PPRO LAGOS COMMAND OF POLICE, SAMUEL JINADU

Security Guard Docked For Stealing Jewellery.

A security guard employed by the residents of Williams Layout, Akowonjo, Musiliu Aranse Oyebiyi, 60, has been arrested and charged to court for allegedly breaking into the residence of one of his employers and stealing jewellery worth N10 million.
Oyebiyi of 11, Thomas Ekpo Street, Agbado-Ijaiye, Lagos State, illegally entered and burgled the houses he was supposed to provide security for at 5, Olaiya Close. He reportedly stole jewellery and N100,000 cash.
He allegedly committed the offence in company of others now at large.
The matter was reported at the nearby police station and was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos.
He was arraigned before an Ebute Metta Magistrate’s Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing.
The police prosecutor, Corporal Emmanuel Ajayi said the offences are punishable under sections 515, 211(1)(2) and 390(4)(B) of the Criminal Code Cap 17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
When the charge was read to him, 60-year old Oyebiyi pleaded not guilty.
The presiding magistrate, Mr. M.O. Olubi admitted him to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Olubi further ordered that one of the sureties must be a community leader and the other must be a blood relation to the accused person.
He also ordered that the sureties must show to court evidence of three years tax payment to Lagos state government, show proof of their means of livelihood and be residing within the magisterial district.
He ordered that these must be verified by the court prosecutor
The case has been adjourned till 29 September 2011 for mention.
The accused was later moved to Ikoyi Prison, as he could not perfect the bail conditions before the court closed for the day.
Suicide Man At Synagogue Arrested.
A 30-year old man has been charged to Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, for allegedly attempting suicide inside the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, SCOAN, while the service was going on.
The suspect, Bassey Ude, an indigene of Cross River State, South-South Nigeria, was alleged to have jumped from the upper gallery of the church to the altar in an attempt to kill himself, the prosecutor said.
It was not clear if Prophet T.B. Joshua, founder of SCOAN, was the one preaching when the strange incident occurred.
During the suicide attempt, the suspect sustained serious injuries on his right arm.
The suspect, it was gathered, was allegedly restless after futile efforts to see T.B. Joshua.
Ude had travelled to Lagos from Cross River State to see Prophet T.B. Joshua but was prevented by security men in the church.
After the suicide attempt, security men held him and handed him over to the police at Ikotun division, who later charged him to court for the offence.
When the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Oladejo Balogun, told the court there has been instances of related cases by the complainant before the court but the trial could not go on because the witnessed did not show up.
Balogun informed the court that there was tendency that the case might be abandoned by the complainant in their similar manner. He also informed the court that the complainant was not present in court.
The court noted the observation and subsequently struck out the matter for lack of diligent prosecution.

THE ABDUCTED POLITICIAN AND CAR

8 Lagos Politicians Drugged, Abducted •Three of the rescued politicians at Ifako-Gbagada police station.

The police at Ifako Police Station in Gbagada, Lagos, have arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged kidnap of eight politicians. The victims, who were said to have been drugged before they were abducted, were said to be ward chairmen of Action Congress of Nigeria in Bariga Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
Police sources said the victims were returning from Ibafo in Ogun State, where they were billed to hold a meeting with the chairman of Bariga LCDA, Akeem Omoyele Sulaimon.
But the chairman, it was gathered, told them on telephone, that the meeting was no longer holding as he was attending another crucial one with the party’s leaders.
The eight kidnapped politicians were in a Nissan Quest van, marked LT 286 AAA. They were found unconscious when their suspected kidnapper was arrested.
Luck ran out on the suspected kidnapper when the vehicle knocked down a commercial motorcyclist at Gbagada roundabout and sped off without waiting to know what happened to the bike rider.
As he sped off, he was pursued by a commuter bus driver who later blocked the suspected kidnapper’s vehicle.
Passersby soon noticed that seven occupants of the vehicle were unconscious while only one, later identified as Elder Emmanuel Otekaye was conscious.
The police were informed and they promptly came and arrested the suspect and took him and the victims to their station at Ifako-Gbagada, where Otekaye told them they were coming from Ibafo after a botched meeting and all of them were ACN ward chairmen in Bariga. He could not, however, explain further what happened before they ended up in the van.
Efforts by our reporter to speak with the suspect in the police cell proved futile.

Yesiru Onajobi

Lekki Farmer Shocks Judge.

A peasant farmer in Lekki, Lagos, Yesiru Onajobi, shocked a judge of a Federal High Court in Lagos when he said he actually had sex with his 14-year old daughter, Kehinde Onajobi, who became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl for him.
The farmer had appeared four times before the court but on the fourth occasion, his plea could not be taken.
Apart from the fact that he claimed to be an illiterate who does not understand English, he also had no legal representation.
However, during yesterday’s sitting, a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council, A.A. Akpomureta appeared for him.
When the plea of Yesiru Onajobi was taken, to the amazement of the judge, Justice Pat Ajoku and the entire court, he pleaded guilty to the three-count charge.
The prosecuting lawyer, Olurotimi Ilori who represented the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons,told the court that he was ready with the fact of the case.
But because of the forthcoming court vacation, the matter had to be adjourned before the court could receive the facts of the case.
In his confessional statement filed before the court by Barrister Ilori, Onajobi who claimed to have been separated from his wife lives alone with the daughter.
And he said it was the beauty of his daughter whenever she was dressing that made him to have sex with her.
He confessed that the illicit affair resulted in pregnancy and the birth of a baby.
The daughter, Kehinde Onajobi, gave birth to a baby girl who is now about nine months old.
The accused farmer named the granddaughter Aminat Omowunmi Yesiru. Both the mother and baby are hale and hearty and are being taken care of by Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs.
The presiding judge, Justice Ajoku, has adjourned till 14 October, 2011 for the review of the case. Thereafter, judgement will be passed.
The farmer was first arraigned before the court on Tuesday, 7 June, 2011 by NAPTIP on a two-count charge.
The prosecutor, Barrister Ilori, alleged that Yesiru Onajobi, on or about 20 January, 2010 at Ibeju-Lekki within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court seduced his daughter, Kehinde Onajobi, 14, at Bobije in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State while the daughter was under his custody.
According to the prosecution, the offence is contrary to section 19(a) of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003 as amended and punishable under the same section of the same Act.
At the previous sitting of the Federal High Court, his plea was not taken until yesterday.

POLICE BOSS

ROBBERS’ CONFESSION: ‘We Use Army Uniform To Rob.
Two convicted fake military men made a confessional statement at an Apapa magistrate’s court that the Army uniform found on them were actually a camouflage they wear while robbing their victims.
They said it was convenient for them to use Army uniform to intimidate people before Simeon Utosor and Dangena gun men robbing them within and outside Lagos State.
The magistrate, A.K. Sonubi consequently sentenced them to eight years imprisonment without an option of fine.
The jailed men, Simon Utosor and Dangena Gurum were jailed after they pleaded guilty for parading themselves as military officers and using army uniforms to intimidate, extort money and rob innocent people in Lagos State.
Simon Utosor, 37 and a 37-year old Dangena Gurum will be spending the next eight years behind bars for extortion and impersonation.
Dangena and Simon were arrested at Alaba Suru, Ajegunle wearing army uniform, fake identity cards, and other paraphernalia of soldiers.
The duo were sentenced accordingly after they pleaded guilty of the offence which the police said is contrary to section 428 of the Criminal Code, Cap 17 Vol. II, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
Simon was jailed for five years without an option of fine after checks in the court’s records, showed that he was convicted of the same offence in 2009. The court noted that Simon was a threat to the society and if he was allowed to go scot-free, he will still go back to commit the same crime.
Dangena was a bit lucky as he was sentenced to three years after he pleaded with the court for leniency.
He also told the court that he was a dismissed soldier and needed to move on with his life.
Landlord Shot Dead In Ajah Clash A clash between youths at Ilaje, Ajah, Lagos has claimed the life of a landlord in the area, Chief Augustine Orola, a.k.a. Orogbodo.
Orogbodo was shot dead during a clash between youths of Ajah Ijebu and their Ilaje counterparts on Monday at Tombola Hotel.
The cause of the clash which sent commuters, passersby and motorists scampering for safety could not be ascertained.
Witnesses revealed that Ajah Ijebu youths invaded the Ilaje community with guns, cutlasses, knives, broken bottles and unleashed terror on residents.
In the confusion that ensued, one of the youths reportedly shot the landlord who was standing beside a building at 52, California Street, Off Ilaje Street, Ajah. Scores of residents also sustained injuries during the attack.
Some vehicles parked along Ilaje Street were not spared by the rampaging youths who vandalised them.
Investigations revealed that the injured landlord died of loss of blood at the hospital where he was rushed to.
His death led to another round of hostilities by the youths but they were contained by policemen from Ajiwe division and OPMESSA. Some of the youths were arrested by the police and are being detained at the State CID, Panti, Yaba.
Corpse of the deceased was deposited at a mogue in Ajah Hospital.
Narrating how he learnt of his father’s death, one of the children of the deceased, Captain Adedoyin Oroka said: “I was at work when I received a call that my father had been shot. I rushed home and found out that he was dead.
“I am appealing to the state Commissioner of Police and Governor Babatunde Fashola to wade into the matter and ensure that justice was done.”

