Judiciary

Nine Docked Over EndSARS Murder

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A police sergeant, Mr. Innocent Heede has testified against nine suspects detained on charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, murder and arson before Justice Moruf Abbas of Oyo State High Court 2.

The accused were alleged to have committed the offences during the Endsars protest.

Mr. Heede said viral video was given to a police team by Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Shola Aremu, the commandant of the squad, who asked them to investigate it.

He explained that the team went to the area and showed the video to people who identified the culprits before a joint task force effected their arrest.

Mr. Heede said the first defendant, Adesina Ademuyiwa acknowledged that indeed he was in the video and that he knew his other accomplice.

He added that Ademuyiwa eventually took the team to the house of Sodiq Ariyo and his younger brother, Afeez Ariyo, who made confessional statement, mentioning names of the other accused.

State prosecutor, Sandra Tella then asked Sergeant Heede to state where the confessions were taken.

Sergeant Heede said it was in confession room the suspects were debriefed.

He added that officers at the Ojoo Police Station also identified the accused.

After Sergeant Heede concluded his evidence, Justice Moruf Abbas adjourned to Monday 13th September, 2021.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

Judiciary

EndSars Protest: Court Faults Police Account On Alleged Robbery Case

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Justice Mashud Abbas of the Oyo State High Court 2 has described the response of a police sergeant, Mr. Innocent Heede, in a case of robbery as being incoherent.

Justice Mashud Abbas said this during continuation of hearing on accusation of robbery levelled against nine persons during the Endsars protest.  

He frowned at the response of sergeant Heede, the Ipo in charge of the case and the first witness, during interrogation by the prosecutor, Sandra Tella.

Justice Abbas said thorough examination of the case against the suspects was essential before passing judgement.

He therefore adjourned the case till September 10, 2021 for continuation of hearing.

Those charged are Adesina Ademuyiwa, Ikechukwu Ese, Ariyo Sodiq, Ikenna Amaechi, Oyewole Olumide, Ariyo Afeez, Taoreed abiodun, Lowoori Ajadi, Sikiru Lukman, Adekunle Maroof and Rasheed Tiamiyu.

Funmi Obagbayegun

Judiciary

Court Adjourns Hearing on Fundamental Right Suit Filed By Sunday Igboho

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The Oyo State High Court hearing the fundamental rights suit filed by Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Igboho on Tuesday has adjourned its ruling and judgment of the suit till September 17.

Justice Oladiran Akintola, while adjourning the ruling and judgment also ordered the extension of the injunction order restraining the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, the DSS, their agents or privies from arresting Sunday Adeyemo till September 17.

At the resumption of the Counsel to the AGF, Abdulahi Abubakar, who stressed that the court should set aside the August 4 injunction restraining the first defendant Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Mallami, said his motion was based on four grounds, supporting it with five paragraphs affidavit in response to counter affidavit. 

Abubakar urged the court to disregard the counter affidavit and written address as well as setting aside subsequent extension of the interim injunction order filed by the applicant.

Counsel to Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho, Chief Yomi Alliyu said the file was counter affidavit and written address on 24th August 2021, and that he was adopting and relying on the written counter affidavit.

Chief Alliyu, (SAN), argued that the application filed by Counsel to the AGF was not properly filed before the court as it was brought outside the 7 days stipulated by Order 4 Rule 6 of the fundamental human rights procedure rule 2009.

He stated that Defendants reply on point of law was an admission that they were not within time, adding that as at present, there was no motion for the extension of time from them, saying, the Court was not a Father Christmas and that the oral application cannot replace the process mandated by rules of Court.

The counsel to the DSS T.A Nurudeen insisted on his opposition to the originating summon dated 9th August 2021, and prayed the court to dismiss the application of the applicant.

Earlier, Nurudeen presented some exhibits tag Ds1, Ds2 video clip as an evidence, which showed some outburst of Sunday Adeyemo on the need for a Yoruba nation.

Nurudeen prayed the court to dismiss the application filed by the applicant, stressing that there was no expert report to back up the claims on the clips by the applicant.

Responding to the video clip by the DSS, Chief Alliyu noted that the clip language was not a Court language, urging the court to grant the prayers of applicant, adding that the defence brought evidence not known to the law.

