Tuesday, March 29, 2011
IGP HAFIZ RINGIM UNCONSTITUIONAL AND ILLEGAL DIRECTIVE ON NO GSM PHONES AT THE POLLING STATIONS
IGP HAFIZ RINGIM UNCONSTITUIONAL AND ILLEGAL DIRECTIVE ON NO GSM PHONES AT THE POLLING STATIONS The Centre for Rights & Policy Development (CRPD) condemns in the strongest terms the unconstitutional, illegal, barbaric, crude, uncivilized and assault on the integrity of Nigerians directive by the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim that no GSM phones will be allowed at the polling stations on elections day. We are hereby demanding the immediate resignation of the IGP for trying to sabotage the electoral process. At a time when Nigerians have been fully mobilized and sensitized to take their destiny in their hands by re-enacting here the second part of the peoples revolution that is blowing across the globe in which we played our own part by registering enmasse and now with the determination of change boldly etched in the peoples consciousness by coming out enmasse to vote, our confused and misguided IGP wants to cause confusion at the polling centers with this illegal directive. In decent climes, with the high level of insecurity pervading the land, the IGP would have resigned, but here we have an IGP who has shown a high level of incompetence in tackling security concerns trying to divert attention by issuing directives in an area he lacks constitutional authority. INEC is the only body constitutionally empowered to issue guidelines for the conduct of elections, while the role of the Police is to provide security, so we wonder which section of the constitution the IGP is relying upon to usurp the functions of INEC by issuing this unconstitutional directive. We are hereby using this medium to alert Nigerians to hold the IGP responsible for any breakdown of law and order at the polling stations anywhere in the country due to this reckless directive. We also want to use this medium to issue a counter directive to the gallant men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force who have been under funded, ill-equipped and poorly motivated to fight crime in the society to disobey this illegal and unconstitutional directive and join hands with the Nigerian people to effect a change for the peoples government of our dreams. We are also calling on Nigerians to disregard this irresponsible directive and go to the polls on election days and peacefully cast their votes for the candidates of their choice in an atmosphere devoid of rancor and resist the enemies of progress who want to cause breakdown of law and order. We wish Nigerians happy, orderly and peaceful elections. Thanks, Your’s Sincerely, Nelson Ekujumi, Acting Executive Director.
GOVERNOR BABATUNDE FASHOLA
Fashola praises Nigerian Army for promoting peace, security.
Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has praised the Nigerian Army for helping to maintain peace and security in the state. Fashola gave the commendation when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Onyeabo Ihejirika, in his office at Alausa, Ikeja. While commending Ihejirika for exhibiting his love for Lagos where he served as a General Officer Commanding, he urged him not to relent in professional leadership skills. Fashola also acknowledged the understanding of the army in the reconstruction works in Lagos which affected some military sites, including the Yaba Ordnance and the Signal Barracks. The governor urged the army to play a role in ensuring peaceful elections in April saying it should be a carnival of peace and not that of terror. Responding, Ihejirika said that army personnel would continue to promote peace and security in the state, especially toward the 2011 elections. Ihejirika said his visit to Lagos State was to assess the operational capability of his troops, their welfare and their readiness for the April elections. The two-day familiarisation visit by the army chief took him to army formations in the state. Areas visited included the 65 Battalion, Bonny Camp, Ikeja Cantonment, Ojo cantonment, and the military base in Badagry, as well as a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos.
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE LAGOS STATE.
114 killed in Lagos in 4 months, says CP The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Yakubu Alkali, has said more than 114 people were murdered in the state between November 2010 and March this year. Briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja, the first since he assumed office, Alkali said eight out of those killed were policemen. He disclosed that about 25 armed robbery cases were recorded while 169 suspected armed robbers were arrested during the period. More 114 persons were murdered between November 2010 and March 2011, including eight police men, 46 suspected robbers were also killed during exchanges of gunfire with the police,’’ Alkali said. The commissioner said that 96 assorted arms and1,103 ammunition were recovered from some suspected criminals. According to him, the command also recovered 492 vehicles, including unregistered ones stolen in the state, and different parts of the country. Alkali said the command was fully prepared and motivated to safeguard lives and property in the state, adding ``people in the state can go to bed with their eyes closed’’. The police boss called on the public to always give useful information to the police in a bid to check criminal activities. On the April general elections, Alkali promised the readiness of the police to ensure free and fair elections and urged politicians to shun thuggery and violence. 31 people suspected to be involved in different crimes, including kidnapping, were also paraded before journalists. Other items paraded include three AK-47 rifles, 10 magazines fully loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition each, seven pistols, 10 cartridges and eight vehicles. ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''""""""""""""""""""""""""" Firefighter decries incessant attacks by public A Federal Fire Service chief, Godwin Ekeria has called on the Federal Government to protect its workers against attacks by the public. Ekeria, Operations Commander, Federal Fire Service, Lagos command, made the call while reacting to an alleged attack on some federal firefighters on March 12 in Lagos. The alleged attackers claimed that the firefighters arrived late at the fire scene. Ekeria said the alleged attack was not the first of its kind. The commander blamed late arrival of the workers at fire scenes on poor communication. He said many fire victims were not able to communicate with firefighters in time of distress. Ekeria said lack of communication equipment, fire engine, rescue apparatus and some other tools hindered the operations of the service. He urged private telecommunication companies to donate lines to the service to improve communication. The commander called for the provision of hydrants, as well as road repairs, to facilitate the operations of the service. ============================ Experts suggest stiffer penalties for smugglers Assistant Legal Adviser in Nigeria Customs Service, Paul Ikhenoba on Tuesday called for stiffer penalties for smugglers. Ikhenoba made the call in Lagos at a two-day forum of Inter-Ministerial Working Group on the Review of Customs and Excise Management Act. He urged the group to ensure that offenders were given maximum fines and specific years of imprisonment to deter people from smuggling. Ikhenoba said emphasis should also be on trade facilitation and Information and Communication Technology. Customs Assistant Comptroller, Ehi Ogbebor attributed the high rate of offences committed by people to lapses in the Act. Ogbebor said the Act provided minimal sanctions for various customs offences. He said presently, the penalties for offences that worth millions of Naira were as low as N600 and even below N600 in some cases. Ogbebor said the review of the Act would enable customs to function effectively and scare perpetrators from carrying out illegal and unlawful activities. Speaking on Modern Customs Procedures that benefit the Business Community, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Oni Egboma, said the working group would look at the whole of the Act and recommend amendments. He said the amendments would be in areas like transactions of goods and customs duties. According to him, the international community is a global place and there is no way the customs can operate in isolation. Egboma explained that Nigeria as a member of the World Trade Organisation, could not afford not to comply with international practices. He said the international practices had to be domesticated by putting a customs law in place. The Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Joseph Odumodu, who was represented by Secretary/Legal Adviser, Paul Angya urged the committee to re-write the Section 4 of the Act. --------------------------------------------------- Federal High Court fixes hearing in case against IG for April 20. A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday fixed April 20 for further hearing in a case by Chief Mufutau Oloyede against the Inspector -General of Police. Oloyede, who also joined the commissioner of police, Lagos State and one Fatai Aromire in the suit, alleged that he was illegally arrested. He is demanding N10 million as compensation for the alleged arrest. In the suit before Justice Okechukwu Okeke, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration that his arrest and detention between the July 10 and July 25, 2009 was unlawful. In a 38-paragraph affidavit, Oloyede said that in 1998 and 1999, his name was presented as the next Ojora after the demise of Musibau Bashorun of Ejimosun, the then Aro of Ijora Oloye. He said he was legally installed as the new Aro of Ijora Oloye Kingdom on Dec. 7, 1999, and that since his installation he had been threatened and harassed by Aromire. Oloyede said he was detained at the Area C Police Station after he was invited on Dec. 10, 1999, following a petition written by Aromire over the chieftaincy tussle. He added that he was subsequently detained and brutally beaten by the policemen attached to the station. The plaintiff pleaded with the court to make an order restraining the respondents from further harassing, threatening him with arrest or detaining him or any of his family members. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Sexagenarian docked for fake appointment letter, pay slips A sexagenarian, Rabiu Adris, was on Tuesday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates Court in Lagos over an alleged forgery and impersonation. Adris, 60, who is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and falsifying documents, has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleged that the accused presented a fake letter of appointment of Oando Plc and pay slips while he stood as surety to an accused. Cpl. Innocent Odugbo told the court that the offence was committed on March 10 at Court 13, Igbosere Magistrates Court. The prosecutor said the accused, and another still at large, forged the documents dated Jan. 14, 2002 and also presented himself as the company’s district manager, Airport Terminal Depot, Lagos. Odugbo said the offence contravened Sections 467, 468, 484 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. The Magistrate, O. A. Ogunsanya, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till April 14 for mention ..................................................... Secondary school student, 2 others, arraigned over violent assault. Three youths, including a secondary school student, on Tuesday in Lagos appeared before a Surulere Magistrates Court for allegedly stabbing two men and a minor with broken bottles. The accused -- Nurudeen Olabanji, 20; Temitope Yusuf, 22; and Abiodun Mufutau, 23 -- are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy and assault. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N20, 000 with two sureties each in like sum. But the Prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ishola, insisted that the accused committed the offence on March 6 at 9 p.m. at Memudun junction, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos. Ishola, who gave the identity of the second and third accused as a tailor and a tricycle rider, alleged that they conspired with the first accused to attack Lateef Waheeb, Ismaila Adepoju and the minor on their way home. He said the offence contravened Sections 356 and 516 of the Criminal Code, laws of Lagos State. The Magistrate, A. Tobi adjourned the case till April 1 for mention. ................................................. Welder, mechanic accused of breach of peace The police in Lagos arraigned a welder and a mechanic over alleged attempt to cause panic in a community with the intent to steal. The accused, Semiu Ibrahim, 21, and Nuru Eyitayo, 20, were charged before a Surulere Magistrates Court with conspiracy, attempt to invade a community and breach of peace. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Olaide, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offences on March 13 at the Alhaji Davis St., Orile-Iganmu, Lagos. Olaide said the duo and some others, still at large, had earlier robbed some unnamed residents of the street. He said the alleged offences contravened Sections 249 (d), 508 and 516 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State. Magistrate A. O. Sholadoye granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till April 1 for further hearing. //////////////////////////// Banker in court for allegedly stealing N554,200 A former employee of the Intercontinental Bank Plc was on Monday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates Court in Lagos over alleged forgery and theft of N554,200. Twenty-six-year-old Ajayi Oluwasegun is accused of forging the signature of a bank customer and withdrawing the sum from his account Oluwasegun, who is standing trial before Magistrate A. A. Famobiwo, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge. The prosecutor, Sgt. Haruna Ibrahim, submitted that the accused forged the signature of one Mr Kelvin Nwaosisi and withdrew N554,200 from his account He said the alleged theft and forgery occurred between August 2010 and February 2011 at the Agege Branch of the Intercontinental Bank. Ibrahim said the alleged offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 467 (2) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State. The court granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety, and adjourned the case till April 7 for further hearing.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Francis Awundaga
Man survives under collapsed building for 24 hours.
Francis Awundaga, a construction worker, was, for 24 hours, trapped under tons of rubble from a five-storey building that collapsed recently at Adenubi Close, Ikeja, Lagos.
Unknown to many, the only thing that stood between him and death was just an Indian bamboo.
But even at that, as minutes ticked into hours, his chances of survival slimmed, with his co-workers and spectators losing hope of him being rescued alive.
But the miraculous happened. Just at the point that the rescue team comprising officials of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Physical Planning and Urban Development Authority, Police and fire service were about giving up hope, they heard a faint voice calling out from under the debris.
They called out repeatedly and he answered, telling them his exact location.
They intensified their search and hours after painstaking and dangerous manoeuvres, pulled out a highly dehydrated Francis from the wreckage of the building, caked in dust.
The building, a hotel under construction had collapsed trapping 10 others who were earlier rescued safe for Francis.
As his frail, smiling form emerged from the depth of the wreckage uninjured, he was greeted with laud applause.
His survival has since being described as a miracle by those who kept vigil at the collapse site.
The only proof of his near death encounter were the scratches he sustained while trying to excavate debris from where he was trapped with his bare hands.
He attributes his survival to divine providence.
Recalling his near death encounter to Daily Sun, on his hospital bed at Unity Hospital, Ikeja, Francis said that initially, he had lost all hope of survival till he realized that God was with him.
It shows that God has a plan and purpose for my life.
He was with me for reasons best known to him. It was an ordinary Indian bamboo that saved my life.
A 15mm rod which is stronger than an Indian bamboo couldn’t withstand the pressure exerted by the three story building.
It was just the hand of God at work.
