LAGOS POLICE IMAGE MAKER, SAMUEL JINADU

Unemployed charged with illegal lodging at Sheraton Hotel.

A 29-year-old unemployed, Dauda Ayuba, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates Court for allegedly lodging illegally at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Ayuba, has, however pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Insp. Roman Unuigba alleged that the accused was caught while the hotel’s management team was on a routine check.
He said the workers had observed that the room was not accessible and remained locked from inside for several days.
He said the management was compelled to break the door open, only to find the accused seated on the bed in the room.
Unuigba said the accused claimed to have come to Lagos in search of a job but found the vacant room and occupied it.
He told the court that the hotel’s management viewed the matter seriously considering the spate of bomb explosions around the country.
The prosecutor also tendered a statement allegedly written by the accused as an admittance of guilt.
The accused, however, denied ever writing the statement, claiming that it was only given to him to sign.
The Magistrate, A.T Omoyele, rejected the plea by the prosecutor to admit the statement.
She ordered that the accused be remanded in the custody and adjourned further hearing on the matter till May 4.

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Security guard in soup over alleged theft.

A 23-year-old security guard was on Friday in Lagos arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing his employer’s printing machine spare parts, valued at N238,000.
The accused, Cyprian Ugah, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Onwuemenu, alleged that the accused on April 7 conspired with others at large to steal the spare parts belonging to Mr Ademola Olatunde.
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.
The Magistrate, O.J. Awope, granted the accused N50,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 18 for further hearing.

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Surety arraigned for failure to produce accused.

A 53-year-old man, Henry Chuma, who stood as a surety for an accused, was on Friday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for failure to produce him in court.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Akanbi Saka, told the court that Chuma had stood as a surety for one Joy Ohanye on a bail bond of N6.4 million.
The accused is facing a two-count charge of failure to produce an accused in court and issuing a dude cheque.
According to the prosecutor, Chuma had in October 2010 at the Criminal Investigation Department, Onikan, Lagos, stood as a surety for Ohanye, who was being prosecuted for theft.
He said the accused failed to produce Ohanye on Oct. 13 2010, contrary to his undertaking that she would be available to face her charges when required.
Saka said Chuma also issued a dud cheque of N2 million which was dishonoured for lack of funds.
Saka said the offence contravened Sections 137 and 1(1) B (i) of the Criminal Code and Dishonoured Cheque Act, Laws of Lagos State and Federation.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Mulikat Ali-Balogun, granted the accused N500,000 bail and adjourned the case till May 31 for hearing.

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Man 30 remanded for alleged murder.

An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Friday remanded 30-year-old Daniel Bitrus at the Ikoyi Prisons for allegedly killing a man with a broken bottle.
The Magistrate, T. Abolarinwa, ordered Bitrus to be locked up till May 24 when the state Director of Public Prosecutions would have given a legal advice.
Abolarinwa said the plea of the accused could not be taken because the court had no jurisdiction to hear the case.
The prosecutor, ASP Effiong Essien, told the court that the accused on April 9 at the Railway Line, Jibowu, Lagos, had a misunderstanding with the deceased, who was simply identified as Awulu.
Essien said a fight broke out between the two and Bitrus allegedly stabbed him with a broken bottle and ran away.
He said the accused, however, was arrested at Ijora Olopa in Lagos during investigation.
The prosecutor said the accused had no fixed address and was jobless.
Essien said the alleged offence contravened Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and attracted a death penalty.

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Man in court over alleged murder of Spanish national.

A graduate of the University of Benin, Ikechukwu Maduabuchi, on Friday appeared before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over the murder of a Spanish national in a hotel.
Maduabuchi, 21, a diploma holder in chemical engineering, was brought before Magistrate Helen Omisore on a one-count charge of killing one Dr Gavarro Antoni.
The magistrate ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody pending when the court would get advice from the state Director of Public Prosecutions.
Omisore, who did not take Maduabuchi’s plea, further stated that the court had no jurisdiction to hear the case.
Ekundayo said the accused and deceased were friends and that the incident took place on April 19 at the Carlton Hotels and Suites, Festac Town, Lagos.
He said on the fateful day, both men were drinking in Antoni’s hotel room and the accused claimed he fell asleep.
The accused claimed he (Maduabuchi) suspected Antoni had sex with him and engaged in a fight with the Spanish.
The case was adjourned till July 29 for further hearing.

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6 sales girls arraigned for theft.

The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned six sales girls before an Igbosere Magistrates' Court, Lagos, for allegedly defrauding their employer of goods valued at N2 million.
The accused, Omolara Adeniyi, 32, Bolale Adesokan, 25, Alimat Amusa, 22, Elizabeth Abolarin, 32, Abibat Sanni, 32, Olawunmi Adejumo, 44 are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Godwin Anyanwu, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on April 27 at No. 28 Oroyinyin St., Lagos.
Anyanwu alleged that the six accused, who were sales girls, stole baby items from a shop belonging to one Mrs Daramola Adenike.
He alleged that the stolen goods were recorded as sold but the money could not be accounted for.
He said the alleged offence contravened Sections 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The six accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, W. B. Balogun, granted each of the accused persons a bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till May 25 for mention.

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3 undergraduates arraigned over theft of PHCN feeder cable.

Three undergraduates have appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates` Court in Lagos over the alleged theft of a feeder cable belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
The cable was said to be worth N400,000.
The accused are Augustine Emmanuel (31), Robinson Godwin (22) and Etim Sunday (26).
The prosecutor, Sgt Augustine Onwuemenu, said that the accused conspired and disconnected the cable wired to a 150 MVN transformer owned by the PHCN.
Onwuemenu submitted that they disconnected and carted away the cable near the Ajah Motor Park, leaving the environs in darkness for months.
He said the alleged offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The undergraduates, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and were each granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Magistrate O.J Awope adjourned the case till May 25 for further hearing.

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4 in court for impersonating soldiers.

Four unemployed persons were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly impersonating army officers.
The accused are Yahaya Adamu (22), Reuben Danyaro (26), Abdullahi Mohammed (24) and Musa Abubakar (23).
They are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, impersonation and unlawful possession of camouflage army uniforms and fake identity cards.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Austin Odugbo, said the accused persons impersonated army officers to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
He said the accused were also found with four fake army and naval identity cards, one pair of combat boots, a pair of army uniform and three jungle hats.
Odugbo said the accused failed to give satisfactory account of how they came about the items.
He said the offence contravened Sections 430, 484 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, F.O. Botoku, granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety each in like sum, and adjourned the case till May 9 for mention.

SAMUEL JINADU PPRO LAGOS POLICE COMMAND

2 clearing agents docked for fraud.

Two clearing and forwarding agents were on Thursday docked in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a businesswoman of N500,000.
The accused, Nwayiocha Wuwu, 38, and Samson Onyenka, 40, are facing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing before Mrs Aderemi Gbajumo of a Surulere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Raji Hakeem, told the court that the accused on April 14 at Orile Iganmu, Lagos, conspired to defraud Funke Adefila, a businesswoman.
Hakeem said the offences contravened Sections 390 (9), 422 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Both accused pleaded not guilty.
The senior magistrate granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties, who must be gainfully employed and must reside in Lagos State.
One of the sureties, she said, must be a relation of the accused and must show evidence of tax payment.
She adjourned the case till May 20 for further hearing. ................................................................................................

Man arraigned for reckless driving, manslaughter.

A commercial bus driver was on Thursday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for alleged reckless driving and causing the death of an old woman.
The accused Johnson Oganyi, 32, is standing trial on a two-count charge of dangerous driving and manslaughter.
The prosecutor Cpl. Kayode Ojo told the court that Oganyi committed the alleged offence on April 22 on Ikota, Lekki -Epe Expressway while driving a Volkswagen bus with registration number XT 335-KSF.
Ojo alleged that the accused drove the vehicle in a dangerous and reckless manner without due care to other road users and thereby caused the death of one Roseline Ubam.
He said the alleged offence contravened Section 27 of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, O. O. Martins, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 11, for mention. ...............................................................................

Tractor driver charged with cable vandalism, theft.

