal and unconstitutional.
Chijioke said in view of the provisions of Section 58 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, the president’s assent was a prerequisite to the amendments becoming legal.
According to him, unless the assent of the president is overridden in pursuant to section 58 (5) of the Constitution, Jonathan’s assent is sacrosanct before the amendments can become law.
Counsel to the National Assembly, Johnson Usman, urged the court to strike out the suit on the grounds that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain it.
He also submitted that Agbakoba lacked the locus standi to institute the suit, and that the suit showed no reasonable cause of action against the AGF.
Justice Okechukwu Okeke fixed the date on Tuesday after conclusion of arguments in the suit by parties involved.
The suit was filed by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba.
Agbakoba sued the National Assembly over its claims that the amendments it recently made on the 1999 Constitution did not require the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Attorney-General of the Federation is joined in the suit as a defendant.
At the resumed hearing of the case, Agbakoba’s counsel, Emeka Chijioke, urged the court to declare that the amendments on the Constitution by the National Assembly would not become law without the president’s assent.
He argued that any amendment on the constitution without the approval of the president was illegal and unconstitutional.
Chijioke said in view of the provisions of Section 58 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, the president’s assent was a prerequisite to the amendments becoming legal.
According to him, unless the assent of the president is overridden in pursuant to section 58 (5) of the Constitution, Jonathan’s assent is sacrosanct before the amendments can become law.
Counsel to the National Assembly, Johnson Usman, urged the court to strike out the suit on the grounds that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain it.
He also submitted that Agbakoba lacked the locus standi to institute the suit, and that the suit showed no reasonable cause of action against the AGF.
Court threatens to seal off building over poor sanitary condition
The Mushin Customary Court, Lagos, on Tuesday threatened to seal off a building over its poor sanitary condition.
The President of the court, Abayomi Ipaye, gave the landlord two months to repair the building or be sanctioned.
He threatened that the court might evoke Sections 7 and 8 of the Public Health Law and the State Environmental Law 2004 if the landlord failed to comply with the order.
Mushin Local Government had on Sept. 2 charged the landlord, Mr Tunde Kareem and the caretaker, Leo Ejiogwu to court over the deplorable state of the house at 74, Ijaiye St., Mushin.
The council’s Sanitation Officer, Raji Razak, said that the house also lacked some basic facilities.
Kareem and Ejiogwu said a quit notice had been served on the 14 tenants in the house to pave way for necessary repairs.
The President of the court, Abayomi Ipaye, gave the landlord two months to repair the building or be sanctioned.
He threatened that the court might evoke Sections 7 and 8 of the Public Health Law and the State Environmental Law 2004 if the landlord failed to comply with the order.
Mushin Local Government had on Sept. 2 charged the landlord, Mr Tunde Kareem and the caretaker, Leo Ejiogwu to court over the deplorable state of the house at 74, Ijaiye St., Mushin.
The council’s Sanitation Officer, Raji Razak, said that the house also lacked some basic facilities.
Kareem and Ejiogwu said a quit notice had been served on the 14 tenants in the house to pave way for necessary repairs.
Driver gets bail over manslaughter charge
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday granted a commercial bus driver, Abiola Apena, bail in the sum of N100, 000 over an alleged manslaughter.
The accused, who is standing trial on a one count charge of manslaughter, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, O. A. Adegite also asked him for two sureties in like sum.
The prosecutor, DSP W. G. Wagbara told the court that the accused drove a Toyota Hiace bus with registration no. XV 929 FST dangerously and killed Mercy Phillips.
He said the girl was standing at the roadside when the vehicle hit and killed her on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja on April 30.
He said the offence contravened Section 28 of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State.
The case has been adjourned till Nov. 22 for further hearing.
The accused, who is standing trial on a one count charge of manslaughter, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, O. A. Adegite also asked him for two sureties in like sum.
The prosecutor, DSP W. G. Wagbara told the court that the accused drove a Toyota Hiace bus with registration no. XV 929 FST dangerously and killed Mercy Phillips.
He said the girl was standing at the roadside when the vehicle hit and killed her on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja on April 30.
He said the offence contravened Section 28 of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State.
The case has been adjourned till Nov. 22 for further hearing.
Bakery worker allegedly kills miscreant over bread
A 20-year-old bakery worker, Rilwan Olalekan, on Tuesday appeared before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly killing a miscreant over a loaf of bread.
The court, however, could not take Olalekan’s plea as Magistrate M.O. Olubi said that he needed the advice of the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions.
Olubi remanded the accused at the Ikoyi Prisons pending the DPP’s advice.
The prosecutor, Insp. Samuel Omoyeni, submitted that Olalekan killed the miscreant identified as Henry Femi during a fight over a loaf of bread on Sept. 14 at Ijora Badia.
He said the accused was on night duty as an attendant at the bakery when Femi and another miscreant walked into the bakery and demanded for two loaves of bread each.
Omoyeni submitted that the accused told the miscreants that he was not in a position to give them the loaves and that they should wait for the bakery owner.
He said Femi was not satisfied with the response and thus started a fight with the accused and stabbed him on his head.
The prosecutor said Femi died in a hospital where he was taken to.
Omoyeni said the alleged offence contravened Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State and punishable with death.
The case has been adjourned till Dec. 15 for the DPP’s advice.
The court, however, could not take Olalekan’s plea as Magistrate M.O. Olubi said that he needed the advice of the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions.
Olubi remanded the accused at the Ikoyi Prisons pending the DPP’s advice.
The prosecutor, Insp. Samuel Omoyeni, submitted that Olalekan killed the miscreant identified as Henry Femi during a fight over a loaf of bread on Sept. 14 at Ijora Badia.
He said the accused was on night duty as an attendant at the bakery when Femi and another miscreant walked into the bakery and demanded for two loaves of bread each.
Omoyeni submitted that the accused told the miscreants that he was not in a position to give them the loaves and that they should wait for the bakery owner.
He said Femi was not satisfied with the response and thus started a fight with the accused and stabbed him on his head.
The prosecutor said Femi died in a hospital where he was taken to.
Omoyeni said the alleged offence contravened Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State and punishable with death.
The case has been adjourned till Dec. 15 for the DPP’s advice.
Clerk arraigned for misappropriating N6.2m
A clerk with a transport company was on Tuesday arraigned at the Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing N6.2 million sales proceeds.
Thirty-three-year old John Nsikak is standing trial on a one-count charge of stealing before Chief Magistrate Abiola Soladoye.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Sunday, told the court that Nsikak stole the amount from the Akwa Ibom State Transport Company, Ojuelegba Branch, Lagos between April and Sept. 13, 2010.
He said Nsikak, who worked for the company located at 107 Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Lagos, could not account for the missing money.
Sunday said the offence contravened Sections 390(6) (9), Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The court granted the accused bail in sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Chief Magisgrate adjourned hearing in the case till Nov. 26.
If convicted, Nsikak risks seven years in prison.
Thirty-three-year old John Nsikak is standing trial on a one-count charge of stealing before Chief Magistrate Abiola Soladoye.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Sunday, told the court that Nsikak stole the amount from the Akwa Ibom State Transport Company, Ojuelegba Branch, Lagos between April and Sept. 13, 2010.
He said Nsikak, who worked for the company located at 107 Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Lagos, could not account for the missing money.
Sunday said the offence contravened Sections 390(6) (9), Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The court granted the accused bail in sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Chief Magisgrate adjourned hearing in the case till Nov. 26.
If convicted, Nsikak risks seven years in prison.
Man docked for allegedly attempting to defraud Police Commissioner
A 35-year-old man, Timothy Eze, was on Tuesday taken before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly attempting to defraud the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, of N1.7 million.
Eze is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud before Chief Magistrate D.T. Olatokun.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, ASP Aruna Ebhodaghe, told the court that the defendant and others now at large, approached the Police Commissioner, Mr Marvel Akpoyibo, over a non-existent deal.
Ebhodage said Eze told the commissioner that he was into buying and supply of plastic pipe rings and that he was interested in doing business with the police boss.
The prosecutor said the defendant requested for N1.7 million from Akpoyibo to kick-start the said business which he knew was false.
He said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 509 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Ebhodaghe said the offence was committed on Sept. 28, at Abule-Egba in Lagos.
The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Nov. 24 for further hearing.
Eze is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud before Chief Magistrate D.T. Olatokun.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, ASP Aruna Ebhodaghe, told the court that the defendant and others now at large, approached the Police Commissioner, Mr Marvel Akpoyibo, over a non-existent deal.
Ebhodage said Eze told the commissioner that he was into buying and supply of plastic pipe rings and that he was interested in doing business with the police boss.
The prosecutor said the defendant requested for N1.7 million from Akpoyibo to kick-start the said business which he knew was false.
He said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 509 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Ebhodaghe said the offence was committed on Sept. 28, at Abule-Egba in Lagos.
The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Nov. 24 for further hearing.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Court adjourns suit against INEC, PDP on dissolution of Enugu exco
The Federal High Court in Enugu has adjourned till Thursday a suit seeking interlocutory injunction to restrain INEC and the PDP from dissolving the party’s executive in Enugu State.
Adjourning the case in Enugu on Monday, Justice Ahmed Mohammed said this would enable the court to commence hearing of the motion on notice for the injunction.
The embattled Chairman of the PDP in the state, Vita Abba, and 28 others, comprising the state executive committee of the party, last Friday filed the suit.
The National Working Committee of the PDP on Saturday dissolved the state executive council on the ground that the congress that elected it was not constituted in line with the party’s constitution.
Counsel to the plaintiffs/applicants, Justina Offiah in a 24-paragraph affidavit, prayed the court to restrain INEC from refusing or failing to deal with the members of the state executive of the party, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
Offiah also prayed the court to restrain the NWC and any other organ or officer from ceasing to recognise the plaintiffs as executives of the party and/or from holding a fresh state congress pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The counsel submitted that the current party executive, under the leadership of Abba, was duly elected in a state congress held on Feb. 28, 2008 at the Presidential Hotel, Enugu.
She said the then Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state, Abdu Bulama, monitored and attended the state congress at which the plaintiffs were elected.
Offiah also submitted that the current National Chairman of the party, Okwesilieze Nwodo, on his rejoining the party, applied to the state chairman for a waiver to enable him to hold elective or appointive party office.
The PDP state chapter granted the waiver to Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo after notifying the zonal leadership of the party under the leadership of Olisa Metu.
The actions of the defendants are calculated to emasculate the plaintiffs as the members of the state executive committee of the party in Enugu State and thereby deny them their right to organise and participate in the congresses for the election of the party’s candidates for various elective offices under the constitution, she said.
The counsel tendered 11 exhibits, including letters and correspondences, to back up her claims.
Adjourning the case in Enugu on Monday, Justice Ahmed Mohammed said this would enable the court to commence hearing of the motion on notice for the injunction.
The embattled Chairman of the PDP in the state, Vita Abba, and 28 others, comprising the state executive committee of the party, last Friday filed the suit.
The National Working Committee of the PDP on Saturday dissolved the state executive council on the ground that the congress that elected it was not constituted in line with the party’s constitution.
Counsel to the plaintiffs/applicants, Justina Offiah in a 24-paragraph affidavit, prayed the court to restrain INEC from refusing or failing to deal with the members of the state executive of the party, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
Offiah also prayed the court to restrain the NWC and any other organ or officer from ceasing to recognise the plaintiffs as executives of the party and/or from holding a fresh state congress pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The counsel submitted that the current party executive, under the leadership of Abba, was duly elected in a state congress held on Feb. 28, 2008 at the Presidential Hotel, Enugu.
She said the then Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state, Abdu Bulama, monitored and attended the state congress at which the plaintiffs were elected.
Offiah also submitted that the current National Chairman of the party, Okwesilieze Nwodo, on his rejoining the party, applied to the state chairman for a waiver to enable him to hold elective or appointive party office.
The PDP state chapter granted the waiver to Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo after notifying the zonal leadership of the party under the leadership of Olisa Metu.
The actions of the defendants are calculated to emasculate the plaintiffs as the members of the state executive committee of the party in Enugu State and thereby deny them their right to organise and participate in the congresses for the election of the party’s candidates for various elective offices under the constitution, she said.
The counsel tendered 11 exhibits, including letters and correspondences, to back up her claims.
Man, 26, gets 6-month jail term for abducting 10-year-old girl
A 26-year-old albino, Gbenga Soretire, has jailed for six months by an Abeokuta Chief Magistrate's Court for abducting a 10-year-old
girl (name withheld).
Soretire was, however, given an option to pay N20,000 fine.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Paul Etusi, told the court that the cobbler, on Sept. 8, abducted the girl near Omida Market in the Abeokuta metropolis.
He said the girl was found wandering around the market on the said date and was taken to the head of the market (Baba Oja) by some good-spirited individuals.
Etusi said the market head ordered the accused to take the victim to the Ibara Police Station, a few metres away from the market, but instead he took her to his house at Ijeja.
The prosecutor further said the accused was arrested after the victim was found in his house five days later.
Four witnesses called by the prosecution -- Alani Samuel (market head), the young girl, Salawu Mufutau (girl's father) and the Investigating Police Officer in charge of the case, Sgt. Adelakun Adio -- all corroborated the prosecutor's claim.
The girl told the court that the accused did not take her to the police station but to his house at Ijeja.
While Samuel expressed surprise at the attitude of the accused and regretted handing over the girl to him, Adio tendered the statement made by Soretire.
The accused, who was not represented by a counsel, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate K.M. Peters consequently found him guilty and sentenced him to six months imprisonment or to pay N20,000 as fine.
girl (name withheld).
