POLICE IMAGE MAKER

Man in court for allegedly stealing recharge cards
The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned a 38-year-old salesman, Raymond Okougbenin, for allegedly stealing recharge cards valued at N862,315.
Okougbenin, an employee of Talents West African Limited which deals in GSM cards, is standing trial at the Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court on a one-count charge of stealing.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Sherifat Solebo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Olakunle Shonibare, told the court that Okougbenin committed the alleged offence on June 14 at about 9 a.m. at Egbeda, Lagos.
He said the alleged offence contravened Section 390(9) cap 17, Vol. II of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The case was adjourned till July I5 for further hearing. ...............................................................................................3 former bank employees docked for allegedly stealing N34.3m
Three former employees of Wema Bank Plc were on Thursday charged before an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing N34.3 million belonging to the bank.
The accused were a former accountant, a cashier and an internal control manager of the Wema Homes (Savings and Loans) Ltd, a subsidiary of the bank.
The accused, Taorid Lasisi, 41, Folorunsho Adeoye, 29, and Oyewunmi Akinyemi, 33, are standing trial before Chief Magistrate Christiana Adesola-Ikpatt on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP Innocent Effiong, said that the accused, with others still at large, allegedly stole the money between 2008 and 2009 at the bank’s premises at No 65A Opebi Road, Ikeja.
Effiong further told the court that Lasisi allegedly connived with Adeoye and Akinyemi to make several withdrawals from the bank’s funds without the bank’s authority.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390 (6) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State and punishable with seven years’ imprisonment on conviction.
The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Adesola-Ikpatt granted them bail in the sum of N3 million each with two sureties in like sum.
She said the sureties must be blood relations of the accused persons.
The case was also adjourned till Aug. 26 for further hearing.

Okey Nwosu

Alleged N10.9 billion fraud: Ex-Finbank chiefs say court has no jurisdiction
Former Managing Director of Finbank Plc, Okey Nwosu and two other bank executives standing trial for an alleged N10.9 billion fraud on Thursday told an Ikeja High Court that it lacked jurisdiction and should discontinue hearing the suit.
The trio of Nwosu, Dayo Famoroti and Agnes Ebubedike had through their lawyers informed the court presided over by Justice Lateefat Okunnu that they had filed an appeal against its ruling at the Appeal Court.
The fourth accused person, Danjuma Ocholi through his lawyer, Victor Ukutt had, however, asked the court to set aside its ruling without filing an appeal at the Appellate Court.
Nwosu’s lawyer, Anthony Idigbe told the court that they were challenging Okunnu’s ruling on their Preliminary Notice of Objection delivered on May 24.
Okunnu in the ruling had held that the court had the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and had also refused to quash the charges preferred against the accused persons.
Idigbe, while moving the motion, informed the court that the records had been transferred to the Appeal Court in Lagos .
He said: `` Order 4 Rule 11 Court of Appeal Rules 2011 states that after an appeal has been entered and until it has been finally disposed of by the appellate court, the lower court shall stay proceedings on the matter.
According to him, Section 234(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees an individual the right to appeal any court decision unfavourable to him.
``The summary of this provision is that this court has lost jurisdiction and I urge it to be persuaded and bounded by the Supreme Court judgment”, Idigbe added.
Rotimi Jacobs, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel had opposed the position arguing that it was an ambush to frustrate the trial.
This morning they now served us a process wherein they claim that an appeal has been entered. They attached a letter which was purportedly written by the Lagos State Judiciary.”
He alleged that the letter which was undated also had an altered appeal number adding that even the court of appeal stamp appeared to be altered.
According to him, if an appeal has been entered, the respondent should be notified-- which was not done in this case.
Jacobs therefore asked the court for an adjournment to enable the EFCC to file a further affidavit to counter the ones filed by the accused persons.
The matter was adjourned to July 6 for argument.

EFCC CHAIRMAN

EFCC arraigns MKO Abiola’s second son, Deji over alleged N35.5 million fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned Deji Abiola-- second son of late Chief MKO Abiola-- over an alleged N35.5 million fraud.
The son of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election was arraigned before an Ikeja High Court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.
Abiola who had spent time in EFCC custody, was, however, granted bail on the one-count charge bothering on stealing by fraudulent conversion, in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
EFCC lawyer, Omeiza Adebola alleged that the accused had on May 24, 2008 collected N35.5 million from one Jide Jose, under the pretext of importing printing machines from Switzerland for him.
He claimed that Abiola never supplied the said machines to the complainant and had converted the money to his personal use.
The alleged offence, according to him, contravenes Section 390 (7) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17, Laws of Lagos State 2003.
Abiola had pleaded not guilty to the charge and the court proceeded to hear the bail application filed by his lawyer, Mr O.A. Fasugba.
Fasugba urged the court to grant the accused bail on very lenient terms, adding that his alleged offence was a bail able one.
But Omezia had opposed the bail application, alleging that Abiola had in the past attempted to compromise the EFCC’s investigation of the matter by bribing one Katongo and Jamila with N20,000.
In his ruling, Onigbanjo granted the accused bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
Onigbanjo said: ``One of the sureties must be a relative while the other should be a non-relative. Both sureties must be resident in Lagos and must produce evidence of three years’ tax clearance before the court.”
The judge also ordered Abiola to deposit his international passport with the EFCC, and that it could only be released with the express permission of the court.
It also ordered that an operative of the EFCC must verify the business and residential addresses of the two sureties and make a report to the court’s registrar.
Kola Abiola—Deji’s older brother-- and other family members were present in court and have commenced the processes to secure his bail at the time of filing this report.

PPRO LAGOS COMMAND OF POLICE, SAMUEL JINADU

2 docked for allegedly stealing phone at pageant.

Two unemployed persons, Oluwatoyin Folorunsho , 39, and Olasunkanmi Babatunde , 23, were on Wednesday in Lagos arraigned for allegedly stealing a Blackberry mobile phone.
The phone was allegedly stolen from Mrs Lucia Trokslarova, a guest at the pageant the `` Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria held last Saturday in Lagos.
The prosecutor, Sgt Causin Adams, said that the accused, with others at large, had on June 25 allegedly broke into one of the hotel suites and stole the phone valued at N70,000.
He said Trokslarova, who realised that her phone was missing, immediately raised the alarm and the accused persons who had mingled with the guests were promptly arrested.
Adams further alleged that the accused belonged to a syndicate of pickpockets who robbed unsuspecting members of the public of their personal belongings.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate, Makanju Oshodi, adjourned the case till July 19 for further hearing. ..................................

Man, 24, arraigned for allegedly stealing passport.

A 24-year-old man, Ebunoluwa Idowu, was on Wednesday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing his neighbour`s passport, with an American Visa valued at N172,000.
Idowu is standing trial on a one-count charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. C. E. Ugwu, told the court that the alleged offence was committed on June 15, at No. 12 Cameroon Road Ikoyi, Lagos.
Ugwu said the accused entered the room of one Olatundun Attah and stole her passport.
He said the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, A. A. Famobiwo, granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case till July 12 for further hearing.

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Commercial driver docked for stealing ‘Okada’.

A commercial driver, Mohammed Bashir, was on Wednesday charged before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing a motorcycle, valued at N105,000.
The accused is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and unlawful possession of burglary instrument before Senior Magistrate M.K.O. Fadeyi.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ishola, told the court that Bashir on June 25 at Akinsemoyin St., Surulere, stole a motor cycle belonging to an ``okada’’ rider, Rufai Maigari.
Ishola said the accused on his arrest was found in possession of an iron cutter.
The prosecutor submitted that the offence contravened Sections 390 (9), 417 (a), and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The magistrate, however, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two gainfully employed sureties.
The case was adjourned till Aug. 2 for further hearing.

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Man docked for alleged theft of bus

A man, Ibraheem Musa, who was alleged to have stolen a bus on June 16 was on Wednesday arraigned at the Somolu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The police are prosecuting Musa, 38, on a one-count charge of stealing before Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Insp. A. Adegoke, told the court that Musa attempted to steal a Coaster bus from where it was parked at No. 83, Akinola St., Bariga, Lagos.
He said the alleged offence was committed at about 1.15 a.m.
The prosecutor, however, did not name the owner of the bus in court.
The offence, according to Adegoke, is contrary to Section 508 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Adegoke added that the crime was punishable under Section 509 of the same law.
Osunsanmi admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.
The case was adjourned till July 8 for trial.