A tractor driver, who allegedly damaged underground cables worth N75, 000, was on Thursday charged before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The accused, Michael Abara, 36, is facing a two-count charge of damaging and attempting to steal the cables.
He, however, a ``not guilty’’ plea.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Raji Hakeem, told the court that the accused had on April 21 at Shitta Roundabout, Surulere, driven a tractor and damaged the cables, property of 21st Century Technologies Ltd.
Hakeem said the offences contravened Sections 451 and 509 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Senior Magistrate, Aderemi Gbajumo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 23 for further hearing.

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Driver arraigned for damaging Jeep.

The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned a driver with Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, for allegedly damaging a Prado Jeep belonging to the hotel’s guest.
The driver, Ismaila Adetona (28), is standing trial before Magistrate O. I. Oguntade of Igbosere Magistrates` Court.
Adetona pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of malicious damage and driving without the consent of both his employer and the vehicle owner.
The prosecutor, Insp. Williams Umunna, said Adetona on April 24 drove the car, with registration number JS 848 AAA, to an unknown destination and in the process damaged two tyres, two rims and a suspension, all valued at N200,000.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 451 and 509 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate admitted the accused to a bail of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till June 8 for further hearing.

LAGOS POLICE SPOKESMAN

Man arraigned for allegedly stealing bus

A 35-year-old man was on Wednesday in Lagos arraigned for allegedly stealing a Toyota Hiace bus, valued at N5.9 million.
The accused, Animasahun Bolaji, is standing trial before a Yaba Magistrates` Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and false representation.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Chinalu Uwadiore, told the court that the accused and others at large on Feb. 24 at Lekki Expressway, Lagos, conspired to impersonate and steal.
Uwadiore said the accused and his gang stole a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number JJ 865-EKY, property of one Halima Oke.
He said the accused, with the intent to defraud, falsely presented himself as a driver and gave his name as Ogunleye Doyin to Oke.
The prosecutor said the accused committed an offence which contravened Sections 3909 (10A) 484 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, Demi Ajayi, granted him bail in the sum N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 16 for further hearing.

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2 bag 3 years imprisonment over theft of PHCN cables

A Somolu Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday in Lagos, sentenced two persons to three years imprisonment for stealing cables valued at N350,000.
The convicts Saro Elvis (22) and Nnamidi Ifeiokun (18) had pleaded guilty to the charges of conspiracy and stealing.
The Magistrate, B.O. Osunsanmi, said the convicts had constituted themselves into nuisance to the society and should not go unpunished.
Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP A. Adegoke, told the court that the men had on April 19 at Wemimo St., Somolu, Lagos, vandalised a transformer belonging to Power Holding Company of Nigeria and cut some cables.
He said the convicts were caught by policemen at a check point.

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Mother urges proper investigation of schoolboy’s death

Ngozi Eze, mother of the boy who allegedly fell into a septic tank in a school in Lagos, has appealed to the police to properly investigate the death.
The seven-year-old boy, Favour, was said to have died after falling into the tank in the National Orthopaedic Special School for the Physically and Mentally Challenged, Igbobi, Yaba.
Favour got missing after the school’s morning assembly on April 11.
His mother had taken him to school earlier in the morning.
The boy’s lifeless body was found floating inside the septic tank the following day.
Eze said her son’s death was incredible and required thorough investigation.
Spokesman for Lagos State Police Command, Samuel Jinadu, who confirmed the death,said the case was being investigated by the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti, Yaba.

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Bank managers in court over theft of customer’s handbag

Two managers and two security guards of the First Bank Plc on Wednesday appeared before an Ebute Meta Magistrates` Court in Lagos, charged with stealing a customer’s handbag containing N7.5 million worth of trinkets.
All the accused were from the Onipanu branch of the bank.
The accused are the Branch Manager, Akindele Olayemi, 43; Head of Operations, Chioma Osakwe, 40; Pius Aiyejuni, 40 and Samson Olayioye, 39.
They are standing trial before Magistrate Helen Omisore on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and criminal negligence.
Each of the accused, however, pleaded not guilty, and was admitted to a bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Gabriel Ekundayo, told the court that the accused stole a handbag containing items worth the amount.
He said the bag belonged to one of the bank’s customers, Temilade Aina.
Ekundayo said the items in the bag included 100 pieces of golden necklace, 100 pieces of golden pendants and 100 pieces of golden earrings.
According to the prosecutor, two Nigerian international passports with British visas, a Nigerian national identity card, a driver’s licence and a Nokia telephone handset are among the items in the bag.
He said the items also included N45,000, 50 pieces of golden bangles and a bunch of keys.
Ekundayo submitted that the accused stole the bag when Aina went to the branch to deposit some money and locked the bag in one of the security boxes provided by the bank.
He said the alleged offences contravened Sections 390 (9), 515 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years’ imprisonment.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Federal Government closes land borders, declares April twenty-six work free.

Nigeria's land borders will be closed from Sunday April twenty-four to Wednesday April twenty-seven for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu who made this known also declared April twenty-six a work-free day for the elections.
Wogu, who is overseeing the Ministry of the Interior, also declared May two a public holiday to mark this year's workers' day which falls on a Sunday. He also said President Goodluck Jonathan urged workers to rededicate themselves to duty and continue to work hard for the economic upliftment of the nation. The minister wishes all workers a pleasant celebration while also urging all Nigerians to remain calm and conduct themselves peacefully towards a successful conclusion of the 2011 general elections.

FRSC LOGO

Easter celebration: FRSC to clamp down on erring motorists.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, has said it would clamp down on motorists who broke traffic rules and regulations during the Easter holiday.
Its Lagos and Ogun Zonal Commander, Danjuma Garba said any motorist who indulged in dangerous driving, overloading, use of phone and worn-out tyres would be arrested.
Garba said festive periods were usually associated with increase in the volume of traffic leading to congestion and acts of lawlessness by motorists.
He said in the bid to meet their unrealistic targets, motorists tend to break traffic rules and regulations.
According to him, In order to achieve total safety this Easter celebration, Corps is embarking on a special patrol tagged “Operation Zero”.
Garba said Motorists and the general public are enjoined to join hands with the Corps to ensure safety on the road during this period.

SULEIMAN ABBA POLICE BOSS

Lagos police ready for peaceful Easter celebration.

The Lagos State Police Command has said adequate security arrangement has been put in place for the Easter celebrations.

Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Abba made this known while answering questions on the police preparedness for the season.

Abba said All Area commanders, divisional police officers and other senior officers have been given specific instructions on what to do in their areas.

According to him, the command is assuring the People in the state of their safety and peaceful Easter celebrations and urged them to go about their normal businesses.

He appealed to the public to inform the police of any suspected movement and assured them that his men would be there in good time.

SULEIMAN ABBA POLICE BOSS

Police constable dismissed for alleged armed robbery.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Suleiman Abba, on Thursday dismissed a police constable, Andrew Oche, for alleged armed robbery.
The 23-year-old policeman was attached to Festac Division and was recruited in 2006.
Abba, while parading Oche with two other suspects, told journalists that he allegedly robbed a Taiwanese national.
“We have arrested the second policeman at the command he escaped to. We will bring him to Lagos for investigation before we know what to do to him," Abba said.
He said the dismissal and prosecution of the policeman would serve as a lesson to others who use their uniforms and arms to commit crime.
In another development, a 21-year-old diploma holder in chemical engineering had been arrested for allegedly killing a Spanish national in a hotel room in Festac town.
Abba, who paraded the suspect, said the incident happened on Tuesday at about 5 a.m.
He said the suspect left the dead body of the foreigner in a hotel room after killing him and escaped but was latter traced to his house in Festac.
The suspect,claimed that the Spanish whom he knew from Ghana approached him for a business deal.
The robbery suspects were detained at SARS, Ikeja, while the murder suspect was taken to State CID, Panti.

IGP HAFIZ RINGIM

Police restrict movement for Governorship, Assembly elections.

The police have said there will be a restriction in the movement of persons and vehicles nationwide during the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on April 26.
Police Spokesman Olusola Amore said movement would be restricted from 10p.m. on Monday, April 25, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26.
Amore said there would be total restriction of movement from 8 a.m. to 6p.m. on April 26.
He warned youths against allowing themselves to be used by politicians, who were desperate to win at all costs.
Amore said the police were working with other security agencies to ensure violence free elections.
The restriction will not apply in the FCT, where there will be no elections.
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Post-election violence could be averted if .