GOVERNOR BABATUNDE FASHOLA

36 Hoodlums Arrested At Oshodi.

Following the outcry by residents in some parts of Oshodi, Lagos, of incessant armed robbery, the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Offence (Enforcement) Unit stormed the area and arrested 36 hoodlums.
The hoodlums were arrested at Mafoluku area and at the main Oshodi by officials of the taskforce which swooped on them, hauled them inside the Black Maria and took them to the taskforce office at Alausa, Ikeja.
Residents in Mafoluku had complained of increasing incidence of armed robbery attacks and rape in the area.
The taskforce said it received several complaints from residents living close to Makinde Police Station of several robbery attacks in the area and it had to act.
One of the complaints sent to the Taskforce Chairman, Supol Bayo Sulaiman reads: “Sir we like to draw your attention to the recent return of hoodlums to Oshodi area; this situation is becoming worrisome by the day.
Innocent citizens who go about their activities on daily basis are constantly being robbed, raped continuously in this area just right before the Makinde Police Station.
A resident in the area, Kolawole Gboye, said it had become really worrisome to residents subjected to robbery attacks in the area, lamenting that even when a police station is located in the area, the robbers operate with impunity.
Gboye, who was arrested by the special taskforce team but later released based on his proof that he was a law abiding citizen who happened to be at the scene when the enforcement officers raided the area, said most residents have had to desert the route following attacks by criminals
When contacted, the Taskforce chairman said the arrest was as a result of the outcry from some communities at Mafoluku.
Sulaiman vowed that the taskforce would not relent until it stamps out people with criminal tendency from Lagos and warned parents to appeal to their children not to indulge in criminal activities as the police would not spare them.

PPRO LAGOS COMMAND OF POLICE

Gunman Kills Manager, Aide.

A unidentified gunman shot and killed a manager and his assistant inside an electronic warehouse.
The incident occurred inside Peavey Electronics Nigeria Limited warehouse at Herbert Macauley Way, opposite Casino Bus Stop, Yaba.
Sources within the vicinity said that the unidentified gunman arrived the place on a motorcycle with the rider.
They were said to have parked by the roadside and the rider throttling the bike, while the gunman went inside the warehouse and pretended to be a customer who came to buy electronics gadgets.
He was said to have spent much time looking round all the electronic gadgets before he suddenly brought out a gun from inside his clothes and shot at the manager identified as Anthony Obiakor at point blank range. And he reportedly died instantly.
It was also gathered that the office assistant named Chinedu Uga, who reportedly heard a loud bang inside the shop when the gun was fired rushed inside the shop to know what was happening, but was also shot by the assailant in the abdomen.
The office assistant was said to have rushed outside the building crying for help and fell down beside the median on Herbert Macualey Way opposite the building housing the warehouse.
The gunman, it was learnt, still went to him and shot him on the head and he died immediately.
It was also gathered at the scene of the incident that the gunman reportedly did not take anything inside the shop, fuelling speculations that the incident might be a case of premeditated murder.
The police at the Adekunle Division were said to have stormed the scene on receiving the information but the gunman had escaped before their arrival.
All efforts to speak with people close to the shop proved abortive as the large shop in the one storey building was padlocked.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Samuel Jinadu over the incident, he confirmed it, stating that the matter was under investigation.
Suspected robbers kill 7-year-old in Badagry
Suspected robbers, who operated on two motorcycles on Wednesday evening, killed a seven-year-old boy at Ajara Dokoh, Badagry.
The deceased, whose name was given as Joshua Owolabani, was reportedly felled by the robbers’ stray bullet.
The incident occurred at about 8.30 p.m. when the boy and his mother, who runs an eatery, were returning home on a commercial motorcycle.
The man that was abducted raised an alarm while being sandwiched by the two suspected robbers and this alerted people,’’ the source said. The Divisional Police Officer, SP Desmond Obe, who confirmed the incident, said a boy was killed.
On Wednesday evening, we had an alert that there was heavy shooting at Ajara Dokoh and I sent my men to go there and give them a hot chase. He said the body of the boy had been deposited at the mortuary while wo unregistered motorcycles abandoned by the suspects had been put in police custody.
Alleged N80,000 theft lands 32-year-old bus conductor in court A 32-year-old bus conductor, Makpor Iyeye, who allegedly stole N80,000 was on Thursday arraigned in Lagos.
The accused, who is standing trial at an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem told the court that Iyeye and others now at large stole the amount on June 25 at about 8.20 p.m. at Total filling station, Alaba Oro Road, Ajegunle.
Iberedem said Iyeye and the others conspired to steal the amount from Alhaji Raimi Bolaji, who was about to fuel his car.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap. C17 Vol. II, Laws of Lagos State 2003.
Iyeye, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.
Chief Magistrate E.O. Ogundare granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one responsible surety in like sum and adjourned further hearing in the case till Aug. 12.
Man, 24, docked for allegedly defrauding businessman of N9.5m goods
For allegedly defrauding his supplier of about N9.5 million worth of goods, Chime Chidubem was on Thursday arraigned at a Yaba Magistrates’ court in Lagos.
The accused, 24, is standing trial before Mrs M.O. Tanimola on a four-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining goods under false pretence and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Rita Mommoh said the accused, with others now at large, between Oct. and Nov. 2010, at 26, Nnamdi Azikiwe Road, Lagos, conspired to obtain the goods.
Mommoh said Chidubem and his group, with intent to defraud, collected 36, 500 yards of Linen material worth N9.5 million, property of one Donatus Okeke of Mac Don Creation Ltd.
She said the accused obtained the goods under the pretext of selling them and returning the proceeds to the supplier, a representation he knew to be false.
The prosecutor said the accused, having received the goods, absconded without returning the proceeds to the supplier.
Mommoh said all efforts by the supplier since 2010 to recover his money from the accused proved abortive.
The prosecutor said the accused was only arrested when the supplier deceived him that he had some other materials from abroad to supply him.
She said the offence contravened Sections 390(8) (9), 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos state.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Aug. 10 for further hearing.
Police arraign man over theft of 125 euros
The police in Lagos was arraigned a middle-aged man, Chuks Ihienakor, over alleged forgery and stealing of 125 euros.
Ihienakor, 45, who is standing trial at an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of stealing and forgery.
But the prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that the accused had on June 4, 2010 at about 4. p.m. in Apapa stole the money belonging to Mr Nuno Lemus.
He said the accused also forged a document and a national identification card belonging to one Ezekiel Mathias to withdraw 125 euros from a new generation bank in FESTAC Town, Lagos.
He said the offence contravened Sections 467 and 508 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Chief Magistrate, E. O. Ogundare, granted the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 in addition to providing two sureties in like sum.
He said the sureties should show evidence of tax payment in the state.
The case has been adjourned till Aug. 8.
Lagos businessman charged with defrauding woman
A businessman, Sunday Newton, was charged before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly defrauding a woman of N188,200.
Newton, 37, who is facing a two-count charge of stealing and fraud, however, pleaded not guilty.
According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly obtained the money from a trader, Miss Benedicta Obi, under the pretext of securing The Netherlands visa for her.
Sgt. Olakunle Shonibare told the court that the accused committed the offence in December 2010 at 16, Memub Ayani Crescent, Igando, a Lagos suburb.
``He disappeared after collecting the money until July 23 when he was arrested by the police following a tip-off,’’ he said.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Magistrate Maimunat Folami granted the accused bail in the sum of N150,000 with a surety in the like sum.
She adjourned the case till Sept. 12 for definite trial.
Man in court for allegedly stealing motorcycle
The police in Lagos arraigned a 27-year-old man, Emmanuel Agida, at an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court for stealing a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle worth N105,000.
The accused is facing a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy before Chief Magistrate E.O. Ogundare.
The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, said the accused and others at large, stole the motorcycle on June 24 from where it was parked at Green Estate, Amuwo Odofin in Festac Town.
Iberedem told the court that the accused stole the motorcycle with Reg. No. QY 454 FST, property of one Mr James Egbon.
According to him, the offence is contrary to and punishable under Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap C17 Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos 2003.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ogundare granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned further hearing till Aug. 12.
I caught my adulterous wife in the act’’, spouse tells court My 17-year-old daughter caught her mother in adultery, she called me and I found my wife with another man in bed, ‘’ an emotionally pained husband told a court in Lagos.
The husband, 39-year-old Ojo Joseph-- a trader-- pleaded with a Grade `B’ Customary Court in Oshodi to dissolve his 18-year-old marriage.
The wife, Bola, 37, who resides at Mafoluku, Oshodi, had filed a suit seeking the dissolution of the marriage, alleging that her husband left with her three children without her consent.
Joseph said I do not want her anymore because I caught my wife sleeping with another man in her parents’ house.
The wife, however, owned up to all the allegations made against her by the husband, saying ``the allegations are true.
She added:``Since my husband joined the Odu’a People’s Congress in Shasha in 2008, he has changed with all his attention devoted to the operations of the organisation.
He hardly comes home to perform his duties as a father and a husband as he was virtually living at the OPC office. I used to take his food to him there.
There are times the group would clash and opposing group would come to our house to threaten us and even damage our property.
As a result, our landlord asked us to quit the house and in the process, he lost his job and we agreed that I and the children should go and stay with my parents at Mafoluku since he could not afford to rent another accommodation”.
The President of the court, A.I. Olorunimbe, after listening to the arguments of the couple, ordered the husband to produce the three children of the marriage at the next adjournment on Aug. 12.