Soretire was, however, given an option to pay N20,000 fine.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Paul Etusi, told the court that the cobbler, on Sept. 8, abducted the girl near Omida Market in the Abeokuta metropolis.
He said the girl was found wandering around the market on the said date and was taken to the head of the market (Baba Oja) by some good-spirited individuals.
Etusi said the market head ordered the accused to take the victim to the Ibara Police Station, a few metres away from the market, but instead he took her to his house at Ijeja.
The prosecutor further said the accused was arrested after the victim was found in his house five days later.
Four witnesses called by the prosecution -- Alani Samuel (market head), the young girl, Salawu Mufutau (girl's father) and the Investigating Police Officer in charge of the case, Sgt. Adelakun Adio -- all corroborated the prosecutor's claim.
The girl told the court that the accused did not take her to the police station but to his house at Ijeja.
While Samuel expressed surprise at the attitude of the accused and regretted handing over the girl to him, Adio tendered the statement made by Soretire.
The accused, who was not represented by a counsel, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate K.M. Peters consequently found him guilty and sentenced him to six months imprisonment or to pay N20,000 as fine.
Man, 40, arraigned over alleged theft of N10m iron rods
A 40-year-old man was has charged before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court over the alleged theft of 30 tonnes of iron rods valued at N10 million.
The accused, Nelson Aghafum, who is facing a two-count charge of felony and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, said the accused with others still at large conspired and stole the iron rods, property of a businessman, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim.
He said the offence which was committed on July 23 at Tin Can Island 2nd Gate Park, Apapa, Lagos, contravened Sections 390 (6) (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, on conviction, may be sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
Chief Magistrate, O.O. Oshin, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She said the sureties, who should be blood relations of the accused, should show evidence of three-year tax clearance.
The case has been adjourned till Nov. 24 for further hearing.
The accused, Nelson Aghafum, who is facing a two-count charge of felony and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, said the accused with others still at large conspired and stole the iron rods, property of a businessman, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim.
He said the offence which was committed on July 23 at Tin Can Island 2nd Gate Park, Apapa, Lagos, contravened Sections 390 (6) (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, on conviction, may be sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
Chief Magistrate, O.O. Oshin, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She said the sureties, who should be blood relations of the accused, should show evidence of three-year tax clearance.
The case has been adjourned till Nov. 24 for further hearing.
3 remanded in prison custody for allegedly snatching car at gun point
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court has remanded three men in Ikoyi Prisons for allegedly robbing a man of his car at gun point.
The accused -- Idowu Abiodun (29), Saliu Musiliu (26) and Olusegun Oriogun (41) – are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, robbery and receipt of stolen items.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Rachael Williams, told the court that the men conspired and trailed one David Adeniran at Oyetoro, Meiran, a Lagos suburb, and robbed the man of his Toyota Camry saloon car on June 17.
She said the accused stole two Nokia handsets valued at N73, 000 and N10,000 cash.
According to her, the third defendant, Oriogun, received the stolen items.
Williams said the offences contravened Sections 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and Sections 1(2) (a) and 4 (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation.
Magistrate A.B. Olagbegi-Adelabu, directed that the defendant should be remanded in prison custody pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case has been adjourned till Nov. 17 for mention.
The accused -- Idowu Abiodun (29), Saliu Musiliu (26) and Olusegun Oriogun (41) – are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, robbery and receipt of stolen items.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Rachael Williams, told the court that the men conspired and trailed one David Adeniran at Oyetoro, Meiran, a Lagos suburb, and robbed the man of his Toyota Camry saloon car on June 17.
She said the accused stole two Nokia handsets valued at N73, 000 and N10,000 cash.
According to her, the third defendant, Oriogun, received the stolen items.
Williams said the offences contravened Sections 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and Sections 1(2) (a) and 4 (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation.
Magistrate A.B. Olagbegi-Adelabu, directed that the defendant should be remanded in prison custody pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case has been adjourned till Nov. 17 for mention.
Air Force Redeploys Senior Officers
The Nigerian Air Force on Monday announced the redeployment of some of its senior officers.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas said 12 Air Vice Marshals , 36 air commodores and 27 group captains were affected.
Anas said AVM G.A.F. Adekunle had been moved from his position as the Principal General Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff to that of Air Officer Operations.
AVM A.S. Badah also moves from Defence Headquarters to NAF Headquarters as Air Officer, Policy and Plans.
He said AVMs I. Salihu and I.A. Kure were now Air Officer, Inspection and Air Officers, Administration respectively at the NAF Headquarters.
According to him, AVM G.B. Odesola is the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, while AVM E.J. Aprekuma is the new Air Officer Commanding, Training Command, Kaduna, and AVM H.A. Na-Shehu, Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command.
He also said AVM A.T. Mu’azu had moved from the NAF Headquarters to Armed Forces Command and Staff College as Commandant while AVM C.E. Aroriode would take over as the Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre.
AVM W.A. Oguejiofor was also appointed the Managing Director of the Air Force Foundation.
Air Commodore J.C. Ifemeje was named the Air Secretary at the NAF Headquarters while Air Commodore A. Mamu was named the Managing Director of Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Ltd.
Also Air Commodore A.A. Ogunnaike as the Director of Policy, NAF Headquarters; Air Commodore H.R. Mohammed, Director of Air Engineering; Air Commodore A. Maisaka, Director of Medical Services, and Air Commodore O.A. Morgan, Director of Evaluation.
They also include Air Commodore O.A. Idowu, Director of Safety; Group Capt. G. Truman, Director of Air Intelligence; and Group Capt. S.A. Yushau, Director of Finance and Accounting.
Also redeployed were Group Capt. S.S. Adamu, Director of Works; Group Capt. S.J. Wukangha, Director of Administration; and Group Capt. A. Shehu-Othman, Director of Legal Services.
Othe named Air Commodore O.T. Oguntoyinbo as the Commander, 99 Air Combat Tactical Group; Air Commodore U.J. Atiku, Commander, 81 Air Maritime Group; Air Commodore M. Magaji, Commander, 88 Military Airlift Group; and Air Commodore S.O. Abosede, Commander, 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna.
Air Commodore I.M. Pawa was named Commander of 204 Wing; Air Commodore J.M. Gbum, Commander of Strike Group; Air Commodore F.M. Makinde, 333 Logistics Group; and Air Commodore A.J. Bolajoko, Commander, 45 Nigerian Air Force Hospital.
Other commanders are Group Capt. H.K. Tukur, Commander, NAF Detachment; Group Capt. O.C Oguejiofor, Commander, 104 Personnel Management Group; and Group Capt. O.A. Ogunjobi, Commander, NAF Detachment, Calabar.
The postings were with immediate effect.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas said 12 Air Vice Marshals , 36 air commodores and 27 group captains were affected.
Anas said AVM G.A.F. Adekunle had been moved from his position as the Principal General Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff to that of Air Officer Operations.
AVM A.S. Badah also moves from Defence Headquarters to NAF Headquarters as Air Officer, Policy and Plans.
He said AVMs I. Salihu and I.A. Kure were now Air Officer, Inspection and Air Officers, Administration respectively at the NAF Headquarters.
According to him, AVM G.B. Odesola is the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, while AVM E.J. Aprekuma is the new Air Officer Commanding, Training Command, Kaduna, and AVM H.A. Na-Shehu, Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command.
He also said AVM A.T. Mu’azu had moved from the NAF Headquarters to Armed Forces Command and Staff College as Commandant while AVM C.E. Aroriode would take over as the Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre.
AVM W.A. Oguejiofor was also appointed the Managing Director of the Air Force Foundation.
Air Commodore J.C. Ifemeje was named the Air Secretary at the NAF Headquarters while Air Commodore A. Mamu was named the Managing Director of Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Ltd.
Also Air Commodore A.A. Ogunnaike as the Director of Policy, NAF Headquarters; Air Commodore H.R. Mohammed, Director of Air Engineering; Air Commodore A. Maisaka, Director of Medical Services, and Air Commodore O.A. Morgan, Director of Evaluation.
They also include Air Commodore O.A. Idowu, Director of Safety; Group Capt. G. Truman, Director of Air Intelligence; and Group Capt. S.A. Yushau, Director of Finance and Accounting.
Also redeployed were Group Capt. S.S. Adamu, Director of Works; Group Capt. S.J. Wukangha, Director of Administration; and Group Capt. A. Shehu-Othman, Director of Legal Services.
Othe named Air Commodore O.T. Oguntoyinbo as the Commander, 99 Air Combat Tactical Group; Air Commodore U.J. Atiku, Commander, 81 Air Maritime Group; Air Commodore M. Magaji, Commander, 88 Military Airlift Group; and Air Commodore S.O. Abosede, Commander, 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna.
Air Commodore I.M. Pawa was named Commander of 204 Wing; Air Commodore J.M. Gbum, Commander of Strike Group; Air Commodore F.M. Makinde, 333 Logistics Group; and Air Commodore A.J. Bolajoko, Commander, 45 Nigerian Air Force Hospital.
Other commanders are Group Capt. H.K. Tukur, Commander, NAF Detachment; Group Capt. O.C Oguejiofor, Commander, 104 Personnel Management Group; and Group Capt. O.A. Ogunjobi, Commander, NAF Detachment, Calabar.
The postings were with immediate effect.
Road Safety Warns Commercial Drivers On Drugs.
The Federal Road Safety Commission has warned commercial drivers against taking narcotic drugs to enhance their performance.
Its Unit Commander in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Yakubu Anto said the command had observed that most commercial drivers hardly rested well during the last four months of the year.
Anto said such drivers often over-worked themselves under the influence of narcotics so as to make greater profit, a situation he described as very dangerous.
He said the commission would intensify its patrol on major highways and warned that any driver caught driving recklessly would be prosecuted appropriately.
The Commander urged motorists plying major highways across the state to be watchful as vehicular traffic had started to increase at this period.
Its Unit Commander in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Yakubu Anto said the command had observed that most commercial drivers hardly rested well during the last four months of the year.
Anto said such drivers often over-worked themselves under the influence of narcotics so as to make greater profit, a situation he described as very dangerous.
He said the commission would intensify its patrol on major highways and warned that any driver caught driving recklessly would be prosecuted appropriately.
The Commander urged motorists plying major highways across the state to be watchful as vehicular traffic had started to increase at this period.
Man docked for allegedly stealing generator
A 38-year-old man, Tunde Isah, was on Monday arraigned in Ilorin for allegedly stealing a generator set worth N18,000.
The accused, of No 7, Ode Ajada, Agbaji area of Ilorin, was docked before an Ilorin Magistrate's Court presided over by Mr Abdullahi Bello.
Isah pleaded not guilty to the one count charge of theft.
The magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N10,000 with two sureties in like sum.
According to the Police First Information Report ,a complainant, Kehinde Ibrahim, of Olorunsogo, Gaa- Akanbi, Ilorin, reported the case to the police on Oct. 17.
The report alleged that the accused came to the complainant's shop to steal the generator worth N18,000.
It also claimed that the stolen generator was later recovered from the accused, while police preliminary investigation confirmed the allegation.
The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Jimoh Kareem, told the court that investigation was still on and objected to the bail on the ground that the accused would jump bail.
The magistrate, however, rejected the prosecution's prayer and granted bail to the accused and adjourned the case to Nov. 1.
The accused, of No 7, Ode Ajada, Agbaji area of Ilorin, was docked before an Ilorin Magistrate's Court presided over by Mr Abdullahi Bello.
Isah pleaded not guilty to the one count charge of theft.
The magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N10,000 with two sureties in like sum.
According to the Police First Information Report ,a complainant, Kehinde Ibrahim, of Olorunsogo, Gaa- Akanbi, Ilorin, reported the case to the police on Oct. 17.
The report alleged that the accused came to the complainant's shop to steal the generator worth N18,000.
It also claimed that the stolen generator was later recovered from the accused, while police preliminary investigation confirmed the allegation.
The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Jimoh Kareem, told the court that investigation was still on and objected to the bail on the ground that the accused would jump bail.
The magistrate, however, rejected the prosecution's prayer and granted bail to the accused and adjourned the case to Nov. 1.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Power outage cripples proceedings at Lagos High Court
Power outage has since Monday crippled legal proceedings at the Lagos High Court complex.
Faulty cables belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria plunged the entire courtrooms in darkness, forcing most of the judges to adjourn the cases before them.
Correspondent, who monitored activities at the court complex on Wednesday, gathered that the power generating set at the court complex was faulty.
No official of the court was willing to volunteer information on the power outage.
One of the cases stalled on Wednesday was a suit challenging the planned collection of tolls on the Lekki-Epe Expressway by a construction firm, Lekki Concession Company.
The suit before Justice Bolaji Candide-Johnson was filed by a Lagos-based lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.
The Company and Lagos State Government are defendants in the suit.
Although all the parties in the suit were in court, the case was not called up for hearing as the entire court was dark and stuffy.
A court clerk told the litigants that the case would now be heard on Oct. 28.
The clerk also advised other litigants to take dates for their cases, explaining that the court could not sit because of the power situation.
Adegboruwa is praying the court to declare that the planned toll collection is unlawful.
He argued that the Lagos State Government’s had the statutory responsibility of providing roads and other infrastructure for the residents, and should not introduce toll gates.
The plaintiff is seeking a court declaration that motorists in Lagos are entitled to ply roads in the state without paying any toll or tariff.
Lagos State Government had approved that the Company should reconstruct the expressway and recoup its expenses through tolls’ collection on the road for about 25 years.
The toll collection has generated a lot of controversy as Lekki residents kicked against it.
Faulty cables belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria plunged the entire courtrooms in darkness, forcing most of the judges to adjourn the cases before them.