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, on Thursday said the post-election violence witnessed in parts of the country earlier in the week could have been averted if security agents were promptly deployed to the volatile areas.
He said the violence was uncalled for, stressing that it would not have happened if party leaders had instructed their supporters to keep the peace.
Okogie, who spoke with newsmen after the celebration of the annual Chrism Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, praised INEC for giving Nigerians an election that had surpassed others in credibility and fairness.
He advised pessimists not to plunge the nation into crisis.
Okogie said religious leaders had a key role to play in making would-be rioters see reasons, adding that religious adherents should practise what they preached.
Okogie said those claiming that Jonathan did not win the last presidential election were the ones causing trouble.
He said the Chrism Mass celebration was to mark the institution of the Holy Order of priesthood by the Lord Jesus Christ.
In his Easter message, Okogie urged Nigerians to change from a past life of sin to one that glorified God.
He expressed regrets that Nigerians had been celebrating Easter without taking the messages of the celebration seriously.
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Court strikes out abduction case against lover.

A Mushin Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday struck out a case of abduction filed against a 41-year-old man, Destiny Ikwu.
The case was struck out following a request by the parents of the alleged abducted girl for the withdrawal of the case.
Ikwu was first arraigned on March 1 for allegedly abducting Blessing Monday (26) from 3A Karonwi Str., Itire, on Dec. 31, 2010, to an unknown destination.
During arraignment, Ikwu had feigned madness leading to his being remanded at the Kirikiri Prisons for two weeks for close observation.
While adjourning the case, Chief Magistrate Christiana Adesola-Ikpatt, ordered the police to conduct thorough investigation into the matter.
However, at the adjourned date, the accused told the court that the alleged victim was his girlfriend who was pregnant for him.
The prosecutor, Osam Adam, told the court that Ikwu, facing a two-count charge of abduction and conduct likely of breach the peace, committed the offences under Sections 249 (D) and 361 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, Blessing’s family told Adesola-Ikpatt that it was withdrawing the case.
The magistrate granted the request and struck out the case.
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Court remands alleged murderer in prison custody.

An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday ordered the remand of Ebiere Osiko in prison custody for allegedly murdering her lover.
The prosecution alleged that Osiko, 38, killed Mr Udom Uwem , a security man, as he attempted to force her to make love with him.
The Magistrate, T. Abolarinwa, who did not take the plea of the accused, adjourned the case to May 18 to enable the court to get advice from the state Director of Public Prosecutions on matter of jurisdiction.
The prosecutor, Insp. Samuel Omoyeni, had earlier told the court that the accused, a widow with three children, had gone to visit the deceased at his place of work when the latter attempted to have sex with her.
He alleged that Uwem died on the spot.
The prosecutor further told the court that preliminary investigation had indicated that the accused might be mentally challenged.
He said the alleged offence contravened Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and that a conviction would attract the death sentence.
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Trial of alleged killer of LASTMA official begins.

The trial of Sonibare Ademola, alleged to have murdered Mr Nurudeen Akinlabi, a Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) official, began on Wednesday at an Ikeja High Court in Lagos.
The accused is standing trial on a one-count charge of murder before Justice Habib Abiru.
The father of the deceased, Saliatu Akinlabi, was called as the first witness in the trial to give evidence on the death of his son.
He told the court that he did not know the accused and that the death of his son was still a mystery to him.
The father of the murdered LASTMA official gave his evidence in tears.
Saliatu said: ``The only thing that I can recall was that on July 25, 2009, I was asleep at about 10 p. m. when I heard a knock on my door.
According to him, he asked what the policemen had done to his son and was told that Nurudeen was found lying on the street.
Saliatu told the court that his son was rushed to Prestige Hospital at Ipaja area in Lagos where he eventually died.
The father of the deceased added that Nurudeen was hale and hearty when he went to work on the day he was murdered.
He said he was informed of his son’s death by the Divisional Police Officer of Panti Police Station.
He claimed he fainted when he heard the news and was rushed to the hospital.
Meanwhile, the second witness, Corporal Mayowa Fabiyi, failed to appear in court which prompted Justice Abiru to adjourn the case to May 12 for further hearing.

FRSC CORPS MARSHALL, OSITA CHIDOKA

Roads: Lack of funding threat to safety.

The Corp Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Osita Chidoka says road users' safety is threatened by a lack of funds for road maintenance in Nigeria.
Chidoka who stated this said the total budgetary appropriation for road infrastructure in Nigeria from 2000-2010 was N15.2 trillion out of which only N1.14 trillion was received.
He described the investment as ``disproportionate spending’’ when compared to countries like Brazil, Germany and Sweden.
Chidoka said a study conducted by his organisation on road crashes involving articulated vehicles showed that 4,017 truck crashes were recorded from 2007-June 2010.
According him, despite the hazards, roads remained the dominant means of transportation in Nigeria ahead of rail and air, with over 90 per cent of commuters using roads as their means of transportation.
Chidoka, has identified inadequate funding, weak institutional framework and poor driver training as some of the challenges facing safe road transportation.
He also identified rising motorisation fuelled by import of used vehicles as challenges facing the sector in developing economies.
The Corps Marshall welcomed a World Bank initiative, announced on Tuesday, which encourages donors to invest in road safety in developing countries.
Meanwhile, a statement from the World Bank explained that seven multilateral development banks had come up with the joint initiative.

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Easter/Elections: FRSC plans week-long patrol.

The Federal Road Safety Commission says its special nationwide week-long patrol during the Easter celebration will focus on effective traffic management to reduce road accidents.
The exercise became necessary as the period coincided with the governorship elections, slated for Tuesday next week.
It’s Public Education Officer, Nseobong Akpabio, said the Commission's operatives and equipment would be massively deployed to ten designated routes nationwide throughout the period.
Akpabio said the commission would use the exercise to enlighten motorists on the dangers of violating traffic rules as part of its renewed determination to achieve safer road use during the period.
He listed the routes as Giri-Gwagwalada-Yangoji, Akure-Owo, Gombe-Bauchi, Lokoja-Okene, Abuja-Kaduna, Onitsha-Awka-9th Mile-Obollo Afor, Oken, Lafia-Akwanga, Egbeda-Ife, Aba-Port Harcourt and Mokwa-Jebba.

NDLEA BOSS

NDLEA arrest 42 suspects with 73kg of drug valued at N5.7millions.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Chairman Ahmadu Giade on Wednesday said a total of 42 suspected drug traffickers with 73kg of narcotics have been arrested in the first quarter of the year.
Giade in Lagos said the arrests were made at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport with one female and 41 male.
He said the seized drugs were estimated to be N576 million, and it consist of 38.703kg of cocaine, 22.025kg of methamphetamine, 12.07kg of heroin and 120 kg of cannabis.
Giade said one of the suspects arrested within the week, 36year-old, which ingested 67 wraps of substance that tested positive to cocaine weighing 1.060kg.
He said the arrests were made during the screening of Emirate passengers on board Athens through Dubai.
Giade attributed the arrests and seizures to vigilance on the part of his officers and promised to intensify intelligence gathering efforts.
“No drug trafficker wants to be caught because of the consequences. This is the reason they adopt various means in concealing the drugs out of the reach of security agents. The arrests and seizures made in the first quarter are as a result of vigilance by officers. We are going to step up our intelligence gathering efforts in the days ahead” he stated.
He thanked other security agencies and organisations at the airport for their cooperation in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
Giade warned all drug barons of financial incapacitation through continuous drug seizures..........................................

LAGOS POLICE BOSS

NANTAP condemns recent killings in the north, calls for prompt trial of perpetrators.
The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners on Wednesday condemned recent killings and destruction of properties in some parts of the north due to the outcome of April 16 presidential election.
Its Director of Publicity, Ozi Okoli said in Lagos that the disturbances posed a major challenge to the nation’s quest for sustainable democracy.
Okoli said the association was saddened by the behaviour of few politicians who were bent on derailing the smooth and peaceful general elections.
Okoli urged the government to publicly prosecute individuals or groups found to be involved in the act, to serve as deterrent.
That riot broke out in some parts of Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Kaduna and Kastina over the outcome of the presidential polls.
In Kaduna, the country homes of the Vice-President, Namadi Sambo and that of a former House of Representatives’ speaker, Ghali Nabba, were among properties burnt, while an unspecified number of lives were lost.