Emmanuel Ekhautor

U.S. Wants 419 Suspect Extradited.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, will today decide whether a suspected Nigerian fraudster, Emmanuel Ekhator, will be extradited to the United States of America in order to face possible charges of fraud, conspiracy and illegal money transfer.
The request for his extradition was made last year in a letter written by the US government to the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Farida Waziri.
The US urged the anti-graft agency to extradite the suspect back to the US as he was wanted in connection with various monetary scams.
It was alleged that Emmanuel Ekhator is the leader of a syndicate specialising in defrauding American citizens especially law firms as he poses as a consultant who specialises in tax matters and solving visa and immigration problems.
He hired the law firms to look for clients for him. Sooner than later, a member of the syndicate will approach the law firm as a client. When the so-called services are rendered, the client will now pay the lawyer with either forged or counterfeit cheque.
The lawyer collects the cheque and contacts Ekhator . He will now urge the lawyer to take his percentage and send the balance to his account (Ekhator’s ) in Asian countries. When that is done, Ekhator disappears and approaches another law firm.
Ekhator has been on the wanted list of the US government when the lid was blown off his alleged scams.
After the extradition request, the suspect was apprehended by the EFCC. A formal extradition application was filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos by the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice urging the court to order the extradition of Ekhator to the US.

THREE STOREY HOUSE MAY COLLAPSE.

Tenants Desert ‘Shaky Shaky’ 3-Storey House.

In order to avoid being killed, the majority of residents of a three-storey building at 240, Herbert Macaulay Way, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, have deserted the building.
The three-storey building at Herbert Machaulay Way, Alagomeji deserted by tenants.
The building has physical signs of being defective.
The tenants have been given eviction notice by the officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning.
When our correspondent visited the building this morning, some traders continued their normal business activities on the ground floor. About 12 shops are located on the ground floor.
One of the traders in the shops who did not want his name mentioned said those who moved out of the building did so voluntarily and not because it was defective.
He added that two occupants went out of the flats on the second and third floors but stated that the landlord was planning to let out one of the flats and use the other one by himself.
Some offices at the second and third floors of the building are still being occupied as at this morning.
It was learnt that at least five tenants have so far moved out of the building.
One of the neighbours simply called Suleiman said one of the tenants who moved out confided in him that he was packing out because the occupants noticed that the house was shaking and may collapse any moment from now. He added that government officials have visited the house and served them eviction notice.
At the Lagos State Physical Planning Authority, Yaba office, when a team from the office visited the house, and discovered that it was shaking and could sink anytime the occupants were asked to pack out immediately.
The official said all the occupants were advised to vacate the building but some people decided to reside there at the risk of their lives.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning, Olutoyin Ayinde, said he was not aware of the existence of such a defective building, adding that he will send field officers to inspect it immediately.

PPRO SAMUEL JINADU

13 Robbery Suspects Nabbed In Lekki.

The police in Lagos on Monday said it had arrested 13 suspected armed robbers who were allegedly terrorising residents of the Lekki area of Lagos.
Mr. Samuel Jinadu, spokesman for the command, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspects were arrested following the response to a distress call by residents.
He said that the suspected robbers were picked up in a hideout in the aftermath of a house-to-house robbery attacks on residents of Abule Folly in Ibeju Lekki.
The police spokesman noted that dangerous weapons such as guns and machetes were recovered from the suspects.
He said that the case would be transferred to the State CID Panti for further investigations.
48-Yr-Old Woman Hangs Self.
A 48-year-old woman has hanged herself in her room at 17, Irawo-Wuro Street, Isheri Oshun, a suburb of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria.
The deceased whose name was given as Elizabeth Andrew was said to have hanged herself on a window burglary bar on the fateful day before people arrived from work.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Samuel Jinadu, while speaking with PMNEWS wondered why someone would take his or her life no matter the frustration.
“Why must someone take his or her life? No matter the frustration one may face in life, it is not permanent, there is hope as long as one is alive.”
Similarly, a middle aged man has been arrested for driving dangerously and killing a pedestrian along Shasha Road, Akowonjo.
According to the police, the suspect whose name was given as charles drove a Mitsubishi van marked FB548APP along Shasha Road, Akowonjo area of Lagos State in a dangerous manner and in the process hit Gideon Bassey.
The victim was said to have been rushed to a nearby hospital where he later died. Charles, the driver is said to be detained at the Akowonjo Police Station.
The corpse has been taken to mortuary for autopsy.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Jinadu said he will continue to remind motorists of the need to drive with care to avoid accident.
Boy, 15, Dies In Inferno.
A 15-year-old boy identified as Ekimi Moses has been burnt to death at 7/9, Olaiya Street, Afromedia area of Okokomaiko, Lagos State.
According to the police, the fire which started at about 10 p.m. took some hours to put out before the remains of the victim were recovered from the rumbles.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the police are trying to unravel the source of the fire.
In a related developmet, a 13-year-old boy identified as Yomi Okeowo, was recovered dead in a collapsed building along Adebiyi Street, Ogba.
When P.M.NEWS visited the scene, rescue efforts were still going on.
Speaking with P.M.NEWS, the Lagos State PPRO advised parents to keep an eye on their children, especially during this rainy season to prevent them from being drowned in flood.
Police, Okada Riders Clash.
There was stampede at Cement Bus Stop, Lagos-Abeokuta expressway this morning during a clash between policemen and commercial motorcyclists better known as okada riders in the area.
Details of what led to the clash were still sketchy as at time of filing this report, but the okada riders were seen stoning policemen with objects, while the cops were shooting sporadically.
An unconfirmed report has it that the okada riders are protesting police harassment and extortion.
They have barricaded the busy expressway with bonfires, and this resulted in a heavy traffic gridlock.
According to an eyewitness account, “some motorists have abandoned their vehicles, while commuters have scampered for safety. The situation is very tense.”
Another Film Producer Sent To Kirikiri Budding artistes, mostly young ladies, have accused a film director, Endurance Egem, of not only ripping them off through collection of money but also subjecting them to sexual harassment.
Some of them subsequently approached the Igando Police Division to lodge their complaint and Endurance, was later arrested and arraigned before the Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.
He was remanded in prison custody because he failed to meet the bail conditions. The alleged offences, according to the police, are punishable under Section 419 and 390 of the Criminal Code, CAP C17, laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
The 29-year old Endurance advertised for young and up-coming home movie actors and actresses whom he will feature in a movie and promised to turn them into stars in the movie industry.
The prospective young artists, especially young girls, allegedly trooped to his office at 1, Chris Bee Street, Igando, on the outskirts of Lagos to register.
He demanded certain amount of money for logistics and promised each of them a leading role that will make him/her an instant celebrity in the entertainment industry.
Apart from allegedly defrauding some of them, he was alleged to have slept with some ladies who did not have the money to pay.
He allegedly collected money and had sex with some of the ladies but could not fulfill his promise to them.
The matter was exposed when the aggrieved victims besieged his office to demand for a refund of their money and in the process a fight ensued.
The matter was reported at Igando Police station and Endurance was arrested and charged to court.
Some of the victims include Chioma Nwachukwu who told the police that Endurance collected N56,000 from her.
Another victim, Stella Chris said she paid him N60,000.
Other victims who also allegedly paid Endurance money in exchange for roles in his movie include ThankGod Eze – N50,000, Adeshina Adeoye – N30,000, Theresa Okon – N60,000 and Okori Raphael – N120,000.
When the matter came up at the court, he pleaded not guilty.
The presiding magistrate, S. O. Solebo granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum while the case was adjourned.