Correspondent, who monitored activities at the court complex on Wednesday, gathered that the power generating set at the court complex was faulty.
No official of the court was willing to volunteer information on the power outage.
One of the cases stalled on Wednesday was a suit challenging the planned collection of tolls on the Lekki-Epe Expressway by a construction firm, Lekki Concession Company.
The suit before Justice Bolaji Candide-Johnson was filed by a Lagos-based lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.
The Company and Lagos State Government are defendants in the suit.
Although all the parties in the suit were in court, the case was not called up for hearing as the entire court was dark and stuffy.
A court clerk told the litigants that the case would now be heard on Oct. 28.
The clerk also advised other litigants to take dates for their cases, explaining that the court could not sit because of the power situation.
Adegboruwa is praying the court to declare that the planned toll collection is unlawful.
He argued that the Lagos State Government’s had the statutory responsibility of providing roads and other infrastructure for the residents, and should not introduce toll gates.
The plaintiff is seeking a court declaration that motorists in Lagos are entitled to ply roads in the state without paying any toll or tariff.
Lagos State Government had approved that the Company should reconstruct the expressway and recoup its expenses through tolls’ collection on the road for about 25 years.
The toll collection has generated a lot of controversy as Lekki residents kicked against it.
2 in court for stealing bread, impersonation
Two persons were on Wednesday dragged before an Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing loaves of bread and impersonating Kick Against Indiscipline officials
Two others were charged along the accused for receiving stolen goods.
The accused, George Akinfosile, 30, and Morufu Adepoju, 38, were said to have impersonated KAI officials and stolen some loaves of bread and N2,800 cash.
Adamu Saidi, 22, and Olanrewaju Duroreke, 25, were alleged to have been in possession of stolen goods.
All the accused are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, impersonation, stealing and receiving stolen goods before Chief Magistrate F.A. Layinka.
The prosecutor, Insp. Nicholas Anieke, said Akinfosile on Oct. 17 at Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, presented himself as a KAI officer to deceive one Muritala Anifa, a hawker.
He said hiding under the guise of a KAI officer, Akinfosile in company of Adepoju collected from Anifa cash totaling N2,800 and some loaves of bread valued at N700.
Anieke said one LG Laptop and a car stereo, valued at N105,000 and N35,000 respectively, were found in the possession of Adepoju and Duroreke.
He said the two accused were believed to be members of a syndicate that specialised in receiving stolen property.
Anieke said the offence contravened Sections 390(9), 427, 484 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2006.
The four accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate Layinka granted both Akinfosile and Adepoju bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
She also granted Saidi and Duroreke N50,000 bail with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Nov. 16 for further hearing.
Two others were charged along the accused for receiving stolen goods.
The accused, George Akinfosile, 30, and Morufu Adepoju, 38, were said to have impersonated KAI officials and stolen some loaves of bread and N2,800 cash.
Adamu Saidi, 22, and Olanrewaju Duroreke, 25, were alleged to have been in possession of stolen goods.
All the accused are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, impersonation, stealing and receiving stolen goods before Chief Magistrate F.A. Layinka.
The prosecutor, Insp. Nicholas Anieke, said Akinfosile on Oct. 17 at Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, presented himself as a KAI officer to deceive one Muritala Anifa, a hawker.
He said hiding under the guise of a KAI officer, Akinfosile in company of Adepoju collected from Anifa cash totaling N2,800 and some loaves of bread valued at N700.
Anieke said one LG Laptop and a car stereo, valued at N105,000 and N35,000 respectively, were found in the possession of Adepoju and Duroreke.
He said the two accused were believed to be members of a syndicate that specialised in receiving stolen property.
Anieke said the offence contravened Sections 390(9), 427, 484 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2006.
The four accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate Layinka granted both Akinfosile and Adepoju bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
She also granted Saidi and Duroreke N50,000 bail with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Nov. 16 for further hearing.
Nigeria probes disappearance of 'toxic waste' ship .
Nigeria has ordered an investigation into the disappearance of a ship which was detained in Lagos for allegedly carrying toxic waste.
Officials said the UK-registered ship, the Grand America, off-loaded seven containers suspected of holding electronic waste before leaving between Sunday and Monday.
Africa has become a popular destination for the illegal dumping of toxic e-waste from the developed world.
Ngeri Benebo,Director General of Nigeria's Environmental Standards Enforcement Agency, said the Grand America had arrived at Lagos via Antwerp in Belgium.
She said the other ship, the MV Veradin, was originally from New York and had arrived via Spain.
The disappearance of the ship raises questions of security lapses at Nigeria's sea ports and the possibility of complicity by security and port authorities.
It is not the first time that toxic waste has been dumped in Nigeria.
In 1987 more than 3,500 tonnes of toxic waste was dumped at Koko, a town in the southern Delta State.
The Basel Action Network, a pressure group that monitors the trade in hazardous waste, recently published a report which claimed that about 500 containers with 400,000 second-hand computers were unloaded every month in Lagos ports.
The dumping of millions of obsolete computers in Africa remains a problem, our correspondent says.
Greenpeace also says Nigeria is a popular destination for toxic waste.
Officials said the UK-registered ship, the Grand America, off-loaded seven containers suspected of holding electronic waste before leaving between Sunday and Monday.
Africa has become a popular destination for the illegal dumping of toxic e-waste from the developed world.
Ngeri Benebo,Director General of Nigeria's Environmental Standards Enforcement Agency, said the Grand America had arrived at Lagos via Antwerp in Belgium.
She said the other ship, the MV Veradin, was originally from New York and had arrived via Spain.
The disappearance of the ship raises questions of security lapses at Nigeria's sea ports and the possibility of complicity by security and port authorities.
It is not the first time that toxic waste has been dumped in Nigeria.
In 1987 more than 3,500 tonnes of toxic waste was dumped at Koko, a town in the southern Delta State.
The Basel Action Network, a pressure group that monitors the trade in hazardous waste, recently published a report which claimed that about 500 containers with 400,000 second-hand computers were unloaded every month in Lagos ports.
The dumping of millions of obsolete computers in Africa remains a problem, our correspondent says.
Greenpeace also says Nigeria is a popular destination for toxic waste.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Lagos Police Command smashes robbery gangs, nab 4
The Police said in Lagos on Tuesday that they had foiled two robbery operations and arrested four suspects.
The state command’s spokesman, Frank Mba, a Superintendent said a member of the fleeing gang was apprehended at dawn at Seriki St., Okokomaiko, a Lagos suburb.
He said the police acting on a distress call, swooped on the gang while attempting to rob some residents at a motor park in Okokomaiko.
Mba said a double-barrelled gun, a pistol, one live cartridge, and N10,000 were recovered from the suspect.
He said another three-man gang operating at Alausa near the Lagos State Government Secretariat was also arrested in the early hours of Monday.
Items recovered from them include a Honda Accord saloon car, a double-barrelled gun and five live cartridges.
Mba said the cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigation.
The state command’s spokesman, Frank Mba, a Superintendent said a member of the fleeing gang was apprehended at dawn at Seriki St., Okokomaiko, a Lagos suburb.
He said the police acting on a distress call, swooped on the gang while attempting to rob some residents at a motor park in Okokomaiko.
Mba said a double-barrelled gun, a pistol, one live cartridge, and N10,000 were recovered from the suspect.
He said another three-man gang operating at Alausa near the Lagos State Government Secretariat was also arrested in the early hours of Monday.
Items recovered from them include a Honda Accord saloon car, a double-barrelled gun and five live cartridges.
Mba said the cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigation.
Court adjourns hearing in Okereke-Onyuike's case
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday adjourned indefinitely further hearing in the suit filed by the former boss of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Prof. Ndi Okereke-Onyuike.
The formal director-general of the Nigeria bourse is challenging her removal from office by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
She is asking the court to declare that SEC lacked the authority to terminate her appointment and demanded N3 billion compensation.
The former NSE boss equally asked for an order of perpetual injunction restraining SEC and its agents from implementing the letter announcing her removal from office.
Okereke-Onyiuke said that SEC failed to avail her an opportunity to react to allegations levelled against her before announcing her removal on Aug. 4.
Counsel to SEC, Charles Ikewazo, urged the court to adjourn further hearing of the matter pending the determination of an appeal filled in the appellate court.
Okereke-Onyuike’s counsel, Dapo Olanipekun, however, objected to an adjournment, arguing that today was for the hearing of the originating summons and objection of the defendant.
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed Idris, held that he would stay further proceedings as a sign of respect for the justices at the appellate court.
The formal director-general of the Nigeria bourse is challenging her removal from office by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
She is asking the court to declare that SEC lacked the authority to terminate her appointment and demanded N3 billion compensation.
The former NSE boss equally asked for an order of perpetual injunction restraining SEC and its agents from implementing the letter announcing her removal from office.
Okereke-Onyiuke said that SEC failed to avail her an opportunity to react to allegations levelled against her before announcing her removal on Aug. 4.
Counsel to SEC, Charles Ikewazo, urged the court to adjourn further hearing of the matter pending the determination of an appeal filled in the appellate court.
Okereke-Onyuike’s counsel, Dapo Olanipekun, however, objected to an adjournment, arguing that today was for the hearing of the originating summons and objection of the defendant.
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed Idris, held that he would stay further proceedings as a sign of respect for the justices at the appellate court.
2 lovers in court for assaulting 3 policemen
A man and his girlfriend were on Tuesday arraigned before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly assaulting three policemen on duty and tearing their uniforms in the process.
Femi Bakare, 39 and Tosin Oluwasogo, 28, are facing a four-count charge of alleged obstruction, assault, conspiracy and tearing of police uniforms.
The policemen allegedly assaulted are Insp. David Oloyede, Cpl. Godfrey Odeyo and Cpl. Thomson Edenabuohien.
The prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Sunday, told the court that on Aug. 24, at Sanya Junction, Surulere, Lagos, Bakare parked a Toyota Coaster bus with Reg. No. DN 851 LSR carelessly on the highway and when approached by the policemen, the accused assaulted them.
The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Abiola Soladoye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case till Oct. 22 for further hearing.
Femi Bakare, 39 and Tosin Oluwasogo, 28, are facing a four-count charge of alleged obstruction, assault, conspiracy and tearing of police uniforms.
The policemen allegedly assaulted are Insp. David Oloyede, Cpl. Godfrey Odeyo and Cpl. Thomson Edenabuohien.
The prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Sunday, told the court that on Aug. 24, at Sanya Junction, Surulere, Lagos, Bakare parked a Toyota Coaster bus with Reg. No. DN 851 LSR carelessly on the highway and when approached by the policemen, the accused assaulted them.
The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Abiola Soladoye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case till Oct. 22 for further hearing.
Man bags 5 years imprisonment for killing father, daughter
An Ikeja High Court on Tuesday sentenced a man, Saliman Yekini, to five years imprisonment for manslaughter.
The prosecution had said that Yekini on July 31, 2004 at Adebowale St., Ojodu, Lagos, drove recklessly and killed a father and his daughter -- Christopher Epeyem and Amaka Epeyem.
He was said to have committed the offence in a bid to evade arrest for driving during a monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The coroner, Prof. John Obafunwa of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, had testified that the death was as a result of being hit by an over-speeding vehicle.
In a ruling, Justice Joseph Oyewale said that the court found the accused guilty of the two-count charge of reckless driving and manslaughter.
This circumstance is more consistent with negligence and certainly was not outside the control of the defendant.
The prosecution had said that Yekini on July 31, 2004 at Adebowale St., Ojodu, Lagos, drove recklessly and killed a father and his daughter -- Christopher Epeyem and Amaka Epeyem.
He was said to have committed the offence in a bid to evade arrest for driving during a monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The coroner, Prof. John Obafunwa of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, had testified that the death was as a result of being hit by an over-speeding vehicle.
In a ruling, Justice Joseph Oyewale said that the court found the accused guilty of the two-count charge of reckless driving and manslaughter.
This circumstance is more consistent with negligence and certainly was not outside the control of the defendant.
Wokers lose battle on coy's violation of safety standards
A Federal High Court in Ikeja on Tuesday struck out a N50 million suit brought against a Lagos-based Indian firm, Celplast Industries Nigeria Ltd., by five of its ex-workers.
The ex-workers are Ejike Okonkwo, Unyime Udom-Akpan, Uchenna Ozoemenam, Nnamdi Ezekiel and Nwachukwu Chinedu.
Justice Steven Adah ruled that the matter could not be brought under fundamental human rights.
He said the matter was purely a contract of employment and issues of workmen compensation as provided for under the Workmen Compensation Act.
Adah threw out the application, describing it as incompetent.
The workers through their counsel, Gabriel Ojumah, had approached the court for an order to enforce their fundamental rights pursuant to Order 2 Rule 1 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.
They asked the court for a declaration that their employment as casual workers is degrading and contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
They are asking for a declaration that the use of obsolete machinery in the respondent’s industry which had caused several accidents leading to the amputation of limbs of some applicants is dehumanising and inhumane.
The workers also wanted an order of the court to shut down the company and not to reopen it until the management complied with the required safety standards.
Other reliefs being sought include N50 million compensation to injured workers.
But counsel to the respondent, Adetokunbo Mumuni, had objected to the prayers of the applicants, saying they had nothing to do with fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the constitution.
He said the application was not properly filed in accordance with the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009.
The ex-workers are Ejike Okonkwo, Unyime Udom-Akpan, Uchenna Ozoemenam, Nnamdi Ezekiel and Nwachukwu Chinedu.
Justice Steven Adah ruled that the matter could not be brought under fundamental human rights.
He said the matter was purely a contract of employment and issues of workmen compensation as provided for under the Workmen Compensation Act.