If not, my head would have been crushed had the pillars landed on me. I came out with no broken bones,” he said with a broad smile.
According to the 32-year-old man from Cross Rivers State, the day had started on a good note, even though, the night before, for all of them at the building site was frightening due to the tremor that continuously rocked the building.
Having reported their observation to the owner of the structure and engineer, Francis said he went to worship at his church, Revival Assembly in Ogba.
He recalled that when he returned from church, he saw his co-workers trying to demolish the fifth floor, which was a pent house.
Alarmed, he asked why and was told that the engineer instructed them to bring it down to reduce the load.
They also told him that they were instructed to mount more pillars on the ground floor.
As I was running back upstairs to warn them, I heard an explosion and the walls started rippling and crumbling all around me.
By then, I was on the staircase leading to the second floor.
The whole thing happened so fast that everywhere suddenly became silent and dark,” he recalled.
And then for 24 hours, he awaited whatever fate had in store for him.
With help not forthcoming initially and knowing he might die of hunger and dehydration, Francis did the only thing that came to his mind; pray.
He prayed and came to grips with the reality of his situation.
The last child in a family of seven, he noted that when the building collapsed, he felt life slipping out of him but believed he was going to heaven.
But when he regained consciousness later and felt pains rip through his body, he realised that he was very much alive but had to remove all his clothes because of perspiration.
At the same time, I felt a strong wind come into the place where I was and I immediately fell asleep. I believe God conserved my strength for what lay ahead.
I woke up the next morning and still saw the light. I crawled towards the direction of the light and started clearing the debris around me but at a time became too weak to lift my arm.”
Having not eaten before the incident, Francis said he was unusually strengthened, stressing that it was unlike him to stay without food for three hours.
The real Francis would have eaten at least five times a day.
Francis was rescued, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, LASEMA, Oluwafemi Osanyintolu, said immediately they got the distress call and arrived the collapse site, about nine trapped persons were evacuated.
They were later able to communicate with Francis through Delser process, a search and rescue equipment, which identifies the location of the trapped victim.
Bringing out Francis alive was the best thing that happened to us. It was a defining moment”, he said.
Francis Awundaga, a construction worker, was, for 24 hours, trapped under tons of rubble from a five-storey building that collapsed recently at Adenubi Close, Ikeja, Lagos.
Unknown to many, the only thing that stood between him and death was just an Indian bamboo.
But even at that, as minutes ticked into hours, his chances of survival slimmed, with his co-workers and spectators losing hope of him being rescued alive.
But the miraculous happened. Just at the point that the rescue team comprising officials of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Physical Planning and Urban Development Authority, Police and fire service were about giving up hope, they heard a faint voice calling out from under the debris.
They called out repeatedly and he answered, telling them his exact location.
They intensified their search and hours after painstaking and dangerous manoeuvres, pulled out a highly dehydrated Francis from the wreckage of the building, caked in dust.
The building, a hotel under construction had collapsed trapping 10 others who were earlier rescued safe for Francis.
As his frail, smiling form emerged from the depth of the wreckage uninjured, he was greeted with laud applause.
His survival has since being described as a miracle by those who kept vigil at the collapse site.
The only proof of his near death encounter were the scratches he sustained while trying to excavate debris from where he was trapped with his bare hands.
He attributes his survival to divine providence.
Recalling his near death encounter to Daily Sun, on his hospital bed at Unity Hospital, Ikeja, Francis said that initially, he had lost all hope of survival till he realized that God was with him.
It shows that God has a plan and purpose for my life.
He was with me for reasons best known to him. It was an ordinary Indian bamboo that saved my life.
A 15mm rod which is stronger than an Indian bamboo couldn’t withstand the pressure exerted by the three story building.
It was just the hand of God at work.
If not, my head would have been crushed had the pillars landed on me. I came out with no broken bones,” he said with a broad smile.
According to the 32-year-old man from Cross Rivers State, the day had started on a good note, even though, the night before, for all of them at the building site was frightening due to the tremor that continuously rocked the building.
Having reported their observation to the owner of the structure and engineer, Francis said he went to worship at his church, Revival Assembly in Ogba.
He recalled that when he returned from church, he saw his co-workers trying to demolish the fifth floor, which was a pent house.
Alarmed, he asked why and was told that the engineer instructed them to bring it down to reduce the load.
They also told him that they were instructed to mount more pillars on the ground floor.
As I was running back upstairs to warn them, I heard an explosion and the walls started rippling and crumbling all around me.
By then, I was on the staircase leading to the second floor.
The whole thing happened so fast that everywhere suddenly became silent and dark,” he recalled.
And then for 24 hours, he awaited whatever fate had in store for him.
With help not forthcoming initially and knowing he might die of hunger and dehydration, Francis did the only thing that came to his mind; pray.
He prayed and came to grips with the reality of his situation.
The last child in a family of seven, he noted that when the building collapsed, he felt life slipping out of him but believed he was going to heaven.
But when he regained consciousness later and felt pains rip through his body, he realised that he was very much alive but had to remove all his clothes because of perspiration.
At the same time, I felt a strong wind come into the place where I was and I immediately fell asleep. I believe God conserved my strength for what lay ahead.
I woke up the next morning and still saw the light. I crawled towards the direction of the light and started clearing the debris around me but at a time became too weak to lift my arm.”
Having not eaten before the incident, Francis said he was unusually strengthened, stressing that it was unlike him to stay without food for three hours.
The real Francis would have eaten at least five times a day.
Francis was rescued, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, LASEMA, Oluwafemi Osanyintolu, said immediately they got the distress call and arrived the collapse site, about nine trapped persons were evacuated.
They were later able to communicate with Francis through Delser process, a search and rescue equipment, which identifies the location of the trapped victim.
Bringing out Francis alive was the best thing that happened to us. It was a defining moment”, he said.
LAGOS STATE POLICE CHIEF YAKUB ALKALI
ACN Chieftain Seeks Police Protection
Action Congress of Nigeria, chieftain in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Kazeem Omolaja has asked detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, to investigate recent attacks on him by people suspected to be political thugs.
In a petition he sent to the Commissioner of Police, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, Omolaja stated that he was no longer safe as a result of recent attacks on him by political thugs.
Citing previous attacks on him, Omolaja said he was attacked by three men who snatched his car, a wine colour Toyota Camry with registration number GP 608 AAA and his phone on 15 January in front of the secretariat of the Lagos Mainland Local Government at Ondo Street, Ebute Meta around 9.30 and 10 p.m.
The Lagos Mainland politician said the men attempted to abduct him but he resisted them and escaped but not without receiving injuries.
Omolaja also disclosed that at a recent meeting of the ACN held at Talmul Primary School, Adekunle, Yaba, Lagos, on 2 March, two political thugs forcefully took the microphone from him and later shooting started.
He added that on Sunday, 6 March, 2011 around 6 p.m., four men, two of whom he recognised, attempted to attack him in front of the Railway Recreation Club, Ebute-Meta but he quickly drove away.
He appealed to the Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID to intervene in the matter and prevent the hoodlums from wasting his life.
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Daughter Catches Dad Raping 10-Yr Old Girl
A shocked daughter, Oluwatoyin Coker expressed her anger when she caught her dad, Adekunle Anthony Coker, raping her friend’s 10-year old girl at their house at 46, Christ The King Street, Egan, Lagos State.
And she immediately handed him over to police for prosecution.
The man claimed that he was pressed when the girl showed him her breasts but the victim said that he has been doing it and after the act he will give her N20.
The 55-year old Adekunle, who is a staff of Amuwo Odofin local council, was alleged to have lured the little girl inside his house and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her when his wife was not around.
The little girl was bleeding profusely before luck ran out on him, as he was caught by his daughter
Adekunle was arrested and taken to the police station where he confessed that he raped her to satisfy his sexual desire.
In his statement to the police, Adekunle claimed that the girl came to his house to get some vegetables in his compound and told him that she noticed changes on her breasts and when he checked them, he became aroused.
He also claimed that he has been assisting her with money.
The victim told the police that it was not the first time Adekunle was assaulting her sexually.
She said he had raped her three times and told her not to tell anyone about it. She also revealed that after the act, he gives her N20.
Adekunle is now facing trial for rape at Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court before the presiding Magistrate, S. O. Solebo.
He was charged under section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 17 Vol. 2 laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.
When the matter came up at the court, he pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties.
The court also ordered that the matter should be transferred to family court at Ikeja Lagos and adjourned till 6 April 2011, while he was remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos.
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Cook, Driver Nabbed For Robbery
The anti robbery police team attached to Apapa Police Division led by A Chief Superintendent of Police,Ali Mohammed has arrested a cook Paul Menoudji and a driver James Bassey for allegedly masterminding a robbery attack in their masters’ neighbourhood.
Also arrested was an alleged accomplice Temi Timode Kentobah
The robbery attack was carried out at about 12.30 a.m. at Flat B6, located at Flour Mills Senior Staff Quarters, Apapa, Lagos.
Investigations and confessions of Kentobah revealed that the suspects gained entrance to the premises through the backyard.
They were said to have climbed into the house through the window.
The suspects were said to have succeeded in carting the laptops and GSM phone of their victims, but were exposed when the baby of the couple they attacked suddenly started crying.
The baby’s cry woke her father up from sleep.
It was learnt that her father carried her and headed to the sitting room, but unknown to him, robbers were operating in his sitting room.
When he got to the sitting room, he was accosted by Kentobah who ordered him to surrender all his money or his baby would be stabbed to death.
This prompted the man (names withheld) to call his wife whom he told to go to the bedroom and bring money for the rampaging thieves.
It was gathered that his wife pretended to be bringing money but passed through the exit door and released their dogs.
The divisional police officer, Apapa Division, CSP Mohammed was also contacted on phone and he sent his men to the scene.
It was gathered that as the robbers made frantic effort to escape from the dogs, Kentobah jumped through the window of the storey building and landed on his waist and could no longer move.
While the police were approaching the house, they saw two of the hoodlums escaping through a valley near the scene.
Kentobah was arrested and handed over to the police.
During interrogation, he confessed that it was his friends Bassey from Akwa Ibom State and Paul Menoudji from Cotonou, Republic of Benin who worked as driver and cook to the neighbours of the victims that invited him to join them in the operation.
He said that he is not an armed robber as they did not plan to harm anybody and were not armed during the operation, adding that the knife recovered from them was picked from the victims’ kitchen.
Meanwhile, Bassey and Menoudji, who were later arrested by the police, have denied the allegation, saying they neither knew Kentobah nor participated in the operation.
CSP Ali Mohammed who said the suspects would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, (SCID),Panti Street, Yaba for further interrogation urged employers of domestic servants, maids and drivers to ensure a proper vetting and investigation of their would-be employes prior to employment.
.....................................
Action Congress of Nigeria, chieftain in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Kazeem Omolaja has asked detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, to investigate recent attacks on him by people suspected to be political thugs.
In a petition he sent to the Commissioner of Police, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, Omolaja stated that he was no longer safe as a result of recent attacks on him by political thugs.
Citing previous attacks on him, Omolaja said he was attacked by three men who snatched his car, a wine colour Toyota Camry with registration number GP 608 AAA and his phone on 15 January in front of the secretariat of the Lagos Mainland Local Government at Ondo Street, Ebute Meta around 9.30 and 10 p.m.
The Lagos Mainland politician said the men attempted to abduct him but he resisted them and escaped but not without receiving injuries.
Omolaja also disclosed that at a recent meeting of the ACN held at Talmul Primary School, Adekunle, Yaba, Lagos, on 2 March, two political thugs forcefully took the microphone from him and later shooting started.
He added that on Sunday, 6 March, 2011 around 6 p.m., four men, two of whom he recognised, attempted to attack him in front of the Railway Recreation Club, Ebute-Meta but he quickly drove away.
He appealed to the Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID to intervene in the matter and prevent the hoodlums from wasting his life.
..........................................
Daughter Catches Dad Raping 10-Yr Old Girl
A shocked daughter, Oluwatoyin Coker expressed her anger when she caught her dad, Adekunle Anthony Coker, raping her friend’s 10-year old girl at their house at 46, Christ The King Street, Egan, Lagos State.
And she immediately handed him over to police for prosecution.
The man claimed that he was pressed when the girl showed him her breasts but the victim said that he has been doing it and after the act he will give her N20.
The 55-year old Adekunle, who is a staff of Amuwo Odofin local council, was alleged to have lured the little girl inside his house and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her when his wife was not around.
The little girl was bleeding profusely before luck ran out on him, as he was caught by his daughter
Adekunle was arrested and taken to the police station where he confessed that he raped her to satisfy his sexual desire.
In his statement to the police, Adekunle claimed that the girl came to his house to get some vegetables in his compound and told him that she noticed changes on her breasts and when he checked them, he became aroused.