PPRO, SAMUEL JINADU

Domestic violence in Lagos on the rise, women groups say.

Domestic violence against women is on the rise in Lagos, and there is a need to take urgent measures to stop the ugly trend.
This was the position of women rights groups in Lagos State recently over the death of 28-year old Titilayo Arowolo, who was allegedly killed by her husband, Akolade, during a scuffle.
The groups expressed concern over the increasing cases of domestic violence in Lagos State, despite the passage of the Domestic Violence Law in the state in 2007.
Mr Arowolo, who has been arrested and charged to court over the alleged murder of his wife, a banker and mother of one, has maintained that his wife committed suicide.
Women rights groups insist Mr Arowolo's side of the story is untrue, and have called for his prosecution to serve as a deterrent to other men who abuse their wives.
A similar case of domestic violence against women provoked residents of Temidire Ikola, a Lagos suburb, to take the laws into their hands and would have lynched a young man identified as Tao for allegedly killing his wife, Titi. The police's intervention saved Mr Tao from the mob.
Eyewitnesses said Titi, a mother of five, was allegedly killed by her husband, a bricklayer, during a fight in their apartment at Temidire Street, Ipaja, on April 3rd, over a late night phone call Titi received from an unidentified caller.
A similar incident happened in 2010 at Igando, when a 46-year old man, Emmanuel Adua, a father of five, allegedly killed his mistress, Paulina Isewede, 44, over a love message she received on her GSM phone. Mr Adua allegedly pushed Miss Isewede to the floor and allegedly hit her head on a stool.
Josephine Chukwuma, the executive director of Project Alert, a non-profit organisation that campaigns for violence against women, lamented the lackadaisical attitude of the government and residents in stopping domestic violence.
"Domestic violence against women and girls is rampant in Nigeria and it is not limited to poor and deprived women alone, as rich and learned women are being abused by their husbands," said Mrs Chukwuma, who is also the co-ordinator, Gender-Based Violence Response Network, a coalition of women rights groups in Lagos.
Mrs Chukwuma blamed "certain" norms and traditions for domestic violence against women.
"Four structures and institutions have contributed greatly to the incessant cases of violence in the home - the family, the community, religious groups, and the law enforcements. These structures must be redefined and reviewed if they are to meet numerous challenges being experienced by families," she added.
Gloria Egbuji, the executive director of Crime Victims Foundation, in Lagos, said domestic violence will continue unless women rise up for themselves and for government to enlighten the citizens.
"In the same vein, religious institutions and law enforcement agencies often turn the blind eye to issue of violence against women and when such cases are reported, the women are asked to go back to the same abusive home to settle the matter, as it is seen as a family and private affair," she added.
Mrs Egbuji blamed religious organisations who ex-communicate women for divorcing their husbands, even on grounds of violence. She called on the relevant authorities to enlighten the citizenry on the provisions of the domestic violence law.
"It is cheering news that Lagos State through the passage of the domestic violence bill into law in 2007 is ahead of other states in addressing domestic violence. Sadly, most of the states in the country are yet to pass this bill into law.
"However, to get this law to benefit the people, there is the need to enlighten the citizenry to seek cover under the law," Mrs Egbuji said.

POLICE CHIEF

Abandoned Baby Boy Rescued Under SUV.

An unidentified woman this morning abandoned a new born baby boy under a SUV parked at Adeboun Street, Gegento, Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos State.
The cry of the baby attracted residents of the area who were coming from a nearby mosque.
They later found the baby abandoned under the SUV, bleeding with his umbilical cord still intact.
An eyewitness, Modinat Dada said they were coming from a mosque when they heard the baby crying and they shouted when they saw the state of the baby.
He was naked, bleeding and his umbilical cord was yet to be removed.
The baby was shaking because of cold and as onlookers gathered we decided to clothe him.
Iyaloja General of Orile-Agege, F. O. Adenekan, who lives in the neighbourhood, said: “This is wickedness of a mother.
It was the cry of the baby that made me to come down from my bedroom. The baby will survive and become somebody in life in the name of Almighty God.
The case has been reported at Abattoir Police Division by some of the eyewitnesses including Samuel Obabunmi, Nurudeen Diyaola and Olajumoke Erinle.
Thereafter, the baby was taken to Merit Hospital, Oko-Oba Agege, accompanied by policemen.
However, the doctor on duty after examining the baby directed them to Oke-Odo General Hospital, where he is being treated.
As at time of filing this report, the baby was still responding to treatment.

NDLEA Boss Ahmad Giade

Drug agency expresses concern over sentence of peddlers.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed concern following the ruling by a Federal High court that Mgbakogu Nnaemeka, convicted of trafficking in cocaine should be freed.

Nnaemeka, 33 was convicted by B.I. Molokwe of the Federal High Court Ikoyi Lagos and ordered to serve a 12-year jail sentence.

But the judge, in her ruling, stated that the convict was “well behaved” and his religious life while in detention reflected a high sense of remorse. She therefore sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment starting from June 3rd 2010 when he was arrested.

But the NDLEA, which said it was worried that Nnaemeka was deemed to have served his sentence already, said there is need for stiffer penalty for drug trafficking to serve as deterrent to others.

The spokesperson for the Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the sentence is counter-productive in the light of the circumstances of the case.

It is an invitation to continue the criminal trade because he was first sentenced to six months imprisonment at the first instance.”

Nnaemeka was arrested on June 3, 2010 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos during the outward clearance of passengers on Iberia Airline flight to Spain. He tested positive to drug ingestion and was placed under observation.

While under observation, he excreted 46 wraps of substances that tested positive for cocaine weighing 950 grammes.

He was then charged for unlawful exportation of cocaine.

The convict was first arrested by anti-narcotic officers on July 10,2007 for unlawfully exporting 1.161kg of cocaine at the Lagos Airport.

He was nabbed then during the outward clearance of passengers on KLM flight to Amsterdam, but was sentenced to six months imprisonment by A.R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court Ikoyi.

Ofoyeju added that the ruling will encourage drug traffickers to become hardened criminals.

Last week, a Federal High Court at Ikoyi had sentenced a Taiwanese, Fong Chiu Sen and a Chinese, Wang Richard, to 30 years in prison for the importation of 450.4 kilogrammes of cocaine from the Republic of Chile into the country last year.

Three Nigerians, identified as clearing and forwarding agents linked to the crime, were discharged and acquitted by Justice Abang following the failure of the NDLEA prosecuting officers to produce evidence linking them to the crime.

The clearing agents are Inua Mohammed, Ezeala Kingsley and Godswill Asomugha.

The anti-narcotic agency had on August 16, 2010, arraigned the foreigners and the Nigerians on a four-count charge for the importation of the cocaine concealed in cigarette packs and stored in slates, the cocaine was worth over N2 billion according to the NDLEA.

Hafiz Ringim, Inspector-General of Police.