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Man to spend 1 year in prison for stealing.

A 29-year-old man, Yohanna Sunday, was on Wednesday in Lagos sentenced to one year in prison by an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for stealing N648,000.
The court, however, gave him an option of a fine of N50,000.
Sunday was convicted for stealing from the Nigeria Police Microfinance Bank at Obalende, Lagos.
The convict had pleaded guilty to the charge against him on his first arraignment on June 13.
The prosecutor, Insp. Gabriel Agoi, said the convict on June 6 at about 10 a.m. committed the crime.
He said the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The Magistrate, J.A. Adegun, while sentencing Sunday said `` In view of your guilty stance, the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. ``
Adegun advised the convict to `` change your attitude positively and productively after regaining your freedom.”

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My husband is a womaniser, wife tells court .

My husband is a womaniser. He flirts around with other women and he takes alcohol to the extent of falling inside gutter after drinking.
Toyin, 38, told the Somolu Customary Court in Lagos on Wednesday that she injured him when she discovered that he was cheating on her.
Toyin said she learnt that her husband Mr Tajudeen Lasisi, 45, had rented an apartment for his girlfriend, whereas they owed their landlord six months rent.
I have my reason for fighting my husband because I have been responsible for the rent, water bill and NEPA bill, but my husband abandoned me and the children aged 22, 18 and 13.
Toyin, a petty trader, however, pleaded with the court to reconcile them, saying she still loved him despite his behaviour.
Lasisi, a refrigerator repairer, had urged the court to dissolve his 25-year-old marriage to Toyin, saying she was hard to control.
``I want this marriage dissolved because my wife usually beats me and threatens me with dangerous weapons after a little misunderstanding.
According to him, he ran away from home since June 20 after his wife injured him in the mouth with a bucket.
Lasisi, who did not deny the allegation by his wife, said he was no longer comfortable staying with her.
The Court President, Modupe Bajulaiye, advised the couple to keep the peace, warning that whoever fought would face the consequences.
Bajulaiye compelled the couple to sign an undertaking to keep the peace and adjourned the case till July 20.

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33-year-old seeks divorce over threat to life.

A 33-year-old trader on Wednesday urged the Somolu Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her five-year-old marriage over alleged threat to her life by her estranged husband.
“My husband is too fetish, irresponsible and jealous,’’ Bose Gbadebo, told the court, alleging that her husband, Bukola Gbadebo (38), regularly visited a herbalist with the intention to kill her.
Bose told the court that Gbadebo did not marry her properly as he had yet to perform some marriage rites.
She alleged that Gbadebo battered her and threatened to chase her out of their residence which, she claimed, she paid for.
She said he had lost interest in the union and desired divorce.
In his response, Bukola pleaded with the court to reconcile him with his wife, saying that he still loved here.
The Court President, Modupe Bajulaiye, adjourned the case till July 29 for possible reconciliation of the estranged couple.

Rafiu Olohunwa

DPP/Police rift stalls trial of Lagos NURTW chiefs .

The trial of Rafiu Olorunwa, Lagos State Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), was on Wednesday stalled following a disagreement between the Director of Public Prosecutions and the police.
The DPP and the police were at loggerheads over who should prosecute the matter being tried by Magistrate A.O. Isaac of Ikeja Magistracy.
Olorunwa was arraigned on May 17 with two other principal officers of the union, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and Sunday Ojomo.
Also arraigned were Korede Owolabi, Babatunde Akeem, Ayo Akintayo, Lanire Salawu, Akeem Babatunde and Akinola Falore.
Also facing prosecution are Bolaji Ibrahim, Kazeem Gomma and Afis Sule.
They were arraigned on an eight-count charge of unlawful assembly, possession of firearms and offensive weapons, obstruction, malicious damage and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
At the resumed hearing of the case, the DPP, who was represented by Bukola Akanni, informed the court that the state had taken over the matter.
She told the court that after the arraignment, Magistrate Idowu Olatokun had ruled that the police should hands off the case.
She said Section 211 (b) of the 1999 Constitution empowered the attorney-general (AG) to take over any criminal matter at any time, adding that she had written to the police to hand over the duplicate file.
Akanni also told the court that the name of the sixth accused (Akintayo) had been struck out from the list of the accused because of his illness.
She asked for an adjournment to enable her to retrieve the duplicate file from the police which would be reviewed to ascertain whether a prima facie case was established against the accused.
But the police lawyer, Chukwu Agwu, while recognising the authority of the AG, questioned the rationale behind the dropping of charges against Akintayo.
Olorunwa, Akinsanya and Ojomo had been granted bail by the court while others are still being remanded in prison custody.
The prosecution had alleged that the accused on May 6 between 11 a.m. and 9.30 p.m. at NURTW secretariats in Abule-Egba, Bourdillion St., Ikoyi and Oshodi, shot sporadically, damaging property belonging to members of the public and also disturbing the public peace.
The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene Sections 70, 71, 80, 249 (d), 356 (2) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The case has been adjourned to Sept. 28 for continuation of the trial.

POLICE BOSS

Daily Times acquisition: Court orders IGP to produce Anosikes
An Ikeja High Court on Wednesday ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, to produce before it Messrs Fidelis Anosike and Noel Anosike, owners of Daily Times Ltd.
Justice Habeeb Abiru gave the order after the accused failed to appear in court after their arraignment.
The Anosikes, Directors of Folio Communications Ltd., are facing a 40-count charge of stealing and fraudulent acquisition of property of Daily Times, valued at N1.7 billion.
They are also facing a 21-count charge of conspiring to siphon several billions of naira from the coffers of the defunct newspaper.
The Bureau of Public Enterprises had in 2004 sold the Federal Government’s shareholding in the Daily Times to Folio Communications as the company's new core investor.
According to fresh charges filed before the court, the Anosikes and their company, Folio Communications, are alleged to have also made false representation to the BPE to acquire the newspaper.
The prosecutor, Akin Akintinwe, alleged that they had fraudulently misled the BPE that they had means to acquire majority shares of Daily Times.
He said the accused mortgaged the assets of the newspaper and sold some of the property to acquire the shares.
Akintinwe also alleged that the accused stole N500 million being proceeds of the sale of the newspaper’s 60 per cent stake in Naira properties Ltd., owners of Nigeria Stock Exchange building, Lagos.
In addition, he said the Anosikes also fraudulently collected over N190 million as rents of various property, belonging to the company on lease.
The offences, he said, contravened Sections 8, 390 (7) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Ahmadu Giade

NDLEA boss tasks stakeholders on fight against illicit drugs

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, on Tuesday called on stakeholders to support the fight against illicit drugs.

Giade told newsmen in Lagos that no country could fight and win the war against illicit drugs and drug barons all alone.

He attributed the success of drug control in the country to the stable political dispensation.

He listed increase in crime and premature deaths as some of the consequences of drug abuse, adding that drug trafficking could threaten the nation’s security and sovereignty.

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SAMUEL JINADU

Badagry pupil’s alleged murder: CID to take over investigations

Police authorities in Lagos State have directed the State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti, to take over investigations into the alleged murder of a pupil in Badagry.

The spokesman for the state command, DSP Samuel Jinadu, on Tuesday that investigators from Panti would take over the case.

The 14-year-old Rasheed Suleiman of Gbenopo Primary School, Badagry, was allegedly killed and dismembered for suspected ritual purposes last week.

The remains of the boy was found in the gutter at Ibereko, Badagry after a week-long search for him by the family.

A disused tyre that was used to set fire to the body of the boy was also found beside him.

Meanwhile, some suspects including a 13-year-old boy and pastor have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder.
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2 docked for allegedly stealing 10,000 dollars

The police in Lagos on Tuesday arraigned one Lateefat Ibrahim and Sikiru Boye at an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing 10,000 dollars (N1.5 million).

Ibrahim, 28, and Boye, 40, are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before Chief Magistrate Christiana Adesola-Ikpatt.