 Therefore Justice Akintola extended the Interim order restraining the Attorney General of the Federation, DSS, their agents or privies till next date of adjournment.

Funmi Obagbayegun

Judiciary

3 Judges To Face Trial For Conflicting Orders

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Three Judges are to appear before the National Judicial Council (NJC) for disciplinary action over granting of conflicting ex parte orders.

Director of Information, NJC, Mr. Soji Oye in a statement hints that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad has expressed his determination to set an example with the three judges.

According to the statement, the CJN directs state Chief Judges to henceforth take absolute charge of assigning cases, especially political matters, personally. 

He also warned Chief Judges to stop making newly appointed Judicial officers vacation Judges or assigning complex cases to inexperienced Judges.  

The CJN further advised all Heads of Court to be conversant with developments in the polity and judgments delivered by courts of various jurisdictions noting that the Judiciary would no longer condone indiscipline or allow any Judge to tarnish the image of the Judiciary.

Frcn, Abuja

Judiciary

Osun State Audit Amendment Bill 2021, Scales 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading

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A bill seeking to amend the Osun State Audit Laws 2019 has passed through the first, second and third reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly. 

The Bill, entitled Osun State Audit Amendment Bill 2021, was announced at the plenary by the Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, following a letter addressed to the House by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. 

According to the governor, the bill is to make adjustments to the preexisting Osun State Audit Laws 2019 in order to meet global best practice. 

While presenting the Policy Trust of the bill, Majority leader, Mr. Maruf Olarenwaju, noted that it would, among other things, provide proper perspective for the functions, tenure and powers of the state auditor general while eliminating waste. 

After the House dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to deliberate on the Bill, the Speaker reported that relevant sections of the Principal law were amended to clearly spell out circumstances surrounding the appointment of the Auditor General.

He also mentioned that the amendment involved provision for the Auditor General to work without undue interference. 

In a separate development, the House of Assembly confirmed the nomination of Mrs. Iyabo Jimoh as the representative of Ward 10a, Ejigbo South Local Council Development Area.

Funmi Adekoya

Judiciary

Woman Remanded for Biting Neighbour’s Scrotum in Osun

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A 28-year-old woman, Nifemi Ajayi has landed in trouble in Ile-Ife of Osun State for allegedly biting her neighbour’s scrotum. 

The police on Monday dragged Nifemi before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court on one count charge of assault. 

The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Osanyintuyi said, last week Friday at about 8:00 PM at No 21, Oke-Soda, Ile-Ife, Nifemi bite one Olayera Boluwaji on his scrotum and left side stomach, which caused him bodily harm.

He noted that the offence committed was contrary to and punishable under section 355 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

Meanwhile, the defendant told the court that she was not guilty of the alleged offence, while her counsel, Mr Philip Fasanmoye made an oral bail application for the defendant on the most liberal term. 

However, the presiding magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, ordered that he should file a former bail application. 

He remanded the defendant in Ile-Ife Correctional Center and adjourned the case until November 15, 2021, for consideration of bail. 

Akinola Adenitan

Judiciary

Oyo Court Adjourns Hearing On Sunday Igboho’s Case

By Web News 756

Justice Oladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan today adjourned hearing of the case file by Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho against the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubaker Mallami, Director General, Department of State Security and the Director, Department of State Security Services (DSS) till September 7th . 

Also, Justice Oladiran Akintola extended the interim order restraining the attorney General of the Federation and DSS from arresting, molesting and freezing Sunday Igboho’s bank account.

Counsel to the Attorney General of Federation, Simeon Enoch, at the resumption of the case, asked the court to vacate the interim order earlier granted Sunday Igboho on August 4th 2021.

Mr. Enoch argued that the interim order should not be perpetual and that it should not last more than seven days.

In addition, Enoch told the court that they had just been served with the counter motion by the applicant and that in law, they had 7 days within which to respond to the counter motion.

At this juncture, Chief Yomi Alliyu , SAN, objected to Mr. Enoch’s claim, insisting that the defendant was served with the counter motion on August 25 contrary to the claim by Enoch.

Counsel to the DSS, T. A Nurudeen in his reaction said the DSS DG and the Director were critical part of the case and such should be duly considered in the matter, adding that Agency was yet to be properly served with the counter motion by the applicant. 