He also claimed that he has been assisting her with money.
The victim told the police that it was not the first time Adekunle was assaulting her sexually.
She said he had raped her three times and told her not to tell anyone about it. She also revealed that after the act, he gives her N20.
Adekunle is now facing trial for rape at Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court before the presiding Magistrate, S. O. Solebo.
He was charged under section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 17 Vol. 2 laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.
When the matter came up at the court, he pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties.
The court also ordered that the matter should be transferred to family court at Ikeja Lagos and adjourned till 6 April 2011, while he was remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos.
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Cook, Driver Nabbed For Robbery
The anti robbery police team attached to Apapa Police Division led by A Chief Superintendent of Police,Ali Mohammed has arrested a cook Paul Menoudji and a driver James Bassey for allegedly masterminding a robbery attack in their masters’ neighbourhood.
Also arrested was an alleged accomplice Temi Timode Kentobah
The robbery attack was carried out at about 12.30 a.m. at Flat B6, located at Flour Mills Senior Staff Quarters, Apapa, Lagos.
Investigations and confessions of Kentobah revealed that the suspects gained entrance to the premises through the backyard.
They were said to have climbed into the house through the window.
The suspects were said to have succeeded in carting the laptops and GSM phone of their victims, but were exposed when the baby of the couple they attacked suddenly started crying.
The baby’s cry woke her father up from sleep.
It was learnt that her father carried her and headed to the sitting room, but unknown to him, robbers were operating in his sitting room.
When he got to the sitting room, he was accosted by Kentobah who ordered him to surrender all his money or his baby would be stabbed to death.
This prompted the man (names withheld) to call his wife whom he told to go to the bedroom and bring money for the rampaging thieves.
It was gathered that his wife pretended to be bringing money but passed through the exit door and released their dogs.
The divisional police officer, Apapa Division, CSP Mohammed was also contacted on phone and he sent his men to the scene.
It was gathered that as the robbers made frantic effort to escape from the dogs, Kentobah jumped through the window of the storey building and landed on his waist and could no longer move.
While the police were approaching the house, they saw two of the hoodlums escaping through a valley near the scene.
Kentobah was arrested and handed over to the police.
During interrogation, he confessed that it was his friends Bassey from Akwa Ibom State and Paul Menoudji from Cotonou, Republic of Benin who worked as driver and cook to the neighbours of the victims that invited him to join them in the operation.
He said that he is not an armed robber as they did not plan to harm anybody and were not armed during the operation, adding that the knife recovered from them was picked from the victims’ kitchen.
Meanwhile, Bassey and Menoudji, who were later arrested by the police, have denied the allegation, saying they neither knew Kentobah nor participated in the operation.
CSP Ali Mohammed who said the suspects would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, (SCID),Panti Street, Yaba for further interrogation urged employers of domestic servants, maids and drivers to ensure a proper vetting and investigation of their would-be employes prior to employment.
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Monday, March 14, 2011
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE, HAFIZ RINGIM
Minister restates govt commitment to tackle kidnapping, hostage-taking
Minister of Police Affairs,Humphrey Abah has reiterated the Federal Government`s commitment to curtail the rising cases of kidnapping and hostage-taking. Project Director,Africa Citizens Anti-Kidnap Education Initiative,Dauda Rasheed quoted the minster as making the commitment at an international conference on kidnapping in Accra, Ghana.
Rasheed said in a statement in Lagos that the minister spoke on Global Best Practices in Security and Emergency Preparedness Procedures Against kidnapping and Hostage-taking.
According to the statement, the government is worried by the ugly trend and has mapped out strategies to confront the vices head-on.
Abah, who was represented by a director in the ministry,Shogbola Olakunle said some of the strategies included community policing and training of officers on modern ways of handling kidnap incidents.
He listed others as provision of logistics and equipment to police officers and deployment of specially trained officers to states and locations prone to kidnapping.
According to Abah, the menace of kidnapping cannot be solved alone by the police due to the complex nature of the crime.
The minister urged stakeholders, including high risk individuals, to collaborate with the police to put an end to the problem.
He urged the citizens to assist the police with information about activities of kidnappers and strange movements of people in and out of their communities.
Abah said this would greatly help in tracking down kidnappers and make the society safer.
He lauded the police for the success recorded in its war on kidnapping so far, saying that the personnel had successfully prevented many cases.
The Minister commended Africa Citizens Anti-Kidnapping Initiative, an NGO and Decision Group, Canada, for organising the conference.
According to him, conferences on security will help raise the level of security preparedness in Nigeria.
Abbah expressed the hope that the group would work with the country in establishing the recently approved Police University.
He said the NGO’s materials were now used as teaching materials in many universities across the world.
The Decision Group is a world leader in E-detective technology, digital forensic technology and internet-content-monitoring and forensic solutions for kidnap-related crimes.
Police arrest three over stolen company jeep
The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos, has announced the arrest of three persons in connection with the theft of a Prado Jeep belonging to a construction company.
Its spokesman, Lekan Ogundare said the arrest followed a petition from the construction company located in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Ogundare said two of the suspects were drivers while the third suspect was a security man-- all former workers of the international company.
He said the security man allegedly gave the keys of the Jeep to his accomplice so they could sell the vehicle, after learning that the company had plans to sack him.
According to the police Ogundare, the security man claimed that five of them were employed as security men by the company but that four had been sacked.
He claimed that when he realised that he would soon be sacked, he decided to take something for himself so as not to leave the company empty handed.
The police spokesman stated that one of the suspects, who hail from Calabar, drove the jeep to his state for sale, but the installed vehicle tracker enabled the police to trace it.
Ogundare said in Calabar, the suspect demanded for N2 million from a car dealer for the vehicle.
He said investigations were ongoing, adding that one of the suspects was still at large.
The recovered jeep has already been released to the owner.
Absence of counsel stalls trial of 3 men charged with money doubling
The absence of a defence counsel has stalled the continuation of the trial of three men charged with stealing N190,000 from a sales girl.
A.O. Gbajumo of a Surulere Magistrates Court, Lagos, consequently adjourned the matter till April 20 for the cross examination of the witnesses.
The accused, Innocent Chibuno, 27, Sunday Chijioke, 32; and Uzoma Onyendi, 40, were arraigned on Sept. 21, 2010, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Raji Hakeem, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec. 18, 2009 at Orile Iganmu, Lagos.
Hakeem said the accused allegedly obtained the money from their victim, Mary James, under false pretence.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.
At the opening of the trial, James testified that the accused hypnotised her and took her to a shrine.
She said at the shrine her abductors administered some concoctions on her after which they threatened that I would die if I did not give them money.
The accused had promised to return the money after she had followed their instructions.
Man in court over alleged forged receipts totaling N962,500
A 44-year-old man, Oliver Olum, has been arraigned at the Ebute Metta Magistrates Court for allegedly forging cash sales receipts, totaling N962,500.
The accused is standing trial before Chief Magistrate O.A. Ogala on a five-count charge of stealing and forgery.
Olum, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Offong, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence at 14, Onitire Shopping Complex, Iyana Itire, Ilasamaja, Lagos.
Offong said the accused sometime in March 2007 stole the sum of N526,000 belonging to one Godfrey Chigbundu
He said Olum also forged a cash sales receipt with serial number 0000425 dated March 3, 2007 for the sum of N172, 500.
The prosecutor said the accused also in May 2007 at the same address forged another cash sales receipt with serial number 000467 dated May 8, 2007 for the sum of N104,000.
Offong told the court that Olum forged another cash sales receipt with serial number 0000411 dated March 17, 2007 for the sum of N160, 000.
He said the accused forged all the cash sales receipts with the intent that they would be used or acted upon as being genuine to the prejudice of G.O. Investment Nigeria.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390(9), 467 and 516 of the Criminal Codes, Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned further hearing in the case to April 11.
Man, 2 accomplices, docked on theft charge
A 24-year-old driver, Stephen Olotu, was on Wednesday arraigned in Lagos for allegedly breaking into a Honda Accord car, valued at N3.5 million, with intent to steal it.
Olotu appeared along with two other accomplices, Mohammed Abdul (39) and Opia Zino (27) before an Igbosere Magistrates Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted stealing and unlawful possession.
Olotu, who allegedly broke the rear window glass of the car LD 550 KJA to gain entry, has four other similar cases pending against him.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Stephen Molo, said the accused with others in February at the TBS Car Park, using special keys, attempted to steal the car, property of one Mr Christopher Omolabi.
He said Abdul and Zino, who were picked up at different locations on Feb. 17, had in their possessions three Blackberry phones, two MTN SIM cards and a stabiliser.
Other items, according to the prosecutor, are one Nokia handset, one Dell laptop, which both men could not satisfactory account for.
Molo said Olotu also had in his possession six units of different brands of car ignition keys.
He said the offences contravened Sections 4, 430 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Olayinka Ogunbowale, granted Olotu bail in the sum of N450,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
She granted the two other accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety each and adjourned the case till April 4 for further hearing.
Court refuses accused bail
An Igbosere Magistrates Court, Lagos, has refused to admit to bail one Joachin Okoro, 44, who had previously jumped police bail over an alleged fraud involving N2.3 million.
Okoro is facing a fresh three-count charge of intent to defraud, stealing and obtaining by pretence before Magistrate F.O. Aigbokhaevbo.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Philips Osigale, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec. 8 and Dec. 17, 2009.
Osigale said the accused obtained N2.3 million from one Ikechukwu Obidiegwu, under the pretext of supplying him with 33,000 litres of petrol.
He said the accused also issued Obidiegwu a dishonoured cheque of N1.3 million when he was asked to return the money since he could not supply the fuel.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The magistrate, however, refused him bail on the grounds that there was a pending case in which his surety was still in custody because he had jumped police bail.
He adjourned the case till March 25 for mention.
Police arraign 5 commercial sex workers
Seven women, believed to be commercial sex workers, appeared on Thursday before an Igbosere Magistrates Court.
The accused are Bose Moses (32), Promise Albert (32), Victoria Godwin (22), Joy Etta (27), Ladi Jacob (25), Linda Obire (38) and Gloria Johnson.
The alleged sex workers, who are facing a two-count charge of indecency and conduct capable of breaching public peace, have pleaded not guilty.
However, the prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Onwuemene, said the accused had on March 3 at about 2 a.m. unlawfully assembled and solicited openly at Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island.
He the offence contravened Section 231 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, Mulikat Ali-Balogun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case till March 30.
The magistrate had earlier cautioned the accused against distracting the court with their high heel shoes.
She threatened to deal with them if they made unnecessary noise with their shoes while returning from the dock to their seats.
Man accused of stealing NITEL cable knows fate on March 23
A Surulere Magistrates Court, Lagos, on Thursday fixed March 23 for the delivery of judgment in the trial of one Ekene Egwuma, arraigned for allegedly stealing NITEL cable.
The Magistrate, A. Tobi, ordered the accused to be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons till the adjourned date for sentence.
Egwuma, 33, who claimed to be a job seeker, was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing the cable, the value of which was not given.
The accused, who pleaded guilty to the offence of conspiracy to steal, however, denied stealing.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ishola, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 5 at Imam Dauda St., Surulere, Lagos.
He said the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Review of Admiralty Rules, a necessity – Chief Judge
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Dan Abutu, has said it is reviewing the Admiralty Rules was necessary to meet the challenges in the shipping industry.
Abutu made the assertion at the public presentation of the new Admiralty Jurisdiction Procedure Rules 2011, which was held at the Federal High Court, Lagos.
He said the review of the rules had become necessary because the former rules had been in place since 1993.
Abutu expressed optimism that the review will open a floodgate of greater achievements.
The former CJ of the court, Justice Abdullahi Mustapher, stressed the importance of the new rules.
The Chief Registrar, N. Ayo-Emmanuel, extolled the virtues of the chief judge for his landmark attainment.
13-year-old in court over illegal possession of firearm
A 13-year-old boy was on Friday arraigned along with a 22-year-old man at the Ebute-Meta Magistrates Court, Lagos, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and illegal possession of firearm.
The 13-year-old (name withheld) and 22-year-old Nurudeen Lasisi appeared before Senior Magistrate O.O. Olatunji.
The duo pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Ajala Ebi, told the court that the duo committed the offence on Feb. 24 at Lasisi Str., Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos.
Ebi said offence contravened Sections 428 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two in like sum.
He adjourned further hearing in the case to April 20.
Estate agents docked for allegedly defrauding victim of N400,000
Two estate agents, who allegedly obtained N400,000 under the pretence of selling a piece of land to a man, have been arraigned in Lagos for fraud.