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Police arraign 4 fake soldiers who beat policeman
The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned four men who impersonated soldiers and beat up a policeman on duty.
The accused, Sunday Kalu, 35; Ifeanyi Okeke, 29; Sunday Orji, 25, and Collins Okeke, 23, were charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of conspiracy, assault, impersonation and breach of the peace before Magistrate Kemi Doja-Ojo.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Emmanuel Ajayi, alleged that they hit a police constable, Kehinde Akesode, on his leg.
Ajayi said the accused also dragged a police rifle with one Cpl. Samuel Ojo with the intention of causing a breach of the peace.
He said both policemen were attached to the Iponri Police Station, Surulere, Lagos.
The prosecutor said the accused claimed to be soldiers but could not give a reasonable account of themselves and the units they were serving.
He said the alleged incident took place on April 18 on Apapa Road, Ebute Meta.
Ajayi said the alleged offences contravened Sections 109, 249, 356 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years imprisonment.
The court admitted each of the accused to a bail of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Further hearing in the case was fixed for May 13.

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Man docked for stealing N2.4m property.
A 29-year-old self-employed, Idowu Adedoyin, on Wednesday appeared before a Somolu Magistrates` Court, Lagos, charged with stealing items valued at N2.4 million, property of his former employer.
The accused was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP. A. Adegoke, told the court that the accused and others still at large conspired and stole the property of his former boss, Oyelaja Adekunle.
According to the prosecutor, the accused and his accomplices stole 70 reams of printing papers, eight kilogrammes of bond papers and other valuable printing materials.
Adegoke alleged that the items were from ``Kunsmann Nigeria Ltd’’, a company in Somolu, Lagos.
He said the accused conspired to commit the offence between December 2010 and February 2011.
He noted that the alleged offences were contrary to Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate granted the accused bail in sum of N500,000, with a surety in like sum, and adjourned the case till June 1 for further hearing .

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Businesswoman sentenced for pushing a minor.
Surulere Magistrates’ court in Lagos on Wednesday sentenced a businesswoman, Ifeoma Oboko, to seven months and 12 days’ imprisonment for causing injuries to a six-year-old boy.
Magistrate Ari Niki-Tobi found Oboko guilty on one of the two counts on which she was charged.
Niki-Tobi did not give the accused an option of fine.
The magistrate held that Oboko defence on the count was weak.
Oboko was arraigned on Dec. 10, 2007 on a two-count charge of assault.
She had pleaded not guilty to both counts and was granted bail.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ishola, had told the court that Oboko pushed down the boy on a cemented ground, thereby causing injuries on his left hand.
Ishola submitted that the assault occurred at No 11, Onibu Ore St., Ikate in Surulere.
He added that the accused assaulted the boy’s mother, Uyi Dosunmu, by pulling her hair off.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
During trial, Oboko had said that the boy’s injuries were inflicted by his mother. ...................................

Lagos "pastor" allegedly stole cheque book in the church.
A man, who identified himself as a pastor, Ifeanyichukwu Nnamdi, was on Wednesday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing a Zenith Bank cheque.
Nnamdi, 50, is standing trial on a four-count charge of stealing, forgery and presenting a forged document.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, ASP Jayeola Oloruntoba, told the court that the accused committed the offence between July 20 and Oct. 11, 2010 on Lagos Island.
He said the accused stole the cheque from Mr Ogbonna Godson, a member of his church, and appended a signature on it for presentation at the bank.
Oloruntoba said the offence contravened Sections 125(1), 390(9), 467 and 468 of the Criminal Code, laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, F. O. Aigbokhaevbo granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 5 for mention.

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Man, 24, remanded in prison custody over laptop theft.
A 24-year-old man, Dominic Aziosu on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the theft of a laptop valued at N110, 000 at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Aziosu is charged with a two-count offence of stealing and burglary.
The Magistrate, L.Y. Balogun ordered that the accused be remanded in prison till May 3 for sentencing.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. M. Akinsola had told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 7 at 24, Saliu Obodo Compound, Oke-Ira in Ajah, Lagos.
He said the accused broke into the apartment of Mr Sunday Anyia and stole the laptop.
Akinsola said the offence contravened Sections 390 (9) and 412 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

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Contractor arraigned for allegedly defrauding dealer N1.6 million.
A builder, David Olumuyiwa alleged to have defrauded a seller of iron rods to the tune of N1.6 million was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Olumuyiwa, 43, was brought before Mrs Folashade Kayode on a four-count charge of fraud and stealing.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The prosecutor, Insp. Paul Inedu, told the court that Olumuyiwa obtained 13 tons of iron rods valued at N1.6 million from Mr Bamidele Olugbode (36) on July 15, 2007.
Inedu told the court that the transactions took place at the complainant’s shop at Amuwo Odofin area in Lagos.
The prosecutor said the accused collected the iron rods for purposes of selling them on behalf of the complainant, not for use on one of the sites he was managing.
Inedu said Olumuyiwa told the complainant that he could help sell some of his iron rods because he had contact with some potential buyers.
He said after much delay, the accused in a bid to assuage the pressure to remit the money from the sales issued two cheques that bounced.
Inedu said the accused knew that the two First City Monument Bank cheques issued on different days would not be honoured since the accounts did not have enough funds.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390 (9), 419 and 419 (B) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
He added that the offence attracted a minimum of seven years imprisonment on conviction.
The Magistrate adjourned the case till May 18 for further hearing.

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Car dealer arraigned over N5m fraud.
A middle-aged man believed to be a car dealer, was on Wednesday charged before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over a N5 million fraud.
The accused Eric Osanebi is standing trial on a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining the money on false pretence.
He, however, entered a plea of not guilty.
Arraigning Osanebi, the Prosecutor, ASP S. Okorie said the accused had on March 11 at Apapa collected the money from Osaai Odeh with a promise to buy a car for him.
He said the accused, by failing to deliver the car, had stolen Odeh’s money.
Okorie said the offences contravened Section 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Chief Magistrate, Akintunde Isaacs, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to April 27 for further hearing. ...................................

Court denies bail to man who jumped police bail.
An Igbosere Chief Magistrates` Court on Wednesday refused to grant bail to a businessman, Nuru Aroyewun, charged with shooting a man.
Chief Magistrate O.I. Akinkugbe ordered that Aroyewun (29) be remanded in Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos.
She refused to grant him bail following the submission of the prosecutor, ASP Jaiyeola Oloruntoba, who alleged that the accused had previously jumped police bail.
The chief magistrate adjourned the case till May 16 for the substantive trial of the case.
Aroyewun is standing trial on a four-count charge of attempted murder, forcible entry, malicious damage and assault.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Oloruntoba, alleged that Aroyewun shot at Muri Oga-Oloye at Ikorodu on Feb. 10, 2009.
The prosecutor said the accused also attacked Muri’s son, Waliu, with a cutlass within the same period and inflicted injuries on him.
He said Aroyewun forcibly entered the Oga-Oloye family house with dangerous weapons and maliciously damaged a signboard erected by the family.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 81, 355, 451 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
He had objected to the bail application, saying that it took an extra effort by the police to re-arrest him after he jumped bail.

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Man, 28, charged with impersonation.
A 28-year-old man, Emmanuel Ekpenyon, on Wednesday appeared before a Somolu Magistrates` Court, Lagos, charged with impersonation.
The prosecutor, Asp. A. Adegoke, told the court that the accused paraded himself as PC Peter Achona, with police identity card number 254192.
Adegoke alleged that Ekpenyon had in his possession a police cap at the time of his arrest on April 14 on Morocco Road, Somolu, Lagos.
Adegoke said the alleged impersonation and the unlawful possession of a police identity card contravened Sections 109 and 110 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Ekpenyon, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, B.O. Osunsanm, granted Ekpenyon bail in the sum of N50,000 with a surety in like sum, and adjourned the case till May 11 for further hearing.

PPRO, SAMUEL JINADU

2 men arraigned for allegedly defrauding man of
N8m.

Two men were on Tuesday arraigned before a Yaba
Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly
defrauding a man of N8 million, to cure his
sickness.
The accused, Ogunsemi Oluremi (37) and Awoyemi
Awoseyi (39) are standing trial on a three-count
charge of conspiracy, obtaining money under false
pretence and stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP. S Okorie, told the court
that the accused and others at large between
January and March 2011 conspired to obtain money
under false pretence from one Eric Osenebi.
Okorie said the accused collected N8 million from
their victim to cure him of his undisclosed
sickness.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences
contravened Sections 390(9), 419 and 516 of the
Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Magistrate Akintunde Isaac granted them bail in
the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like
sum and adjourned the case till April 27 for
further hearing.