The prosecutor, ASP Innocent Effiong, said that Ibrahim allegedly stole the money which Mr Jimoh Lateef, her boss, had asked her to deposit in his domiciliary bank account.

Effiong said the alleged offence took place on May 23 at Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos.

He said the offence, which contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, attracted seven years imprisonment on conviction.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Adesola-Ikpatt granted each of the accused a bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned to Aug. 24 for further hearing.
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66-year-old surveyor docked for alleged N3.5m land fraud

A 66-year-old surveyor, Ayotunde Ajayi was on Tuesday arraigned in Lagos for allegedly obtaining N3.5 million under the pretext of selling a plot of land to an interested buyer.

Ajayi is standing trial before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money under pretence and stealing.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Animashaun Morufu said the accused with others at large obtained the sum from Chief Ayandokun Ayanlakin on Jan. 29, 2009 at No 36 Somosu St., Aguda.

He said the accused told Ayanlakin that he had a plot of land for sale but disappeared after collecting the money without providing the land.

Morufu said the offence contravened Sections 390(9), 516 and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Magistrate O.I Oguntade adjourned the case till Sept. 28 for further hearing.

AKINGBOLA ERASTUS

Akingbola challenges dismissal of suit against planned sale of Intercontinental Bank

The immediate past Managing Director of the Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola, on Tuesday challenged the dismissal of his suit against the planned sale of Intercontinental Bank to Access Bank.

A Federal High Court (FHC) in Lagos dismissed the suit.

Akingbola, who filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, also filed an application seeking to stop the Central Bank of Nigeria and its governor from liquidating or revoking the operational licence of Intercontinental Bank.

Akingbola filed the appeal along with a former Executive Director of Intercontinental Bank, Mr Bayo Dada.

They want the appellate court to restrain the CBN from withdrawing Intercontinental bank’s inter-bank guaranty pending the determination of the appeal.

They also seek an order setting aside the FHC’s judgment.

Akingbola and Dada equally seek an order overruling decisions of the CBN on Intercontinental Bank from Aug. 14, 2009.

They also seek an order overruling all decisions of CBN appointees on the board of Intercontinental Bank from the same date, except those that concern the day-to-day business operations of the bank.

Justice Okechuwku Okeke of the FHC had dismissed the suit filed by Akingbola and Dada.

The suit had challenged a memorandum of Understanding for business combination signed by Intercontinental Bank and Access Bank.

Akingbola and Dada contended that the CBN was wrong to have masterminded the signing of the said MoU without recourse to them as shareholders and former directors of Intercontinental Bank.

Dada had specifically urged the court to set aside a letter issued by the CBN, removing him from the board of Intercontinental Bank.

The lower court ruled that the suit was an abuse of court processes on the grounds that the same subject matter was already filed before the FHC.

The court also held that the suit was belated as some of the actions being challenged were done in August, 2009 when the plaintiffs were removed as the bank’s chiefs.

On Dada’s removal from the board of Intercontinental Bank, Okeke held that the letter upon which he was removed was not tendered as an exhibit in support of the suit.

He ruled that the error was fatal to the case.

In their notice of appeal, Akingbola and Dada stated that Okeke made fundamental errors in his judgment by going into issues which were not before him.

Their counsel, Onyebuchi Aniakor, argued that the judge erred in law when he adjudged the suit as an abuse of court process merely on an assertion contained in a preliminary objection by the defendants rather than verified averments.

He added that Okeke erred by concluding that the letter directing Dada’s removal was not tendered before the court.

POLICE IMAGE MAKER

Businessman remanded in prison for alleged car robbery.

A businessman, Abiodun Adeosun was on Monday in Lagos remanded in Ikoyi prison by an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for an alleged car robbery.
Adeosun, 31, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.
The prosecutor, ASP Raymond Odio, said the accused with others at large, armed with dangerous weapons robbed Eugene Ayiah of his Toyota Corolla car with Reg. No. LM 271-KJA
He said the incident happened around 10 p. m. on Oct. 16, 2010 at Fadeyi Bus stop in Lagos, adding that the value of the car was yet to be ascertained.
He said the offence contravened Sections 516 and 2(a) of the Criminal Code and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of Lagos State and the Federation respectively.
Odion had earlier prayed the court, through an application attached to the charge sheet, to remand the accused in prison pending advice from the director of public prosecution.
The Magistrate, F.O Famobiwo said the court had no option than to remand the accused in prison, in view of the prosecutor’s application and the nature of the charges.
She adjourned the case till July 25 for further hearing.

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Construction worker arraigned for allegedly stealing cement
A 28-year-old staff of Check Nigeria Ltd.-- a construction company-- Bunmi Daramola was on Monday arraigned for allegedly stealing her employer’s 288 bags of cement valued at N576, 000.
Daramola is standing trial before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on one-count charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, CPL Austin Odungbo said the accused allegedly committed the offence between Jan. and June 2011 at Road 13, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.
He said the offence contravened section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
Odungbo said the accused was liable to face three years in prison if convicted of the crime.
Daramola, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, O.I Oguntade granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till July 14 for further hearing.

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Man docked for allegedly stealing cheque book
The police in Lagos on Monday arraigned a man, Don Bassey who allegedly attempted to withdraw N852,000 from a bank with a stolen Bank PHB cheque.
The account belongs to Mr Oni Adisa.
Bassey is alleged to have attempted to withdraw money with the stolen cheque on June 17 at about 3.30 p.m.
The accused is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before a Somolu Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Insp. A. Adegoke told the court that the accused wanted to use a pre-dated cheque of June 11, numbered 0111057628, to withdraw money from the complainant’s account.
`` Luck, however, ran-out on the accused when the cashier alerted the owner of the account that somebody was about to withdraw some money from his account, `` Adegoke said.
He said the accused and another now at large, allegedly committed the offence at the Bank PHB branch at Bariga area of Lagos.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 473 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with a surety in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Aug. 3 for trial.

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Man docked for forgery
A 30- year-old man, Precious Otobo, was on Monday arraigned for allegedly attempting to use a forged cheque to withdraw N460,000 from Cocoanut Micro-Finance Bank, Apapa, Lagos.
Otobo is also alleged to have forged a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) cheque, with No. 18571671, belonging of Mr Kaylius Julius.
The accused is facing a three-count charge of felony, forgery and stealing before Chief Magistrate Oluyemisi Adelaja of the Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Otobo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Insp. Benedict Unawunwa, told the court that the accused committed the offence, with others at large, on June 22, at about 2 p.m.
He said: ``The GTB forged cheque was dated June 15 and was to be used to do business with the bank``.
He said the accused had contravened Sections 390(9), 467 and 516 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State.
Counsel to the accused, Ikenna Ebelebe, asked the court to grant his client bail `` on liberal terms and because the offence was bailable. ``Adelaja, however, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She ordered the prosecutor to verify the addresses of the sureties and ask them to show evidence of tax payment.
Adelaja adjourned the case till July 25 for further hearing.

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Teenage trader charged with killing customer
An 18-year-old cellphone seller was on Monday arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stabbing a customer to death, using a broken bottle.
The accused, Segun Dada, is charged with unlawful killing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Samuel Omoyeni, alleged that the accused stabbed his customer, Abba Abubakar, over a sales dispute which occurred on May 11 at Ikeja.
According to him, Abubakar had bought a new GSM mobile phone from the accused and the deceased later discovered that the item was fake.
``The deceased later went back to Dada and complained of duping him, a fight broke out and in the fracas, the accused used a broken bottle to stab Abubakar.
The prosecutor said Abubakar later died in a hospital.
He said the offence contravened Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, M O Olajuwon, who did not take a plea from the accused, ordered that
Dada be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos, pending when the court would get an advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case was adjourned to Aug. 3 for further hearing

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Police arraign man for rape
A 37-year-old man, Emiloju Ojojo, was on Monday charged before an Apapa Senior Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for raping a 25-year-old woman.
The accused, who is facing a three-count charge of felony, rape and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Friday Inedu, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence along with two other accomplices now at large.
According to him, the accused and his accomplices armed themselves with broken bottles, intimidated the woman (name withheld) and raped her one after the other.
Inedu said the offence, which was committed on June 20, at about 1.30 a.m. contravened Sections 358, 402 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The prosecutor also said the accused and his accomplices, on the same date, time and place robbed their victim of her Blackberry X2 cellphone.
The Senior Magistrate, Amos Adeyemi, 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 and have their addresses verified by the prosecutor as part of the bail conditions.
The case has been adjourned till July 14 for further hearing.