Boko Haram Scare For Nigeria’s Police Boss.

All roads leading to Police Academy, Wudil, Kano state, were cordoned off Saturday by fierce looking policemen from all crime-bursting departments as the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim made an official visit to the institution.

Ringim was the Special Guest of Honour at the passing out parade of Cadet Officers in the ranks of Assistant Superintendents of Police, and Inspectors who completed their 18-month courses at the Academy.

The Police Academy graduated 212 ASPs and 207 Inspectors, while one on Cadet Inspector Course, Nasiru Garba Ibrahim from Zamfara state was dismissed by the authorities of the Academy for misconduct and lack of concentration to his studies.

The uncommon security beef up at Wudil was not unexpected as the Kano city is already on red alert over the menace of Boko Haram.

It could be recalled that Wudil was the town in Kano where Boko Haram carried out their first attack in the ancient city on 27 July, 2009 when scores of the fundamentalists invaded Wudil Police Station in search of arms and ammunition to carry out their activities.

The heavy security presence that heralded the arrival of the Inspector-General of Police, Ringim, at the Wudil Police Academy may not be unconnected with the renewed scare of Boko Haram in Kano, though no attack by the terrorists has been witnessed in the ancient city yet.

During the passing out parade, fierce-looking Police officers were stationed at the Academy’s gate as all cars were directed to park outside, while everybody passing through the gate was thoroughly checked and screened.

As part of security measure, the Police provided buses that conveyed people from the gate to the venue of the parade.

In his address at the Parade Ground, IGP Ringim urged the graduands to always promote the general tenets of policing, statutory laws and provisions guiding law enforcement agencies, including the ethics of the Police profession.

“I charge you all to be good ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force, shun all forms of corruption and do your utmost best to promote the ideals of patriotism, selflessness and service to humanity.

“It is only such virtues that will guarantee your smooth progress in the service of the Nigeria Police Force and help in the achievement of the overall mandate and objectives of protection of life and properties within the Nigerian nation,” the Police boss noted.

However, about five officers received award for their outstanding performance in various disciplines. They are ASP Abuah Felix, over-all best in Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police; ASP Onukafor Kinsley, best in Law; ASP Musa Sule, best in Professional Studies; ASP Victor C. Akukwe, best in Liberal Studies.

Others are Inspector Nwamaga Opkuru Innocent, over all best in the Cadet Inspector Course, best in Law and best in Professional Studies; and Inspector Obot Otobong Michael came best in Liberal Studies.

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SAMUEL JINADU

Aftermath Of Death Of 3-Day Old Baby, Run-Away Father Arrested

The police at Olosan Division, Mushin, Lagos State have apprehended the run-away father of the three-day old baby that was found dead in a polythene bag.

The suspect Sodiq Olaomo was arrested yesterday.

According to Tajudeen Adedapo Salami, the landlord of the couple “Sodiq came home drunk at night on Wednesday, the day his wife was arrested.

Sodiq said he was not aware that his wife killed her baby adding, “I did not even know she was pregnant. She always told me that her big tommy was because she had fibroid.”

The police at Olosan Division, Mushin had earlier picked up his wife Toyin Sodiq Olaomo whose three-day old baby was found dead inside a polythene bag in the ceiling of their residence, 353, Agege Motor Road, Challenge, Mushin, Lagos.

The baby was said to have been covered with blood.

The couple might be arraigned in court very soon.

NDLEA BOSS AND FELA'S WIFE

NDLEA Arrests Fela’s Wife, 2 Others Over Marijuana.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested one of late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s wives with substances suspected to be cannabis.

The suspect, Najite Anikulapo-Kuti, was apprehended within the week alongside a lady who was a former dancer for the music legend and a man at her Ikeja residence, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, said.

A total of 340 grammes of dried weeds of cannabis were recovered from the suspects during search.

NDLEA Lagos State Commander Sule Aliyu said the arrest of the suspects and seizure was made following a tip-off.

He gave the names of the suspects as Najite Anikulapo-Kuti, 45, found with 50 grammes of cannabis, Helen Richards, 36, found with 170 grammes of cannabis and Mike Arinze, 26, found with 120 grammes of cannabis.

“The suspects were arrested at Gbemisola Street, Ikeja. The substances recovered from them tested positive for cannabis,” the Commander stated.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, said that the case is under investigation.

He said: “the arrest has been brought to my notice and the case is under investigation.”

Najite who hails from Delta State has a daughter for the late music legend, the agency said.

Richards who used to be dancer with Fela said that she sells cannabis to sustain herself.

The single mother with a three-year old son was found in possession of 170 grammes of cannabis.

In her words, “it was the demand of my customers that pushed me into cannabis trade. Most of them prefer to smoke hemp when drinking beer”.

Helen hails from Abi in Delta State.

The last suspect, Arinze, who in his confessional statement said that he sells cannabis in night clubs was found with 120 grammes of hemp in his pockets at the time of the arrest.

He hails from Asaba in Delta State.

NDLEA BOSS

NDLEA discovers 9 more parcels of cannabis in alleged traffickers' car

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Border Command, says it has discovered nine more parcels of cannabis in a suspected traffickers’car which the Customs unit handed over to it.

The Area Commander of the NDLEA, Nicholars Ajaduruonye, said following a more thorough search, his officers recovered nine more parcels from the car, bringing the total haulage to 2.8kg.

The commander claimed that the car belonged to two the suspected arrested traffickers, who, he also alleged were husband and wife, Segun Adetuju and Dupe Adetuju.

Apart from those initially transferred to the command, more parcels of cannabis were found concealed inside the back seat and in a compartment of the boot.

The suspects’ Honda car was refurbished in such a way to traffic many parcels of the drugs suspected to be marijuana undetected," he said.

Ajaduruonye said Adetutu resided in Ghana whileAdetutu traded in women’s underwear at Idumota Market, Lagos.

Sadiq Sahabi, the Area Comptroller of Customs, Seme Border Command, on Tuesday handed over 27 parcels of cannabis to the NDLEA,which it recovered from the car during a search.

Sahabi also transferred two suspects to Adamu Eijege, the Deputy Area Commander of the NDLEA.

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SAMUEL JINADU

Tanker driver crushes 3 cars, destroys PHCN transformer

A petroleum tanker driver has smashed his vehicle into three cars on Funsho Williams Road in Surulere, Lagos.

No life was lost in the accident.

An eyewitness, who gave his name as Akin Johnson, alleged that the accident was caused by a car which broke down on the major road.

He said that the driver of a Toyota Camry, with Reg. No. FD742-LND, while trying to avoid a broken down vehicle, was hit by the tanker driver.

Johnson said that the Camry driver in turn ran into a Volvo car with Reg. No. NE 200-AAN.

He said that after hitting the Toyota Camry, the tanker driver ran into a compound, crushing two more cars and destroying a PHCN transformer.

Rosemary Ubajake, a lawyer and owner of the Camry, said she hit a Volvo car after being hit by the tanker driver.

Lateef Adebowale, another legal practitioner, whose car was damaged by the tanker, said he parked his car in front of his office at 85, Funsho Williams Avenue, Lagos.

The driver, who gave his name as Seun Iyiola, wanted to escape after the accident but was caught by Adebowale.

The driver said that he could not explain how the accident happened.

Mushin Customary Court dissolves 23-year-old marriage

A Mushin Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved the 23-year-old marriage between Sauba Makinde and his wife, Iyabo, on grounds of constant battery.

The Court President, Abayomi Ipaye, who dissolved the marriage, said that the divorce suit was filed in by Iyabo against her estranged husband.

He said the woman alleged that her husband always beat her in pubic.

He said that the respondent would be in custody of the last two children pending the decision of the Family Court.

Iyabo, 45, a trader, had urged the court to dissolve the 23-year-old, saying that her husband beat her in the public.

She told the court that she had refused to disclose where she resides to her children because they would tell their father who, she said, she no longer loved.

She said she packed out of her matrimonial home in January 2010 after a serious misunderstanding with her husband.

The respondent, Makinde, 50, a vulcaniser cum butcher in Mushin, pleaded with the court to reconcile them, saying ``I still love my wife.”

67-year-old landlady docked for allegedly damaging tenant’s property

A 67-year-old landlady, Kikelomo Adewuyi, was arraigned at a Surulere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly destroying a tenant’s property.