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Lagos monarch, 2 others docked for alleged N34.4m
fraud.

A Lagos monarch, Biliaminu Lawal, and two others
were on Tuesday charged before an Igbosere
Magistrates’ Court for allegedly collecting N34.4
million under pretence.
Lawal, the traditional ruler of Ibasa-Ijegun, a
suburb of Lagos, is being charged along with his
chief, Mukaila Giwa, 48, and Mojeed Tajudeen, 35,
an executive officer with the Ejigbo Local
Government Council.
The accused, who are facing a four-count charge of
conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence,
fraud and stealing, have pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution said the accused fraudulently
obtained the money from two men with the promise
to sell to them 90 plots in his domain.
Sgt. Stephen Molo told the court that the accused
had on Sept. 20, 2003 obtained the money from
Chief Eugene Okoro and Mr Martins Ohagba without
selling the plots situated at Ibasa Waterfront to
them.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390 (9),
419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos
State.
The Magistrate, O.J. Awope, granted the accused
bail in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties
each in like sum and adjourned the case till May
20 for further hearing.

PPRO LAGOS COMMAND OF POLICE, SAMUEL JINADU

Police rearrest, arraign suspected frauster who escaped from custody.

A 37- year- old man who allegedly escaped from police custody after arrest for fraud, on Monday appeared before a Yaba Magistrate’s court in Lagos on a five-count charge. The accused, Odukoya Abayomi is standing trial before Magistrate Salamah Matepo for conspiracy, forgery, fraud and escape from lawful custody, but he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Sgt. Benson Emuerhi submitted that Abayomi escaped from the Alakara Police Station on Jan. 12 after he was arrested for fraud and forgery. Emuerhi said the accused committed the alleged fraud and forgery between Dec. 22, 2009 and Jan. 6, 2010 at No. 2, Thanni Olodo St., Jibowu, Lagos. He said Abayomi forged the signature of the Managing Director of the Courier Masters Company to withdraw N260, 000 from the company’s bank accounts. Emuerhi told the court that the accused conspired with one Kazeem, now at large, to also forge the company’s identity card. He added that the accused unlawfully signed the company’s cheques to withdraw the sum from different banks. The prosecutor noted that the alleged offences contravened Sections 135 (a), 438 (a), 467, 471 and 473 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. The court granted him bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till May 9 for further hearing.

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Man, 29, in soup for snatching necklace. A 29-year-man, Taofeek Ismaila, who pleaded guilty to the charge of dispossessing a lady of her golden necklace, was on Monday in Lagos remanded in Kirikiri Prisons. Amos Adeyemi of the Apapa Senior Magistrates’ Court ordered that the accused be remanded behind bars till April 20 when judgment would be given. The accused is facing a one-count charge of snatching a golden necklace valued at N15,000 belonging to Ngozi Amadi. The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Inedu, told the court that Ismaila, of no fixed address, allegedly committed the offence on March 30 at Mile 2 Motor Park on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at about 6.30 p.m. He said the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

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Man, 19, docked for motorcycle theft. A 19-year-old commercial motorcyclist on Monday appeared before a Somolu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing a motorcycle valued at N147,000. Shuaibu Musa was arraigned on a one-count charge of stealing before Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi, but he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Asp. A. Adegoke, told the court that Musa stole a red Bajaj motorcycle belonging to one Mr Victor Okechi. He said the machine had registration number QZ 275-AKD, adding that the alleged theft occurred on Feb.28 at Mende in Maryland, Lagos. He said the alleged offence was contrary to Section 390 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. The magistrate granted Musa bail in the sum of N100,000 with a surety in like sum, and adjourned the case till May 13 for further hearing.

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Furniture maker remanded in prison for pouring acid on ex-wife. A man, Samson Igbinowewahin, who allegedly poured acid on his former wife, was on Monday arraigned in Lagos on a one-count charge of attempted murder. The accused, a furniture maker, who, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, was denied bail. Magistrate Helen Omisore of the Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, ordered that Igbinowewahin, 47, be remanded in Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos, till April 29 when the case would come up for further hearing. The prosecutor, Sgt. Gabriel Ekundayo, told the court that the accused attempted to kill his ex-wife, Susan Jeremiah, 31, a police corporal. Ekundayo said Igbinomewahin and Susan were married in November 2009 but the complainant later got a divorce due to incessant beating from the accused. He explained that on the day of the incident, the accused had gone to visit Susan, claiming that he had a gift for her baby. According to him, the acid peeled off Susan’s skin from her arm to her legs causing her bodily harm. Prior to the incident, Ekundayo said a disagreement had ensued between the accused and his estranged wife, as he was always demanding for the gratuity of her late husband. He said the incident took place on March 9, at Block 8, Room 31, Obalende Police Barrack, Lagos. He said the offence contravened Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and was punishable with death on conviction.

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Man pleads guilty to tearing sister’s clothes with knife. The police in Lagos on Monday arraigned a 22-year-old man, Michael Okorie, before an Apapa Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly tearing his sister’s clothes worth N200,000 with knife. Okorie is standing trial before Magistrate Amos Adeyemi on a four-count charge of assault, life threatening, malicious damage and stealing. The prosecutor, Sgt. Uche Kalu, told the court that the accused, who is a brother to the victim, Mrs Evelyn Okorie, allegedly assaulted her and used knife to tear her clothes worth N200,000. He said the accused also threatened her sister’s life with a knife during a misunderstanding. Kalu said the accused committed the offence on April 12, at 82/96 Ojo Road, Ajegunle, Lagos at about 6 p. m. The prosecutor said Okorie also on same day, time and place stole N50,000 belonging to her sister. The prosecutor told the court that the accused had contravened Sections 86, 351, 390 (9) and 451 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. The accused pleaded guilty to count 3 and not guilty to count 1, 2 and 4 and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum. Adeyemi adjourned the case till May 5 for facts and sentence and May 27 for further hearing on count 1, 2 and 4.

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Apprentice decamps with master’s N1.4m . A 19-year-old apprentice was on Monday charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly decamping with his master’s N1.4 million. Standing trial over a charge of stealing, the accused, Chimezie Egbusibe, however, pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Essien, however, insisted the accused committed the offence on Dec. 9, 2010 at 3, Taike St., Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos. He said the accused was brought from his country home to work for his master, Ifeanyi Oyeaghasiri, a trader, and stole the money in his master’s house. Essien urged the court to consider the bail conditions to be granted the accused since he had relocated from Lagos. He said the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. Magistrate M.O. Olajuwon granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum. She said the sureties, who should be relations of the accused, should also be resident in Lagos with proof of tax payment in Lagos State. The case has been adjourned till May 23 for trial.

NDLEA BOSS

Seme NDLEA Command seizes 173.8 kg drugs.

The National Drug Law and Enforcement the Agency(NDLEA), Seme Border Command has seized a total of 173.8 kg of narcotic drugs.

NDLEA area Commander in Seme,Nicholars Ajaduruonye said at the border post that the drugs were all seized in the first quarter of 2011.

"Seme NDLEA Area Command seized a total of 173.862kg of hard drugs from January to March, 2011 and these include heroine, cannabis and amphetamine”, he said.

He said 8.82kg, 1.05kg and 160.4kg of cannabis were seized in January, February and March respectively, while 0.092kg of heroine was intercepted in February.

Ajaduruonye said a total of 13 suspects eight males and five females were arrested in connection with the seized drugs.

Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Abba

Anyone caught formenting trouble before, during and after tomorrow's Presidential Election would be dealt with according to the laws of the land so says the Police High Command in Lagos State.

Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Abba who gave the warning, assured members of the public that about thirty thousand policemen have been deployed to all the eight thousand four hundred and fifty-four polling units in the state.

Abba said apart from the policemen, other security agencies such as the State Security Services, Nigerian Customs, Immigration, Army, are also going to support the Police in the all important Elections.

According to him, all the supporting agencies have been briefed and mobilised to provide adequate security for a peaceful conduct of the election.

He implored the general public to continue to partner with the security agencies involved in the election for peace and success.

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Apapa Customs command generates N50.2 blln revenue.