CUSTOMS BOSS

NCS appeals for compliance on joint cargo examination
The Apapa Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service has appealed to government agencies to comply with the one-stop shop joint cargo examination which officially started on Monday.
The command's Public Relations Officer, Timi Bomodi, reminded the agents that the cargo examination model had started as agreed on by the stakeholders at a meeting in May.
He said for sometimes, the NCS had been test-running the examination model, adding that the essence of coming up with the initiative was to tackle problems militating against cargo clearance.
The customs spokesman said that two-shift daily cargo examinations approach had been adopted, adding that ``if it gets better, it can be in three shifts’’.
Bomodi said the management of the command anticipated that about 200 containers would be examined daily.
According to him, all the agencies at the examination point will sign immediately after the examinations are concluded.
``There will be no other examination by any government agency except where there is a compelling reason of national security," he said. ..........................................................................................

Immigration deports 10 Malians in Badagry.

The Nigeria Immigration Service on Monday announced the deportation of 10 Malians for being in possession of invalid travelling papers.
The Officer-in-charge of NIS office in Badagry, Danji Kabiru said the deportees were rounded up at different locations in the Badagry area.
Kabiru said They were found without registration and valid papers and were deported on Friday through the Seme border.
He said The deportees were handed over to the Benin Republic Immigration authorities for their onward movement to Mali.
He said the list of the deported Malians had been sent to the Immigration office at Alagbon, Lagos.
100 Nigeriens, found without valid papers were also deported from Badagry about two months ago through the Seme border.

LATE CHIEF MKO ABIOLA

MKO Abiola’s son remanded in EFCC custody over alleged N35.5 million fraud

An Ikeja High Court on Thursday remanded Deji Abiola in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC over alleged N35.5 million fraud.

Deji, second son of late Chief M.K.O Abiola is to remain in EFCC custody pending his arraignment on June 30.

M.K. O Abiola was the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

The younger Abiola was dragged before the court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo for alleged stealing and fraudulent conversion.

The EFCC alleged that Abiola collected N35.5 million sometime in 2008 from one Mr Jide Jose, under the pretence of importing printing machines for him from Switzerland.

The anti-corruption agency claimed that he never supplied the said machines to the complainant and had converted the money to his personal use.

At the proceedings, EFCC lawyer, Omeiza Adebola asked the court to compel Abiola to take his plea and be properly arraigned.

Adebola told the court that the matter had been before the court since Sept. 2, 2010, insisting that the charges should be read to the accused person.

Abiola’s lawyer, A.B.Kasumu, however, objected to his arraignment arguing that they were just notified about the process.

Kasumu said the accused, who had been enjoying administrative bail granted him by the EFCC, had come to court on his own volition.

He added that Abiola should be granted sufficient time to consult with his lawyers before taking his plea as guaranteed by the right to fair hearing.

He also asked the court to grant his client bail or remand him in EFCC custody pending the filing of the bail application to be heard at the next adjournment.

Ndudi Elumelu

N5.2bn misappropriation: Elumelu asks court to quash suit

former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Power, Ndudi Elumelu has filed an application at an Abuja High Court to quash the criminal charges levelled against him by the EFCC.

The EFCC filed a criminal charge against Elumelu, Sen. Nicholas Ubane and Rep. Mohammed Jibo.

They were accused of ``abating and conspiring to commit criminal conspiracy involving more than N5.2 billion in the course of awarding contracts for electrification projects across Nigeria.

Elumelu, through his counsel, Patrick Ikweto (SAN), had urged the court to dismiss the case on the grounds that the EFCC had not established any criminality against him.

He told the court that he only performed his duty as the Chairman, House of Representatives committee on Power, in accordance with what his constituency and the National Assembly expected of him and not for his own personal interest.

Ikweto said that his client did not participate in the award of the Rural Electrification Project as he was just a committee member.

He further argued that Elumelu took part as every other member of the house did in the 2008 Appropriation Act and not for personal reasons.

Ikweto said his client, at no time committed any act contrary to the provisions of the 2008 Appropriation Act, which he was accused to have contravened.

Ikweto also argued that Elumelu cannot stand trial for committing an offence when he was performing his duties as spelt out under
the 1999 Constitution.

He argued that EFCC lacked the power to prosecute him as the entire allegations against him did not constitute financial crimes.

The counsel further argued that the EFCC had not brought any evidence before the court to prove the direct involvement of his client in the alleged misappropriation of funds.

Opposing the application, EFCC counsel, Femi Pinhiero (SAN)told the court that the accused was not charged to court based on misappropriation of funds.

He said he was being charged alongside Ubane and Jibo for abating and using their offices to influence the procurement of contracts, which monies were not approved for.

Pinhiero, stressed that all the accused were required to do was to explain to the public, the role they played in the award of the contracts.

After listening to both arguments, Justice Abimbola Banjoko adjourned the matter to Sept. 27, for ruling on the application.

MAJOR AL-MUSTAPHA

Ruling in Al-Mustapha’s "no case submission" suit fixed for July 14.

A Lagos High Court on Thursday fixed July 14 for ruling on the no case submission filed by Major Hamza Al-Mustapha’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo.

Al-Mustapha, Rabo Lawal and Lateef Shofolahan are facing criminal trial over their alleged involvement in the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Justice Mojisola Dada had on May 31 dismissed an application filed by the Lagos State Government to reopen its case against the defendants.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, Ojo argued his written address on a no-case submission in favour of the defendant.

According to him, the prosecution lacked the requisite evidence to support their case and the court is under no obligation to help them establish one.

He argued that the confessional statement by the prosecution witnesses, Sgt Rogers and Abdul Mohammed, could not be used in determining if the defendants have a case to answer.

He said the task of the court had been made easy since the prosecution conceded that the evidence given during examination by PW1 and PW3 were retracted.

He, therefore, urged the court to grant the application.

Opposing the application, the Solicitor General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro (SAN), argued that a prima facie case had been made against the defendants.

Pedro argued that the witnesses retracted their statement because of the failure of the Federal Government Witness Programme.

Pedro told the court not to concern itself with the credibility or otherwise of the evidence given by the witnesses.

He urged the court to decline on commenting on issues raised in relation to credibility of witnesses.

In his reply on point of law, Ojo said evidence given during cross examination forms part of the total evidence before the court.

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SAMUEL JINADU

Court gives landlord ultimatum to repair dilapidated bungalow

A Grade “A” Customary Court in Mushin on Thursday gave a landlord three months’ ultimatum to repair his dilapidated bungalow or have it sealed for environmental nuisance.

The Court President, Abayomi Ipaye said that the bungalow at No. 14, Agoro St., Mushin had defective roof, partially collapsed fence, cracked floor, dilapidated toilets and decrepit bathrooms.

He said if the landlord failed to rehabilitate the building within the period, the court would have no option than sealing it.

The Mushin Local Government had on May 19 arraigned the landlord, Mr Babatunde Onitiri, over the environmental nuisance the building has constituted.

The council’s Health Officer, Raji Razak had submitted that the building also lacked a kitchen.

He said the nuisance contravened the Lagos State Environmental Law, 2003 and the Mushin Local Government Bye-Law, 2004.

Onitiri had blamed the poor sanitation on refusal of a tenant in the building to pack out to pave way for repairs or outright demolition.
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Free me from beating and embarrassment from drunk husband, woman urges court

I want this court to dissolve my marriage as my husband often embarrasses and beats me after taking alcohol.

I want the court to dissolve the marriage so that I can be free from serious beating and constant embarrassment from this man,’’ a 39-year-old woman pleaded with a court in Lagos on Thursday.

Iyabo Makinde, a petty trader, had taken her husband, Saubana Makinde, 40, a butcher, before a Grade ``A’’ Customary Court in Mushin over his drinking habit.

She claimed that her husband of 22 years was not responsible and never cared for her and the five children of the union.