The duo were on Friday docked at a Yaba Magistrates Court for allegedly defrauding one Mr Ehizielen Godday of the amount.
The accused, Saheed Salami, 24, and Oduwole Sunday, 46, are standing trial before Magistrate Patrick Adekomaya on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
The duo, however, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with one surety in like sum.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Chinalu Uwadire, told the court that the accused on Sept. 2, 2010 at the Alagbado area of Lagos conspired to obtain the N400,000 from Godday under false pretence.
Uwadire said the offence contravened Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate adjourned the case till March 28 for further hearing.
Security guard pleads guilty to attempted murder
A 24-year-old security guard on Monday pleaded guilty to assault and attempted murder of a man who cautioned him against burning refuse in an uncompleted building.
The guard, Muhammed Abakaka, admitted before a Somolu Magistrates Court that he stabbed one Adeniran Adegoke on the neck and rib.
Ababaka pleaded guilty during his arraignment before Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi.
The prosecutor, Insp. A. Adegoke, had told the court that Abakaka committed the offences on March 6 at No. 1, City of Power Avenue, Somolu.
The prosecutor said that the alleged offences contravened Sections 355 and 320 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court adjourned the case till March 16 for sentence.
The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos, has announced the arrest of three persons in connection with the theft of a Prado Jeep belonging to a construction company.
Its spokesman, Lekan Ogundare said the arrest followed a petition from the construction company located in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Ogundare said two of the suspects were drivers while the third suspect was a security man-- all former workers of the international company.
He said the security man allegedly gave the keys of the Jeep to his accomplice so they could sell the vehicle, after learning that the company had plans to sack him.
According to the police Ogundare, the security man claimed that five of them were employed as security men by the company but that four had been sacked.
He claimed that when he realised that he would soon be sacked, he decided to take something for himself so as not to leave the company empty handed.
The police spokesman stated that one of the suspects, who hail from Calabar, drove the jeep to his state for sale, but the installed vehicle tracker enabled the police to trace it.
Ogundare said in Calabar, the suspect demanded for N2 million from a car dealer for the vehicle.
He said investigations were ongoing, adding that one of the suspects was still at large.
The recovered jeep has already been released to the owner.
Absence of counsel stalls trial of 3 men charged with money doubling
The absence of a defence counsel has stalled the continuation of the trial of three men charged with stealing N190,000 from a sales girl.
A.O. Gbajumo of a Surulere Magistrates Court, Lagos, consequently adjourned the matter till April 20 for the cross examination of the witnesses.
The accused, Innocent Chibuno, 27, Sunday Chijioke, 32; and Uzoma Onyendi, 40, were arraigned on Sept. 21, 2010, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Raji Hakeem, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec. 18, 2009 at Orile Iganmu, Lagos.
Hakeem said the accused allegedly obtained the money from their victim, Mary James, under false pretence.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.
At the opening of the trial, James testified that the accused hypnotised her and took her to a shrine.
She said at the shrine her abductors administered some concoctions on her after which they threatened that I would die if I did not give them money.
The accused had promised to return the money after she had followed their instructions.
Man in court over alleged forged receipts totaling N962,500
A 44-year-old man, Oliver Olum, has been arraigned at the Ebute Metta Magistrates Court for allegedly forging cash sales receipts, totaling N962,500.
The accused is standing trial before Chief Magistrate O.A. Ogala on a five-count charge of stealing and forgery.
Olum, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Offong, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence at 14, Onitire Shopping Complex, Iyana Itire, Ilasamaja, Lagos.
Offong said the accused sometime in March 2007 stole the sum of N526,000 belonging to one Godfrey Chigbundu
He said Olum also forged a cash sales receipt with serial number 0000425 dated March 3, 2007 for the sum of N172, 500.
The prosecutor said the accused also in May 2007 at the same address forged another cash sales receipt with serial number 000467 dated May 8, 2007 for the sum of N104,000.
Offong told the court that Olum forged another cash sales receipt with serial number 0000411 dated March 17, 2007 for the sum of N160, 000.
He said the accused forged all the cash sales receipts with the intent that they would be used or acted upon as being genuine to the prejudice of G.O. Investment Nigeria.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390(9), 467 and 516 of the Criminal Codes, Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned further hearing in the case to April 11.
Man, 2 accomplices, docked on theft charge
A 24-year-old driver, Stephen Olotu, was on Wednesday arraigned in Lagos for allegedly breaking into a Honda Accord car, valued at N3.5 million, with intent to steal it.
Olotu appeared along with two other accomplices, Mohammed Abdul (39) and Opia Zino (27) before an Igbosere Magistrates Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted stealing and unlawful possession.
Olotu, who allegedly broke the rear window glass of the car LD 550 KJA to gain entry, has four other similar cases pending against him.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Stephen Molo, said the accused with others in February at the TBS Car Park, using special keys, attempted to steal the car, property of one Mr Christopher Omolabi.
He said Abdul and Zino, who were picked up at different locations on Feb. 17, had in their possessions three Blackberry phones, two MTN SIM cards and a stabiliser.
Other items, according to the prosecutor, are one Nokia handset, one Dell laptop, which both men could not satisfactory account for.
Molo said Olotu also had in his possession six units of different brands of car ignition keys.
He said the offences contravened Sections 4, 430 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Olayinka Ogunbowale, granted Olotu bail in the sum of N450,000 with two sureties each in like sum.
She granted the two other accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety each and adjourned the case till April 4 for further hearing.
Court refuses accused bail
An Igbosere Magistrates Court, Lagos, has refused to admit to bail one Joachin Okoro, 44, who had previously jumped police bail over an alleged fraud involving N2.3 million.
Okoro is facing a fresh three-count charge of intent to defraud, stealing and obtaining by pretence before Magistrate F.O. Aigbokhaevbo.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Philips Osigale, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec. 8 and Dec. 17, 2009.
Osigale said the accused obtained N2.3 million from one Ikechukwu Obidiegwu, under the pretext of supplying him with 33,000 litres of petrol.
He said the accused also issued Obidiegwu a dishonoured cheque of N1.3 million when he was asked to return the money since he could not supply the fuel.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The magistrate, however, refused him bail on the grounds that there was a pending case in which his surety was still in custody because he had jumped police bail.
He adjourned the case till March 25 for mention.
Police arraign 5 commercial sex workers
Seven women, believed to be commercial sex workers, appeared on Thursday before an Igbosere Magistrates Court.
The accused are Bose Moses (32), Promise Albert (32), Victoria Godwin (22), Joy Etta (27), Ladi Jacob (25), Linda Obire (38) and Gloria Johnson.
The alleged sex workers, who are facing a two-count charge of indecency and conduct capable of breaching public peace, have pleaded not guilty.
However, the prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Onwuemene, said the accused had on March 3 at about 2 a.m. unlawfully assembled and solicited openly at Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island.
He the offence contravened Section 231 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, Mulikat Ali-Balogun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case till March 30.
The magistrate had earlier cautioned the accused against distracting the court with their high heel shoes.
She threatened to deal with them if they made unnecessary noise with their shoes while returning from the dock to their seats.
Man accused of stealing NITEL cable knows fate on March 23
A Surulere Magistrates Court, Lagos, on Thursday fixed March 23 for the delivery of judgment in the trial of one Ekene Egwuma, arraigned for allegedly stealing NITEL cable.
The Magistrate, A. Tobi, ordered the accused to be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons till the adjourned date for sentence.
Egwuma, 33, who claimed to be a job seeker, was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing the cable, the value of which was not given.
The accused, who pleaded guilty to the offence of conspiracy to steal, however, denied stealing.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ishola, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 5 at Imam Dauda St., Surulere, Lagos.
He said the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Review of Admiralty Rules, a necessity – Chief Judge
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Dan Abutu, has said it is reviewing the Admiralty Rules was necessary to meet the challenges in the shipping industry.
Abutu made the assertion at the public presentation of the new Admiralty Jurisdiction Procedure Rules 2011, which was held at the Federal High Court, Lagos.
He said the review of the rules had become necessary because the former rules had been in place since 1993.
Abutu expressed optimism that the review will open a floodgate of greater achievements.
The former CJ of the court, Justice Abdullahi Mustapher, stressed the importance of the new rules.
The Chief Registrar, N. Ayo-Emmanuel, extolled the virtues of the chief judge for his landmark attainment.
13-year-old in court over illegal possession of firearm
A 13-year-old boy was on Friday arraigned along with a 22-year-old man at the Ebute-Meta Magistrates Court, Lagos, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and illegal possession of firearm.
The 13-year-old (name withheld) and 22-year-old Nurudeen Lasisi appeared before Senior Magistrate O.O. Olatunji.
The duo pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Ajala Ebi, told the court that the duo committed the offence on Feb. 24 at Lasisi Str., Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos.
Ebi said offence contravened Sections 428 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two in like sum.
He adjourned further hearing in the case to April 20.
Estate agents docked for allegedly defrauding victim of N400,000
Two estate agents, who allegedly obtained N400,000 under the pretence of selling a piece of land to a man, have been arraigned in Lagos for fraud.
The duo were on Friday docked at a Yaba Magistrates Court for allegedly defrauding one Mr Ehizielen Godday of the amount.
The accused, Saheed Salami, 24, and Oduwole Sunday, 46, are standing trial before Magistrate Patrick Adekomaya on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
The duo, however, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with one surety in like sum.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Chinalu Uwadire, told the court that the accused on Sept. 2, 2010 at the Alagbado area of Lagos conspired to obtain the N400,000 from Godday under false pretence.
Uwadire said the offence contravened Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate adjourned the case till March 28 for further hearing.
Security guard pleads guilty to attempted murder
A 24-year-old security guard on Monday pleaded guilty to assault and attempted murder of a man who cautioned him against burning refuse in an uncompleted building.
The guard, Muhammed Abakaka, admitted before a Somolu Magistrates Court that he stabbed one Adeniran Adegoke on the neck and rib.
Ababaka pleaded guilty during his arraignment before Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi.
The prosecutor, Insp. A. Adegoke, had told the court that Abakaka committed the offences on March 6 at No. 1, City of Power Avenue, Somolu.
The prosecutor said that the alleged offences contravened Sections 355 and 320 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State.
The court adjourned the case till March 16 for sentence.
GOVERNOR BABATUNDE FASHOLA
LASG to strengthen traffic management with more volunteers
The Lagos State Government has said it would engage more volunteers under its Special Traffic Mayors scheme to strengthen traffic management.
Spokesman, Ministry of Transportation,Sina Thorpe who announced this said the ministry would engage the volunteers in traffic control and management safety at a stakeholders’ forum slated for March 16.
Governor Babatunde Fashola had on Jan. 9, 2009 signed the LASTMA amended law that recognised Special Traffic Mayors.
The law describes the special traffic mayors as an integral part of the traffic management strategies of the state.
The Lagos State Government has said it would engage more volunteers under its Special Traffic Mayors scheme to strengthen traffic management.
Spokesman, Ministry of Transportation,Sina Thorpe who announced this said the ministry would engage the volunteers in traffic control and management safety at a stakeholders’ forum slated for March 16.
Governor Babatunde Fashola had on Jan. 9, 2009 signed the LASTMA amended law that recognised Special Traffic Mayors.
The law describes the special traffic mayors as an integral part of the traffic management strategies of the state.
NIS warns passport applicants not to patronise touts
The Nigeria Immigration Service says it will not accept responsibility for the non-issuance of passports processed through touts.
Its Passport Control Officer in Ikoyi, Lagos,Emma Ogbumuo who gave the warning warned that the NIS would not be liable for errors made on passports processed via touts.
Ogbumuo cautioned prospective passport applicants to refrain from patronising illegal agents who usually loitered outside passport offices, stressing that these individuals often caused irreparable damage.
He noted that some of the agents, who purportedly carried out passport documentations, were more concerned with the money they extorted from the applicants.
Ogbumuo said complaints by some applicants who bemoaned their inability to obtain passports after giving large sums of money to illegal agents were currently being investigated at the NIS headquarters in Abuja.
He, therefore, appealed to prospective applicants to always apply for passports personally through formal channels, adding that they could also seek clarifications on the documentation processes from immigration officials whenever the need arose.
Ogbumuo reiterated that the NIS would not accept responsibility for any misdemeanor or errors by illegal passport agents.
Its Passport Control Officer in Ikoyi, Lagos,Emma Ogbumuo who gave the warning warned that the NIS would not be liable for errors made on passports processed via touts.
Ogbumuo cautioned prospective passport applicants to refrain from patronising illegal agents who usually loitered outside passport offices, stressing that these individuals often caused irreparable damage.
He noted that some of the agents, who purportedly carried out passport documentations, were more concerned with the money they extorted from the applicants.