Adah threw out the application, describing it as incompetent.
The workers through their counsel, Gabriel Ojumah, had approached the court for an order to enforce their fundamental rights pursuant to Order 2 Rule 1 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.
They asked the court for a declaration that their employment as casual workers is degrading and contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
They are asking for a declaration that the use of obsolete machinery in the respondent’s industry which had caused several accidents leading to the amputation of limbs of some applicants is dehumanising and inhumane.
The workers also wanted an order of the court to shut down the company and not to reopen it until the management complied with the required safety standards.
Other reliefs being sought include N50 million compensation to injured workers.
But counsel to the respondent, Adetokunbo Mumuni, had objected to the prayers of the applicants, saying they had nothing to do with fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the constitution.
He said the application was not properly filed in accordance with the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009.
Landlord docked for alleged damage, theft of tenant’s property worth N15m
For allegedly taking the laws into his hand and damaging his tenant’s property, a 50-year-old landlord has been arraigned before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.
The accused, Festus Opara, who was arraigned on Tuesday, was alleged to have with others at large, damaged the tenant’s property worth N15 million.
He is facing a seven-count charge, including stealing, conspiracy and causing breach of peace before Magistrate, A. Tobi.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences.
The prosecutor, PC Samuel Ishola, told the court that the accused, with the others, on Sept. 16, at 18B Agbonyin Ave., Aguda, Surulere, Lagos broke into the premises of Flourish Land Private School.
Ishola alleged that the accused stole and damaged property worth N15 million property of one Florence Utoh.
According to him, some of the items stolen and damaged are air conditioners, doors, computers, keys, wardrobe, school tables and wall clocks all valued at N15 million and 10,000 dollars cash.
He said the offences contravened Sections 516, 249(d) 413, 390(9) and 509 Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos state.
Tobi granted the accused bail in sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourning further hearing till Nov. 17.
The accused, Festus Opara, who was arraigned on Tuesday, was alleged to have with others at large, damaged the tenant’s property worth N15 million.
He is facing a seven-count charge, including stealing, conspiracy and causing breach of peace before Magistrate, A. Tobi.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences.
The prosecutor, PC Samuel Ishola, told the court that the accused, with the others, on Sept. 16, at 18B Agbonyin Ave., Aguda, Surulere, Lagos broke into the premises of Flourish Land Private School.
Ishola alleged that the accused stole and damaged property worth N15 million property of one Florence Utoh.
According to him, some of the items stolen and damaged are air conditioners, doors, computers, keys, wardrobe, school tables and wall clocks all valued at N15 million and 10,000 dollars cash.
He said the offences contravened Sections 516, 249(d) 413, 390(9) and 509 Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos state.
Tobi granted the accused bail in sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourning further hearing till Nov. 17.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Technician in court for defrauding landlord
A 34-year-old technician, Obinna Nweke, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding and threatening the life of a landlord.
Nweke is facing a three-count charge of fraud, theft and threatening the life of one Abraham Ugochukwu.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, told the court that the accused fraudulently obtained N210,000 from Ugochukwu to supply and install four air conditioners in his newly-built house but failed to do so.
The prosecutor said the accused threatened to kill the complainant if the mater was reported to the police.
According to the prosecutor, the offences were punishable under Sections 419, 390 and 86 of the Criminal code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The magistrate, C. J. Mommodu, granted the accused N200,00 bail and one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 27 for further hearing.
Nweke is facing a three-count charge of fraud, theft and threatening the life of one Abraham Ugochukwu.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, told the court that the accused fraudulently obtained N210,000 from Ugochukwu to supply and install four air conditioners in his newly-built house but failed to do so.
The prosecutor said the accused threatened to kill the complainant if the mater was reported to the police.
According to the prosecutor, the offences were punishable under Sections 419, 390 and 86 of the Criminal code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The magistrate, C. J. Mommodu, granted the accused N200,00 bail and one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 27 for further hearing.
Protesting AOCOED students, for the second time, block Lagos –Badagry road
Protesting students of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education on Thursday blocked the Lagos-Badagry expressway at Ijanikin in solidarity with the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities.
The protesting students obstructed the free flow of traffic on both sides of the highway for many hours, causing untold hardship to motorists and commuters.
Many commercial drivers, who were stuck in the heavy traffic, discharged their passengers and made U-turns while commuters disembarked from buses and trekked to the next bus stop to board vehicles to their destinations.
Many car owners, who could not abandon their vehicles, lamented the traffic disruption.
Ben Dan Borno, a clearing agent at the Seme border who experienced the delay caused by the traffic, wondered why the students were punishing innocent road users.
Sola Oloyede, a trader at the Seme border, also bemoaned her ordeal in the traffic.
The students had last Friday barricaded the road, demanding educational reforms.
The protesting students obstructed the free flow of traffic on both sides of the highway for many hours, causing untold hardship to motorists and commuters.
Many commercial drivers, who were stuck in the heavy traffic, discharged their passengers and made U-turns while commuters disembarked from buses and trekked to the next bus stop to board vehicles to their destinations.
Many car owners, who could not abandon their vehicles, lamented the traffic disruption.
Ben Dan Borno, a clearing agent at the Seme border who experienced the delay caused by the traffic, wondered why the students were punishing innocent road users.
Sola Oloyede, a trader at the Seme border, also bemoaned her ordeal in the traffic.
The students had last Friday barricaded the road, demanding educational reforms.
EFCC to bar corrupt politicians from contesting elections.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it is not going back on its decision to bar corrupt politicians from contesting in the 2011 general elections.
Abubakar Othman, Special Assistant to the EFCC Chairman on Public Enlightenment, gave the assurance on Thursday in Gombe when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Danjuma Goje.
He noted with regret that the commission’s decision to bar corrupt politicians was being misconstrued in some quarters to dissuade the anti-graft agency from sanitising the nation's polity.
Othman said the EFCC was determined to go ahead to carry out its plan in the best interest of the country.
He said the commission had been keeping a tab on the financial transactions involving some corrupt politicians currently aspiring to contest in the 2011 elections.
Othman said the commission would not hesitate to stand in their way to electoral success.
Othman said the Chairman of the commission had identified 54 corrupt PDP aspirants and recommended them to the party for disqualification from seeking public offices, promising that the same would be done for other political parties.
He said he was in support of death penalty for corrupt practices, stressing that such measure was imperative, considering the damage done to the nation by corruption.
Othman said the commission had embarked on public enlightenment across the country to ensure that Nigerians were duly informed on the need to elect credible politicians into public office.
Abubakar Othman, Special Assistant to the EFCC Chairman on Public Enlightenment, gave the assurance on Thursday in Gombe when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Danjuma Goje.
He noted with regret that the commission’s decision to bar corrupt politicians was being misconstrued in some quarters to dissuade the anti-graft agency from sanitising the nation's polity.
Othman said the EFCC was determined to go ahead to carry out its plan in the best interest of the country.
He said the commission had been keeping a tab on the financial transactions involving some corrupt politicians currently aspiring to contest in the 2011 elections.
Othman said the commission would not hesitate to stand in their way to electoral success.
Othman said the Chairman of the commission had identified 54 corrupt PDP aspirants and recommended them to the party for disqualification from seeking public offices, promising that the same would be done for other political parties.
He said he was in support of death penalty for corrupt practices, stressing that such measure was imperative, considering the damage done to the nation by corruption.
Othman said the commission had embarked on public enlightenment across the country to ensure that Nigerians were duly informed on the need to elect credible politicians into public office.
Trader charged for stealing CDs at Alaba
A 40-year-old trader, Alloysius Anochili, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly robbing another trader of compact discs (CDs) valued at N234,400.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, told the court that the accused in June this year conspired with others now at large and broke into a store at Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the accused stole 100 cartons of blank CDs and N30,000 from the store belonging to the complainant, Mr Marcel Arinze.
The prosecutor said the offences were punishable under sections 516 and 390 (a) of the Criminal code, Laws of Lagos state.
Anochili, who was charged for conspiracy and stealing, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In her ruling, the magistrate, C.J. Momodu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 27, for further hearing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Orji, told the court that the accused in June this year conspired with others now at large and broke into a store at Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the accused stole 100 cartons of blank CDs and N30,000 from the store belonging to the complainant, Mr Marcel Arinze.
The prosecutor said the offences were punishable under sections 516 and 390 (a) of the Criminal code, Laws of Lagos state.
Anochili, who was charged for conspiracy and stealing, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In her ruling, the magistrate, C.J. Momodu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 27, for further hearing.
Driver charged with stealing firm's car
The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned a 34-year-old driver, Abudlkareem Suleh, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Corolla car belonging to his employer, Leadway Assurance Ltd.
Suleh, charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Eshiet, submitted that the accused stole the saloon car with registration No. FF 123 KRD, worth N2.5 million, on Sept. 15 at Bode Thomas St., Suluere, Lagos.
He told the court that Suleh made away with the car when he was sent on an errand by his boss.
Eshiet submitted that the suspect was arrested in Borno by the state’s Criminal Investigation Department while he was negotiating for the sale of the car.
Magistrate O.A. Ogala granted the accused bail in sum of N150, 000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till Nov. 9 for further hearing.
Suleh, charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Eshiet, submitted that the accused stole the saloon car with registration No. FF 123 KRD, worth N2.5 million, on Sept. 15 at Bode Thomas St., Suluere, Lagos.
He told the court that Suleh made away with the car when he was sent on an errand by his boss.
Eshiet submitted that the suspect was arrested in Borno by the state’s Criminal Investigation Department while he was negotiating for the sale of the car.
Magistrate O.A. Ogala granted the accused bail in sum of N150, 000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till Nov. 9 for further hearing.
Cele prophet docked over N17m fraud
A middle-aged man, Israel Ogundipe, who claimed to be a prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, was on Thursday arraigned before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly defrauding one Mrs Oladele Oni of more than N17 million.
Ogundipe is facing a six-count charge, including fraud and forgery, for collecting money under the pretext of assisting Oni to procure some landed property in Lagos.
The prosecutor, Olabisi Ogungbesan, told the court that Ogundipe collected the money in five installments of N900,000, N2.5 million, N8.5 million, N2.7 million and 12,000 pound sterling between 2002 and 2005.
She also alleged that the accused forged a Nigerian passport number A2799555 purportedly belonging to one Sanyaolu Babatunde Solomon.
According to her, the offences contravened sections 390 (9), 419 and 467 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17, Vol. 2 , Laws of Lagos State 2003 .
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution also opposed a bail application for the accused by his counsel, Olusegun Raji, on the grounds that Ogundipe was unreliable and could jump bail.
The presiding judge, Justice Olabisi Akinlade, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and fixed Oct. 28 for ruling on the bail application.
Ogundipe is facing a six-count charge, including fraud and forgery, for collecting money under the pretext of assisting Oni to procure some landed property in Lagos.
The prosecutor, Olabisi Ogungbesan, told the court that Ogundipe collected the money in five installments of N900,000, N2.5 million, N8.5 million, N2.7 million and 12,000 pound sterling between 2002 and 2005.
She also alleged that the accused forged a Nigerian passport number A2799555 purportedly belonging to one Sanyaolu Babatunde Solomon.
According to her, the offences contravened sections 390 (9), 419 and 467 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17, Vol. 2 , Laws of Lagos State 2003 .
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution also opposed a bail application for the accused by his counsel, Olusegun Raji, on the grounds that Ogundipe was unreliable and could jump bail.
The presiding judge, Justice Olabisi Akinlade, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and fixed Oct. 28 for ruling on the bail application.
LASG hails involvement of school children in safety campaigns
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said the involvement of school children in road safety campaigns had been fruitful.
Kayode Opeifa, Special Adviser on Transportation to the State Governor, made the remark while flagging off a 2010 Ember Month Safety Campaign.
The campaign, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, had the slogan Children Demand Safety on Our Roads.
It was flagged off at the Allen Avenue Junction, Ikeja.
Opeifa said children and the youth were veritable instruments for social change and that the government would continue to use them to effect some changes.
He expressed the hope that the campaign would enlighten Lagos residents more on road safety.
The special adviser said it was important for motorists and motorcyclists to respect the rights of pedestrians, especially children.
He said the campaign would be carried out in some other strategic locations in the state, including the Eko Hotel Roundabout, the National Stadium, Surulere, Mile 2 Junction and Mile 12, as well as on the Victoria Island.
A student of the Ikeja Senior High School, Miss Chimezie Jennifer, condemned the recklessness of some motorists and advised them to drive safely to preserve their lives and others’.
She blamed some road accidents on bad roads, but commended the efforts of the state government on road rehabilitation.
School children in Ikeja area staged a road show from the Government Secretariat, Alausa to Allen Avenue Junction, distributing handbills on road safety.
Some of the handbills read School Children Say No to Riding Okada, Our Safety on the road is in Our Hands and Obey All Traffic Rules.
Some other handbills read Avoid One Way, It Exposes Life to Danger, Obey Zebra Crossing’’ and ``Pedestrians Have Right on the Roads’’.
Kayode Opeifa, Special Adviser on Transportation to the State Governor, made the remark while flagging off a 2010 Ember Month Safety Campaign.
The campaign, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, had the slogan Children Demand Safety on Our Roads.
It was flagged off at the Allen Avenue Junction, Ikeja.
Opeifa said children and the youth were veritable instruments for social change and that the government would continue to use them to effect some changes.
He expressed the hope that the campaign would enlighten Lagos residents more on road safety.
The special adviser said it was important for motorists and motorcyclists to respect the rights of pedestrians, especially children.
He said the campaign would be carried out in some other strategic locations in the state, including the Eko Hotel Roundabout, the National Stadium, Surulere, Mile 2 Junction and Mile 12, as well as on the Victoria Island.