She said that she packed out of the matrimonial home in Oct. 2010.

According to her, their first daughter is married while the second daughter lives with her parents in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the third child lives with her husband and the last two children stay with her.

The Court President, Abayomi Opaye, after listening to the petitioner, noted that the respondent had been absent in court for three consecutive times.

He adjourned the case till July 12 for judgment.
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3 tricylists face alleged murder, theft charges

Three commercial tricycle operators were on Thursday in Lagos charged before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court over alleged attempted murder.

The trio -- Joseph Odusanya, 52; Bolaji Suleiman, 41; Akeem Hammed 44 -- are facing a seven- count charge of conspiracy, attempted murder, causing grievous harm, assault and stealing.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution alleged that the men attempted to murder their colleagues over the control of their parks.

Sgt. Chinalu Uwadire told the court that the accused and others still at large had between 2010 and Jan. 2011 at Ejigbo, a Lagos suburb, attacked Messrs Taiwo Adedokun and Muibi Rahaman with cutlasses and sticks.

He said the accused also attacked two other persons -- John Oyekanmi and Abdulahi Ganiyu – at the association’s office in Elere-Agege and Orile-Iganmu during the period.

Uwadire said the accused stole three handsets valued at N39,000, total cash of N50,000, a necklace worth N35, 000 and a wristwatch also valued at N10, 000, properties of the complainants.

According to him, the men beat their colleagues with sticks and cut them with cutlasses, leaving them in serious condition of health.

He said the offence contravened Section 320, 355, 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Magistrate Demi Ajayi granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 each and two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case till July 11 for further hearing.

FRANCIS ATUCHE

EFCC wants judge to disqualify self from Atuche's case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday urged Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of an Ikeja High Court to excuse himself in the two cases involving former Managing Director of Bank PHB, Francis Atuche.

The anti-corruption agency accused Onigbanjo of bias in his handling of the suits so far.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, EFCC counsel, Sebastine Hon informed the court of the prosecution’s two separate applications which have been served on the defense lawyers.

The applications dated June 22 prayed the court for an order to disqualifying itself from presiding over the cases.

The EFCC claimed that the judge’s comments in his ruling on Atuche’s bail application on May 25 might have inadvertently prejudged the substantive charge and other pending applications.

Onigbanjo had held that there were similarities between the charges the former bank chief was facing before him and the one at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

But Atuche’s lawyer, Chief Anthony Idigbe in a letter addressed to the CJ dated June 14, had refuted EFCC’s allegations against Onigbanjo.

Idigbe said the ruling did not suggest in any shape that the judge had prejudged the substantive charge adding that he should be allowed to continue with hearing the suits.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Inumidun Akande had refused to reassign the cases as earlier requested by the anti-corruption agency.

Atuche was charged separately with two former directors of Bank PHB, Mr Lekan Kasali and Fumi Ademosun before Onigbanjo on a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The EFCC alleged that the former Bank PHB executives between November 2007 and September 2008 conspired to steal over N11.4 billion belonging to the bank.

Onigbanjo adjourned the matter to Sept. 19 to enable the defense respond to the EFCC’s application.

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SAMUEL JINADU

Cashier in court for stealing hotel’s N2m

The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned a cashier before a Somolu Magistrates court for allegedly stealing N2, 068,785 from a hotel.

The accused – Olanrewaju Babalola (31) -- is facing a one-count charge of stealing before Senior Magistrate Bola Osusanmi, but he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp. Adegoke Akinlebi, said that Babalola received the sum from customers of the hotel -- his employer -- between February and May.

He said the hotel, Taid International Hotel, was situated at No. 15, Igbobi College Road, Fadeyi, Lagos.

Akinlebi said the alleged offence contravened Section 390 (8) of the Criminal Code, Law of Lagos State, 2003.

The court granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case has been adjourned till July 20 for substantive trial.
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2 teenagers arraigned for rape

Two teenagers, Sodiq Aderibigbe, 18, and Idowu Oluwaseun, 19, accused of rape, were arraigned on Wednesday at a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, rape and assault.

The prosecutor, Chinalu Uwadire, alleged that the accused on June 10, at 9.30 p.m., at No. 7, Ayinke St., Akoka, Lagos, conspired and raped their friend (name withheld).

Uwadire said the duo had unlawful carnal knowledge of their victim after drugging her.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 360, 358 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Demi Ajayi, however, granted each of them bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept. 9 for further hearing.
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Police arraign MTN employee for alleged theft

The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned Maxwell Jack, a driver with MTN Nigeria Ltd., for allegedly stealing the company’s vehicle worth N4 million.

Jack, 40, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before a Somolu Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp. A. Adegoke, told the court that the accused stole a Toyota Hillux van belonging to his employer.

According to Adegoke, `` Jack went out with the vehicle and he was instructed to park it in the office premises at the end of the day.

He said the accused and others at large committed the offence on May 30 at No. 19, Akinrile St.,, off Bayulaiye St., Somolu, Lagos.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till Aug. 3 for trial.
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Alleged fake pastor dupes police constable

The police on Wednesday in Lagos charged a suspected fake pastor before a Somolu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly duping a police constable.

The accused, Sunday Ajayi, 33, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy to steal and stealing to which he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp. Adegoke Akinlebi said Ajayi and others now at large, conspired and duped a Police Constable, Peter Baba, on June 6, about 12 p.m. at Kusa St., Bariga, Lagos.

He said the accused in pretence obtained the sum of N70, 000 from Baba so as to engage in financial breakthrough prayers for him.

The offence, according to Akinlebi, contravened Sections 514 and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

The Senior Magistrate, Bola Osunsanmi admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case has been adjourned till July 20 for trial.
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Suspect's hand chopped off in Lagos for allegedly stealing car headlight

A Surulere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Wednesday heard with consternation how an accused had his right hand chopped off with a cutlass by a complainant for allegedly stealing the headlight of a Honda car.

The accused, Collins Okeke, 30, told the court that the complainant, Tunde Osubu, chopped off his hand, put it inside a black bag and buried it before reporting the alleged theft to the police.

Okeke, a hair dresser, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing the head light of a Honda car belonging to Osubu.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Ishola Samuel told the court that the offence was committed on June 17 at 17, Oniwinde St., Aguda, Surulere.

Okeke, whose severed arm was bleeding while in the dock, told the court that he had been treated only once since his arrest six days ago.

Counsel to the accused, Peter Nwachukwu, urged the court to charge the complainant to court.

Osubu, however, denied cutting off Okeke’s hand and instead put the blame on the vigilante group at Oniwinde St. where Okeke was accused of stealing.

The Senior Magistrate, Aderemi Gbajumo, who was appalled by the matter, ordered the police to investigate the hand cutting.

She also ordered that medical papers be issued immediately to ensure the accused received medical treatment.

Gbajumo granted Okeke N5000 bail with one surety in like sum to enable him receive immediate treatment and adjourned till July 20 for further hearing.

PPRO, SAMUEL JINADU

Driver docked for allegedly stealing 10 kegs of palm oil.

A driver was on Tuesday brought before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for allegedly stealing 10 kegs of palm oil belonging to a trader.
The accused, Chukwu Okpara, 43, is facing trial on a one-count charge of stealing before a Senior Magistrate, Aderemi Gbajumo.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime told the court that the accused, who was to carry passengers from Anambra State to Lagos, offered to carry the products for Mr Benson Iweanya, a trader.
According to the prosecutor, the accused collected N1,500 from Iweanya to transport his 250 litres of palm oil and given an address where he should deliver the products.
Onime said the accused was traced with the address he had exchanged with Iweanya and was arrested.
He said the alleged offence contravened Section 390 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The senior magistrate, however, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till July 20 for further hearing.
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Mechanic docked for allegedly injuring pregnant woman.