Ogbumuo said complaints by some applicants who bemoaned their inability to obtain passports after giving large sums of money to illegal agents were currently being investigated at the NIS headquarters in Abuja.
He, therefore, appealed to prospective applicants to always apply for passports personally through formal channels, adding that they could also seek clarifications on the documentation processes from immigration officials whenever the need arose.
Ogbumuo reiterated that the NIS would not accept responsibility for any misdemeanor or errors by illegal passport agents.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE LAGOS STATE.
I’ve Never Taken Bribe says Police Boss
At a time when new Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Alkali says he has never taken bribe all his life even as a policeman, while submitting himself for investigation.
Alkali made this known when he paid a visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to him, “I have never taken bribe from anybody or given bribe to anyone in the course of my job. Go and investigate. Don’t give policemen bribe. Report any policeman who asks you for bribe.”
The police boss also denied reports in one of the dailies on Tuesday that the Inspector General of Police, IGP gave him a query over the crime situation in Lagos, saying that it was a blatant lie.
Reporters should always get two sides to a story before going to press. I am more than open to all.
The Police Public Relations Officer is there. I have eight Assistant Commissioners of Police in Lagos. They can help you and give you the necessary information,” he stated.
According to the police boss, “if anybody is writing anything about Alkali and the police command, I am not afraid. I cannot be intimidated. Verify your information first before going to press.”
He appealed to the press to support the police so that Lagos could have a smooth poll, adding that “with your cooperation, we can give the best security at this campaign period and during the election.”
Alkali stated that the forthcoming election presented a litmus test to the police, saying that there was no way the police could secure the state alone without support from the press and the public.
Alkali vowed that the police would do everything possible to curb violence at the forthcoming polls and warned that some unscrupulous policemen and members of the public must not allow themselves to be used as political thugs during the polls.
The police boss promised to help the NUJ curb proliferation of fake journalists across the state, saying that the police would be on the look out at events for fake journalists in order to arrest them.
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Meter Thief Begs Police, Don’t Tell My Wife
A suspected thief, Theophilus Ifekandu, has confessed to the police that despite the fact that he uses the money he makes from sale of stolen Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN meters to take care of his family, his wife does not know that he is a thief and pleaded with the police not to involve his wife in the matter.
He explained that his wife only know him as a businessman and whenever he goes out, he tells her that he was going to hustle.
He pleaded that involving his wife in this matter will cause her great pains and shame and begged to settle the matter without the knowledge of his wife.
The 41-year old Theophilus was caught at Isheri-Oshun, a suburb of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, while allegedly stealing PHCN meters.
He pretended that he was a staff of PHCN and had come to take back the metres of some of the residents who were owing electricity bill.
He had already removed two meters and was about taking them away when luck ran out on him. The residents asked him to show them his ID card but he had none.
The police were immediately contacted. The cops arrived the scene almost as he was about to be mobbed and took him to the station.
At the station, he confessed that he was not a PHCN staff as he had earlier claimed.
He told the police that he was dismissed from PHCN in 2008 and he decided to use his experience to make money.
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Island Club: Court Adjourns Contempt Case Agaisnt Okoya Thomas
The contempt proceedings initiated against Molade Okoya-Thomas and eight others, M.O Anibaba, A. Adejumo, Prof. John Godwin, Francis Akinyanmi, Jide Oki, Yanju Scott, Adele Jinadu and Eugene Okon has been adjourned till 17 March.
All the alleged contemnors were in court except Adejumo and Adele Jinadu.
The contempt proceedings arouse out of a suit instituted by one of the members of Island Club, Oladipupo Akerele against the trustees of the club, the chairman, Femi Adeniyi Williams and the secretary of the club, Oluwole Iyamu.
In the judgement, the court ordered that the management committee of the club should continue to run its affairs until an annual general meeting was held and new one was elected.
The court also restrained the chairman from unilaterally running the affairs of the club as the sole administrator.
The alleged contemnors prevented the management of the club from functioning and discharging their duties.
They wrote the bankers of the club that the management committee of the club had been dissolved.
And they claimed to have the power to disburse club funds in defiance of the management committee.
They were also alleged to have purportedly dissolved the duly constituted electoral committee of the club and instead constituted a parallel body called Interim Electoral Committe and mandated same to take over and conduct elections of the new management committee of Island Club.
They were also alleged to have undermined the decision of half yearly general meeting of the Island club held on 29 October, 2010.
It was on the basis of the alleged disobedience of the court order that an order of committal was being sought against the alleged nine contemnors for their continued disobedience of the order of the court pursuant to the judgement delivered on 8 October, 2010 by Justice Mohammed Idris.
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Two docked over N3.9 m fraud
Two men, Celestine Nwako and Abuchi Okoyo on Wednesday appeared before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly swindling their victim ofN3.9 million.
Nwako, 62, and Okoyo, 30, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Offong told the court that the men on Aug. 12, 2010, allegedly obtained Aluminum sheets valued at N3. 9 million from one Oliver Ugwu at the Aluminum Village, Dopemu, Lagos.
Offong said the accused collected the goods with a promise to pay after selling the goods -- ``a representation they knew to be false.’’
The prosecutor said after the goods exchanged hands, the accused disappeared until they were arrested by the police.
He said the offence allegedly committed contravened Sections 390, 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The two accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
The Magistrate, O.A .Ogala granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties in like sum.
Ogala adjourned further hearing in the matter till April 7.
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At a time when new Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Alkali says he has never taken bribe all his life even as a policeman, while submitting himself for investigation.
Alkali made this known when he paid a visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to him, “I have never taken bribe from anybody or given bribe to anyone in the course of my job. Go and investigate. Don’t give policemen bribe. Report any policeman who asks you for bribe.”
The police boss also denied reports in one of the dailies on Tuesday that the Inspector General of Police, IGP gave him a query over the crime situation in Lagos, saying that it was a blatant lie.
Reporters should always get two sides to a story before going to press. I am more than open to all.
The Police Public Relations Officer is there. I have eight Assistant Commissioners of Police in Lagos. They can help you and give you the necessary information,” he stated.
According to the police boss, “if anybody is writing anything about Alkali and the police command, I am not afraid. I cannot be intimidated. Verify your information first before going to press.”
He appealed to the press to support the police so that Lagos could have a smooth poll, adding that “with your cooperation, we can give the best security at this campaign period and during the election.”
Alkali stated that the forthcoming election presented a litmus test to the police, saying that there was no way the police could secure the state alone without support from the press and the public.
Alkali vowed that the police would do everything possible to curb violence at the forthcoming polls and warned that some unscrupulous policemen and members of the public must not allow themselves to be used as political thugs during the polls.
The police boss promised to help the NUJ curb proliferation of fake journalists across the state, saying that the police would be on the look out at events for fake journalists in order to arrest them.
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Meter Thief Begs Police, Don’t Tell My Wife
A suspected thief, Theophilus Ifekandu, has confessed to the police that despite the fact that he uses the money he makes from sale of stolen Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN meters to take care of his family, his wife does not know that he is a thief and pleaded with the police not to involve his wife in the matter.
He explained that his wife only know him as a businessman and whenever he goes out, he tells her that he was going to hustle.
He pleaded that involving his wife in this matter will cause her great pains and shame and begged to settle the matter without the knowledge of his wife.
The 41-year old Theophilus was caught at Isheri-Oshun, a suburb of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, while allegedly stealing PHCN meters.
He pretended that he was a staff of PHCN and had come to take back the metres of some of the residents who were owing electricity bill.
He had already removed two meters and was about taking them away when luck ran out on him. The residents asked him to show them his ID card but he had none.
The police were immediately contacted. The cops arrived the scene almost as he was about to be mobbed and took him to the station.
At the station, he confessed that he was not a PHCN staff as he had earlier claimed.
He told the police that he was dismissed from PHCN in 2008 and he decided to use his experience to make money.
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Island Club: Court Adjourns Contempt Case Agaisnt Okoya Thomas
The contempt proceedings initiated against Molade Okoya-Thomas and eight others, M.O Anibaba, A. Adejumo, Prof. John Godwin, Francis Akinyanmi, Jide Oki, Yanju Scott, Adele Jinadu and Eugene Okon has been adjourned till 17 March.
All the alleged contemnors were in court except Adejumo and Adele Jinadu.
The contempt proceedings arouse out of a suit instituted by one of the members of Island Club, Oladipupo Akerele against the trustees of the club, the chairman, Femi Adeniyi Williams and the secretary of the club, Oluwole Iyamu.
In the judgement, the court ordered that the management committee of the club should continue to run its affairs until an annual general meeting was held and new one was elected.
The court also restrained the chairman from unilaterally running the affairs of the club as the sole administrator.
The alleged contemnors prevented the management of the club from functioning and discharging their duties.
They wrote the bankers of the club that the management committee of the club had been dissolved.
And they claimed to have the power to disburse club funds in defiance of the management committee.
They were also alleged to have purportedly dissolved the duly constituted electoral committee of the club and instead constituted a parallel body called Interim Electoral Committe and mandated same to take over and conduct elections of the new management committee of Island Club.
They were also alleged to have undermined the decision of half yearly general meeting of the Island club held on 29 October, 2010.
It was on the basis of the alleged disobedience of the court order that an order of committal was being sought against the alleged nine contemnors for their continued disobedience of the order of the court pursuant to the judgement delivered on 8 October, 2010 by Justice Mohammed Idris.
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Two docked over N3.9 m fraud
Two men, Celestine Nwako and Abuchi Okoyo on Wednesday appeared before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly swindling their victim ofN3.9 million.
Nwako, 62, and Okoyo, 30, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Offong told the court that the men on Aug. 12, 2010, allegedly obtained Aluminum sheets valued at N3. 9 million from one Oliver Ugwu at the Aluminum Village, Dopemu, Lagos.
Offong said the accused collected the goods with a promise to pay after selling the goods -- ``a representation they knew to be false.’’
The prosecutor said after the goods exchanged hands, the accused disappeared until they were arrested by the police.
He said the offence allegedly committed contravened Sections 390, 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The two accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
The Magistrate, O.A .Ogala granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties in like sum.
Ogala adjourned further hearing in the matter till April 7.
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011
LAGOS POLICE BOSS
Togolese charged with possessing Nigerian voter’s cards, fake documents.
Two Togolese men were were in Lagos arraigned for allegedly possessing Nigerian voter’s cards, a fake Nigerian driver’s license and two birth certificates.
The duo Godwin Agboji and Fanoukoe Fofo had presented themselves as sureties at a Surulere Magistrates Court before they were arrested on the order of the Senior Magistrate, M.K.O. Fadeyi.
The accused are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy, giving false testimonies and presenting false documents to which they have, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ishola said the accused, a mechanic and a painter respectively, had on March 3 stood as sureties to an accused, Kofi Agbesi, who allegedly stole a bus valued at N1.2 million.
Ishola explained that Agboji and Fofo were being interviewed by the magistrate in his chambers on the authenticity of the documents presented for the bail of Agbesi, when suspicion on their nationality arose.
Ishola said the offence contravened Sections 117 and 516 of the Criminal Code, laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, A. Tobi granted the accused bail in the sum of N60, 000 with two sureties in like sum each.
She said one of the sureties should be a certified Nigerian with three years tax clearance certificates.
The case has been adjourned till April 14 for trial.
Two Togolese men were were in Lagos arraigned for allegedly possessing Nigerian voter’s cards, a fake Nigerian driver’s license and two birth certificates.
The duo Godwin Agboji and Fanoukoe Fofo had presented themselves as sureties at a Surulere Magistrates Court before they were arrested on the order of the Senior Magistrate, M.K.O. Fadeyi.
The accused are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy, giving false testimonies and presenting false documents to which they have, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ishola said the accused, a mechanic and a painter respectively, had on March 3 stood as sureties to an accused, Kofi Agbesi, who allegedly stole a bus valued at N1.2 million.
Ishola explained that Agboji and Fofo were being interviewed by the magistrate in his chambers on the authenticity of the documents presented for the bail of Agbesi, when suspicion on their nationality arose.
Ishola said the offence contravened Sections 117 and 516 of the Criminal Code, laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, A. Tobi granted the accused bail in the sum of N60, 000 with two sureties in like sum each.
She said one of the sureties should be a certified Nigerian with three years tax clearance certificates.
The case has been adjourned till April 14 for trial.
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Office Sex Wrecks Woman’s Marriage.
The marriage of a female manager with the Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc, has been wrecked after she was accused by her husband of sleeping with two persons, one of them, a director in the organisation and the other a client of the same organisation.
Charity Chineye Ogugwa was accused by her husband, Fidelis Chukwunwike Ogugwa, of infidelity and has therefore gone to a high court presided over by Justice Williams Dawodu to seek the dissolution of their marriage.