A student of the Ikeja Senior High School, Miss Chimezie Jennifer, condemned the recklessness of some motorists and advised them to drive safely to preserve their lives and others’.
She blamed some road accidents on bad roads, but commended the efforts of the state government on road rehabilitation.
School children in Ikeja area staged a road show from the Government Secretariat, Alausa to Allen Avenue Junction, distributing handbills on road safety.
Some of the handbills read School Children Say No to Riding Okada, Our Safety on the road is in Our Hands and Obey All Traffic Rules.
Some other handbills read Avoid One Way, It Exposes Life to Danger, Obey Zebra Crossing’’ and ``Pedestrians Have Right on the Roads’’.
24-year-old man in court for alleged rape
A 24-year-old man, Innocent Udofot, on Wednesday appeared before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly raping a 21-year-old undergraduate.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the accused, who pretended to be a student of the University of Lagos, made his victim to inhale chloroform which caused her to be unconscious.
Emuerhi said the alleged rape occurred on Oct. 2 behind the Faculty of Arts Block, University of Lagos.
He dragged the lady, subjected her to serious beatings and raped her.
The prosecutor said the accused was notorious and derived pleasure from hurting women.
Emuerhi said the alleged offence contravened Section 358 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court did not take the accused’s plea as Magistrate Salamah Matepo, said that she needed the advice of the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions.
The accused was consequently returned to police custody.
Matepo adjourned the case till Nov. 18 for the DPP’s advice.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the accused, who pretended to be a student of the University of Lagos, made his victim to inhale chloroform which caused her to be unconscious.
Emuerhi said the alleged rape occurred on Oct. 2 behind the Faculty of Arts Block, University of Lagos.
He dragged the lady, subjected her to serious beatings and raped her.
The prosecutor said the accused was notorious and derived pleasure from hurting women.
Emuerhi said the alleged offence contravened Section 358 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court did not take the accused’s plea as Magistrate Salamah Matepo, said that she needed the advice of the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions.
The accused was consequently returned to police custody.
Matepo adjourned the case till Nov. 18 for the DPP’s advice.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Suspected robbers kill `Okada’ rider, make away with his bike
Tragedy struck at Ikate - Surulere in Lagos when suspected armed robbers shot dead an unidentified middle-aged motorcyclist and made away with his bike.
An eyewitness said the incident occurred at the intersection of Anjorin and Cole Streets and threw people in the environment into confusion.
According to the eyewitness, the suspected armed robbers, also on a bike, double-crossed their victim pointing a gun at him.
The hoodlums ordered him to surrender the motorcycle but he resisted and then we heard gun shots which resulted in people fleeing in all directions.
The suspected hoodlums made away with the motorcycle and some amount of money from the victim, leaving the man in the pool of his own blood,’’ the source said.
The eyewitness, who craved anonymity, said that not long after the robbery, a police patrol team arrived and took away the corpse.
However, the police deputy spokesman, DSP Samuel Jinadu, when contacted to confirm the matter, said that he had not been briefed.
An eyewitness said the incident occurred at the intersection of Anjorin and Cole Streets and threw people in the environment into confusion.
According to the eyewitness, the suspected armed robbers, also on a bike, double-crossed their victim pointing a gun at him.
The hoodlums ordered him to surrender the motorcycle but he resisted and then we heard gun shots which resulted in people fleeing in all directions.
The suspected hoodlums made away with the motorcycle and some amount of money from the victim, leaving the man in the pool of his own blood,’’ the source said.
The eyewitness, who craved anonymity, said that not long after the robbery, a police patrol team arrived and took away the corpse.
However, the police deputy spokesman, DSP Samuel Jinadu, when contacted to confirm the matter, said that he had not been briefed.
Displaced Lagos residents sleep in shanties
Some Lagos residents who were directed by the state government to vacate a storey building over the fear of its collapsing are still sleeping in nearby shanties, a week after the order.
The government directed the 70 occupants of No. 1 Oniyanrin St., Mile 12, to relocate, following the collapse of another storey building in the same compound.
The government feared that the building of nearly 40 years old could also collapse.
The collapsed building, mainly used as shops, killed one person and injured another on Sept. 28.
A one-month-old baby affected by the displacement has developed pneumonia as a result of exposure to cold.
The baby’s father, Simeon David said the baby girl had been hospital since Tuesday because of the sickness.
David appealed to the Lagos State Government to come to the aid of the displaced citizens to reduce their suffering.
Some other displaced persons also urged the government to provide alternative residential accommodation and shops for them to save them from further hardship.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Francisco Abosede, ordered the residents to vacate the building within one day.
The government directed the 70 occupants of No. 1 Oniyanrin St., Mile 12, to relocate, following the collapse of another storey building in the same compound.
The government feared that the building of nearly 40 years old could also collapse.
The collapsed building, mainly used as shops, killed one person and injured another on Sept. 28.
A one-month-old baby affected by the displacement has developed pneumonia as a result of exposure to cold.
The baby’s father, Simeon David said the baby girl had been hospital since Tuesday because of the sickness.
David appealed to the Lagos State Government to come to the aid of the displaced citizens to reduce their suffering.
Some other displaced persons also urged the government to provide alternative residential accommodation and shops for them to save them from further hardship.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Francisco Abosede, ordered the residents to vacate the building within one day.
Court gives tenants, landlord 2 months to rehabilitate house
A Mushin Customary Court in Lagos has threatened to seal off a building in Idi-Araba over poor sanitary condition.
It gave the landlord and his tenants a two-month deadline to make amend or the law would take its course.
The building located at 14, John St., according to a Mushin Council official, is also dilapidated.
The council had on April 20 charged the tenants and the landlord to court for failing to carry out necessary repairs, after several warnings.
The council’s Sanitation Officer, Raji Razak told the court that the roof of the house had caved in while, other facilities had also disintegrated.
Abayomi Ipaye, who presided over the court, frowned at the refusal of the tenants and the landlord to comply with the council’s order.
He gave the defendants -- Lukmon Ajala, Lukmon Adebayo and Sherifat Ajala – two months to rehabilitate the house or risk having it sealed off.
This court will evoke Sections 7 and 8 of the Public Health Laws of Lagos State and seal off the house if nothing is done about it,’’ the court’s president said.
A spokesman for the tenants, David Oga, had earlier told the court that they could not raise enough money for the repair of the house.
It gave the landlord and his tenants a two-month deadline to make amend or the law would take its course.
The building located at 14, John St., according to a Mushin Council official, is also dilapidated.
The council had on April 20 charged the tenants and the landlord to court for failing to carry out necessary repairs, after several warnings.
The council’s Sanitation Officer, Raji Razak told the court that the roof of the house had caved in while, other facilities had also disintegrated.
Abayomi Ipaye, who presided over the court, frowned at the refusal of the tenants and the landlord to comply with the council’s order.
He gave the defendants -- Lukmon Ajala, Lukmon Adebayo and Sherifat Ajala – two months to rehabilitate the house or risk having it sealed off.
This court will evoke Sections 7 and 8 of the Public Health Laws of Lagos State and seal off the house if nothing is done about it,’’ the court’s president said.
A spokesman for the tenants, David Oga, had earlier told the court that they could not raise enough money for the repair of the house.
Police arraign man over theft of N5.2m bus
A 43-year-old man, Joel Uwafor has been charged before a Somolu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing a bus valued at N5.2 million.
The accused, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
But the prosecutor, Insp. Akinlabi Adegoke said the accused committed the offence on Sept. 20 at Anifowose St., Somolu, Lagos.
He told the court that Uwafor stole a Toyota Hiace bus with registration no. XW 845 AKD, property of UBI Logistics and Transport Ltd.
Adegoke alleged that the accused broke into the bus and drove it off from where it was parked in Somolu at midnight.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390 (6) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, B.O. Osunsanmi granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum adjourned the case till Oct. 25 for further hearing.
The accused, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
But the prosecutor, Insp. Akinlabi Adegoke said the accused committed the offence on Sept. 20 at Anifowose St., Somolu, Lagos.
He told the court that Uwafor stole a Toyota Hiace bus with registration no. XW 845 AKD, property of UBI Logistics and Transport Ltd.
Adegoke alleged that the accused broke into the bus and drove it off from where it was parked in Somolu at midnight.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390 (6) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, B.O. Osunsanmi granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum adjourned the case till Oct. 25 for further hearing.
Suit by Melaye, others: Court adjourns for adoption of briefs
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday fixed Oct. 12 for the hearing of a suit brought by seven suspended members of the House of Representatives.
The lawmakers, led by Dino Melaye, are challenging their suspension from the House.
The other defendants are Independence Ogunewe, Austin Nwachukwu, Solomon Ahwinahwi, Bitrus Kazesh, Abba Adamu and Doris Uboh.
The court, presided over by Justice Adamu Bello, adjourned the case for adoption of written addresses to enable all the counsel in the suit file the necessary documents.
The court, however, cautioned lawyers representing the leadership of the House that it would no longer entertain any unnecessary delays in the hearing of the suit.
Previously, Counsel to the third defendant Clerk of the House], Sebastine Hon had told the court that he had a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit.
He informed the court that the lead counsel to the House of Representatives, 1st defendant Yusuf Ali had written to the court that he would be absent.
He, however, sought the court's permission for an adjourment.
Ola Olanipekun counsel to Speaker Dimeji Bankole 2ND defendant also told the court that they had a motion for oral evidence to be called.
Femi Falana, who represented Melaye and Tunde Norde, counsel to Doris Uboh, objected to the application for an adjournment, describing it as a ploy by the defendants to delay the proceedings unnecessarily.
If this court grants an adjournment it would be a dangerous precedence because there would be no end to it,Falana said.
He argued that since the two chambers were represented in court the matter should continue considering the fact the plaintiffs had been out of the House since June 22, and ``bearing in mind that this matter is a tenure issue”.
He urged the court to take cognizance of the fact that judges had often been blamed for the delay in the administration of justice.
In his ruling, Justice Bello pointed out that he was not adjourning the matter because of the IBA conference but to enable all the parties in the suit file their written addresses.
He said all the applications should be filed as the court would not entertain any excuses at the next sitting.
The lawmakers had approached Justice Bello to stop Bankole from further preventing them from performing their legislative functions.
One of the suspended lawmakers, Olugbenga Onigbogi, withdrew from the suit, opting to settle his case with the Speaker out of court.
The lawmakers, led by Dino Melaye, are challenging their suspension from the House.
The other defendants are Independence Ogunewe, Austin Nwachukwu, Solomon Ahwinahwi, Bitrus Kazesh, Abba Adamu and Doris Uboh.
The court, presided over by Justice Adamu Bello, adjourned the case for adoption of written addresses to enable all the counsel in the suit file the necessary documents.
The court, however, cautioned lawyers representing the leadership of the House that it would no longer entertain any unnecessary delays in the hearing of the suit.
Previously, Counsel to the third defendant Clerk of the House], Sebastine Hon had told the court that he had a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit.
He informed the court that the lead counsel to the House of Representatives, 1st defendant Yusuf Ali had written to the court that he would be absent.
He, however, sought the court's permission for an adjourment.
Ola Olanipekun counsel to Speaker Dimeji Bankole 2ND defendant also told the court that they had a motion for oral evidence to be called.
Femi Falana, who represented Melaye and Tunde Norde, counsel to Doris Uboh, objected to the application for an adjournment, describing it as a ploy by the defendants to delay the proceedings unnecessarily.
If this court grants an adjournment it would be a dangerous precedence because there would be no end to it,Falana said.
He argued that since the two chambers were represented in court the matter should continue considering the fact the plaintiffs had been out of the House since June 22, and ``bearing in mind that this matter is a tenure issue”.
He urged the court to take cognizance of the fact that judges had often been blamed for the delay in the administration of justice.
In his ruling, Justice Bello pointed out that he was not adjourning the matter because of the IBA conference but to enable all the parties in the suit file their written addresses.
He said all the applications should be filed as the court would not entertain any excuses at the next sitting.
The lawmakers had approached Justice Bello to stop Bankole from further preventing them from performing their legislative functions.
One of the suspended lawmakers, Olugbenga Onigbogi, withdrew from the suit, opting to settle his case with the Speaker out of court.
Appeal court adjourns Osun governorship petition indefinitely
The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has adjourned hearing in the appeal filed by Rauf Aregbesola, ACN governorship candidate in 2007 against Gov Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun, indefinitely.
The judges, comprising Justices S.S. Adeagua, K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun and Modupe Fasanmi, on Monday, said the date of hearing would be communicated to the parties in due course.
The judges said they might not be the team that would adjudicate the matter but promised that the briefs submitted by INEC would be looked into.
The judges said the 1,360 briefs, already submitted by parties were properly filed.
Based on the application of the plaintiff seeking the withdrawal of its brief, the court ordered that hearing on the main appeal would resume on a yet to be fixed date.
The judges, comprising Justices S.S. Adeagua, K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun and Modupe Fasanmi, on Monday, said the date of hearing would be communicated to the parties in due course.
The judges said they might not be the team that would adjudicate the matter but promised that the briefs submitted by INEC would be looked into.
The judges said the 1,360 briefs, already submitted by parties were properly filed.
Based on the application of the plaintiff seeking the withdrawal of its brief, the court ordered that hearing on the main appeal would resume on a yet to be fixed date.
3 charged with running illegal pools betting, coop society
Three men, who allegedly set up an unregistered pools office, were on Monday charged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.
The accused, according to the police, also operated an illegal co-operative society, which they have allegedly used for defrauding six people of N176, 000.