A 50-year-old mechanic was on Tuesday in Lagos charged before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly pushing a pregnant woman and causing her to have a miscarriage.
The accused, Saidi Adeaga is facing trial on a one-count charge of assault before Senior Magistrate Aderemi Gbajumo.
He, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime told the court that the offence was committed on June 16 at 6 Nurudeen St., Orile-Iganmu.
He said the accused, a co-tenant with the pregnant woman, Funmilayo Awoyemi, had engaged in an argument.
According to the prosecutor, Awoyemi wanted to use the common clothes line to spread out her newly washed dresses but the accused warned her not to as he was about to use the space.
He informed the court that Awoyemi was not in court because she was still receiving treatment at the hospital.
The prosecutor said the alleged offence contravened Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Senior Magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till July 19 for further hearing.

CUSTOM BOSS

Customs dismisses plea against anti-smuggling activities.

The Seme Border Command of Nigeria Customs Service has advised persons pleading for the relaxation of anti-smuggling activities to look for more dignifying jobs.
Area Comptroller of Seme Border Command,Sadiq Sahabi said on Tuesday in Badagry that the command would not tolerate any form of smuggling.
Sahabi was reacting to plea by the Association for Better Seme Border that anti-smuggling tactics should be reduced in view of the hardship caused by the recent global economic meltdown.
He said the plea was against the interest of the nation’s economy.
According to the Area Comptroller, the Seme Area Command is not going to abandon the current anti-smuggling campaign.
“The anti-smuggling campaign embarked upon by the Nigeria Customs Service is at the instance of Dikko Abdullahi, Comptroller General of Customs.
The masses should learn how to adjust to the meltdown rather than calling for an end to anti-smuggling campaign because the economic meltdown is a global phenomenon,” Sahabi said.
President of Association for Better Seme Border, Mike Nwizu,has called for relaxation of anti-smuggling activities in view of the economic hardship occasioned by global meltdown.

CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF

Effective communication reduces security threats- Naval chief .

Effective communication is an essential tool in dealing with national security threats.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Sa’ad Ibrahim Speaking at the Nigerian Navy Communication seminar held at the Nigerian Navy Ship, Quorra, Lagos, said communication aided armed forces to deliver efficient services.
Ibrahim said the recent bombings, though common in other parts of the world, was an embarrassment to Nigeria, adding that the navy would do its best to check the situation.
He said the seminar theme “Building an Integrated Communication System to meet the Challenges of the Next Decade’’ was to assess the current societal challenges in meeting with constitutional responsibilities.
Chidi Diugwu, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) in a paper on “Modern Technology, Maritime Perspective” highlighted some of the challenges such as illegal oil bunkering, ship wrecks, illegal fishing and oil deals.
He said a good technological network could respond to any form of threat, irrespective of the nautical miles of attack.

EFCC CHAIRMAN, FARIDA WAZIRI

Accused fraudsters enter plea bargain with EFCC.

Two estate agents, Bayo Lawal and Femi Johnson, accused of defrauding 200 prospective tenants of over N49 million, have entered a plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).The accused on Monday in Lagos granted the EFCC the right to auction or sell their properties and use the proceeds to refund money to victims of the alleged fraud.The accused are facing trial before an Ikeja High Court presided over by Justice Habeeb Abiru on a 119-count charge bothering on conspiracy and fraud.In the charge sheet, the EFCC alleged that the accused defrauded the intending tenants between 2005 and 2008, under the pretext of securing accommodation for them.At the trial, counsel to Lawal, A.D. Lasisi, told the court that his 46-year-old client had entered a plea bargain agreement with the EFCC.The said properties are located at 5 and 55 Olaiya St., Mafoluku, Oshodi; 14 Orobiyi St., Oshodi; 15 Sokunbi St., Mushin and 20 Ogunkoya St., Oshodi, Lagos.EFCC counsel, Anselem Ozioko said the plea bargain agreement was favourable to the victims.Ozioko, however, said the accused were likely to face jail terms because of their crime.He alleged that their offences contravened Sections 390 (9), 419 and 467 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17, Vol. 2 , Laws of Lagos State 2003 .He added that the offences contravened Section 3(1) of the Advance Fee and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.Some of the victims said they were happy with the way the case was going.Olayode Babatunde, a victim of the alleged crime said he was hopeful that justice would be done.Another victim of the alleged fraud, Lukman Balogun urged the EFCC to sell the properties “as soon as possible so that we can recover our money”.The accused are facing four separate trials before Justices Habeeeb Abiru and Jumoke Pedro and are presently remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prisons.Abiru adjourned the case to July 22

PPRO SAMUEL JINADU

Polytechnic student charged for alleged cultism.

A Lagos State Polytechnic LASPOTEC student, Kehinde Adewole was on Monday arraigned at an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court for alleged involvement in cultism.
The 23-year-old accused, a National Diploma II student of Banking and Finance is facing a two-count charge of felony and belonging to an unlawful secret society.
The Prosecutor, Insp Lucky Ojogo told the court that the accused was arrested in May 2011, at Alakuko area of Lagos while holding a secret cult meeting with others at large.
Ojogo alleged that the accused was in a meeting of the Eye Confraternity.
The prosecutor said the offence was contrary to section 62 and punishable under Section 64 of the Criminal Code, Cap C17, Vol II, Laws of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2004.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Senior Magistrate A O Olatunji granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties.
Olatunji ordered that the sureties pay N50, 000 each aside the bail bond.
He adjourned the case till July 22 for further hearing. ...........................................................................................................
2 arraigned for allegedly chopping off landlord’s finger.

Two businessmen, Chijioke Williams ,30, and Abuchi Agunta ,24, were on Monday arraigned for allegedly chopping off their landlord’s finger with a sharp object.
The accused persons are facing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and assault occasioning harm.
The prosecutor, Insp. Julius Oyakhilome, said the accused who are tenants of Timothy Olawoyin on March 18 at Westwood Estate, Ajah, allegedly attacked him with dangerous weapons during a disagreement.
He said the accused allegedly attacked an unsuspecting Olawoyin at the midnight, knocked him unconscious and chopped off one of his right hand fingers.
Oyakhilome said the offence contravened Sections 355 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate, F.O Aigbokhaevbo, adjourned the case till July 4 for further hearing. .......................................................................................................................
Court dissolves 14-year-old marriage over battering.

A Mushin Grade “A” Customary Court in Lagos on Monday dissolved a 14-year-old marriage on grounds of constant wife battering.
The President of the court, Abayomi Ipaye, said the court dissolved the marriage because it could not be sustained.
The estranged wife, Saidat Akande, had on March 7 filed a suit seeking the dissolution of the marriage, citing battering.
The husband, Olushola Akande, urged the court not sever the relationship.
Ipaye directed Akande to pay his former wife N15,000 monthly for the upkeep of the three children of the marriage pending the family court’s decision on the matter.
He, however, referred the custody of the children of between ages six and 12 years to the family court for adjudication.
Ipaye reprimanded Akande for delaying the judgment by failing to attend court sessions on the excuse that he was attending job interviews.
Sadiat had told the court that he packed out of their matrimonial home since August 2010 following ceaseless battering...
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PICTURES OF DR ONA EKHOMU AND SCENES OF THE FORCE BLAST

“FORCE HQ BOMBING WAS A SATANIC ACT” - Ekhomu.

The President of Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria, Dr. Ona Ekhomu has described the bombing of Louis Edet House as a “satanic act of terror and evil personified”.
He said the bombing was most unfortunate and constituted a test of the Nigerian security system.
Dr. Ekhomu said the criminal bombing was made possible by vulnerabilities in the perimeter security in Louis Edet which the terrorists discovered through diligent surveillance of the Force Head quarters.
He said the access control measures at the Security headquarters were inadequate to contain the IED threats that manifested namely the vehicle bomb threat and the suicide bomber threat.
Dr. Ekhomu condoled with families of the victims of the bombing attack and the Inspector-General of Police whose organization was targeted.
He said the Bokites (Boko Haram terrorists) have been consistent in their attacks against police personnel, police stations and government facilities.
The FHQ vehicle bomb was one in a series of teleological attacks”Speaking on the negative impact of the attack on the international image of Nigeria, the security expert appealed to the international community and Nigeria’s development partners to understand that extremists are inexorable in their attacks and have to be lucky, once in order to cause death and destruction.
He said the Nigerian security community was capable of protecting people and assets from extremist attacks.
He however called on the Police authorities to urgently increase the protection all government buildings, infrastructure facilities and other key points against further bomb attacks.
He said Boko Haram, as an affiliate of the Al Qaeda network might have attacked the force Headquarters in order to mark 40 days of the killing of Osama Bin Laden.
He condemned the first suicide bombing attack in the Country as evil, cowardly and heinous and urged Nigerians to the vigilant and security conscious and report suspicious persons or conversations to Police authorities for prompt action.