Idris Suleiman, Comptroller of Apapa Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said the command generated N50.2 billion revenue between January and March 2011. Suleiman told newsmen in Lagos on Friday that the amount was against the N42.9 billion realised in the corresponding period in 2010. He attributed the improvement to the commitment and dedication of the management of NCS, led by its Comptroller-General, Dikko Abdullahi. The comptroller said the support of the management of the command also contributed to the revenue generated. Suleiman, however, said the revenue of the command fell slightly from N19.2 billion in February 2011 to N16.8 billion in March. According to him, this was due to the transfer of containers to other bonded terminals and inland containers like Kirikiri and Lilypond in Ijora. The comptroller said this was evidence that APM Terminals had complied with the instruction to start transferring containers to the bonded terminals. Suleiman said the command made 38 seizures with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N261.7 million in the first three months of this year. He said this was against the 18 seizures with DPV of N107.7 million recorded in corresponding period in 2010. The comptroller said the command would continue to strictly enforce regulations of government on prohibited goods. “For importers and agents who have maintained high ethics in their conduct, we will lend our total support. For others who go about defrauding government; we will arrest, seize the offending goods and prosecute them.

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Woman denies being lover to prophet who allegedly duped her of N17 million. A London-based architect, Oladele Oni on Friday denied being the lover of one Prophet Israel Ogundipe, who allegedly defrauded her of over N17 million. Ogundipe is facing a six-count charge which includes forgery and collecting money by false pretense at an Ikeja High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Olabisi Akinlade. Oni, who was being cross-examined by the counsel to the accused, Olusegun Raji told the court that she never had any romantic relationship with Ogundipe , a Prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ. She said the allegations being made by the accused person that they were lovers was aimed at blackmailing her into forfeiting her landed property in his possession. According to Oni, the claim by Ogundipe that she had a child for him nearly ruined her 16 year old marriage and compelled her to undertake a DNA test to prove the paternity of the child. She said the test results already admitted as an exhibit by the court shows that the accused was not the father of the child because they never had any sexual relationship. However, Raji who accused the witness of lying, told the court that she was indeed involved in a romantic relationship with Ogundipe. The defense counsel alleged that it was when the accused person quitted his relationship with Oni that she started accusing him of fraud. Raji tendered a photograph taken in 2004 at an eatery in Lagos which showed Ogundipe, Oni and another lady and asked the court to admit it as exhibit. He further asked the court to admit as exhibit, a letter of invitation to the United Kingdom written on March 7, 2006 to Ogundipe and the British High Commission. Akinlade, who admitted them as Exhibits D5 and D6 respectively, however, refused to admit another letter written by Oni to one Babatunde Solomon Sanyaolu inviting him to the United Kingdom. During his arraignment on Oct. 14, 2010, the prosecuting counsel, Mrs Olabisi Ogungbesan alleged that the accused defrauded the complainant under the pretext of assisting her procure some landed property in Lagos. Ogungbesan alleged that Ogundipe collected money from the complainant in five installments of N900, 000, N2.5 million, N8.5 million, N2.7 million and 12,000 pound sterling between 2002 and 2005. She also alleged that the accused forged a Nigerian passport number A2799555 purportedly belonging to one Sanyaolu Babatunde Solomon. According to her, the offences contravenes sections 390 (9), 419 and 467 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17, Vol. 2 , Laws of Lagos State 2003 . The matter was adjourned to July 6 for further cross-examination.

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Driver docked for stealing co-worker’s N500,000 under pretext. A driver, Akinola Adeyefa, was on Friday dragged to court for allegedly stealing N500,000 belonging to a businessman, Oluwole Adigun. Adeyefa, 40, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’Court in Lagos. Though Adeyefa pleaded not guilty, the prosecutor, Insp. Samuel Omoyeni, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in 2008 at Victoria Island. Omoyeni said the accused, who worked in the same company with Adigun, promised to help him buy a Toyota Camry when next he travelled to Cotonou. He said the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. Magistrate M.O. Olubi, however, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned till May 25 for further hearing.

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20-year-old pleads guilty to stabbing trader, stealing N132, 000. A 20-year-old mechanic, Lukmon Raimi, on Friday pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, assault and stealing before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ court in Lagos. Magistrate Folashade Kayode , however, adjourned the case till April 20 for facts of the case and sentence. Raimi was arraigned for allegedly stabbing a trader, Ebomobowei Abise on his hand and stealing his money and handset. The prosecutor, Insp. Paul Inedu, told the court that the accused on April 12 at Ebute Meta, abducted Abise who was returning from his shop. The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 355, 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

LAGOS POLICE SPOKESMAN

Court halts takeover bid for Union Bank.

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday stopped the proposed acquisition of the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc by a fresh core investor, Messrs African Capital Alliance Consortium. Justice Steven Adah granted an interim order to the plaintiff, Union Bank of Nigeria Pensioners Association after listening to the motion ex-parte filed by their counsel, Oludare Falana. The motion ex-parte was supported by a seven-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Olalekan Oganla ,who among others averred that the plaintiff was a shareholder and a member of the defendant having 1, 200, 000 units of its shares. He averred that the defendant had concluded arrangement to invite Messrs African Capital Alliance Consortium to invest the sum of $750 million in the defendant, without first offering it to the plaintiff and other shareholders. The deponent further averred that it had forwarded a letter to the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria Lamido Sanusi, demanding clarification on the issue of recapitalization. The CBN, NAN recalls, had, however, in a letter dated Oct. 7, 2010, denied any involvement in the recapitalization of banks, including the defendant, and further stated that it was an exclusive matter for the bank’s board and shareholders. According to the deponent, the memorandum and article of association of the defendant expressly stipulates the manner in which its share capital may be altered. Arguing the motion, Falana urged the court to restrain the defendant from going ahead with its intention to invite Messrs African Capital Alliance Consortium to invest a sum of $750 million, which would make it the new core investor in the bank. He argued that the defendant had failed to comply with the extant provisions of its Memorandum and Article of Association, which clearly stipulated the process and procedure under which third party investors could be invited to come and invest in the bank. According to him, the plaintiff as of right, ought to have been notified and invited to come and invest in the defendant as stipulated in its Memorandum and Article of Association before any third party could be offered such opportunity. He contended that it was only when and if the plaintiff and other existing shareholders wave their rights to invest that such opportunity could be extended to a third party. Falana further drew the attention of the court to the defendant’s last annual general meeting held in December in Maiduguri, Borno State. He alleged that the issue of recapitalization was never brought to the attention of the shareholders, contrary to the provisions of its Memorandum and Article of Association. ............................................

Sales girls docked for stealing goods worth N500,000. Two sales girls Felicia Moses and Rebecca Jacob appeared before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for allegedly stealing goods worth N233, 000 and N300, 000 respectively from their bosses. Moses, 21, was docked on Wednesday for stealing 18 bottles of perfumes worth N233, 000 belonging to her boss, Fadekemi Odunsanya. She is facing a count charge of stealing before Magistrate Ari Niki-Tobi, but pleaded not guilty. The Prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ishola told the court that the accused did steal the perfumes on April 11, at Shoprite Mall, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere in Lagos. He said the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. Niki-Tobi, however, granted the accused bail in the sum of N20, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 6, for further hearing. Also, Jacob, 20, was charged to court for allegedly stealing clothes and shoes worth N300, 000 belonging to her boss. She is also facing trial on a count charge of stealing before Magistrate Ari Niki-Tobi , but pleaded not guilty. Niki-Tobi granted her N50, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 30, for further hearing.

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Septuagenarian remanded in prison over theft of N536,000 A septuagenarian, Godwin Effiong was on Wednesday remanded at Ikoyi Prison, Lagos, for allegedly stealing N536, 000. The 75-year-old security man, who is facing a one count charge of stealing at a Surulere Magistrates’ Court, is to remain behind bars till April 15 pending ruling on his bail application. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Effiong, according to the prosecution, allegedly stole the N536, 000, property of a microfinance bank. Cpl. Samuel Ishola told the court that a staff of the bank, Olusegun Banjo, had left the money with the accused, a guard at a nearby company to avoid being raided by some hoodlums in the area. Ishola said the offence which was committed on Feb. 8, 2010 at Orile-Iganmu, a Lagos suburb, contravened Section 390 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. Magistrate Ari Niki-Tobi adjourned the case till April 15 for further hearing.