The accused -- Olawale Bello, 38; Oladeinde Musiliudeen, 40; and Atama Godwin, 40 -- are facing a 14-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful setting up of a pool betting house, obtaining money under false pretext and stealing.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
ASP Innocent Effiong told the court that the men received deposits from the public with a promise to give them double the amount they had at maturation.
Effiong alleged that the accused got N41,500 from Mr Rasaki Jubi; N52, 000 from Mrs Bunmi Oriade; N46, 000 from Mr Rasheed Abewurere; N11, 000 from Akamo Tajudeen; N14,000 from Mr Abideen Abass; and N11,500 from Alimat Azeez.
He said the incident, which occurred sometime in Nov. 2009 at Olorunsogo, Mushin, contravened Sections 239, 390 (9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The prosecutor said the accused, on conviction, might be sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
The Chief Magistrate, Oyindamola Ogala, adjourned the case till Oct. 20 for further hearing.
The accused, according to the police, also operated an illegal co-operative society, which they have allegedly used for defrauding six people of N176, 000.
The accused -- Olawale Bello, 38; Oladeinde Musiliudeen, 40; and Atama Godwin, 40 -- are facing a 14-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful setting up of a pool betting house, obtaining money under false pretext and stealing.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
ASP Innocent Effiong told the court that the men received deposits from the public with a promise to give them double the amount they had at maturation.
Effiong alleged that the accused got N41,500 from Mr Rasaki Jubi; N52, 000 from Mrs Bunmi Oriade; N46, 000 from Mr Rasheed Abewurere; N11, 000 from Akamo Tajudeen; N14,000 from Mr Abideen Abass; and N11,500 from Alimat Azeez.
He said the incident, which occurred sometime in Nov. 2009 at Olorunsogo, Mushin, contravened Sections 239, 390 (9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The prosecutor said the accused, on conviction, might be sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
The Chief Magistrate, Oyindamola Ogala, adjourned the case till Oct. 20 for further hearing.
Abuja bomb blasts: SSS arrests 9
The State Security Service has arrested nine persons in connection with the bomb blasts which occured near the Eagle Square, venue of Nigeria's 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on Oct. 1.
The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Merlyn Ogar, said all the suspects had direct links with Henry Okah, the Leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta and some prominent elements in the society.
Ogar, however, said due to the ongoing investigations on the explosions, the names of the suspects and their sponsors would not be disclosed.
She said the bombers had planned to carry out their act on Sept. 29 but had to put off the act when information on the attack reached security agencies on Sept. 28.
Ogar said the objective of the bombers was to scare foreign visitors from attending the Oct. 1, 50thIndependence Anniversary.
The overriding objective of the group was to scare foreign visitors from attending the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on Oct. 1, 2010, Ogar said.
She said the bombers had initially planned to bomb the Three Arms Zone with six vehicles prepared for the purpose.
However, Ogar said the SSS in collaboration with the military towed away nine vehicles meant for the operation.
She said during the operation, two vehicles abandoned near the SSS Headquarters were removed, two from the Villa Gate by the National Assembly, one from the Eagle Square and two from the Apo Legislative Quarters.
The SSS Spokeswoman said when the FRSC and VIO were co-opted into the operation to tow away abandoned vehicles, 65 of such vehicles were removed from their abandoned positions in the morning of the anniversary.
Ogar said when the plan `A` of the group was foiled, they ``resorted to the penetration of the Eagle Square in an attempt to plant explosive devices.``
She said the SSS having got wind of the plan to plant devices deployed hi-tech equipment in and around the Eagle Square and effectively condoned off the area.
However, the rain showers of that morning provided the leeway for the double parking by motorists. In the process, the perpetrators apparently gained access to
park on the roadside as well, she said.
Ogar urged the public to avail security agencies with useful information that could lead to further arrests of people in connection with the bomb blasts.
The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Merlyn Ogar, said all the suspects had direct links with Henry Okah, the Leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta and some prominent elements in the society.
Ogar, however, said due to the ongoing investigations on the explosions, the names of the suspects and their sponsors would not be disclosed.
She said the bombers had planned to carry out their act on Sept. 29 but had to put off the act when information on the attack reached security agencies on Sept. 28.
Ogar said the objective of the bombers was to scare foreign visitors from attending the Oct. 1, 50thIndependence Anniversary.
The overriding objective of the group was to scare foreign visitors from attending the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on Oct. 1, 2010, Ogar said.
She said the bombers had initially planned to bomb the Three Arms Zone with six vehicles prepared for the purpose.
However, Ogar said the SSS in collaboration with the military towed away nine vehicles meant for the operation.
She said during the operation, two vehicles abandoned near the SSS Headquarters were removed, two from the Villa Gate by the National Assembly, one from the Eagle Square and two from the Apo Legislative Quarters.
The SSS Spokeswoman said when the FRSC and VIO were co-opted into the operation to tow away abandoned vehicles, 65 of such vehicles were removed from their abandoned positions in the morning of the anniversary.
Ogar said when the plan `A` of the group was foiled, they ``resorted to the penetration of the Eagle Square in an attempt to plant explosive devices.``
She said the SSS having got wind of the plan to plant devices deployed hi-tech equipment in and around the Eagle Square and effectively condoned off the area.
However, the rain showers of that morning provided the leeway for the double parking by motorists. In the process, the perpetrators apparently gained access to
park on the roadside as well, she said.
Ogar urged the public to avail security agencies with useful information that could lead to further arrests of people in connection with the bomb blasts.
Lagos: Suspected cable vandal electrocuted
An unidentified middle-aged man was on Monday electrocuted while attempting to vandalise a PHCN cable at Ijora Causeway area of Lagos.
Our correspondent who visited the scene, reports that the burnt body of the victim was found near an electricity pole with some tools allegedly used in cutting the cables.
Some parts of the victim’s body were burnt, indicating that the cable he attempted to vandalise was linked to a high tension wire at the time of the incident.
Francis Ibe, PHCN Business Manager in Ijora, told NAN that the vandalism of PHCN facilities in the area had become a source of concern to the management.
He said over 100 meters of 25Omm cables, which served various communities around the Ijora area, have been carted away by the vandals, thus denying many communities of access to electricity from the national grid.
Ibe said it would cost PHCN over N30 million to replace the vandalized cables and feeders pillars in the area.
Ibe noted that in 2009, about 20 transformers, 10 feeders and injectors were vandalised and called for urgent intervention by government to rescue Ijora district from total black out.
He called on communities, companies and individuals to keep watch over government properties in their areas to avoid vandalism by miscreants.
Our correspondent who visited the scene, reports that the burnt body of the victim was found near an electricity pole with some tools allegedly used in cutting the cables.
Some parts of the victim’s body were burnt, indicating that the cable he attempted to vandalise was linked to a high tension wire at the time of the incident.
Francis Ibe, PHCN Business Manager in Ijora, told NAN that the vandalism of PHCN facilities in the area had become a source of concern to the management.
He said over 100 meters of 25Omm cables, which served various communities around the Ijora area, have been carted away by the vandals, thus denying many communities of access to electricity from the national grid.
Ibe said it would cost PHCN over N30 million to replace the vandalized cables and feeders pillars in the area.
Ibe noted that in 2009, about 20 transformers, 10 feeders and injectors were vandalised and called for urgent intervention by government to rescue Ijora district from total black out.
He called on communities, companies and individuals to keep watch over government properties in their areas to avoid vandalism by miscreants.
Police in Lagos nab three-man kidnap syndicate
The police in Lagos have arrested three men suspected of involvement in the alleged kidnap of a 10-year-old JSS 1 student.
Two of the suspects were arrested in Ondo State and the remaining one was nabbed in Lagos.
Briefing newsmen on Monday, the Lagos police spokesman, Frank Mba, said the men kidnapped the lad on Aug. 28, at his parents’ residence in Idi-Araba, Lagos.
Mba said the boy was lured by a member of the syndicate on the pretext that his mother instructed that he should be taken to a tailor for a new dress.
He said the boy followed the kidnapper who subsequently drugged and took him to Omotosho village in Ondo State, where two members of the gang were waiting.
The police spokesman said after carrying out the nefarious act, the suspects contacted the boy’s mother and demanded an unspecified ransom.
According to him, the mother of the boy observed from the voices of the alleged kidnappers—on the telephone— that one of them, a carpenter, had worked for her before.
Mba said the suspect arrested in Lagos claimed to be a painter working with the carpenter.
The suspects confessed that the carpenter initiated the deal to kidnap the only son of the family in order to extort money from his parents, he added.
The police spokesman disclosed that the arrest of the suspects and rescue of the boy on Aug. 30, was facilitated by vigilant villagers in Omotosho in Ondo State.
Mba said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.
Two of the suspects were arrested in Ondo State and the remaining one was nabbed in Lagos.
Briefing newsmen on Monday, the Lagos police spokesman, Frank Mba, said the men kidnapped the lad on Aug. 28, at his parents’ residence in Idi-Araba, Lagos.
Mba said the boy was lured by a member of the syndicate on the pretext that his mother instructed that he should be taken to a tailor for a new dress.
He said the boy followed the kidnapper who subsequently drugged and took him to Omotosho village in Ondo State, where two members of the gang were waiting.
The police spokesman said after carrying out the nefarious act, the suspects contacted the boy’s mother and demanded an unspecified ransom.
According to him, the mother of the boy observed from the voices of the alleged kidnappers—on the telephone— that one of them, a carpenter, had worked for her before.
Mba said the suspect arrested in Lagos claimed to be a painter working with the carpenter.
The suspects confessed that the carpenter initiated the deal to kidnap the only son of the family in order to extort money from his parents, he added.
The police spokesman disclosed that the arrest of the suspects and rescue of the boy on Aug. 30, was facilitated by vigilant villagers in Omotosho in Ondo State.
Mba said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.
Court adjourns Springbank MD's case to Oct. 13
A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Monday fixed Oct. 13 for hearing in the fundamental human rights case filed by the former Managing Director of Springbank Plc, Charles Ojo, against the EFCC.
Ojo had on Sept. 12 filed the case, joining the State Security Service to contest the seizure of his international passport, which he said was a violation of his rights.
Ojo and former Managing Director, Bank PHB, Francis Atuche are facing trial for allegedly granting credit facilities to the tune of N80 billion without collaterals.
He wants the court to order the SSS to release his passport since he had been arraigned.
The EFCC claimed that about N12 billion was granted to Asset Management Ltd and Platinum Capital Ltd, companies that Atuche and Ojo allegedly had interests in as directors.
The companies were listed as Petosan Oil and Gas Ltd, Future View Financial Service Ltd, Extra Oil Ltd, Tradjek Nig. Ltd, Springboard Trust Investment Nig. Ltd, Sonadec Securities Ltd., and Falcon Securities Ltd.
The accused persons had earlier pleaded not guilty to the 45- count offence, which was committed between 2007 and 2009.
But at the resumed hearing of the on Monday, Counsel to Ojo, Anthony Idemudia told the court that copies of his application had been served on the respondents. This was, however, denied by the EFCC.
Counsel to the EFCC, Yemi Okewole, said We got in touch with the SSS and they said no hearing notice was issued on them.
Justice Cecelia Olatoregun- Ishola ordered that the hearing notice should be served on the SSS before the next date of adjournment-- Oct. 13.
Ojo had on Sept. 12 filed the case, joining the State Security Service to contest the seizure of his international passport, which he said was a violation of his rights.
Ojo and former Managing Director, Bank PHB, Francis Atuche are facing trial for allegedly granting credit facilities to the tune of N80 billion without collaterals.
He wants the court to order the SSS to release his passport since he had been arraigned.
The EFCC claimed that about N12 billion was granted to Asset Management Ltd and Platinum Capital Ltd, companies that Atuche and Ojo allegedly had interests in as directors.
The companies were listed as Petosan Oil and Gas Ltd, Future View Financial Service Ltd, Extra Oil Ltd, Tradjek Nig. Ltd, Springboard Trust Investment Nig. Ltd, Sonadec Securities Ltd., and Falcon Securities Ltd.
The accused persons had earlier pleaded not guilty to the 45- count offence, which was committed between 2007 and 2009.
But at the resumed hearing of the on Monday, Counsel to Ojo, Anthony Idemudia told the court that copies of his application had been served on the respondents. This was, however, denied by the EFCC.
Counsel to the EFCC, Yemi Okewole, said We got in touch with the SSS and they said no hearing notice was issued on them.
Justice Cecelia Olatoregun- Ishola ordered that the hearing notice should be served on the SSS before the next date of adjournment-- Oct. 13.
Seme Customs nets N443m revenue in August
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Border Command generated N443 million as revenue in August.
The Area Comptroller of the command, Alhaji Maitama Kura said the amount came from duties, Value Added Tax , fines and levies.
Kura said the seizures for the month were 22 with a Duty Paid Value of N54.7 million.
The seizures include textiles, vehicles, poultry, rice, vegetable oil, wine, fruit juice and soaps, he said.
The command's revenue for August was below that of July which was N487.1 and 49 seizures with a DPV of N48.4 million.
The command spokesman, Ernest Olotah, also said the reduction in revenue for August was due to a drop in the importation of goods.
The issue of revenue is a fluctuating one, it is not static. The more the importation, the more the possibility of generating higher revenue, he said.
The command had between January and August generated N4 billion.
The Area Comptroller of the command, Alhaji Maitama Kura said the amount came from duties, Value Added Tax , fines and levies.
Kura said the seizures for the month were 22 with a Duty Paid Value of N54.7 million.
The seizures include textiles, vehicles, poultry, rice, vegetable oil, wine, fruit juice and soaps, he said.