According to Ogugwa, the situation has gone beyond redemption as the woman, who bore him two children, Grace and Chibuzor, has been engaging in unprotected sex with these two men.
He also alleged that she also engaged in oral sex with the men who the husband identified as Olusegun Augustine Ilori and another client of the company.
She confessed this to her husband, Chukwunwike alleged.
Narrating the entire story in a petition seeking the dissolution of their 16-year old marriage, the man said he got married to the woman at the marriage registry in Lagos in 1994 and that they both lived at 126, Ilogbo Road, Sabo-Ajangbadi, Ojo area of the state, but they later moved to 65B, Odaliki Street, Ebutte-Metta.
He said he started suspecting his wife when the woman would excuse herself to receive phone calls at odd hours in 2003. He then became watchful and decided to follow the issue carefully.
In the petition, he further disclosed that “sometime between December 2003 and February 2004, the petitioner Ogugwa found an amorous text message from the first respondent Ilori to his wife.
As for Onisoya, the petitioner said his wife was also locked in an internet amorous chatting resulting in the exchange of photographs between the two on the net in 2008.
The husband said when he confronted his wife over the accusation, the woman confessed to having an adulterous and unprotected sex including oral sex with the two men who are also married since 2004 to date.
Ogugwa is now asking the court to also grant him custody of the two children after the dissolution of the marriage.
He is also seeking the court to award him N20 million being damages to be paid to him by the two men for the trespass and trauma they made him pass through, for their irresponsibility and the role they played in ruining his matrimonial home.
When the matter came up yesterday, Justice Dawodu adjourned hearing till Tuesday, 12 April this year.
Meanwhile, the case has taken another dimension as Olusegun Ilori, the accused Executive Director, has also sued Ogugwa before a high court sitting in Lagos for defamation of character.
According to him in an affidavit, “on 21 September 2010, a day before the Annual General Meeting of the Law Union and Rock Insurance Company, an unscrupulous culprit sent a malicious text from the number 08169406977 to key Board members of Law union and Rock Insurance Plc.”
He said the content of the text message reads As you get ready for your AGM in the city hall, watch oga Segun Ilori. He is not who you think he is.
He is a therefore seeking a court order to stop Ogugwa from circulating materials that tend to damage his reputation and to pay him N100 million as damages.
He is also seeking a retraction of previously circulated materials by Ogugwa and payment of another N1 million being cost of instituting the action.
The marriage of a female manager with the Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc, has been wrecked after she was accused by her husband of sleeping with two persons, one of them, a director in the organisation and the other a client of the same organisation.
Charity Chineye Ogugwa was accused by her husband, Fidelis Chukwunwike Ogugwa, of infidelity and has therefore gone to a high court presided over by Justice Williams Dawodu to seek the dissolution of their marriage.
According to Ogugwa, the situation has gone beyond redemption as the woman, who bore him two children, Grace and Chibuzor, has been engaging in unprotected sex with these two men.
He also alleged that she also engaged in oral sex with the men who the husband identified as Olusegun Augustine Ilori and another client of the company.
She confessed this to her husband, Chukwunwike alleged.
Narrating the entire story in a petition seeking the dissolution of their 16-year old marriage, the man said he got married to the woman at the marriage registry in Lagos in 1994 and that they both lived at 126, Ilogbo Road, Sabo-Ajangbadi, Ojo area of the state, but they later moved to 65B, Odaliki Street, Ebutte-Metta.
He said he started suspecting his wife when the woman would excuse herself to receive phone calls at odd hours in 2003. He then became watchful and decided to follow the issue carefully.
In the petition, he further disclosed that “sometime between December 2003 and February 2004, the petitioner Ogugwa found an amorous text message from the first respondent Ilori to his wife.
As for Onisoya, the petitioner said his wife was also locked in an internet amorous chatting resulting in the exchange of photographs between the two on the net in 2008.
The husband said when he confronted his wife over the accusation, the woman confessed to having an adulterous and unprotected sex including oral sex with the two men who are also married since 2004 to date.
Ogugwa is now asking the court to also grant him custody of the two children after the dissolution of the marriage.
He is also seeking the court to award him N20 million being damages to be paid to him by the two men for the trespass and trauma they made him pass through, for their irresponsibility and the role they played in ruining his matrimonial home.
When the matter came up yesterday, Justice Dawodu adjourned hearing till Tuesday, 12 April this year.
Meanwhile, the case has taken another dimension as Olusegun Ilori, the accused Executive Director, has also sued Ogugwa before a high court sitting in Lagos for defamation of character.
According to him in an affidavit, “on 21 September 2010, a day before the Annual General Meeting of the Law Union and Rock Insurance Company, an unscrupulous culprit sent a malicious text from the number 08169406977 to key Board members of Law union and Rock Insurance Plc.”
He said the content of the text message reads As you get ready for your AGM in the city hall, watch oga Segun Ilori. He is not who you think he is.
He is a therefore seeking a court order to stop Ogugwa from circulating materials that tend to damage his reputation and to pay him N100 million as damages.
He is also seeking a retraction of previously circulated materials by Ogugwa and payment of another N1 million being cost of instituting the action.
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security officer docked over theft of laptop, solar lamps.
A 70-year-old security officer, Mr Nimota Popoola, was on Tuesday docked at an Ikeja Magistrates Court for alleged theft of a laptop and four solar camping lamps.
Popoola is facing a one-count charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP W.G. Wagbara, said the accused and one other person now at large, sneaked into an office building and removed one Acer laptop and four solar camping lamps.
Wagbara placed the value of the stolen items, which he said, belonged to one Mrs Favour Iruejoma, at N306,000.
He said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
He said the offence was committed on Dec. 30, 2010 at 117, Aina Str., Ojodu, Ikeja.
Popoola, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, O.A. Adegite, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till March 24 for further hearing. ======================================
A 70-year-old security officer, Mr Nimota Popoola, was on Tuesday docked at an Ikeja Magistrates Court for alleged theft of a laptop and four solar camping lamps.
Popoola is facing a one-count charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP W.G. Wagbara, said the accused and one other person now at large, sneaked into an office building and removed one Acer laptop and four solar camping lamps.
Wagbara placed the value of the stolen items, which he said, belonged to one Mrs Favour Iruejoma, at N306,000.
He said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
He said the offence was committed on Dec. 30, 2010 at 117, Aina Str., Ojodu, Ikeja.
Popoola, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, O.A. Adegite, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till March 24 for further hearing. ======================================
Suspect Freed By Court After Plea.
A suspected fraudster, Eugene Kuru has made a passionate appeal to court magistrate, E. Kubanje at Isolo, Lagos State, to set him free because he was tired of committing crimes and will not go to crime again if he was released.
And the magistrate grantyed his request after the complained failoed to pursue the matter deligently.
The 31-year old Eugene claimed that he has learnt his lesson because his friends abandoned him when he was arrested and since then he has been languishing in prison custody at Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos.
The Abia state-born man said he came to Lagos in 2008 and was introduced into the popular local 419 and he was defrauding Lagosians until he was eventually nabbed late last year.
Areas he said was their operational base include the notorious Cele bus stop along Oshodi-Mile two expressway, Ilasa, Isolo, Ejigbo, Ikotun and Igando areas.
Eugene was arrested last year at Cele bus stop after he allegedly defrauded Tosin Kehinde on the false pretence of making him a millionaire.
He asked him to bring some amount so that he will change it to dollars for him to become rich.
The victim reportedly gave him N110,000 in exchange for the dollars he promised him but instead of giving him the money, he bolted away.
But Tosin, having realised that had been duped, reported the matter at the police station.
After a manhunt, he was arrested and charged to court where he had earlier pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
But he was shocked that none of his accomplices came to bail him.
When the matter came up for hearing, the complainant was not in court.
However, he pleaded with the court to release him because he had now repented.
Eugene said he will not go back to crime if set free.
The court ruled that since the complainant had not shown interest in the matter and because of the plea of the defendant, the matter was subsequently struck out.
After he was asked to go, the defendant said he was heading straight to his village.
A suspected fraudster, Eugene Kuru has made a passionate appeal to court magistrate, E. Kubanje at Isolo, Lagos State, to set him free because he was tired of committing crimes and will not go to crime again if he was released.
And the magistrate grantyed his request after the complained failoed to pursue the matter deligently.
The 31-year old Eugene claimed that he has learnt his lesson because his friends abandoned him when he was arrested and since then he has been languishing in prison custody at Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos.
The Abia state-born man said he came to Lagos in 2008 and was introduced into the popular local 419 and he was defrauding Lagosians until he was eventually nabbed late last year.
Areas he said was their operational base include the notorious Cele bus stop along Oshodi-Mile two expressway, Ilasa, Isolo, Ejigbo, Ikotun and Igando areas.
Eugene was arrested last year at Cele bus stop after he allegedly defrauded Tosin Kehinde on the false pretence of making him a millionaire.
He asked him to bring some amount so that he will change it to dollars for him to become rich.
The victim reportedly gave him N110,000 in exchange for the dollars he promised him but instead of giving him the money, he bolted away.
But Tosin, having realised that had been duped, reported the matter at the police station.
After a manhunt, he was arrested and charged to court where he had earlier pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
But he was shocked that none of his accomplices came to bail him.
When the matter came up for hearing, the complainant was not in court.
However, he pleaded with the court to release him because he had now repented.
Eugene said he will not go back to crime if set free.
The court ruled that since the complainant had not shown interest in the matter and because of the plea of the defendant, the matter was subsequently struck out.
After he was asked to go, the defendant said he was heading straight to his village.
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Man arraigned for allegedly defrauding doctor of N1.1m.
Forty-year old Uche Okoye on Tuesday appeared before an Apapa Chief Magistrates Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a medical doctor of N1.1 million.
Facing a three-count charge of stealing, fraud and issuing of dud cheques, the accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, said the accused collected N1.1m from Dr Iloka Ejiofor under the pretext of selling a Honda Accord saloon car to him.
Iberedem said the offence was committed sometime in April 2010 at FESTAC Town, Lagos.
He alleged that Okoye also issued dud cheques to the tune of N1.4 million sometime in December, 2010 to cover the N300,000 interest on the N1.1 million.
The offences, he said, contravened Sections 1 (b) (1) of Dishonoured Cheque Offences Act, 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, laws of Lagos State.
The Chief Magistrate, E. O. Ogundare granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
He said the sureties should show evidence of tax payment in Lagos State.
Forty-year old Uche Okoye on Tuesday appeared before an Apapa Chief Magistrates Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a medical doctor of N1.1 million.
Facing a three-count charge of stealing, fraud and issuing of dud cheques, the accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, said the accused collected N1.1m from Dr Iloka Ejiofor under the pretext of selling a Honda Accord saloon car to him.
Iberedem said the offence was committed sometime in April 2010 at FESTAC Town, Lagos.
He alleged that Okoye also issued dud cheques to the tune of N1.4 million sometime in December, 2010 to cover the N300,000 interest on the N1.1 million.
The offences, he said, contravened Sections 1 (b) (1) of Dishonoured Cheque Offences Act, 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, laws of Lagos State.
The Chief Magistrate, E. O. Ogundare granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
He said the sureties should show evidence of tax payment in Lagos State.
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Driver docked for allegedly causing man’s death
A 28-year-old driver, Rafiu Ibrahim, who allegedly killed an unidentified man has been arraigned in Lagos for manslaughter.
The accused is facing a two-count charge of manslaughter and reckless driving before Chief Magistrate E.O. Ogundare of the Apapa Magistrates Court.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, said Ibrahim recklessly drove a Mack Trailer with registration XE 659 AGL on Feb. 7 causing the death of the man.
Iberedem added that the accused on the same date, time and place drove his trailer during the incident on the highway without a driver’s licence and regards for other road users.
He said the offence was punishable under Sections 7(1) and 27(1) of Road Traffic Act (RTA) Cap 124, Vol. 6 Laws of Lagos 2003.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ogundare granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case till May 6 for further hearing.
A 28-year-old driver, Rafiu Ibrahim, who allegedly killed an unidentified man has been arraigned in Lagos for manslaughter.
The accused is facing a two-count charge of manslaughter and reckless driving before Chief Magistrate E.O. Ogundare of the Apapa Magistrates Court.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, said Ibrahim recklessly drove a Mack Trailer with registration XE 659 AGL on Feb. 7 causing the death of the man.
Iberedem added that the accused on the same date, time and place drove his trailer during the incident on the highway without a driver’s licence and regards for other road users.
He said the offence was punishable under Sections 7(1) and 27(1) of Road Traffic Act (RTA) Cap 124, Vol. 6 Laws of Lagos 2003.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ogundare granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case till May 6 for further hearing.