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Court continues trial of EFCC officer June 7 . An Ikeja High Court will on June 7 continue the trial of an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Davis Ibrahim charged with a N55,000 fraud. Justice Joseph Oyewole adjourned the trial on Wednesday to enable the prosecution to call more witnesses. Ibrahim, an administrative officer of the EFCC, is standing trial along with one Somorin Olusegun, a GSM repairer. They were accused of defrauding one Mrs Augusta Eleshin of the sum on Aug.16, 2008. The accused, who are being prosecuted by the EFCC, however, pleaded not guilty during their arraignment. A prosecution witness, Efam Okim from the EFCC, testified on Wednesday that telephone records received by the anti-graft agency from three telecommunications firms implicated the two accused in the fraud. Okim was being cross-examined by Mr Nojim Tairu, counsel to Olusegun. Okim said the duo admitted having telephone conversations with their victim. He said A telephone call of Olusegun was analysed and it was ascertained that there was communication between him and the complainant, prior to his arrest.” Ibrahim and Olusegun are facing a seven-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and tendering of false documents. EFCC counsel, Ben Ubi, had said the duo defrauded Eleshin under the pretence that the sum was to compromise investigation of a petition purportedly written against her husband, Saka Odofin.

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Ex-police officer docked for failure to produce surety in court A retired police officer, Abiodun Sanni, who stood as surety for an accused, has been charged before an Igbosere Chief Magistrates' Court for failure to produce him in court. Sanni had in December 2010 stood as surety for one Ojukwu Chukwonye and promised to produce him at Alagbon police station anytime his presence was required. Chuwonye was charged for allegedly destroying property belonging to one Dele Ajiboye in March 2010. Sanni, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum. The offence is punishable under Section 26(1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State 2003. Chief Magistrate Folake Davies-Abegunde adjourned the case till Friday for hearing.

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I am not the biological father of our child, man tells court A Lagos-based businessman, Gokay Oludare on Wednesday stunned an Ikeja High Court when he told the court that he was not the biological father of his three-year-old son. Oludare had approached the court presided over by Justice Joseph Oyewole, seeking the dissolution of his marriage to Felicia on the grounds that the paternity of the only offspring of the union was still in doubt. The 42-year-old printer told the court that he married Felicia on July 26, 2007 at the Ikeja Marriage Registry in Lagos. He claimed that he had reservations about the paternity of the child even before the marriage as he felt that his wife was lying to him. Oludare said his reservation led to a DNA test which revealed that he was not the biological father of the child. He, however, told the court that the dissolution of the marriage to his 31-year-old wife would not stop him from taking care of the child. The matter has been adjourned till May 31 for cross examination and defense.

LAGOS POLICE IMAGE MAKER, SAMUEL JINADU

Police parade woman with 3 AK-47 rifles.

The Lagos State Police Command has paraded a 20-year-old woman for being in possession of three AK-47 rifles. Police Public Relations Officer, Samuel Jinadu who also paraded six other suspects, said they belonged to two robbery gangs operating in Lagos and its environs. He said the woman belonged to a five-man robbery syndicate operating in different parts of the country. The spokesman said she was arrested at Mile 2 while attempting to take the guns to Koko in Delta. Jinadu said a motorcyclist, who brought her to the Mile 2 Motor Park, told drivers at the park that he was suspicious of the content of the woman's bag. According to him, When the drivers searched the big bag, they discovered the three guns and ammunition and Under interrogation, she claimed that her boyfriend, now at large, gave them to her to transport to Delta. He also said three of the six other suspects belonged to a gang which specialised in stealing vehicles at car parks, including worship centres in Lagos. The spokesman said they were arrested while attempting to sell a stolen car at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba. The guns and the ammunition as well as the stolen car with marked DQ 525 GGE were also displayed before journalists.

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Housewife arraigned for allegedly forging Nigerian Passport . A housewife, Rebecca Kolapo, was on Tuesday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly applying for American visa with a forged passport. Kolapo, 35, who is standing trial on two-count charge of forgery and alteration, was accused of forging a Nigeria passport in the name of Awosanya Omowunmi in 2004. The Prosecutor, Insp. Aderemi Olajubu said the accused had on April 4 in her bid to obtain an America visa presented the forged passport. Olajubu said the offence contravened Sections 484 and 468 of the Criminal Code, laws of Lagos State. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N250, 000 with one surety in like sum. The Magistrate, O.O. Martins adjourned the case till April 27 for mention.

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Estate agent docked for allegedly selling another person's apartment. An estate agent, Jimoh Olorunfemi was on Tuesday charged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly forging the documents of a three-bedroom flat. The 45-year-old accused appeared before Chief Magistrate Oyindamola Ogala on a three-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and stealing. The prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Eshiet told the court that the accused forged the document of a three-bedroom flat belonging to one Solomon Fabunmi. Eshiet said the accused, by forging the document, presumed it was written by Fabunmi and also claimed that the flat was sold to one Fredrick Oladeji. The prosecutor said the intention of the accused was to steal the apartment located at Block 424, Flat 2, Jakande Housing Estate, Abesan, Ipaja in Lagos Lagos. He said the accused committed the offence along with others still at large in 2006. Eshiet said the offence contravened sections 390 (9), 467 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and punishable with a seven-year imprisonment on conviction. Olorunfemi pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned till May 4 for further hearing.

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Bus driver docked for allegedly stealing N850,000 car . For allegedly stealing an unregistered Nissan Maxima saloon car, a commercial bus driver, Ikechukwu Onuorah was on Tuesday charged before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Onuorah, 35, however, pleaded not guilty to the one count-charge of stealing preferred against him. The prosecution said the accused stole the car, property of Onyebuchi Ogbunga, valued at N850, 000. Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that the driver had sometime in Oct. 2010 at about 10.30 a.m. at FESTAC Town, Lagos, stole the car from where it was parked at the residence of the owner. The offence, he said, contravened Section 390 of Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. The Chief Magistrate, Oluyemisi Adelaja granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum. She said the sureties should show evidence of tax payment in Lagos State and means of livelihood. The case was adjourned to April 29 for further hearing.

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Security guard arraigned for allegedly robbing employer .

A security guard, Yakwawwa Shikama, who allegedly stole cash and household items from his employer, was on Tuesday in Lagos charged before the Somolu Magistrates’ Court. Shikama, 26, is standing trail on a two-count charge of burglary and stealing before Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi. The prosecutor, Asp. A.Adegoke told the court that the accused was employed to guard one Emmanuel Joseph’s house at No. 4B Bola St., Atunrase Estate, Gbagada in Somolu, Lagos. Adegoke said on April 9, the accused broke into the house of his employer while he was out of the state and stole some cash and property. According to the prosecutor, Shikama stole a black suit jacket, two trousers, native attires, two long sleeve shirts and one Boxer singlet. Adegoke told the court that the offence contravened Sections 390 and 411 of the Criminal Code, laws of Lagos State. Shikama, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The adjourned the case till May 25 for further hearing.

FRSC LAGOS SECTOR COMMANDER JONAS AGWU

Accident: FRSC to prosecute uncooperative hospital managers.

The Federal Road Safety Commission is to prosecute hospital managers in Lagos State who refuse to treat accident victims. State Sector Commander of the corps, Jonas Agwu was reacting to complaints by some road marshals in the state and other residents that some hospitals reject accident victims.

Agwu said the agency had overwhelming cases of frustration on officers of the corps in getting treatment for accident victims.

According to him, In some cases, personnels of the agency are requested to provide a police report before an accident victim is attended to.

Agwu said the law empowered the commission to prosecute erring hospital managers.

He said the command will invoke the power of the Commission as contained in its Act and the provision of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004 by prosecuting hospitals for rejecting accident victims.

Agwu warned that Any hospital, be it private or public, which rejects accident victims henceforth, will face the full wrath of the law.

The sector commander called for cooperation of Nigerians, especially health workers in saving lives.

He said the Commission had a duty to rescue accident victims, administer first aid to them and move them to hospital for proper treatment.

JUSTICE INUMIDUN AKANDE

Lagos Judiciary goes on Easter break.

The Lagos State Judiciary is to embark on its 2011 Easter vacation from April 25 to 29.

The vacation which has been approved by the Chief Judge, Justice Inumidun Akande is pursuant to Order 45 Rule (4) (b) of the High Court of Lagos State Civil (Procedure Rule) 2004.