Funmilola Obagbayegun

Judiciary

Police Drag Commercial Driver Before Court

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A 49-year-old commercial driver Olalekan Adedeji has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo for allegedly causing the death of six passengers. 

The suspect was arraigned on six counts charge including dangerous driving and driving without road documents. 

The prosecutor, Inspector Jacob Akintunde informed the court that, “on 17 July 2021 around 6:45 PM along Ilesha/Ife expressway, Osu in Osun State, Adedeji drove Yotang Luxurious bus with registration number Lagos KRD 28 XZ in a dangerous manner which caused the death of six passengers in a Toyota Hiace with registration number Niger MNA 214 XY of Royal Top Transport Company and also damaged the vehicle valued N29 million. 

He added that Adedeji drove on the highway without an insurance certificate and expired roadworthiness. 

The offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under section 139, 142 and 548 of RTA laws of Nigeria 2015.” 

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge as his counsel, Mr V. C Dadi urged the court to admit the defendant to bail in the most liberal term. 

The prosecutor opposed the bail noting that six passengers were killed and property worth millions was damaged. 

The presiding magistrate, Mrs Modupe Awodele granted the bail to the defendant in the sum of N5million with two sureties. 

She adjourned the matter to September 9, 2021, for mention. 

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Osogbo Court Arraigns APC Chieftains

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The Secretary of the All Progressives Congress(APC) caretaker Committee, Osun State, Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile, ex-APC chair, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, two former commissioners, two former cabinet members under the administration of Mr. Rauf Aregbesola have been  arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court. 

Ex-commissioner for Works and Transports, Engr. Kazeem Salami, ex-Commissioner for Youth,  Sports and Special Needs, Biyi Odunlade, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation, Mr Gbenga Akano and two other APC members,  Alaba Popoola and Azeez Adekunle were arraigned on three counts of felony, conspiracy and assault. 

The police prosecutor, Mr John Idoko, told the court that the defendants and others now at large on August 14th, 2021 at about 1:30 PM in Ogo-Oluwa area conspired among themselves to unlawfully assault one Hamzat Lukman Babatunde by hitting him with stones on his head, which caused him harm. 

He added that the defendants also assaulted one Ajetumobi Muideen ‘m’ by hitting him with parts of broken plastic chairs on his head, which caused him harm.” 

Police Inspector Idoko said the offences committed were contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 355 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. Il laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

Meanwhile, they all pleaded not guilty to the offences the police pressed against them. 

The defence counsel, Mr Muftau Adediran and Abdulfatai Abdulsalam prayed the court to grant bail to all the defendants in the most liberal terms. 

Presiding magistrate, Dr Olusegun Ayilara admitted Salinsile, Adebiyi, Salami, Odunlade and Akano to bail in the sum of N5millon and self-recognition while Popoola and Adekunle were granted bail with a sum of N5million and one surety who must be a civil servant in the state. 

Dr Ayilara adorned the case until September 24, 2021, for mention. 

Recall that while the Appeal Committee of APC Ward Congress was sitting on August 14th, 2021at the APC state secretariat Ogo Oluwa, supporters of Governor Gboyega Oyetola and that of immediate past Governor and Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola clashed, resulting in one person sustaining head injury.

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Ogun JUSUN Begins Indefinite Strike Over Salary Dispute

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The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Ogun State Branch, have embarked on an indefinite strike over short payment of salaries by the state government.

The Ogun State JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Edun Tajudeen, while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, said the strike was in compliance with the National Secretariat’s directive to begin the strike on the eleventh day of August.

Comrade Tajudeen noted that series of meetings had been held with representatives of the state government which ended in a deadlock before the decision to embark on industrial action. 

The JUSUN chairman, however, appealed to the state government to look into the requests of the workers and do the needful.

A visit to the state Magistrate and High Courts at Isabo and the new Judiciary Complex along Abeokuta-Sagamu road revealed that the courts were under lock and key, while the union leaders were on hand at the entrances disallowing people from gaining entrance into the court premises.

Wale Oluokun

Judiciary

Ogun Chief Judge Inaugurates Election Petition Tribunals For Local Government

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The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has inaugurated Election Petition Tribunals for the recently concluded Local Government election in the State.