Monday, March 7, 2011
DSP SAMUEL JINADU PPRO LAGOS
Former Intercontinental Bank worker docked for allegedly defrauding the bank
A former employee of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Yinka Macaulay was on Monday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding the bank of N7.8 million.
Macaulay, 27, is standing trial before Magistrate O.O. Martins on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and fraud.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Williams Umunna told the court that the accused with two others at large, committed the offence on Jan. 27 at Intercontinental Bank Plc, plot 999c Danmole St., Victoria Island, Lagos.
Umunna said the accused and the others at large conspired and stole the sum of N7.77 million, property of Intercontinental bank.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390, 484 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Martins granted him bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till April 13, for mention.
A former employee of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Yinka Macaulay was on Monday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding the bank of N7.8 million.
Macaulay, 27, is standing trial before Magistrate O.O. Martins on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and fraud.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Williams Umunna told the court that the accused with two others at large, committed the offence on Jan. 27 at Intercontinental Bank Plc, plot 999c Danmole St., Victoria Island, Lagos.
Umunna said the accused and the others at large conspired and stole the sum of N7.77 million, property of Intercontinental bank.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390, 484 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Martins granted him bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till April 13, for mention.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////50-year-old trader in court for allegedly obtaining money under false pretence
A 50-year-old trader, Oladele Olulowo was on Monday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly obtaining N607,500 from a co-trader with pretence.
Olulowo is standing trial before Magistrate F.V. Davies-Abegunde, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Peter Nwagwu, told the court that the offence was committed on Nov. 25, 2010 at Lekki, Lagos.
Nwagwu said the accused and two others at large, collected the sum of N607,500 from one Bunmi Idowu with the pretext of supplying her diesel.
He said the accused knew that the representation was false.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390(9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Davies-Abegunde granted the accused N250,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till March 25 for mention.
A 50-year-old trader, Oladele Olulowo was on Monday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly obtaining N607,500 from a co-trader with pretence.
Olulowo is standing trial before Magistrate F.V. Davies-Abegunde, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Peter Nwagwu, told the court that the offence was committed on Nov. 25, 2010 at Lekki, Lagos.
Nwagwu said the accused and two others at large, collected the sum of N607,500 from one Bunmi Idowu with the pretext of supplying her diesel.
He said the accused knew that the representation was false.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390(9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Davies-Abegunde granted the accused N250,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till March 25 for mention.
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NDLEA BOSS
NDLEA arrests woman for drug trafficking
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the arrest of a 40-year-old female suspect for alleged drug trafficking.
Its spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said in a statement that the suspect was arrested while attempting to export 13kg of methamphetamine to Congo through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
According to Ofoyeju, the drug was found in a sack concealed inside a bag containing some shirts.
He said the suspect had reportedly told the narcotic officers that the drug was fertiliser.
Ofoyeju quoted the NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, as saying more people were connected with the export.
He said the suspect would soon be charged to court.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the arrest of a 40-year-old female suspect for alleged drug trafficking.
Its spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said in a statement that the suspect was arrested while attempting to export 13kg of methamphetamine to Congo through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
According to Ofoyeju, the drug was found in a sack concealed inside a bag containing some shirts.
He said the suspect had reportedly told the narcotic officers that the drug was fertiliser.
Ofoyeju quoted the NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, as saying more people were connected with the export.
He said the suspect would soon be charged to court.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
GOVERNOR BABATUNDE FASHOLA
Security Beefed Up At Alausa
Following widespread insecurity in the country, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State,has ordered security beef up at the State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
As part of the new security measure, vehicles entering and going out of the secretariat around 7.00 pm, with effect from friday are searched thoroughly.
The main gate of the secretariat will now be permanently shut by 7.00 pm on weekdays and shut all through on weekends and public holidays.
A circular from the Public Service Office, said the governor had observed the poor state of security within the state secretariat complex and had ordered security beef up to forestall any eventuality.
The circular was signed by the Permanent Secretary, L.A.D. Abari on behalf of the Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe and forwarded to all ministries, parastatals and agencies of government.
It has also been observed that movement in and out of the Secretariat Complex is often unchecked and this situation has become worrisome, considering the spate of attacks across the country.
Apart from shutting the main entrance to the secretariat, the government ordered that the main gate leading out of the secretariat would henceforth be closed by 6.00 pm during weekdays and would remain permanently closed at weekends and public holidays.
All vehicular and pedestrian movements in and out of the secretariat complex after 7.00 pm during weekdays will henceforth be through the gates at the Deputy Governor’s Office and the State Treasury Office.
All vehicular and pedestrian movements in and out of the secretariat complex at weekends and public holidays will henceforth be through the gate at the Deputy Governor’s Office only.
According to the government, all unauthorised persons with official plate numbers on their private vehicles should remove them forthwith as such act was considered a breach of security and criminal.
All abandoned vehicles within the secretariat complex, except government vehicles, should be removed within 48 hours of the release of this circular, if not, such vehicles will be impounded.
Private vehicles that belong to staff should not be parked within the secretariat complex overnight, at weekends and public holidays. Any of such vehicles discovered will be impounded.
Also, the state government stated that all officers should go about with their identity cards displayed conspicuously to avoid embarrassment, as unauthorised persons within the complex after 7.00 pm shall henceforth be accosted by security agents.
Following widespread insecurity in the country, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State,has ordered security beef up at the State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
As part of the new security measure, vehicles entering and going out of the secretariat around 7.00 pm, with effect from friday are searched thoroughly.
The main gate of the secretariat will now be permanently shut by 7.00 pm on weekdays and shut all through on weekends and public holidays.
A circular from the Public Service Office, said the governor had observed the poor state of security within the state secretariat complex and had ordered security beef up to forestall any eventuality.
The circular was signed by the Permanent Secretary, L.A.D. Abari on behalf of the Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe and forwarded to all ministries, parastatals and agencies of government.
It has also been observed that movement in and out of the Secretariat Complex is often unchecked and this situation has become worrisome, considering the spate of attacks across the country.
Apart from shutting the main entrance to the secretariat, the government ordered that the main gate leading out of the secretariat would henceforth be closed by 6.00 pm during weekdays and would remain permanently closed at weekends and public holidays.
All vehicular and pedestrian movements in and out of the secretariat complex after 7.00 pm during weekdays will henceforth be through the gates at the Deputy Governor’s Office and the State Treasury Office.
All vehicular and pedestrian movements in and out of the secretariat complex at weekends and public holidays will henceforth be through the gate at the Deputy Governor’s Office only.
According to the government, all unauthorised persons with official plate numbers on their private vehicles should remove them forthwith as such act was considered a breach of security and criminal.
All abandoned vehicles within the secretariat complex, except government vehicles, should be removed within 48 hours of the release of this circular, if not, such vehicles will be impounded.
Private vehicles that belong to staff should not be parked within the secretariat complex overnight, at weekends and public holidays. Any of such vehicles discovered will be impounded.
Also, the state government stated that all officers should go about with their identity cards displayed conspicuously to avoid embarrassment, as unauthorised persons within the complex after 7.00 pm shall henceforth be accosted by security agents.
PPRO, SAMUEL JINADU
Police foil armed robbery at new generation bank
A new generation bank name withheld located at Ogudu in Ojota area of Lagos, was raided early on Thursday by a gang of suspected armed robbers.
The gang were said to have arrived at the bank premises in two vehicles at about 10 a.m. and started shooting sporadically.
The suspected robbers gained entry into the banking hall, they did not succeed in robbing the bank following the timely arrival of a police team.
The timely response to a distress call from the bank foiled the robbery, as the suspected robbers escaped the scene after exchanging gunfire with the police.
The Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Samuel Jinadu, confirmed the story but said no casualty or arrest was recorded.
A new generation bank name withheld located at Ogudu in Ojota area of Lagos, was raided early on Thursday by a gang of suspected armed robbers.
The gang were said to have arrived at the bank premises in two vehicles at about 10 a.m. and started shooting sporadically.
The suspected robbers gained entry into the banking hall, they did not succeed in robbing the bank following the timely arrival of a police team.
The timely response to a distress call from the bank foiled the robbery, as the suspected robbers escaped the scene after exchanging gunfire with the police.
The Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Samuel Jinadu, confirmed the story but said no casualty or arrest was recorded.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
LAGOS POLICE SPOKESMAN
26-year-old man bags 5 years for stealing Internet equipment
The Somolu Magistrate Court on Wednesday sentenced a 26-year-old man, Jeremiah Chiniga, to five years imprisonment for stealing two Index Masks Internet communication equipment, valued at N900,000.
Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi found Chiniga guilty of the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing preferred against him.
Osunsanmi sentenced the accused to two years imprisonment on the first count and three years on the second count without an option of a fine, but said the sentences should run concurrently.
The prosecutor, Insp. A. Adegoke, told the court that Chiniga and others at large stole items, property of Trevi Foundation Nigeria Ltd.
Adegoke said the offence was committed sometime in August and December, 2010 at the premises of Trevi Foundation Nigeria Ltd., situated at Plot 4, Block B, Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The Somolu Magistrate Court on Wednesday sentenced a 26-year-old man, Jeremiah Chiniga, to five years imprisonment for stealing two Index Masks Internet communication equipment, valued at N900,000.
Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi found Chiniga guilty of the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing preferred against him.
Osunsanmi sentenced the accused to two years imprisonment on the first count and three years on the second count without an option of a fine, but said the sentences should run concurrently.
The prosecutor, Insp. A. Adegoke, told the court that Chiniga and others at large stole items, property of Trevi Foundation Nigeria Ltd.
Adegoke said the offence was committed sometime in August and December, 2010 at the premises of Trevi Foundation Nigeria Ltd., situated at Plot 4, Block B, Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
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2 shop assistants arraigned in Lagos over theft
The Police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned two shop assistants before an Igbosere Magistrates Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing items valued at N588,190 from the shop.
The accused, Chidinma Amos, 28, Rita Ayim, 28, are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before Magistrate J.A. Adegun.
The prosecutor, Insp. Olushola Agoi, told the court that the offence was committed between Dec. 23, 2010 and Jan. 3, 2011 at Abraham Adesanya Estate, Ajah, Lagos.
Agoi said the two girls conspired and stole 28 cartons of frozen foods valued at N223,095 and a cash sum of N365,095, property of one Mr Onyeobo Orji.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Adegun granted the duo bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till March 9 for mention.
The Police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned two shop assistants before an Igbosere Magistrates Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing items valued at N588,190 from the shop.
The accused, Chidinma Amos, 28, Rita Ayim, 28, are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before Magistrate J.A. Adegun.
The prosecutor, Insp. Olushola Agoi, told the court that the offence was committed between Dec. 23, 2010 and Jan. 3, 2011 at Abraham Adesanya Estate, Ajah, Lagos.
Agoi said the two girls conspired and stole 28 cartons of frozen foods valued at N223,095 and a cash sum of N365,095, property of one Mr Onyeobo Orji.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Adegun granted the duo bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till March 9 for mention.
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Businessman arraigned for allegedly defrauding a medical doctor.
A businessman, Melvis Emanemere, was on Wednesday arraigned for allegedly defrauding a medical doctor of N200,000 under the pretence of assisting him to procure a Chinese visa.
Emanemere, 30, is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, impersonation, obtaining money under pretence and stealing before Mrs Ope Agbe of an Igbosere Magistrates Court.
Emanemere allegedly impersonated a staff member of the Chinese Embassy to obtain the money from Athora Orome.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Victor Eruada, said Emanemere sometime in April 2010, at Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, posed as an employee of the embassy and convinced Orome to part with the amount, promising to procure the visa within a week.
Eruada told the court that the accused collected the money and disappeared without delivering on his promise.
He said the offence contravened Sections 109, 390, 419, and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate adjourned the case till March 30 for further hearing.
A businessman, Melvis Emanemere, was on Wednesday arraigned for allegedly defrauding a medical doctor of N200,000 under the pretence of assisting him to procure a Chinese visa.
Emanemere, 30, is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, impersonation, obtaining money under pretence and stealing before Mrs Ope Agbe of an Igbosere Magistrates Court.
Emanemere allegedly impersonated a staff member of the Chinese Embassy to obtain the money from Athora Orome.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Victor Eruada, said Emanemere sometime in April 2010, at Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, posed as an employee of the embassy and convinced Orome to part with the amount, promising to procure the visa within a week.
Eruada told the court that the accused collected the money and disappeared without delivering on his promise.
He said the offence contravened Sections 109, 390, 419, and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate adjourned the case till March 30 for further hearing.
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Fresh charges slammed on accused
A Surulere Magistrates Court, Lagos, on Wednesday substituted charges against a 25-year-old woman, who allegedly stole clothes, worth N160,000.