DR ONA EKHOMU

“FORCE HQ BOMBING WAS A SATANIC ACT” - Ekhomu.

The President of Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria, Dr. Ona Ekhomu has described the bombing of Louis Edet House as a “satanic act of terror and evil personified”.
He said the bombing was most unfortunate and constituted a test of the Nigerian security system.
Dr. Ekhomu said the criminal bombing was made possible by vulnerabilities in the perimeter security in Louis Edet which the terrorists discovered through diligent surveillance of the Force Head quarters.
He said the access control measures at the Security headquarters were inadequate to contain the IED threats that manifested namely the vehicle bomb threat and the suicide bomber threat.
Dr. Ekhomu condoled with families of the victims of the bombing attack and the Inspector-General of Police whose organization was targeted.
He said the Bokites (Boko Haram terrorists) have been consistent in their attacks against police personnel, police stations and government facilities.
The FHQ vehicle bomb was one in a series of teleological attacks”Speaking on the negative impact of the attack on the international image of Nigeria, the security expert appealed to the international community and Nigeria’s development partners to understand that extremists are inexorable in their attacks and have to be lucky, once in order to cause death and destruction.
He said the Nigerian security community was capable of protecting people and assets from extremist attacks.
He however called on the Police authorities to urgently increase the protection all government buildings, infrastructure facilities and other key points against further bomb attacks.
He said Boko Haram, as an affiliate of the Al Qaeda network might have attacked the force Headquarters in order to mark 40 days of the killing of Osama Bin Laden.
He condemned the first suicide bombing attack in the Country as evil, cowardly and heinous and urged Nigerians to the vigilant and security conscious and report suspicious persons or conversations to Police authorities for prompt action.

Marvel Akpoyibo

Marvel Akpoyibo Storms RCCG Camp.

Former Lagos State Police Commissioner, Marvel Akpoyibo has stormed the Redeemed Christian Church of God camp in search of spiritual succour.
Akpoyibo arrived the camp located at the Lagos Ibadan Expressway with some of his family members, friends and closeassociates.
The former police commissioner during the prayer session, prayed fervently and almost rolling on the floor in front of the altar.
He also danced joyfully along with other members of the congregation in the course of the prayer session.
Akpoyibo was ordered by Hafiz Ringim, the Inspector General of Police to proceed for a course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

POLICE SPOKESMAN IN LAGOS, SAMUEL JINADU

Chief Imam Remanded Over Fraud.

The police at Yaba division, Adekunle, Lagos State, have arrested a man who claimed to be the Chief Imam of the mosque located inside the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, Lagos.He was arraigned before the Yaba Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence.The police alleged that the accused, Alfa Kabiru Lateef, who resides at 17, Fakeye Street, Alagbole, Isheri, Lagos was arrested following a complaint lodged by Rafiu Salawu, a resident of Iyana Iba, Lagos State that the accused obtained N8m from him in order to engage him in a profitable business and also help him to purchase a property at Ebute-Meta area of Yaba.In his statement to the police, the complainant wrote: “Alfa Kabiru Lateef approached me at a function and introduced himself as the Chief Imam of a mosque inside the Ikeja Local Government secretariat on Awolowo Way, Ikeja and that he is a property manager and would like to engage me in a profitable business and also help me to buy a property at Yaba area of Lagos Mainland at a cost of N8m. Following his complaint, the Divisional Crime Officer, Yaba Police Division, DSP M.A. Oloyode led his men to Ikeja and arrested the accused within the Ikeja Local Government secretariat.During interrogation, he allegedly admitted collecting N4m from the victim and not N8m as claimed.He was charged before the Yaba Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence, offences the prosecuting police officer, DSP Okorie, claimed are punishable under Sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap.C.17, Vol.11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.Count two of the charges reads: “That you, Alfa Kabiru Lateef, 34 on 18 April at about 2 p.m. at 40, Borno Way, Ebute Meta, Lagos in the Lagos magisterial district did steal the sum of N8m from one Rafiu Salawu.”The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding magistrate, Mr. A.O. Isaacs granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum..The sureties, he directed, must deposit N100,000 with the court and their addresses verified.The matter has been adjourned till 29 June, 2011 while the accused was remanded in prison custody when he could not meet the bail conditions.

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Security Man Docked For Theft.

A security man employed by Techco Crime Security Company to guard Chicken Republic, a fast food outlet, has been charged before the Oshodi Magistrate’s Court, Oshodi, Lagos for alleged theft.
James Ezekiel Udoh, 50, was arrested on 2 March, 2010 in the premises of Chicken Republic along Coker Road, Ilupeju for being unable to give account of what happened to a customer’s Mercedes Benz car whose glass was damaged and N330,000 stolen.
Udoh who was docked on a three- count charge of conspiracy and theft told the court that he wasn’t at his post at the time of the incident.
He claimed further that an unidentified man came into the car park, broke into the customer’s car and maliciously damaged the door of the Mercedez Benz with registration number BX 655 FXJ and stole N330,000.
The prosecutor, ASP Emmanuel Ajayi, said the offences are punishable under Sections 516, 451,390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap.C.17, Vol. II, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.M. Ajayi adjourned the case till 1 July, 2011 for continuation of trial.

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Estate Agent Dupes 35 Tenants.

A Lagos Island-based estate agent, Tunde Rahimi, a.k.a. Baba Oyo, 45, has been arrested by the police at the Adeniji Adele division, Lagos Island, Southwest Nigeria for allegedly defrauding prospective tenants to the tune of N30m.
He was arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island on a 76-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and fraud.
Rahimi who operates at 2, Idumagbo Avenue, Lagos Island was alleged to have collected money ranging from N350,000, N280,000, N210,000, N200,000 and N132,000 respectively from about 35 people on the pretence of providing them one-room and two-room apartments on Lagos Island.
He was arrested when the prospective tenants sent a complaint to the police at Adeniji Adele division that he collected various sums of money from them for accommodation, but failed to provide houses for them and also refused to refund their money.
After investigation, he was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a 76-count charge of stealing and fraud, offences punishable under Sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap.17, Vol.11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2009.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. Abegunde Daniel refused to take his plea.
She ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter till 6 July, 2011.

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3 Docked For Theft.

Policemen at the Oke-Odo Station have arraigned three friends before Magistrate Owolabi Komolafe of the Abule-Egba Magistrate’s Court for stealing a trailer gear box and wire.
The friends, Taiwo Ofumen, 20, Saheed Owolabi, 25 and Mudasiru Ibrahim, 22, were charged with stealing the items worth N330,000 belonging to Oye Investment Limited, Abule Tailor.
The prosecuting police officer, Lugard Ahonle said that the offences are punishable under Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 32, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2004.
The charge reads: “That you, Taiwo Ofumen, Saheed Owolabi and Mudasiru Ibrahim on 19 May, 2011 at 2, Atiekoja Street, Abule Tailor, Lagos in the Ikeja magisterial district did conspire to commit felony, to wit, stealing a complete gear box worth N130,000 and complete trailer wire worth N200,000, property of Oye Investment Limited, Abule Tailor.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges and the magistrate, Mr. Owolabi Komolafe granted them bail in the sum of N50,000 each.
The case has been adjourned till 27 July, 2011 for further hearing.

DOCTOR ONA EKHOMU

CONFERENCE ON COMBATING TERRORISM IN NIGERIA HOLDS ON JUNE THIRTY.

Government agencies, corporate organizations and Nigerians are confronted with the spectre of terrorism.
The terrorist threat to lives, property and mission has been manifesting increasingly in Nigerians daily lives, From rampant bombings to assassinations, kidnappings, terror threats are increasing in frequency and severity.
Risk assessment matrices put the terror risk as a level one in Nigeria, to this end the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria is organsing a Security Conference to analyze the problem and proffer innovative solutions.
The Conference is billed to hold on the thirtieth of the month at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.
The conference is open to Security Managers, Military, Police, Fire Service Men, Government Officials, Executives and Managers.
Guest Speakers include, the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim and Doctor Ona Ekhomu.