Inaugurating the Election Petition Tribunal at the State High Court complex, Kobape, Abeokuta, Justice Dipeolu explained that the step was to allow opposition parties seek redress over the outcome of the election.

The Ogun state chief judge who implored members of the panels against delay, also encouraged them to discharge their duties in line with the provisions of the law.

The first panel is headed by Mr Akintunde Olurotimi Oyeyinka as the chairman, with Chief Lukman Abiodun Abdullahi and Mrs Olayinka Kukoyi as members.

In the second panel, Otunba Rotimi Onafadeji was appointed as Chairman while Mr Rabiu Olarenwaju Ibrahim and Mrs Adedoyin Adijat Alaba would serve as members.

The opposition parties had expressed worry that the state judiciary failed to set up tribunal more than one week after results of polls were announced.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, had swept all the 20 chairmanship and 236 councillors seats in the council polls held on July 24.

Olusegun Folarin

Judiciary

Osun Animal Grazing Bill Scales First Reading

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Osun State Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranches Establishment Bill 2021 has passed through the first reading on the floor of the Osun House of Assembly.

The Bill sent from the state Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, seek to regulate and prohibit criminal activities of herdsmen.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye while reading the letter accompanying the bill titled “Osun Animal Gracing Regulation and Cattle Ranches Establishment Bill 2021” explained that the bill seeks to curb clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state, especially in the rural areas.

The Bill according to the Governor is to regulate activities of herdsmen in the state and curb criminality, including rape, carried out by some of them.

The Bill is classified under “Matter of Urgent Public Importance” as the Governor is requesting that it is given accelerated passage.

The House later dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to treat a pending bill “Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill 2020”.

Funmi Adekoya

Judiciary

Oyo Speaker Dissolves 36 Committee Of The 9TH Assembly

By Web News 582

Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, has announced the dissolution of all 36 standing Committee of the 9th Assembly. 

The dissolution which was announced on the floor of the House during its short plenary, is with immediate effect. 

In an interview after the sitting, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin said the dissolution of the standing committees was to restructure legislative activities for better performance. 

Mr Ogundoyin said the dissolution was in line with parliamentary processes, rules and regulations.

The speaker said all ADHOC committees would henceforth complete legislative processes on outstanding bills before the house. 

Though this is the first time the 9th assembly will dissolve all standing committees, our correspondent recalled that the house had last year did a minor rejig, affecting standing committees on works and finance. 

Mosope Kehinde

Judiciary

Group Urges Makinde To Compensate Families Of Lawyers Denied Judges Positions

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Political Awareness Group has called on Oyo State Government to immortalize three Muslim lawyers who were claimed to have been selected as judges of high court but died while awaiting approval.
Vice-Chairman of the Association,  Dr Moruf Yusuf made the call in Ibadan at a news conference . 
He said apart from immortalizing the deserving lawyers who were denied the prestigious promotion from the bar to the bench, their families should also be adequately compensated by Oyo State Government.
“It is painful indeed that the three Judges-denied had eventually, consequentially and miraculously given up the ghost. Now that they have all passed on, it will be of utmost important to  immortalise them and compensate their families.”
Dr Yusuf  said out of the 36 applicants each of the three lawyers emerged first from State Judiciary, Ministry of Justice and  Nigeria Bar Association after rigorous examinations and wondered why their confirmation from National Judicial Council, was stopped by the state government .
He also enjoined the State Government without any delay to install the new Eleruwa of Eruwa whom the Supreme Court  has declared as the authentic monarch.


Dr Yusuf appealed to Governor  Makinde to exhibit fairness to all irrespective of religious affiliations.

“PAG calls for equitable appointment of commissioners, government functionaries and fairness in employment opportunities.”
He enjoined socio-cultural organisations to avoid making derogatory comments about a religion in order to prevent  heating up the polity.

Ridwan Fasasi

Judiciary

Ogun Police Nab Two Robbery Suspects

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Operatives of Ogun state Police Command have apprehended two armed robbery suspects while carrying out robbery operation in Agbara area of Ado-Odo ota local government of Ogun state. 