The accused, Uche Okpara, had earlier been arraigned before Senior Magistrate A.O. Gbajumo on Oct. 11, 2010 on a three-count charge of stealing the items, property of three traders.
Okpara had pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N10,000 with two sureties in like sum.
However, the prosecutor, Sgt. Raji Hakeem, told the court on Wednesday that he was substituting the earlier charges with a five-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining by pretence with intent to defraud.
Hakeem told the court that the accused had on Sept. 10, 2010 at No. 6, Popo Str., Yaba, Surulere, stolen the clothes worth N160,000.
According to him, efforts to settle the matter were unsuccessful because the accused denied having any business with them.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 390, 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate, however, ordered that the subsisting bail for the accused still stood and adjourned the case till April 6 for trial.
A Surulere Magistrates Court, Lagos, on Wednesday substituted charges against a 25-year-old woman, who allegedly stole clothes, worth N160,000.
The accused, Uche Okpara, had earlier been arraigned before Senior Magistrate A.O. Gbajumo on Oct. 11, 2010 on a three-count charge of stealing the items, property of three traders.
Okpara had pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N10,000 with two sureties in like sum.
However, the prosecutor, Sgt. Raji Hakeem, told the court on Wednesday that he was substituting the earlier charges with a five-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining by pretence with intent to defraud.
Hakeem told the court that the accused had on Sept. 10, 2010 at No. 6, Popo Str., Yaba, Surulere, stolen the clothes worth N160,000.
According to him, efforts to settle the matter were unsuccessful because the accused denied having any business with them.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 390, 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate, however, ordered that the subsisting bail for the accused still stood and adjourned the case till April 6 for trial.
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Man jailed for stealing clothes
A 32-year-old man, Adeleke Adeoye, who pleaded guilty to stealing property valued at N1.2 million is to spend one year in jail with hard labour.
Magistrate O.S. Aka-Bashorun of the Yaba Magistrates Court, who handed down the sentence on Wednesday, did not give him any option of a fine.
Adeoye was arraigned on a one-count charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. John Philip, told the court that the accused in June 2009 at No 14 Makoko Road, Yaba, Lagos, stole some clothes valued N800,000 and a gold chain valued at N350,000.
Other items, the prosecutor said, were a Nokia phone valued N14,000 and N5,000 cash, all totaling N1.17 million, property of one Josephine Abogunrin.
According to Philip, the offence is punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code laws of Lagos State.
A 32-year-old man, Adeleke Adeoye, who pleaded guilty to stealing property valued at N1.2 million is to spend one year in jail with hard labour.
Magistrate O.S. Aka-Bashorun of the Yaba Magistrates Court, who handed down the sentence on Wednesday, did not give him any option of a fine.
Adeoye was arraigned on a one-count charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. John Philip, told the court that the accused in June 2009 at No 14 Makoko Road, Yaba, Lagos, stole some clothes valued N800,000 and a gold chain valued at N350,000.
Other items, the prosecutor said, were a Nokia phone valued N14,000 and N5,000 cash, all totaling N1.17 million, property of one Josephine Abogunrin.
According to Philip, the offence is punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code laws of Lagos State.
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Trader docked for allegedly assaulting neighbour
The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned a trader, Innocent Enyi, for allegedly assaulting his neighbor and damaging the windows of his Sports Utility Vehicle.
Enyi, 32, is standing trial before a Surulere Magistrates Court, Lagos, on a two-count charge of assault and malicious damage.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Raji Hakeem, told the court that an argument between the accused and his neighbour, Mr Arinze Madubuko, led to the assault and damage of the vehicle.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences were committed on Feb. 22 at No. 42/44 Sifawu St., Surulere, Lagos.
According to him, the value of the damaged windows is N260,000.
He said the offences contravened Sections 351 and 451 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Senior Magistrate, A.O. Gbajumo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N80,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till April 13 for trial.
The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned a trader, Innocent Enyi, for allegedly assaulting his neighbor and damaging the windows of his Sports Utility Vehicle.
Enyi, 32, is standing trial before a Surulere Magistrates Court, Lagos, on a two-count charge of assault and malicious damage.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Raji Hakeem, told the court that an argument between the accused and his neighbour, Mr Arinze Madubuko, led to the assault and damage of the vehicle.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences were committed on Feb. 22 at No. 42/44 Sifawu St., Surulere, Lagos.
According to him, the value of the damaged windows is N260,000.
He said the offences contravened Sections 351 and 451 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Senior Magistrate, A.O. Gbajumo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N80,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till April 13 for trial.
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Court remands man in prison over raising false alarm
A Mushin Chief Magistrates Court on Wednesday remanded a 21-year-old man, Joe Ekpo, in Kirikiri Prisons for falsely claiming that his male organ had disappeared.
Ekpo, who is facing a four-count charge of breach of the peace, felony, assault and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Lucky Eforgenme, told the court that Ekpo, along with others still at large, alleged that his penis disappeared when Mr Emenike Obi touched him at 201 Onipede St., Itire, Lagos.
By his conduct, Eforgenme said the accused had caused a breach of the peace.
He said the offences, which were committed on Feb. 26 at about 11p.m., contravened Sections 249 (d), 351, 390 (9) and 517 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Counsel to the accused, Michael Adeleke, urged the court to grant his client bail, pointing out that the offences were bailable.
The Chief Magistrate, Christiana Adesola –Ikpatt, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till March 21 for further hearing.
A Mushin Chief Magistrates Court on Wednesday remanded a 21-year-old man, Joe Ekpo, in Kirikiri Prisons for falsely claiming that his male organ had disappeared.
Ekpo, who is facing a four-count charge of breach of the peace, felony, assault and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Lucky Eforgenme, told the court that Ekpo, along with others still at large, alleged that his penis disappeared when Mr Emenike Obi touched him at 201 Onipede St., Itire, Lagos.
By his conduct, Eforgenme said the accused had caused a breach of the peace.
He said the offences, which were committed on Feb. 26 at about 11p.m., contravened Sections 249 (d), 351, 390 (9) and 517 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Counsel to the accused, Michael Adeleke, urged the court to grant his client bail, pointing out that the offences were bailable.
The Chief Magistrate, Christiana Adesola –Ikpatt, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till March 21 for further hearing.
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Pastor faces alleged N6.6mln fraud charges
A businesswoman, Mrs Rose Bello on Thursday in Ikeja narrated how a pastor of Four Square Gospel Church, Kehinde Akanji, allegedly defrauded her company of N6.6 million.
Bello, Managing Director of BVM Productions, was testifying at the resumed trial of Akanji and his accomplices Enoch Idris and Amuzie Oku-Ani at an Ikeja High Court.
Akanji has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge of fraud and conspiracy.
Bello alleged that Akanji had approached BVM Productions on May 13, 2008 with a proposal to help them secure a contract with the Nigeria Football Association.
She said she decided to approach her bank for a N7 million loan which was approved for the transaction.
Bello said her General Manager, Amos Ubini was sent to the suspects’ office Communication Development Company Ltd, Abuja-- where he was introduced to other accused persons by Akanji.
Earlier, under cross-examination, Ubini had told the court that the first accused person was a senior pastor with the Four Square Gospel Church, Lagos.
He claimed that he advised his boss to engage in the transaction based on the fact that Akanji was ``a respectable man of God’’.
Justice Olabisi Akinlade has adjourned further hearing till March 10.
A businesswoman, Mrs Rose Bello on Thursday in Ikeja narrated how a pastor of Four Square Gospel Church, Kehinde Akanji, allegedly defrauded her company of N6.6 million.
Bello, Managing Director of BVM Productions, was testifying at the resumed trial of Akanji and his accomplices Enoch Idris and Amuzie Oku-Ani at an Ikeja High Court.
Akanji has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge of fraud and conspiracy.
Bello alleged that Akanji had approached BVM Productions on May 13, 2008 with a proposal to help them secure a contract with the Nigeria Football Association.
She said she decided to approach her bank for a N7 million loan which was approved for the transaction.
Bello said her General Manager, Amos Ubini was sent to the suspects’ office Communication Development Company Ltd, Abuja-- where he was introduced to other accused persons by Akanji.
Earlier, under cross-examination, Ubini had told the court that the first accused person was a senior pastor with the Four Square Gospel Church, Lagos.
He claimed that he advised his boss to engage in the transaction based on the fact that Akanji was ``a respectable man of God’’.
Justice Olabisi Akinlade has adjourned further hearing till March 10.
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Court strikes out case against PDP governorship aspirant in Lagos
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday struck out the suit instituted against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Dr Ade Dosunmu.
In her judgment, Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako held that the applicant, Oluowo Adeyeri, a PDP member, had no locus standi to institute the case.
Adeyeri, who had on Feb. 3 filed a suit challenging Dosunmu’s nomination, asked the court to declare it null and void.
Murtala-Nyako berated Dosunmu for not complying with the order of the court when the case was still pending.
She criticised the attitude of the older generation of Nigerians and expressed dismay at the precedence being laid down for the younger generation.
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday struck out the suit instituted against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Dr Ade Dosunmu.
In her judgment, Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako held that the applicant, Oluowo Adeyeri, a PDP member, had no locus standi to institute the case.
Adeyeri, who had on Feb. 3 filed a suit challenging Dosunmu’s nomination, asked the court to declare it null and void.
Murtala-Nyako berated Dosunmu for not complying with the order of the court when the case was still pending.
She criticised the attitude of the older generation of Nigerians and expressed dismay at the precedence being laid down for the younger generation.
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Police, commercial motorcyclists clash
Vehicular traffic was disrupted on Thursday evening on the Okota-Isolo road, Lagos, following a disturbance involving commercial motorcyclists and the traffic police at the Oke-Afa junction.
Eye witnesses said the motorcyclists were protesting against an accident, which they claimed, killed one of their colleagues.
In response, the police seized many motorcycles which they later carted away to an unknown destination.
Scores of other motorcyclists, who got wind of the disturbance, made hurried withdrawals as they approached the Oke-Afa junction.
Hundreds of passengers in commuter buses also abandoned their transportation, preferring to trek across the bridge, raising their hands as they walked past stern-looking armed policemen.
As at the time of filing this report, the traffic build-up is several kilometres long, with hundreds of vehicles at a standstill.
A senior police source, who confirmed the incident, said trouble started when a commuter bus, popularly known as molue, fatally knocked down a commercial motorcyclist.
According to the police officer, who elected to remain anonymous, the motorcyclists became enraged when information got to them that the bus driver had escaped, ostensibly with the connivance of the police.
He said the motorcyclists in the process attacked motorists and burnt down a police patrol van.
The source said the police had moved the molue to the Isolo Police Station where it is being detained.
Vehicular traffic was disrupted on Thursday evening on the Okota-Isolo road, Lagos, following a disturbance involving commercial motorcyclists and the traffic police at the Oke-Afa junction.
Eye witnesses said the motorcyclists were protesting against an accident, which they claimed, killed one of their colleagues.
In response, the police seized many motorcycles which they later carted away to an unknown destination.
Scores of other motorcyclists, who got wind of the disturbance, made hurried withdrawals as they approached the Oke-Afa junction.
Hundreds of passengers in commuter buses also abandoned their transportation, preferring to trek across the bridge, raising their hands as they walked past stern-looking armed policemen.
As at the time of filing this report, the traffic build-up is several kilometres long, with hundreds of vehicles at a standstill.
A senior police source, who confirmed the incident, said trouble started when a commuter bus, popularly known as molue, fatally knocked down a commercial motorcyclist.
According to the police officer, who elected to remain anonymous, the motorcyclists became enraged when information got to them that the bus driver had escaped, ostensibly with the connivance of the police.
He said the motorcyclists in the process attacked motorists and burnt down a police patrol van.
The source said the police had moved the molue to the Isolo Police Station where it is being detained.
Ahmadu Giade
NDLEA to appeal court judgment on accused
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said on Wednesday that it would appeal the judgment of a Federal High Court, Lagos, which discharged and acquitted a suspected drug baron.
The Chief Judge of the court, Justice Dan Abutu, had on Tuesday ruled in favour of the accused, Onochie Ikenna, who had been standing trial since 2006 over the illegal possession of cocaine and heroin.
He held that the NDLEA failed to prove its case against Onoche beyond reasonable doubts.
However, the NDLEA, in a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the agency was ``still studying the judgment and would take the necessary line of action in appealing the decision’’.
It said the agency’s Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, was also displeased with the judgment and also ``strongly believed that the NDLEA had a good case to pursue it to its logical conclusion.
The accused was arraigned on Jan. 31, 2006 on a three-count charge of illegal possession of cocaine and heroin and the concealment of the proceeds from the illicit business.
The charge was reduced to two, expunging the money laundering charge.
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