The complainant is also alleging that Adewuyi breached the peace by planting substances suspected to be ``juju’’ in the compound.

The accused is standing trial on a two-count charge of causing breach of the peace and malicious damage of property.

Adewuyi, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Constable Ishola Samuel, said that the accused committed the offences on July 7 No. 11 Anjorin St., Aguda, Surulere.

Samuel said the accused on that day conducted herself in a manner likely to cause the breach of the peace.

According to him, the accused spread a liquid concoction in and around the house with intent to scare the tenants.

Samuel alleged that the accused maliciously damaged the window of one Mr Ikechukwu Ekeh, a tenant.

He said the offence contravened Sections 249(d) and 451 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Magistrate Aderemi Gbajumo granted Adewuyi bail in the sum of N20,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till Aug. 31 for further hearing.

Driver docked for alleged dangerous driving and killing two persons

A 24-year-old driver, Babajide Liasu was arraigned in Lagos for alleged dangerous driving and causing the death of two persons.

Liasu is facing trial before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court on a four-count charge of obstructing other road users, negligent driving, driving without license and vehicle particulars.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Akeem Raji said Liasu on July 12, at Mosalasi Bus-Stop, Apapa Road, being the driver of a SKODA car with registration number CQ 601 LND obstructed other road users.

Raji said the accused drove the vehicle in a negligent manner and caused the death of Akibu Olaiya, 67, of 16, Apapa Road and Alim Ismail, 51, of yet to be known address.

The prosecutor told the court that the accused also drove the vehicle on a public highway without a driver’s license and could not produce the vehicle particulars on demand.

Raji said the offence contravened Sections 7, 14(1), 27and 39 of Road Traffic Laws (RTL) Cap 126, Laws of Lagos State.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Aderemi Gbajumo granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till Oct. 4 for further hearing.

Court issues bench warrant against buyers of Daily Times

An Ikeja High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of two directors of Folio Communications Ltd., which bought the Daily Times Nigeria Ltd. (DTN).

The directors are the Anosike brothers: Fidelis and Noel.

Justice Habeeb Abiru ordered the Inspector-General of Police to arrest and produce the brothers before the court on Sept. 28.

Abiru issued the warrant following the failure of the two to appear before the court to face charges of stealing N1.7 billion belonging to the DTN.

Prosecution counsel, Ernest Ezebilo had prayed for the warrant which, he said, would facilitate the arraignment of the directors.

He submitted that the prosecution had served the proof of evidence on the brothers but they failed to appear for arraignment.

The brothers are facing a 40-count charge of stealing and fraudulent acquisition of property.

They were accused of stealing N1.7 billion worth of property belonging to the DTN on March 14, 2007.

The directors are also facing a 21-count charge of illegally siphoning billions of naira from the DTN, before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

71-year-old arraigned over forgery

A 71-year-old man, Oluwole Fowora, has appeared before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly forging the signature of a dead man to secure a plot of land at Lekki.

Fowora was arraigned before Justice Habeeb Abiru on a two-count charge, but he pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Abiru ordered that Fowora be remanded in the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

The prosecutor, Akin George said that Fowora forged the signature of one late Mr Sunday Dankaro between 2004 and 2005.

George said that the septuagenarian also forged a stamp duty dated Sept. 16, 2008 on the deed of assignment on the said land.

The prosecutor said that the accused later sold the land to a company -- Hand of God Company Ltd.

He said that Fowora forged the documents to enable him to sell the parcel of land without the knowledge of Dankoro’s children.

According to him, the alleged offences contravened Section 467 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.

The case has been adjourned till Sept. 29 for trial.

CUSTOM BOSS

Customs Service trains its Legal Officers for effective prosecution of cases

The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko, says the ongoing training of legal officers and legal seat officers of the service is for effective and successful prosecution of cases.

He stated this in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a two-day training programme for legal officers and legal seat officers of the NCS.

Dikko, said one of the six-point agenda of the administration was to maximise the potentials of the service through capacity building.

According to him, the new Department of Human Resource of the NCS has been actively training and re-training officers and men of the service.

Dikko urged participants undergoing the training to contribute to efforts in the fight against corruption.

The NCS Legal Adviser, Umar Mohammed, said the workshop was geared towards improving the skills of legal officers and legal seat officers on the daunting challenges of prosecution.

The Principal Partner Goziem Chambers, Chigozie Eruchalu, said the essence of the workshop was to identify the problems and challenges in the legal profession.

Eruchalu said the training was to equip the legal staff how to apply the law in moving NCS forward.

No plan to stop weekend cargo clearance - Customs

The Apapa and Tin Can Ports Commands of the Nigeria Customs Service said that they had no plans to stop weekend cargo clearance.

The Public Relations Officers of the two commands said through the telephonethat the existing cargo clearance schedule would remain.

Public Relations Officer,Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area I Command,Timi Bomadi said the Apapa NCS command had not contemplated such a plan.

``Clearance of cargo would continue on weekends as long as the licensed customs agents were ready to come to work,” Bomadi said.

In the same vein, Chris Ogbonna, Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Ports and Terminal Multiservices Ltd Area command, Tin Can Island, corroborated Bomadi's comments.

Some Custom agents and stakeholders said the commands were planning to stop the weekend cargo clearance due to the nonchalant attitude of the licensed custom agents to attend cargo clearance early.

CUSTOM BOSS

Seme customs command collects N2.75b revenue in 6 months

Sadiq Sahabi, Customs Area Controller, Seme Border, said the command generated N2.75 billion as revenue in the first six months of 2011.

Sahabi told newsmen at Seme, near Badagry, that the amount surpassed the revenue generated by the command in the corresponding period of 2010 by N476.95 million.

He said the command would have collected more or doubled the 2010 figure but for the decision to stop the importation of bulk cargo such as sugar, rice, cement and iron rods, through the Seme border.

The controller said that the revenue for 2011 was generated mainly from duties on vehicles, general goods and baggage assessment.

Sahabi said the command was given an annual revenue target of N6 billion with a monthly average of N500 million for year 2011.

He, however, said that the command succeeded in collecting N2.75 billion, 93 per cent of the half year target.

The controller added that the command’s revenue was affected by the low level of activities in January due to the delay in the passage of the budget and the global economic meltdown.

He said the revenue of the command was also affected by public holidays declared by either Nigeria or Benin Republic at different times.

Sahabi further said the general elections in Nigeria and Benin Republic affected the revenue of the command.

POLICE CHIEF

Woman, 40, in court for forging land documents

A 40-year-old woman, Omolara Onamade, was on Wednesday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly forging documents to sale a land valued at N3.5 million.

Onamade is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and fraud.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Stephen Molo, told the court that the accused, with others at large, committed the offence between February and April 2008, at Alausa Secretariat, Lagos.

Molo said the accused forged a revenue receipt and other documents for land allocation and fraudulently obtained the sum of N3.5 million to sell a plot of land to one Henry Okoba.

He said that the land is situated at Isheri North, Lagos, and that the accused was aware that the land belonged to Lagos State Government at the time she was making the transaction.

He told the court that the sum of N300,000 was recovered from the accused as an exhibit.

Molo, however, said that the alleged offence contravened Sections 419, 467 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate F. O. Aigbokhaevbo, granted her bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned till August 10 for further hearing.

Wife’s unfaithfulness leads to dissolution of 10-year-old marriage

A Mushin Customary Court in Lagos on Wednesday dissolved the 10-year-old marriage between Alhaji Ismail Odupelu, 36, and his estranged wife Tawakalitu, 36, over infidelity.

The paternity of the last child aged nine months was confirmed in the open by a DNA report that Odupelu was not the biological father of the child,’’ the court President, Dr Abayomi Ipaye said.

The petitioner (Odupelu) had insisted on the dissolution while the respondent wanted the marriage sustained.

Ipaye said all efforts to reconcile the estranged couple in the suit file on Feb. 17 proved abortive as the man could not reconcile with the idea of his wife having had a child for another man while still legally married to him.

Ipaye said, however, that the custody of the first two children should remain with the respondent pending the decision of the family court.

He also ordered the petitioner to be paying his former wife N10,000 monthly for the children’s upkeep.

The petitioner is also to be responsible for the education and medical expenses of the children aged 10 and eight.