Chief Registrar, G.A. Safaru on Tuesday said arrangements have been made for dealing with urgent cases during the period.

Safaru said Each judge will deal with all urgent applications already before him/her and any substantive cause already assigned to him/her.

She said Any urgent application and substantive cause which has not already been assigned will be dealt with by the judge to whom the application is specifically assigned.

NDLEA BOSS

NDLEA arrests 57-year-old drug suspect with methamphetamine.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Monday announced the arrest of a 57-year-old suspected drug trafficker in Lagos.

Head, Public Affairs of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju said the suspect was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos with 1.6 kg of substances suspected to be methamphetamine.

Ofoyeju noted that the suspect was found with a United States international passport and a business class ticket on Qatar Airways flight, stressing that he allegedly brought the drugs from Narita, Japan through Doha.

According to him,The high profile suspect was on his way at the weekend to personally deliver the 1.670kg drugs.

Ofoyeju said the suspect has been hiding under the cover of automobile importation in trafficking narcotics.

He said the agency is happy with the arrest as his criminal admirers and accomplice will be forced to have a rethink.

PPRO, SAMUEL JINADU

Anosike, 4 others to be arraigned over Daily Times N3 billion theft.

The Federal High Court, Lagos, on Monday fixed May 3, for arraignment of a business man, Fidelis Anosike and four others in a criminal case preferred against them.

They were accused in a 21-count charge of alleged conspiracy and stealing of over N3 billion worth of property of the Daily Times of Nigeria.

At the resumed hearing of the matter, counsel to Anosike and the others had urged the court to stay further proceedings in the criminal charge against them pending their appeal.

However, Justice Pat Ajok ordered that relevant documents should be served on all parties in the matter while he adjourned the case to May 3.

The Attorney General of the Federation had filed criminal charges against Anosike, his brother Noel, their company-- Folio Communications Ltd. one Nicholas Okoye and Gogo Kurubo.

The accused, according to the charge, committed the crime in June 2004.

Counsel to the accused persons, Messrs Olisa Agbakoba and Chukuma Emeka, informed the court that they had entered an appeal against a ruling of the court.

The Counsel also informed the court that a date had been entered in the Appeal Court against the ruling of the lower court that held that the accused persons must appear before it for arraignment.

They said all relevant documents for further stay of proceedings had been filed and since a date had been entered, no further business could take place in the lower court.

The accused persons are contending that Justice Charles Archibong of the Federal High Court had already quashed a similar charge against them.

Prosecution Counsel, Akin Akintewe, however informed the court that he had not been served with the applications to further stay proceedings in the case.

He also informed the court that he was unable to serve all the defendants with the charges as ordered by the court at the last adjourned date.

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22-year-old in court for allegedly assaaulting father's driver.

A 22-year-old man, Ifeanyi Ijeoma, on Monday appeared before a Somolu Magistrates’ court in Lagos for allegedly beating his father’s driver.

Ijeoma was arraigned on a two-count charge of assault and threat to life before Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi.

The prosecutor, Asp. A. Adegoke, told the court that the accused hit his father’s driver, Fidelis Esabor, and threatened to kill him on April 4.

The prosecutor said the accused committed the alleged offence at No. 48, Adeleye St., Ladi-Lak, Bariga in Somolu.

He noted that the alleged offence was contrary to Sections 86 and 355 of the Criminal Code, Law of Lagos State.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The court adjourned the case till May 11 for further hearing.

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Businessman allegedly bathes ex-fiancee with acid.

The police in Lagos on Monday arraigned a businessman who allegedly poured acid on a corps member who refused to marry him.

Ifeanyi Udeh (32) was accused of pouring acid on Miss Blessing Agu at Badagry where she was doing her primary assignment.

Udeh is facing a one-count charge before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ court but he pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail by Magistrate Kemi Doja-Ojo in the sum of N250,000 and two sureties in like sum.

According to the prosecutor, Cpl. Emmanuel Ajayi, the accused claimed that Agu had agreed to marry him but changed her mind after her tertiary education.

He said Udeh claimed that the corps member dumped him for another man.

Ajayi said the accused poured acid on the corps member at the Badagry West Local Council Development Area Secretariat in Kanko on Feb. 21.

Ajayi said the alleged offence contravened Section 338 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, and punishable with three years’ imprisonment.

The case was adjourned till May 25 for further hearing.

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Guards arraigned for allegedly stealing N34.8 mln.

from ex-governor Two security guards to former governor of Cross River, Donald Duke, on Monday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates' court in Lagos over alleged N34.8 million theft.

The accused Patrick Onabe, 23, and Iliya Yunana, 22, are standing trial before Magistrate A. O. Botoku on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The Prosecutor ASP. Susan Ezema told the court that the duo committed the alleged offence on Sept. 2, 2010 at No. 1 Club Road Ikoyi, Lagos.

She said the duo were night guards at the residence of Duke.

She said on the day the offence was allegedly committed the guards on morning duty came and found the house open and empty.

Ezema alleged that some property which included cash: $227,000; 12,000 pounds Sterling; a safe valued N51, 000; a keyboard valued $90; and wine valued N2000 were stolen.

Other items stolen were three laptops valued N242, 000.

According to her the alleged offence contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Botoku granted them bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 2 for further hearing.

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Bus conductor absconds with day's earning.

A bus conductor, Paul Ebong, who disappeared with his boss’s daily returns, has landed himself in trouble.

Ebong, 22, was on Monday arraigned at a Surulere Magistrates’ court in Lagos for allegedly stealing the day’s earning of N49,000.

The accused, arraigned on a count charge of stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.

But the Prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 1 at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos.

The prosecutor explained that the accused was arrested few days later, after Ugokwe waited in vain for him to return.

He said the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Onime prayed the court not to grant the accused bail on the grounds that he had no fixed address and slept at different bus stops and might likely commit further crimes.

Ebong, however, denied that he had no fixed address, saying I live at the cantonment in Ikeja with my uncle’’.

Senior Magistrate, A.O. Gbajumo granted the accused bail in the sum of N40,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till May 4 for further hearing.

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Police pray court not to grant bail to alleged dupe .

A police prosecutor, Sgt. Raji Hakeem on Monday in Lagos prayed a Surulere Magistrates’ Court to decline the bail application of Lasisi Lateef, allegedly notorious for duping people.

Hakeem told the court that the accused should not be granted bail because he has just been released from police custody for committing the same offence.

44-year-old Lateef, was dragged to court for allegedly defrauding two men, including a State Security Service personnel, of N900, 000.

The accused, a builder, is facing trial on a two-count charge of obtaining under pretence and stealing.

Lateef, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor told the court that the alleged offences were committed on May 8, and Aug. 10, 2010 at Adegoke St., Surulere.

Hakeem said the accused allegedly took N800, 000 from one Segun Folasade, an SSS official on Aug. 10, and on May 8, also under false pretence obtained N100, 000 from Mr Cosmos Ogbonna.

He said the accused collected the said monies under the pretence that he would secure them accommodation.

According to the prosecutor, the accused was brought to court from police detention and has no fixed address.

He said the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Counsel to the accused, Uche Onwuekwe, however, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.

Onwuekwe said the offence is bailable and the prosecution has no concrete evidence to substantiate its allegations.

Senior Magistrate A.O. Gbajumo admitted the accused to a bail of N300, 000 with two sureties each in like sum.

She said one of the sureties must be a blood relation; must be resident in Lagos; must show evidence of two years tax payment and must own a landed property.

The case was adjourned till May 4 for further hearing.

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Surety arraigned for not producing mother-in-law.

A 35-year-old man Olatunji Falodun, who stood as surety for his mother-in-law, was on Monday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ court in Lagos for not producing her.

Falodun is standing trial before Magistrate H. O. Amos on a count charge of obstructing the cause of justice.

The prosecutor Sgt. Daniel Apochi told the court that on Jan. 7, Falodun stood bail for one Magaret Demuren—his mother-in-law at Zone II, Onikan.

He said Falodun promised to produce the woman whenever she was needed but was unable to fulfil his promise.

He said the accused must show why he would not forfeit the sum of N2.7 million he entered as recognizance to the Federal Government of Nigeria

Apochi said the alleged offence contravened Section 132 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of Lagos.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Amos admitted him to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till May 5 for further hearing.