The command's revenue for August was below that of July which was N487.1 and 49 seizures with a DPV of N48.4 million.
The command spokesman, Ernest Olotah, also said the reduction in revenue for August was due to a drop in the importation of goods.
The issue of revenue is a fluctuating one, it is not static. The more the importation, the more the possibility of generating higher revenue, he said.
The command had between January and August generated N4 billion.
Police thwart robbery attack on Capitol residents
The police in Lagos say they arrested a suspected member of an armed robbery gang which attempted to rob some residents of Capitol Road, Agege on Monday morning.
The deputy spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Samuel Jinadu, said the timely intervention of an anti-robbery patrol team prevented the attack.
Jinadu said the gang attempted to rob the residents at about 3 a.m. and that the patrol team arrested a 32-year-old suspected member of the gang while the others escaped.
The deputy spokesman said the police recovered a cutlass and a short gun from the suspect.
He said the case had been transferred to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for more investigations.
Jinadu also confirmed that three persons, including a woman, lost their lives on Sunday morning on the Iba-Igando Road, Lagos when a car ran over them.
Jinadu said the deceased -- Sunday Oshalmele, Uju Richard and Bright Richard – were walking on the road when the incident occurred.
He said their corpses had been deposited at a public mortuary.
The deputy spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Samuel Jinadu, said the timely intervention of an anti-robbery patrol team prevented the attack.
Jinadu said the gang attempted to rob the residents at about 3 a.m. and that the patrol team arrested a 32-year-old suspected member of the gang while the others escaped.
The deputy spokesman said the police recovered a cutlass and a short gun from the suspect.
He said the case had been transferred to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for more investigations.
Jinadu also confirmed that three persons, including a woman, lost their lives on Sunday morning on the Iba-Igando Road, Lagos when a car ran over them.
Jinadu said the deceased -- Sunday Oshalmele, Uju Richard and Bright Richard – were walking on the road when the incident occurred.
He said their corpses had been deposited at a public mortuary.
Friday, October 8, 2010
More reactions trail FG's plan to overhaul security system.
More reactions on Thursday trailed President Goodluck Jonathan’s pronouncement that the Federal Government would overhaul Nigeria’s security system, following the Oct. 1 bomb blast in Abuja.
Jonathan had last Saturday said the government would revamp the security system to address insecurity.
Deputy National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy, Musa Umar said in Lagos that the plan was good.
He, however, said some other systems also required overhauling.
There is the need to overhaul the security system in Nigeria just like every other organ of the government requires overhauling.
The police especially are lacking in training, manpower and equipment,’’ he said, adding that Nigerians no longer had confidence in the police.
Also speaking, National Publicity Secretary, Congress for Progressive Change, Dennis Aghanya said the country’s security system was taken for granted for to long.
Secretary of the Lagos Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance also hailed Federal Government’s plan to overhaul the security system.
Jonathan had last Saturday said the government would revamp the security system to address insecurity.
Deputy National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy, Musa Umar said in Lagos that the plan was good.
He, however, said some other systems also required overhauling.
There is the need to overhaul the security system in Nigeria just like every other organ of the government requires overhauling.
The police especially are lacking in training, manpower and equipment,’’ he said, adding that Nigerians no longer had confidence in the police.
Also speaking, National Publicity Secretary, Congress for Progressive Change, Dennis Aghanya said the country’s security system was taken for granted for to long.
Secretary of the Lagos Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance also hailed Federal Government’s plan to overhaul the security system.
Estate agent charged with N800, 000 fraud
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on Friday granted bail in the sum of N500,000 to an estate agent, Lukeman Hassan, charged with allegedly defrauding more than 30 accommodation seekers.
Magistrate E. O. Ogunkanmi granted Hassan bail after he pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of fraud, stealing and misinformation.
The magistrate ordered him to provide two sureties also as a condition for the bail.
The prosecutor, Insp. Fola Takumbe had submitted that Hassan collected up to N800,000 from his victims under the pretence of securing accommodation for them.
Takumbe said the defendant failed to get accommodation for any of his victims and refused to return their money.
The prosecutor said the alleged fraud was committed in September, 2004 at No. 34 Afariogun St., Oshodi.
He said when some of the victims reported the alleged fraud to the police, Hassan gave the police false information in order to mislead them.
Takumbe said the alleged offences were punishable under sections 419, 390 (8b) and 125 (a) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
Further hearing in the case will come up on Oct. 25.
Magistrate E. O. Ogunkanmi granted Hassan bail after he pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of fraud, stealing and misinformation.
The magistrate ordered him to provide two sureties also as a condition for the bail.
The prosecutor, Insp. Fola Takumbe had submitted that Hassan collected up to N800,000 from his victims under the pretence of securing accommodation for them.
Takumbe said the defendant failed to get accommodation for any of his victims and refused to return their money.
The prosecutor said the alleged fraud was committed in September, 2004 at No. 34 Afariogun St., Oshodi.
He said when some of the victims reported the alleged fraud to the police, Hassan gave the police false information in order to mislead them.
Takumbe said the alleged offences were punishable under sections 419, 390 (8b) and 125 (a) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
Further hearing in the case will come up on Oct. 25.
Man arraigned for assaulting woman indecently
A middle-aged man, Emeka Nwachukwu, was on Thursday charged before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos with alleged indecent assault.
Nwachukwu, is facing a two-count charge of assault and indecent assault.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kalu Umeh, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Sept. 28 at No. 21, Aduke St., Ajegunle in Lagos.
Umeh said Nwachukwu on the fateful day at about 10 p.m. assaulted his victim, forcefully stripping her naked and fondling her.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 335 and 360 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Chief Magistrate, A.K. Shonubi, admitted Nwachukwu to bail in the sum of N20, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 18.
Nwachukwu, is facing a two-count charge of assault and indecent assault.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kalu Umeh, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Sept. 28 at No. 21, Aduke St., Ajegunle in Lagos.
Umeh said Nwachukwu on the fateful day at about 10 p.m. assaulted his victim, forcefully stripping her naked and fondling her.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 335 and 360 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Chief Magistrate, A.K. Shonubi, admitted Nwachukwu to bail in the sum of N20, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 18.
Sales woman steals N1.8 million
A sales woman, Nkiruka Okeke, was arraigned for allegedly stealing N1.8 million belonging to her employer.
The accused was charged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the accused stole $11,000 (N1.7m) and N100,000 cash from one Mr Ezike Obiorah.
Eshiet said the offence was committed on Sept. 19, at No. 159, Nnamdi Azikiwe St., Idumota in Lagos.
He said the offence contravened Sections 516 and 390 (6) (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate, Oyindamola Ogala, adjourned the case till Oct.. 25, for further hearing.
The accused was charged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the accused stole $11,000 (N1.7m) and N100,000 cash from one Mr Ezike Obiorah.
Eshiet said the offence was committed on Sept. 19, at No. 159, Nnamdi Azikiwe St., Idumota in Lagos.
He said the offence contravened Sections 516 and 390 (6) (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Chief Magistrate, Oyindamola Ogala, adjourned the case till Oct.. 25, for further hearing.
Man charged for alleged murder of police Sgt.
An Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, on Friday remanded Akeem Lawal, 25, in the Ikoyi Prisons for alleged murder of a police sergeant.
Lawal, whose plea was not taken, is standing trial before a Senior Magistrate, Mrs M. O. Olajunwo, on a two-count charge of conspiracy to murder and murder.
Olajuwon directed that the accused be detained in prison pending the advice from the office of the State Director of Public Prosecution.
The prosecutor, Sgt Ayorinde Ezekiel told the court that Lawal and others still at large, on July 27 at Akowonjo in Alimosho LGA attacked some policemen on duty with stones and machetes.
Ezekiel said the mob attack consequently led to the death of Sgt. Pius Anoh.
According to him, residents of the area later identified the accused as being part of the mob that attacked the police patrol.
The prosecutor said police investigation revealed that the accused-- of no fixed address and livelihood-- participated in the attack.
He said the offence contravened Sections 324 and 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate adjourned the case till Nov. 11 for further hearing.
Lawal, whose plea was not taken, is standing trial before a Senior Magistrate, Mrs M. O. Olajunwo, on a two-count charge of conspiracy to murder and murder.
Olajuwon directed that the accused be detained in prison pending the advice from the office of the State Director of Public Prosecution.
The prosecutor, Sgt Ayorinde Ezekiel told the court that Lawal and others still at large, on July 27 at Akowonjo in Alimosho LGA attacked some policemen on duty with stones and machetes.
Ezekiel said the mob attack consequently led to the death of Sgt. Pius Anoh.
According to him, residents of the area later identified the accused as being part of the mob that attacked the police patrol.
The prosecutor said police investigation revealed that the accused-- of no fixed address and livelihood-- participated in the attack.
He said the offence contravened Sections 324 and 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate adjourned the case till Nov. 11 for further hearing.
Cecelia Ibru bags 18 months imprisonment, forfeits assets worth N191b.
The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday sentenced the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic International Bank Plc, Cecelia Ibru, to 18 months’ imprisonment.
Ibru, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is to forfeit assets worth N191 billion.
The Chief Judge of the court, Justice Dan Abutu, sentenced Ibru after she pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of recklessly granting credit facilities.
Ibru, who was arraigned for the third time on Friday, admitted granting an illegal credit facility of USD 20 million to WAVES Project Nig. Ltd. and two billion naira unlawful credit to Petosan Farms.
Abutu also convicted Ibru of failure to ensure that the 2009 balance sheet of the bank was a true view of the state of affairs of the bank.
The judge sentenced the former bank chief to six months on each count but directed that the sentence should run concurrently.
The judge also directed that Ibru should within two hours after the judgment be taken back to a hospital treating her heart ailment.
She should be released to the prisons after her doctor certifies her fit to continue her jail sentence, Abutu said.
Assets forfeited include 94 landed property scattered in Nigeria, Dubai and the U.S. as well as shares in about 100 firms both listed and unlisted in the Nigeria Stock Exchange.
She is to lose to the assets to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.
Ibru agreed with the prosecution on this before her re-arraignment on Friday.
Ibru was arraigned first in August, 2009. She was re-arraigned in January this year on a 25-count charge.
Ibru, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is to forfeit assets worth N191 billion.
The Chief Judge of the court, Justice Dan Abutu, sentenced Ibru after she pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of recklessly granting credit facilities.
Ibru, who was arraigned for the third time on Friday, admitted granting an illegal credit facility of USD 20 million to WAVES Project Nig. Ltd. and two billion naira unlawful credit to Petosan Farms.
Abutu also convicted Ibru of failure to ensure that the 2009 balance sheet of the bank was a true view of the state of affairs of the bank.
The judge sentenced the former bank chief to six months on each count but directed that the sentence should run concurrently.
The judge also directed that Ibru should within two hours after the judgment be taken back to a hospital treating her heart ailment.
She should be released to the prisons after her doctor certifies her fit to continue her jail sentence, Abutu said.
Assets forfeited include 94 landed property scattered in Nigeria, Dubai and the U.S. as well as shares in about 100 firms both listed and unlisted in the Nigeria Stock Exchange.
She is to lose to the assets to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.
Ibru agreed with the prosecution on this before her re-arraignment on Friday.
Ibru was arraigned first in August, 2009. She was re-arraigned in January this year on a 25-count charge.
Court remands 2 friends over armed robbery.
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on Friday remanded two friends who allegedly snatched a Honda Accord saloon car at gunpoint.
Magistrate A. O. Adegite remanded in prison custody, Jude Nnanna (38) and Virginus Ezekiri (27) charged with conspiracy and armed robbery.
The court did not take the plea of the accused as Adegite said that she needed the advice of the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the matter.
The prosecutor, ASP W.G. Wagbara, told the court that the duo snatched the vehicle from one Mr Eugene Iyamah as he was returning home on Aug. 17.
Wagbara said Nnanna and Ezekiri conspired with others still at large, and took the car from Iyama on the Airport Road, Ikeja.
The prosecutor said the vehicle was worth two million naira.
Wagbara noted that the alleged offences were punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State and section 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.
Further hearing in the case has been adjourned till Nov. 16.
Magistrate A. O. Adegite remanded in prison custody, Jude Nnanna (38) and Virginus Ezekiri (27) charged with conspiracy and armed robbery.
The court did not take the plea of the accused as Adegite said that she needed the advice of the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the matter.
The prosecutor, ASP W.G. Wagbara, told the court that the duo snatched the vehicle from one Mr Eugene Iyamah as he was returning home on Aug. 17.
Wagbara said Nnanna and Ezekiri conspired with others still at large, and took the car from Iyama on the Airport Road, Ikeja.
The prosecutor said the vehicle was worth two million naira.
Wagbara noted that the alleged offences were punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State and section 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.
Further hearing in the case has been adjourned till Nov. 16.
Robbers kill customs officer in Badagry.
Suspected armed robbers have shot dead an official of the Nigeria Customs Service at Seme Border Command, Lagos State.
The officer, whose name was given as Ishak Wakili, a Senior Inspector, reportedly fell to the bullets of robbers in his house at Ibereko, Badagry on Tuesday night.
Competent police sources said a nine-member armed gang invaded the house he was living in and held the occupants hostage.
The robbers tied the hands of the occupants, dispossessed them of their money and handsets, but the deceased allegedly refused to open his door to the `unwanted visitors.
When they eventually forced the door open, they shot the customs officer, leaving him in the pool of his blood, the source said.
Contacted, the Divisional Police Officer in Badagry, CSP Salihu Samuel confirmed the incident, adding, however, that no arrest had been made.
No arrest has been made in connection with the robbery which unfortunately claimed the life of a customs officer.
He said his men had begun a 24-hour patrol to rid the area of violent crimes.