The woman, however, said: ``I still want us to continue with our marriage because of the upkeep of the children and I believe that Odupelu is the father of the last child.

``Although my husband and I went for the DNA test, I am not satisfied with the result though the result was sealed when we collected it.

“I believe the devil is working and God will counter it.’’

Miscreant docked for allegedly trying to snatch a cab

A miscreant, Wasiu Ishola, who allegedly attempted to snatch a taxi cab from its driver at a park, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Ishola, 34, of no fixed address, is standing trial before Magistrate Tubosun Abolarinwa on a four-count charge of conspiracy, assault, stealing, and malicious damage.

He, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N70,000 with one surety in like sum.

The prosecutor, ASP Jack Asuquo told the court that Ishola was arrested in the process of snatching the cab with registration XV 854 APP from one Akano Saheed, a cab driver.

According to him, during the process of dragging the steering with the owner, the ignition key got damaged and passersby arrested the accused in the act.

He said the offence, which was committed on July 12 at Oyingbo Bus Stop, Lagos, contravened Sections 351, 451, 509 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

The magistrate adjourned the case till Aug. 16 for further hearing

Driver docked for dangerous driving, manslaughter

A driver, Suleiman Alabi, was on Wednesday in Lagos arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for alleged dangerous driving which resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

Alabi, 29, is standing trial on two-count charge of manslaughter and driving without a valid driver’s licence.

The prosecutor, Insp. Gabriel Agoi, said the accused on July 12 at about 2.30 p.m., on Apongbon Bridge in Lagos, committed the offences.

Agoi said Alabi was driving a Volvo truck with Reg. No. XS 348 LND dangerously when he allegedly killed Miss Awawu Atobatele.

He said the deceased lived at No 10, Look St., Idumota, Lagos.

He told the court that the accused drove the vehicle without a valid driver’s licence and consequently did not consider the wellbeing of other road users.

Agoi said the offence contravened Sections 27 (1) and 7(1) of the Road Traffic Act, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate J.A. Adegun granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

However, Adegun ordered the case file to be transferred to the Office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions, for advice.

He adjourned the case till Aug. 8 for further hearing.

NAPTIP BOSS Barrister Simon Chuzi Egede

The Lagos Zone of National Agency for the Protection of Traffic In Pensons has rescued and rehabilitated five thousand victims of human trafficking in the last seven years.

Head of Lagos Zone, Josiah Emerole, gave the information at a workshop organised for stakeholders, including journalists and security agencies in Lagos.

Emerole said the victims mostly children and potential victims of trafficking have been rescued, with many rehabilitated and re-integrated into the society.

He said the agency recently acquired a new shelter with capacity for sixty-eight persons, and added that one thousand four hundred and eighty-six victims had passed through the care shelter with twenty-eight currently in the house.

Emerole said 42 victims had successfully trained in various skills and were currently awaiting financial support to start their own businesses.

He said within the period, 781 persons were arrested, out of whom 113 were convicted and sentenced to jail terms ranging from two months to 36 years.

Emerole said some of the convicts had their properties confiscated and forfeited to the Trafficking Victims Trust Fund.

He added that about 82 cases were at various stages of prosecution, while 44 cases were being investigated and three cases awaiting judgment.

Emerole explained that the lack of co-operation from trafficking victims, the public, and ignorance had led to non-prosecution of many traffickers.

No fewer than 100 persons, including social workers, counsellors, civil society groups, among others attended the workshop.

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SAMUEL JINADU

Alleged fraud: Court grants Nollywood producer N7.5 million bail

An Ikeja High Court in Lagos on Tuesday granted bail to popular Nollywood movie producer, Mr Ifeanyi Onyeabor in the sum of N7.5 million with two sureties in like sum.

Onyeabor was dragged before the court presided over by Justice Habeeb Abiru for allegedly defrauding one Steve-James Nigeria Limited of N8.8 million.

Abiru in a short ruling on the bail application held that the two sureties who must be resident in Lagos must also be close relatives of the accused.

The sureties are also to have landed property in Lagos and must produce evidence of three years tax clearance payment to the Lagos State Government.

The judge also ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to verify the residential and business addresses of the sureties.

40-year-old movie producer at his arraignment on July 5, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge preferred against him and was remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prisons.

The EFCC had alleged that he collected a total sum of N8.8 million from Steve-James Nigeria Ltd. in Dec. 2008 for the purpose of producing two movies entitled: “Young Amazon” and “Tribes”.

In the charge sheet, the anti-graft agency claimed that Onyeabor, with intent to defraud, stole and fraudulently converted N1, 850,000 property of Steve-James Nigeria Ltd. entrusted to him for the production of the movies.

Other charges also explained how the accused had on different occasions allegedly received N1, 200,000; N950, 000; N3, 000,000; 1,200,000; N500, 000 and N100, 000 from the complainants.

The EFCC further alleged that Onyeabor, after collecting the money, failed to produce the movies and diverted the money for other personal use.

His alleged offences, according to the EFCC, contravene Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap C 17, Vol. 2 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.

The matter was adjourned to Oct.17 for commencement of trial.

Car dealer in court over N1.7m fraud

The police in Lagos on Tuesday arraigned a car dealer, Wasiu Usman, for allegedly duping a professor of N1.7 million in the guise of supplying him a Toyota Hiace bus.

Usman, 35, was arraigned before Magistrate A.O. Olatunji of the Ebute Meta Magistrates` Court on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Isaac Aminu, submitted that the accused defrauded Prof. Oluyemi Akinadewo on Nov. 29, 2009 at No. 11 Arowolo St., Idimu.

Aminu said Usman collected the sum from his victim but failed to supply the bus as he promised.

He added that the accused escaped from detention at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba after his arrest.

The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 135, 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years imprisonment.

The case was adjourned till Aug. 10 for further hearing.

3 docked for alleged burglary, theft

Three men were on Tuesday in Lagos arraigned at the Surulere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly burgling the home of one Sheffield Warrie and stealing property worth N150,000.

The accused, Tade Esomodumi, 21, Segun Ajileye, 26 and Yusuf Bolaji, 21, are facing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, housebreaking and stealing.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge.

The prosecutor, Constable Ishola Samuel, told the court that the accused and others at large burgled Warrie’s house on July 16.

Samuel said the accused committed the alleged crime at about 2.30 a.m.

He said the accused stole one HP laptop.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 390 9(9) 411(1) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Magistrate M.K.O Fadeyi, however, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000 each.

Fadeyi also ordered that the accused produce two sureties each as part of the bail conditions.

He adjourned the case till Aug. 23 for further hearing.

21-year-old student docked for rape

A 21-year-old student, Akeem Adeyemi, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ejigbo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl.

Adeyemi was alleged to have committed the offence with another person now at large.

The accused is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful defilement.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Olakunle Shonibare, told the court that the accused committed the alleged rape on May 13 at 10 p.m.

He said the alleged offence was perpetrated in an uncompleted building at Liasu Road, Egbe, Lagos.

Shonibare said the accused and his cohort forcefully had carnal knowledge of the girl.

He said the offence contravened Sections 221 and 516 Cap 17 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor objected to the bail application for the accused on the grounds that ``the complainant’s family will want the case transferred to a Family Court’’.

Magistrate Maimunat Folami, however, granted the prayer of the complainant and ordered the transfer of the case to the Family Court 6 at Ikeja, Lagos.

Police arraign 2 over alleged theft of cosmetics

A truck driver and his assistant on Tuesday appeared before an Ebute Meta Magistrates` Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing 136 cartons of cosmetics.

The accused -- Chinedu Benjamin (29) and Emeka Eze (24) -- are standing trial before Magistrate Tunbosun Abolarinwa on a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing.

They, however, pleaded not guilty.

Abolarinwa granted each of them bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

The prosecutor, ASP Jack Asuquo, had told the court that the duo broke into a shop belonging to one Uzor Chidozie and made away with the cosmetics worth N556,000.

Asuquo said the police arrested the duo on June 6 at A Block, Article Dealers Market, Abule Oshun in the Ojo area of Lagos.

He said the alleged offences contravened Sections 390 (9), 413 (2) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, and punishable with seven years imprisonment.

The defence counsel, Kola Afolayan, urged the court to strike out the suit on grounds that they had no case to answer.

He submitted that Benjamin was hired to convey the cosmetics to a warehouse at the above-named address.