The Command’s Spokesman, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi said in a statement in Abeokuta that the suspects, Olanrewaju Sikiru  and Olayemi Obisesan were arrested while terrorizing the residents of Area 8, OPIC estate Agbara.

Mr. Oyeyemi said two among the robbery suspects were arrested with gunshot injuries while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

The Command’s Spokesman said the arrested suspects told policemen that they came from Lalupon area of Ibadan in Oyo state to join others in Agbara for the robbery operation. 

Mr. Oyeyemi listed items recovered from the suspects to include two double barrel locally made pistols, twelve live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two  laptops, eighteen different phones, cash sum of fourteen thousand, five hundred and ninety naira and one  motorcycle with registration number DGB 411 VY.

The commissioner of police, Mr  Edward  Ajogun, who commended the quick response of his men to distress call ordered a massive manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang. 

Olusegun Folarin

Judiciary

Court Adjourns Trial Of Kanu Till October 21

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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the trial on Monday at the resumption of proceedings at the court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The trial suffered a setback after the Department of State Services (DSS) failed to produce Kanu in court.

Justice Nyako faulted the action of the security outfit, noting that she had stayed back in her chambers waiting for the defendant to be in court.

She asked the prosecution to be diligent with dates whenever she gives one, stressing that it was important for Kanu to be present at his trial.

In his response, the prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar, informed the judge that the defendant was not in court due to logistics reasons.

Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on his part, decried that the DSS has denied them access to the defendant for the past eight days.

As a result, he urged Justice Nyako to grant the request of his client seeking to be transferred from the DSS custody to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

Ejiofor also asked the judge to grant Kanu access to his medical doctor for the purpose of carrying out a comprehensive independent medical examination on him.

According to him, the defendant cannot get a fair trial if he remains in the custody of the DSS.

After listening to both counsels, Justice Nyako said she would give an order for access to the defendant,

She, however, stated that such access would not be free for all, noting that it must be regimented.

The judge also declined the proposal of the defence counsel that Kanu should be transferred to a correctional centre, ordering that he should remain in the custody of the DSS.

She, thereafter, adjourned the trial of the defendant to October 21.

Ridwan Fasasi

Judiciary

Ex-banker, Wife, Mother–In-Law Jailed Over Fraud

By Web News 633

A former bank cashier, Ebenezer Adeolu Alonge alongside his wife, Isakunle Olamide Oyinlola and his mother-in- law, Isakunle Eunice Moradeke were on Friday, July 23, 2021 convicted and sentenced to Sixty (60) years imprisonment by Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye of Ekiti State  High Court, Ado Ekiti on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and stealing contrary to section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Laws Cap 16 Laws of Ekiti State,2012  brought against them by the Ibadan Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.


Justice Ogunmoye, in his judgement, ruled that the prosecution team led by  Abdulrasheed Lanre suleiman proved their case beyond reasonable doubt and that the convicts had failed to extricate themselves  from the self-evidenced proofs before the court.


EFCC, in the course of trial, called two witnesses and tendered several exhibits to prove their case. 
The convicts were found guilty on all twelve count charges and sentenced to five years on each count. The cumulative sixty years prison terms will, however, run concurrently.


The journey to the dock started when the illicit activities of Ebenezer got exposed through a petition to the EFCC from one of the new generation banks alleging that one of her staff by name Ebenezer Adeolu Alonge was involved in fraudulent activities.
 
It was alleged that sometime in February 2018 the bank received a complaint concerning the financial impropriety of the sum of N62, 400.00 in respect of a customer’s account.
 
According to the petitioner, on February 15, 2017 a customer lodged the said sum into her account but the transaction could not be traced in the customer’s account even after the customer presented a copy of the slip signed by Alonge.
 
In the course of investigation, the said transaction was allegedly traced to Ebenezer Alonge’s wife’s account. Further investigation however, revealed that there was a turnover of over N21, 000,000.00 (Twenty One Million Naira) as deposit from other customers in his wife’s account.

Also, it was alleged that other sums were traced to his mother-in-law’s account, who was also a beneficiary of the fraudulent act.


The court also ordered Alonge to forfeit his house, which shall be sold and the proceeds used to restitute the bank.


Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
23 July, 2021
 
 

Judiciary

Osun State Judicial Fund Management Bill Scales Through Second Reading Before House

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Osun State Judicial Fund Management Bill has scaled through the second reading on the floor of the Osun House of Assembly.

This follows the motion moved by member representing Egbedore State Constituency, Mr. Babatunde Ibirogba and seconded by Iwo, Mr. Usamotu Adebayo

Reading the Policy Trust of the Bill, Mr. Ibirogba said the Bill on for the  would make the Judiciary Financially Autonomous and check interference of judgements

In their contributions, some of the Lawmakers including member representing Ila state Constituency, Mr. Jaiyeola Adebisi called for the speedy passage of the Bill

saying the Bill when passed would ensure speedy dispense of judgements.

In his remark, the Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye said Financial Autonomy would ensure separation of power among the three arms of government and make the Judiciary and Legislative independent.

Mr. Owoeye who pointed out that both Legislative and Judiciary depends on Executive arm for fund said financial autonomy would enhance the activities of the two arms of government.

The House later dissolve to Committee of the Whole for further considerations of clauses in the Bill.

Funmi Adekoya

Judiciary

Police Brutality: Justice Adeniji Expresses Appreciation As Oyo Judicial Panel Ends Sitting

By Web News 686

The Oyo State Judicial Panel on Police Brutality has ended its sitting in Ibadan

Addressing newsmen at the venue of the sitting, House of Chief Secretariat Ibadan, Chairman of the Panel, Retired Justice Badejoko Adeniji who said the panel was inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde on November 10th 2020, explained that the first public sitting of the panel was on 26th January, 2021 with the panel receiving one hundred and sixty-three petitions.

Justice Adeniji said the panel successfully concluded the entire petitions table before it.

Justice Adeniji expressed her gratitude to the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the opportunity serve the state, while also appreciating efforts of members of the panel, as well as newsmen.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

Judiciary

Judicial Panel: Petitioner Demands ₦10 million Compensation

By Web News 1650

A petitioner, Mrs Fatia Oseni has pleaded before the judicial panel of inquiry sitting in Ibadan to be given the sum of ₦10 million to recover the losses and damage caused by officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS during her arrest on June 28, 2018.

Mrs Oseni made the plea before the Justice Badejoko Adeniji Oyo State judicial panel of inquiry.

Mrs Fatia Oseni

Mrs Fatiat  Oseni stated that she was about leaving her house for work when some people approached her and started beating her. 

The petitioner further explained that she did not know those assaulting her were police officers until she asked them why they were beating her and was told she would get to know when she got to the station.

She said the police officers asked her for the owners of the cars that were parked outside her house, and she told them that it belonged to a mechanic repairing vehicles beside her house.

The petitioner further explained that the Police officers said she was lying, accused her of selling cars to thieves and started beating her mercilessly.

Mrs Oseni said she was taken to Ikeja Lagos, where she spent 6 days before a Police officer informed her that she was at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja. 

The counsel to the petitioner, Olayinka Olusanya asked to know the number of days she spent in detention.                          

The petitioner said she spent 2 weeks in detention, and was seriously beaten and assaulted. 

The petitioner added that she was not allowed to call any member of her family, but thanks to one of the officers who offered her his phone to do so.

The counsel to the petitioner, Olayinka Olusanya asked the petitioner the major injury she suffered as a result of her arrest.          

The petitioner, Mrs Oseni replied that since the incident, she had a weak knee which had affected her ability to walk properly.

The officer in charge of legal panel,  Mrs Olufolakemi Ogundele asked the petitioner what she knew about the vehicles parked at house.

 Mrs Oseni responded that she did not know anything about the vehicle.

Consequently, the panel assured the petitioner that her case would be presented to Oyo State government for compensation.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

Judiciary

Heavy Security As Masquerade’s Custodian Appears In Court

By Web News 792

There was heavy security presence at the entrance of Osun State High Court, Osogbo earlier today as the masquerade’s custodian, Fashola Esuleke, Chief Imam, Kazeem Yunus and others are arraigned over attack on Kamarudeen Mosque where a cleric was shot dead and 14 worshipers sustained injury.

At the popular Oke-Fia roundabout which leads to the court, a patrol vehicle and policemen numbering about five were stationed at the point. 