Reports that the remains of the late Wakili had been taken to his town in Gombe State and buried according to Islamic rites.
The officer, whose name was given as Ishak Wakili, a Senior Inspector, reportedly fell to the bullets of robbers in his house at Ibereko, Badagry on Tuesday night.
Competent police sources said a nine-member armed gang invaded the house he was living in and held the occupants hostage.
The robbers tied the hands of the occupants, dispossessed them of their money and handsets, but the deceased allegedly refused to open his door to the `unwanted visitors.
When they eventually forced the door open, they shot the customs officer, leaving him in the pool of his blood, the source said.
Contacted, the Divisional Police Officer in Badagry, CSP Salihu Samuel confirmed the incident, adding, however, that no arrest had been made.
No arrest has been made in connection with the robbery which unfortunately claimed the life of a customs officer.
He said his men had begun a 24-hour patrol to rid the area of violent crimes.
Reports that the remains of the late Wakili had been taken to his town in Gombe State and buried according to Islamic rites.
Planning Commission, FRSC meet toward making Nigeria roads safest by 2020.
The National Planning Commission and the FRSC, on Friday in Abuja, held a meeting on how to make Nigeria roads part of the 20 safest roads in the world by year 2020.
Shamsuddeen Usman, said this while receiving the FRSC Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka and his management team in his office.
Usman said the activities of the FRSC were in line with the Vision 20:2020, geared toward making Nigeria as one of the 20 top economies by year 2020.
He said the commission had set up monitoring and evaluation committee to ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies implemented the vision’s programmes.
He commended the FRSC for embarking on ambulance rescue service and reform of the drivers’ licence, saying that it would go a long way in reducing road accidents.
According to him, the FRSC needs to get organisations, which will sponsor its public enlightenment programmes in the electronic media to properly correct the road users.
He said Chidoka would be invited on Oct. 26, to make a presentation at the National Economic Council meeting with a view to creating synergy between the FRSC and state governments.
Speaking earlier, Chidoka said the FRSC wanted state governments to establish traffic agencies that would complement the efforts of the existing ones in the country.
He said the request was premised on the high cost of maintaining the FRSC, adding that the state governments should fund motor vehicle administration to create employments.
According to him, the commission should provide opportunity for the FRSC to enable it to access more funds to train staff on capacity development.
Shamsuddeen Usman, said this while receiving the FRSC Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka and his management team in his office.
Usman said the activities of the FRSC were in line with the Vision 20:2020, geared toward making Nigeria as one of the 20 top economies by year 2020.
He said the commission had set up monitoring and evaluation committee to ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies implemented the vision’s programmes.
He commended the FRSC for embarking on ambulance rescue service and reform of the drivers’ licence, saying that it would go a long way in reducing road accidents.
According to him, the FRSC needs to get organisations, which will sponsor its public enlightenment programmes in the electronic media to properly correct the road users.
He said Chidoka would be invited on Oct. 26, to make a presentation at the National Economic Council meeting with a view to creating synergy between the FRSC and state governments.
Speaking earlier, Chidoka said the FRSC wanted state governments to establish traffic agencies that would complement the efforts of the existing ones in the country.
He said the request was premised on the high cost of maintaining the FRSC, adding that the state governments should fund motor vehicle administration to create employments.
According to him, the commission should provide opportunity for the FRSC to enable it to access more funds to train staff on capacity development.
Man in court over tax clearance certificate forgery.
The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned a 40-year-old man who allegedly forged the Federal Inland Revenue Service tax clearance certificate.
The accused, Moshood Adebiyi was charged before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court, but he pleaded not guilty.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Sunday, the accused conspired with others still at large to forge the certificate between 2004 and 2009 at No. 2, Adebola St,. Surulere.
Sunday said the receipt was for N117, 480.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened sections 516, 467 (3) and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
Chief Magistrate Abiola Soladoye granted Adebiyi bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Oct. 14 for further hearing.
The accused, Moshood Adebiyi was charged before a Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court, but he pleaded not guilty.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Sunday, the accused conspired with others still at large to forge the certificate between 2004 and 2009 at No. 2, Adebola St,. Surulere.
Sunday said the receipt was for N117, 480.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened sections 516, 467 (3) and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
Chief Magistrate Abiola Soladoye granted Adebiyi bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Oct. 14 for further hearing.
Court refuses bail to suspected cocaine traffickers
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday refused bail to five persons, including two foreigners, accused of importing about 450.4kg of cocaine worth N4.2 billion into Nigeria.
The accused -- Wang Richard (a Chinese), Fong Chiu Sen ( Taiwanese) and three Nigerians, Inua Mohammed, Ezeala Kingsley and Godswill Asomugha -- applied for bail on July 30.
Their counsel, Benson Ndakara, had argued that the alleged offence was not a capital offence.
Ndakara submitted that Section 112 (2) of the Criminal Act provided that persons charged with non-capital offences could be granted bail.
He added that the section did not discriminate against foreigners charged with criminal offences under Nigerian law.
The prosecution counsel, Femi Oloruntoba, however, urged the court to refuse the application, saying that the accused persons might jump bail.
In his ruling, Justice Okon Abang held It is entirely at the discretion of the court to grant or refuse a bail application, I, therefore, refuse the bail application on the grounds that the substantive trial had been given accelerated hearing, and considering the nature of the offence, the trial will be concluded in the next 30 days.
He noted that the trial had attracted international attention.
He, however, urged the accused not to nurse any fear, saying that the court would depend solely on admissible evidence and not sentiments.
Abang consequently adjourned the case till Oct. 18 for continuation of trial.
The accused -- Wang Richard (a Chinese), Fong Chiu Sen ( Taiwanese) and three Nigerians, Inua Mohammed, Ezeala Kingsley and Godswill Asomugha -- applied for bail on July 30.
Their counsel, Benson Ndakara, had argued that the alleged offence was not a capital offence.
Ndakara submitted that Section 112 (2) of the Criminal Act provided that persons charged with non-capital offences could be granted bail.
He added that the section did not discriminate against foreigners charged with criminal offences under Nigerian law.
The prosecution counsel, Femi Oloruntoba, however, urged the court to refuse the application, saying that the accused persons might jump bail.
In his ruling, Justice Okon Abang held It is entirely at the discretion of the court to grant or refuse a bail application, I, therefore, refuse the bail application on the grounds that the substantive trial had been given accelerated hearing, and considering the nature of the offence, the trial will be concluded in the next 30 days.
He noted that the trial had attracted international attention.
He, however, urged the accused not to nurse any fear, saying that the court would depend solely on admissible evidence and not sentiments.
Abang consequently adjourned the case till Oct. 18 for continuation of trial.
National Assembly says no court can stop it from carrying out its legislative duties.
In spite of a federal high court order restraining the National Assembly from amending the 1999 Constitution, the Senate has said it could not be stopped from performing its functions.
Justice Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had on Wednesday barred the lawmakers from amending the constitution.
The amendment became necessary to allow INEC more time to prepare for the 2011 elections.
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association Olisa Agbakoba instituted the case before the court, asking it to restrain the respondents from further amending, reviewing or altering the provisions of the constitution in any manner, pending the determination of the suit.
It is hereby ordered that parties should maintain the status quo. No party must take further steps in respect of the subject matter,” the judge ordered.
Agbakoba is challenging the propriety of the lawmakers’ claim that the assent of President Goodluck Jonathan is not required on the amended constitution before it can become a law.
The lawyer, in the originating summons filed by his counsel, Chijioke Emeka, is also asking the court to hold that the “Constitution (First Amendment) Act 2010” passed by the National Assembly cannot take effect as a law without the assent of the president.
The senior advocate further contended that the exercise by the lawmakers without the assent of the president was illegal and unconstitutional.
He urged the court to nullify the amendments on the grounds that the National Assembly had contravened the 1999 Constitution.
Briefing newsmen, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, said no court could stop the institution from carrying out its legislative function of law making.
He said what the court meant by its order that the status quo be maintained ``is that the amended constitution which is already published remains operational.
As long as the constitutional powers of making law is concerned, it is a settled issue at the Supreme Court that the courts cannot interfere in the legislative functions of the National Assembly,’’ Ekweremadu said.
Justice Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had on Wednesday barred the lawmakers from amending the constitution.
The amendment became necessary to allow INEC more time to prepare for the 2011 elections.
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association Olisa Agbakoba instituted the case before the court, asking it to restrain the respondents from further amending, reviewing or altering the provisions of the constitution in any manner, pending the determination of the suit.
It is hereby ordered that parties should maintain the status quo. No party must take further steps in respect of the subject matter,” the judge ordered.
Agbakoba is challenging the propriety of the lawmakers’ claim that the assent of President Goodluck Jonathan is not required on the amended constitution before it can become a law.
The lawyer, in the originating summons filed by his counsel, Chijioke Emeka, is also asking the court to hold that the “Constitution (First Amendment) Act 2010” passed by the National Assembly cannot take effect as a law without the assent of the president.
The senior advocate further contended that the exercise by the lawmakers without the assent of the president was illegal and unconstitutional.
He urged the court to nullify the amendments on the grounds that the National Assembly had contravened the 1999 Constitution.
Briefing newsmen, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, said no court could stop the institution from carrying out its legislative function of law making.
He said what the court meant by its order that the status quo be maintained ``is that the amended constitution which is already published remains operational.
As long as the constitutional powers of making law is concerned, it is a settled issue at the Supreme Court that the courts cannot interfere in the legislative functions of the National Assembly,’’ Ekweremadu said.
Man arrested for alleged incest
The police in Lagos has arrested a 41-year-old car dealer for allegedly defiling and impregnating his 16-year-old daughter.
The teenager, now five months pregnant and her mother were present at the state police spokesman’s office, where the man was paraded on Friday.
Deputy Police Spokesman, Samuel Jinadu who paraded the man, told journalists that the girl claimed that her father had been having unlawful carnal knowledge of her since age 10.
Jinadu said the illicit affair lasted till July before it was discovered by the girl’s mother.
He explained that the girl, whose mother was separated from the man, had been living with her father in Ojodu, a suburb of Lagos for a while.
Jinadu said upon interrogation the man confessed to sleeping with his daughter only on thrice.
Police spokesman said the man gave some money to the girl to carry out an abortion, but the girl reported the case to her mother.
He said the man would be charge to court for defilement as soon as investigation was concluded.
In a similar development, one Salisu Husaini is standing trial at an Upper Area
Court in Bajoga, Gombe State, for having canal knowledge of his 16-year-old daughter.
He allegedly connived with his two wives to convince the teenager to sleep with him.
The girl's own mother had been separated from Salisu long time ago.
Salisu is also answering an additional charge for shielding his two wives( the girl's step mothers, from coming to court to answer charges as accomplices.
The two women allegedly mounted pressure on her to oblige her father's request, telling her that unless she obliged, a ghost would kill her father.
The accused, who had already pleaded 'guilty' to incest charges, told the court that he did not understand the additional charge.
The teenager, now five months pregnant and her mother were present at the state police spokesman’s office, where the man was paraded on Friday.
Deputy Police Spokesman, Samuel Jinadu who paraded the man, told journalists that the girl claimed that her father had been having unlawful carnal knowledge of her since age 10.
Jinadu said the illicit affair lasted till July before it was discovered by the girl’s mother.
He explained that the girl, whose mother was separated from the man, had been living with her father in Ojodu, a suburb of Lagos for a while.
Jinadu said upon interrogation the man confessed to sleeping with his daughter only on thrice.
Police spokesman said the man gave some money to the girl to carry out an abortion, but the girl reported the case to her mother.
He said the man would be charge to court for defilement as soon as investigation was concluded.
In a similar development, one Salisu Husaini is standing trial at an Upper Area
Court in Bajoga, Gombe State, for having canal knowledge of his 16-year-old daughter.
He allegedly connived with his two wives to convince the teenager to sleep with him.
The girl's own mother had been separated from Salisu long time ago.
Salisu is also answering an additional charge for shielding his two wives( the girl's step mothers, from coming to court to answer charges as accomplices.
The two women allegedly mounted pressure on her to oblige her father's request, telling her that unless she obliged, a ghost would kill her father.
The accused, who had already pleaded 'guilty' to incest charges, told the court that he did not understand the additional charge.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Court jails woman 7 years for human trafficking
The Lagos Zone of National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons has recorded a feat with the sentencing of a 29-year-old woman, Peace Enem-Effiong, to seven years imprisonment for human trafficking.
Its Head, Zonal Office,Godwin Morka said the convict was arrested in 2006 and charged before an Ikeja High Court on a two count-charge of conspiracy and human trafficking.
Morka said the Judge, Justice J. Oyewole, sentenced the convict to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine on each count.
According to him, the convict and one other still at large brought a 14-year-old girl from Akwa Ibom State for prostitution in Lagos State.
Morka said within one year in which the girl was brought to Chop and Chop Hotel, Mushin in Lagos, she got pregnant without knowing who was responsible.
He advised parents to watch out for human traffickers, who were taking their under age girl to the city for prostitution and slavery.
Its Head, Zonal Office,Godwin Morka said the convict was arrested in 2006 and charged before an Ikeja High Court on a two count-charge of conspiracy and human trafficking.
Morka said the Judge, Justice J. Oyewole, sentenced the convict to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine on each count.
According to him, the convict and one other still at large brought a 14-year-old girl from Akwa Ibom State for prostitution in Lagos State.
Morka said within one year in which the girl was brought to Chop and Chop Hotel, Mushin in Lagos, she got pregnant without knowing who was responsible.
He advised parents to watch out for human traffickers, who were taking their under age girl to the city for prostitution and slavery.
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