The counsel said the driver and his assistant were arrested by the police while offloading the goods at the warehouse at 3 a.m.

The court adjourned the case till Aug. 16 for further hearing.

PPRO, SAMUEL JINADU

4 docked for alleged theft of Hyundai Sonata .

Four men, who allegedly stole a Hyundai Sonata Saloon car, valued at N3.5 million, were on Monday arraigned in Lagos.
The accused, John Olowookere, 28; Kunle Bolarinwa, 27; Remilekun Oyebanji, 32, and Adeshina Ayinla, 45, were taken before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court.
They are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen vehicle before Magistrate Patrick Adekomaya.
The prosecutor, Constable Tope Adegbie, told the court that the accused on Feb.18 at No 6 Moloney St., Lagos, conspired to steal the car.
Adegbie said Olowookere and Bolarinwa stole the car with registration number BH 837 BDG, property of one Ademola Odunsi.
He said Oyebanji and Ayinla received the vehicle from Olowookere and Bolarinwa, knowing full well that the car was stolen.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 390(9), 427 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Adekomaya granted each of the accused a bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties each in like sum, after they had pleaded not guilty.
He adjourned the case till Sept. 7 for further hearing.

Okada rider jailed for stealing .

A commercial motorcyclist, Baro Isah, who pleaded guilty to stealing a motorcycle, was on Monday sentenced to four months in prison.
Isah, 23, was convicted on a one-count charge of stealing the N90,000 motorcycle by M.R. Osho-Adebiyi of the Oshodi Senior Magistrates` Court in Lagos.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the convict committed the offence on July 11 at about 4 p.m., at No. 7, Adebo Close, Ilupeju, Lagos.
Olatunde said Isah stole a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, property of one Bashuri Audu.
Olatunde said the offence contravened Sections 390 (c) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Court sentenced heirs to three months imprisonment for poor sanitation.

A Grade “A” Customary Court in Mushin, Lagos, on Monday sentenced one Bunmi Fanayajo to three months imprisonment for her living in a poor environment.
Fanayajo, an inheritor of a property on 46, Ojekunle St, Mushin, was docked for the dirty environment of the premises.
The Court President, Abayomi Ipaye, however, gave her an option of a fine of N5,000, which, she must pay before 4 p.m. on Monday.
Ipaye also gave the beneficiary of a story building with 16 tenants an option of N5, 000 fine saying that failure to pay the fine before 4 p.m. would lead to three months imprisonment.
The Health Officer, Sanitation, Mushin Local Government, Raji Razak, on Monday arraigned Fanayajo on a five-count charge bordering on dirty environment.
Razak told the court that Fanayajo had failed to repair the peeling decking, re-concretise the broken floor and mend the fence.
He said the kitchens, toilets and bathrooms within the premises were also in bad condition and needed standard renovation.
Razak said the offence contravened Sections 7and 8 of the Environmental Health Law Lagos State 2003.
Fanayojo, pleaded guilty to all the charges with an explanation.
She told the court that she inherited the building with her elder sister who was currently sick and that she had planned to repair the building.
The President of the Court adjourned the case till July 26, to hear the side of the tenants.
In a related development, Ipaye also sentenced two heirs, Mutiu Hassan and Shakiru Hassan, to three months imprisonment for a similar offence.
The duo, who inherited the property on 55, Oremeji St., Mushin, were jailed for the poor environmental sanitation of their property.
Ipaye, however, gave the two inheritors of the bungalow building an option of N5,000 fine each, saying failure to pay the fine before 4 p.m. would lead to their being sent to jail.
Razak arraigned the two on a five-count charge of poor environmental sanitation of the building, saying they failed to repair the building, which houses 14 tenants.
The two pleaded guilty to all the charges.
Mutui, however, told the court that they were ready to carry out a proper renovation of the building after the rains.
The Court President adjourned the case till July 26 to hear the side of the tenants.

Court sentences landlord to 3 months imprisonment.

A Grade “A” Customary Court in Mushin, Lagos, on Monday sentenced Bunmi Fanayajo to three months imprisonment for poor environmental sanitation.
Fanayajo, an inheritor of a property on 46, Ojekunle Str, Mushin, was docked for the house’s dirty environment.
The Court President, Abayomi Ipaye, however, gave her an option of N5,000 fine which, she said, must pay before 4 p.m.
The Sanitation Officer at the Mushin Local Government, Raji Razak, on Monday arraigned the convict on a five-count charge bordering on dirty environment.
Razak said the offences contravened Sections 7and 8 of the Environmental Health Law, Lagos State 2003.
Fanayojo pleaded guilty to all the charges.
She told the court that she inherited the building along with her elder sister who was currently sick and that she had planned to repair the building.
The house is not in a good habitable condition and the engineer I consulted said he could not carry out any repair with tenants in the house,’’ she said.

Tricycle operator docked for alleged manslaughter.

A tricycle operator, Michael Okenini, was on Monday arraigned at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly causing the death of a 50-year-old man.
Okenini, 26, is standing trial on a two-count charge of dangerous driving and manslaughter.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Daniel Ighodalo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 23, at Langbasa Expressway in Eti-osa Local Government Area, Lagos.
Ighodalo alleged that the accused rode the tricycle with Registration No. QU 207 FST in a dangerous manner on the public highway which subsequently led to the death of one Peter Onyehar.
He said the deceased was crossing the expressway when the tricycle knocked him down, which caused his death.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 18 and 27 of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State, 2003.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate Y.J. Badejo-Okusanya granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till July 25, for further hearing.

CUSTOM BOSS

Customs generate N640 million at Seme Border in June.

Area Comptroller, Seme Border Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Sadiq Sahabi said the command generated N640.2 million as revenue in June, 2011.
Sahabi said the revenue generated in the month under review was an improvement over that of May which was slightly above N400 million.
He said the revenue was collected from customs duty, Value Added Tax and other charges levied on imported goods.
The Comptroller said 27 seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N340.1 million were made in the month under review.
He said goods impounded included wine, vehicles, leather materials, textiles, fruits and beverages.

Grace Jacob and Victor Emmanuel

Woman Arrested For Battering Son Grace Jacob and her battered son.

A 29-year old woman, Grace Jacob, has been arrested for battering her 10-year-old son, Emmanuel, and forcing him to sleep in the staircase of their home at night.
If not that a non-government organisation, Esther Child Foundation, came to the rescue of little Emmanuel, he might have been dead by now as he now nurses severe injuries inflicted on him.
Jacob, 29, who lives at 4, Muhammed Street, Santos, Egbeda area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, gave birth to Victor when she was 19 years old.
She had the boy for her lover, Paul Emmanuel who had since left her. She is now married to a new husband and has a child for him.
It was gathered that Victor was severely beaten by his mother at the slightest provocation, which led to deep injuries and cuts all over the boy’s body. The boy’s face is swollen with deep cuts on his cheeks.
According to Esther Ogwu, the founder of Esther Child Foundation, she received a call from a resident in Egbeda to come quickly to rescue a boy who was being abused and tortured in the most dehumanising way by his mother.
She said the woman beat her son severely because his new husband had told her he did not want to see the boy and that she should do something about the situation if she wanted him to stay with her.
Ogwu alleged that the woman’s intention was to kill the boy so that she would keep her new husband, adding that the boy needed urgent treatment and attention so that he would not die from the wounds inflicted on him.
At the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, where the woman and her son were taken to, staff of the ministry were in shock when they saw the deep wounds on Victor’s body and could not believe that his mother could treat him like that.They described her as a wicked woman.
When asked if Victor was truly her son, Mrs. Jacob said yes, saying that she regretted her action, admitting that she was guilty of beating her son in such a deadly manner.
She was in tears but her tears did not move officials of the WAPA ministry who were angry at the way the boy was maltreated by her.
According to Jacob, she gave birth to Victor when she was not yet married and that Victor’s father used to beat and throw her out of the house on several occasions, which was why she left him.
Mrs. Jacob, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, said when Victor was brought to her from the village and that when she remembered the way her former lover treated her, she unleashed her anger on her son.
When asked, little Victor, who managed to speak in Pidgin English said his mother used to beat him with cable when he did something wrong.
However, the state government is considering prosecuting the mother under the child rights law, while Victor would be taken to one of the state’s rehabilitation homes for adequate care.