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE LAGOS

25-year-old man arraigned for burglary
A 25-year-old man, Abubakar Kareem, accused of burglary and theft of goods worth N903, 000 was on Friday arraigned before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Kareem is facing a three-count charge of felony, unlawful breaking into a house and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Benedict Unawunwa, alleged that Kareem, with an accomplice still at large, broke into a shop belonging to Mrs Uche Onuorah and carted away some goods.
The prosecutor said items removed from the shop included textile materials, trousers, skirts and ladies wears.
He said the offence was committed on June 8 at Shop B060 Anambra Plaza, Trade Fair Complex, Apapa, Lagos.
Unawunwa said the accused had contravened Sections 390 (9), 413 (1) and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap C17, Vol. 2 Laws of Lagos 2003.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate Oluyemisi Adelaja granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She said the sureties must show evidence of tax payment and have their addresses verified by the prosecutor.
Adelaja adjourned the case till July 20 for further hearing. ...............................3 Magistrate Courts to relocate
Two magistrates` courts in Surulere, Lagos, will soon relocate temporarily to the premises of the Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court to allow for their renovation.
A registrar in one of the courts, Akeem Rasheed, on Friday in Lagos that the courts would be moving following an approved renovation by the Lagos State judiciary.
As to when the renovation will begin, I do not have an idea, but we have already been allocated spaces at the Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court.
According to the court registrar, the renovation will take about three months to complete.
Proceedings at the affected courts would remain pending until the courts resume full session at the Ebute Meta Court premises. ....................................Man docked for attempting to stab Prophet TB Joshua
Thirty-three-year-old Abdullahi Mohammed, was docked on Friday at the Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court for allegedly attempting to stab the General Overseer of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, Prophet T.B. Joshua.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Oladejo Balogun, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on June 12 inside the premises of the church.
Balogun submitted that the offence contravened Sections 508, Cap 7, Vol II of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate Maimunat Folami did not take the plea and did not hear the bail application of the accused.
She ordered that the accused be taken into police custody and adjourned the case till June 20 for trial...........................................23-year-old docked for stealing N1.3m
A 23-year-old cart pusher, Abdullahi Wonno, was on Friday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly breaking into a house and stealing valuables worth N1.3 million.
Wonno, who pleaded not guilty, is standing trial on a two-count charge of house breaking and stealing.
The accused, with others now at large, was alleged to have broken into an apartment at Plot 1619 Danmole St., Victoria Island, on June 20.
The prosecutor, Austin Onwuemene, told the court that the accused stole a generator, 100 pieces of iron sheets, seven desk top computers and several lock sets.
He said the accused also took three window unit air conditioners, two fire-proof safes and a motorcycle.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390(9) and 413 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The Magistrate, O.J. Awope, adjourned the case till July 13 for further hearing................................2 docked for stealing N2.1 m
The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned two men at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for alleged burglary and stealing goods valued at N2.1 million.
The accused, Dennis Eegede, 23, and Ugochukwu Ubah, 25, are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and burglary.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Philip Osigale, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on April 24 at Plot 28, Badore Road, Ado Ajah, Lagos.
Osigale said the accused unlawfully broke into the house of one Mr Patrick Duru and stole property worth N2.1 million.
He said the items stolen included one Toshiba laptop valued N175,000; one HP Compaq laptop worth N145, 000, and another 17 inch laptop valued N168, 000.
Other items, he said, that were stolen are sets of gold jewellery, 500 pounds sterling, 1,500 dollars and N10,000, all property of Duru.
The prosecutor said the items stolen totalled N2.1 million.
He said the offence contravened Sections 390(9), 411(2) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, F. O. Aigbokhaevbo, granted them bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till July 5 for further hearing......................................Septuagenarian, 2 others remanded in police custody over murder
A 76-year-old man, Jimoh Tijani, and two others were on Friday remanded in police custody for allegedly shooting a man to death.
Tijani, Mojeed Shobowale, 51, and Segun Kansan, 57, are standing trial on a two- count charge of conspiracy to commit murder and murder at an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Magistrate M.O Olubi ordered that the accused be remanded in police custody till June 21 pending when the court would get an advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the matter.
Counsel to the accused, Sakiru Omolaja, told the court that the accused along with three others were currently facing trial at an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court also in Lagos.
He prayed the court to remand them in police custody and grant them a short adjournment to enable the accused to attend the Igbosere trial.
He said his clients had filed an application for their fundamental rights in a suit against the Commissioner of Police and 17 others at a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, to prevent the police from keeping them in custody indefinitely.
However, the prosecutor, Godwin Ijiomo, told the court that the accused, along with 24 others still at larger, conspired to kill one Mr Saheed Awelorun on June 5 at Ejina Awofin area of Ikorodu in a land dispute.
He prayed the court to remand the accused in prison custody following an application of remand brought under Section 268 (1) of the Criminal Justice of Lagos State.
The prosecutor added that the offences were contrary to Sections 319(1) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. ........................................Court strikes out divorce suit as petitioner fails to show up
A Grade “A” Customary Court in Mushin, Lagos on Friday struck out a divorce suit between Hakeem Folorunsho and his wife, Iyabo, over lack of interest by the woman.
The Court President, Abayomi Ipaye, said that Hakeem filed the divorce suit on May 10, asking the court to dissolve his 14-year-old marriage with Iyabo.
“Although the petitioner and the respondent came for mediation on May 19, he had been absent from the court for two consecutive times since that time.
“This indicates that the petitioner was no longer interested in the divorce suit, therefore, the case has been struck out for lack of interest,” Ipaye said.
The respondent told the court that she was the only wife of Hakeem, saying that the family was blessed with a 14-year-old daughter.
Iyabo, a trader, pleaded with the court to compel her husband to allow her to move out her belongings out of the matrimonial home.
“My husband was making trouble with me as I was packing my things out of the matrimonial home because we are still living together,” Iyabo said.
The Court President struck out the case and ordered the respondent to report her husband to the police whenever he made trouble with her. ............................................Two arraigned in Lagos for forgery
The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned two sales attendants, Emmanuel Osagie, 41, and Rilwan Bobani, 23, for alleged forgery.
The defendants, who are standing trial before an Apapa Senior Magistrates’ Court, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of felony, forgery and charge reduction.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Inedu told the court that Osagie and Bobani, on June 13 at Clarion Bonded Terminal, Alakija, Lagos, conspired and forged Clarion Bonded Terminal Company debit note and invoice.
He said the accused forged the invoice with No. 12644, purported to have been issued by Clarion Management in favour of Edo Osasco Venture.
Inedu also said the accused on same date and place reduced Clarion Terminal charges from N222,377 to N36,792 with invoice No. 12644 dated June 13 in favour of Edo Osasco Venture.
He said the offence contravened Sections 467 (2), 509 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap. C17 Vol. II, Laws of Lagos State 2003.
Senior Magistrate Amos Adeyemi granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N50,000 each with one responsible surety each in like sum.
Adeyemi adjourned further hearing in the case till July 7. .....................................Undergraduate divorces U.S.-based husband over abandonment
A Grade “A” Customary Court in Shomolu, Lagos on Friday granted divorce to an undergraduate whose 60-year-old husband left behind and travelled to the U.S. in 2006-- less than a year after their wedding.
The final year student of the University of Ibadan, Maria Onikepo (35), filed the divorce suit on June 3, alleging that her husband, Joseph, abandoned her since 2006.
“The court hereby dissolves the marriage; the petitioner is free to relate with any partner of her choice,” the Court President, Mrs Modupe Bajulaiye ruled.
She noted only the undergraduate and his counsel, Joseph Uhor, had been attending hearings in the case.
She also noted that the respondent’s family members wrote a letter to the court, stating that they were aware of the divorce suit.
Maria had submitted that Joseph absconded to the U.S. in 2006, and had shown no interest in the marriage since then.
The petitioner said she had been living with her parents since the abandonment and had lost interest in the union.
Maria said the marriage did not produce a child.