Similarly, at the gate of the court adjacent the Osun State Government House, there was a heavy security presence of armed policemen numbering about 30 with about 10 patrol vehicles. 

Many sympathisers consisting of the Muslims and traditional worshippers were in the court premises. 

The courtroom was filled to its capacity and those who had no access hanged by the windows and car park. 

Details shortly…

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Ogun Police Brutality Panel Recommends 219M Naira Compensation For Victims

By Web News 632

The Judicial Panel of Investigation into Brutality and Human Rights violation by the Police and other Security Agencies in Ogun State wants the Ogun State Government to pay about 219 million naira to forty-two persons or families of persons affected by brutality across the state.

Chairman of the panel, Retired Justice Solomon Olugbemi gave the recommendation at the Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, when the panel submitted its reports to the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. 

He explained that the total sum of two hundred and eighteen million, eight hundred and forty eight thousand, five hundred naira was estimated by the committee to cover the number of people who submitted petitions that were treated by the committee. 

Retired Justice Olugbemi who urged the state government to study the report and implement the recommendations equally called for prompt investigation and discipline of officers found guilty of brutalising the people. 

The panel chairman stressed the need for the present administration in the state to put in place a mechanism that would address human rights violations among security agencies in the state.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said his administration would ensure that the report was implemented towards promoting a peaceful society that would engender a more robust relationship between the people and security agencies. 

Governor Abiodun also said that a copy of the report of the panel would be forwarded to the Police High Command and the Federal Government towards enhancing professionalism among the men and officers of the Nigeria Police. Bolanle Adesida

Environment Judiciary News

Ogun Assembly Passes Anti-Open Grazing Bill

By Web News 584

In its bid to address incessant clashes between herders and famers in Ogun State, which often lead to loss of lives and property, the State House of Assembly has passed the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law, 2020 into law.
Part of a section of the bill prescribed a jail term of not less than three years without the option of fine including the forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his/her control to the State Government.

The Sponsor of the bill, Mr Ganiyu Oyedeji,member representing ifo 2 state constituency read the report of his committee during plenary in Abeokuta.

Mr Oyedeji moved the motion for the adoption of the report, seconded by Mr Sola Adams  and supported by the whole House. 
The Clerk of the House, Mr Deji Adeyemo thereafter,  read the bill for the third time. 

The Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo  ordered that the clean copy of the bill be forwarded to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his assent. 

Also during plenary,  the Speaker, announced Mrs Funmilayo Adeyemi as the substantive Deputy Clerk of the House.

oluwatoyin Adegoke

Judiciary

IPOB Leader Arrest: Court Fixes July 26 For Resumption Of Trial

By Web News 509

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, remanded the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

Trial Justice Binta Nyako gave the remand based on an application that was brought the Federal Government.

Justice Nyako ordered that Kanu, who was arrested outside the country by the Interpol and brought back to the country on Sunday, should remain in custody till July 26 when his trial will resume.

The court proceeding took place barely 15 minutes after the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami(SAN), disclosed to journalists that Kanu had been arrested.

Malami, who addressed the press in company of the Inspector-General of Police and spokesman of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunnaya, kept silence on where Kanu was arrested.

He, however, disclosed that Kanu would be tried on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and management of an unlawful society.

He alleged that it was his inciting broadcasts that led to loss of lives and destruction of properties in the South-East region of the country.

Meanwhile, the IPOB leader was brought to court on Tuesday by heavily armed security operatives from both the DSS and the Nigerian Police Force.

Recalled that the trial court had, on March 28, 2019, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the IPOB leader after it revoked the bail that was earlier granted to him.

Placing reliance on Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, the court equally okayed Kanu’s trial in absentia.

Kanu, whose whereabouts was unknown since September 2017, was hitherto answering to a five-count charge FG entered against him and three other pro-Biafra agitators— Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

Shortly after he was declared “missing”, trial Justice Nyako, on February 20, 2018, okayed separate trial for the other three defendants.

The IPOB leader, who has dual citizenship, was before his arrest on Sunday, reportedly sighted at various locations outside the country, including Jerusalem and the United Kingdom.

Vanguard

Judiciary

BREAKING: FG Arrests IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu

By Web News 638

The Federal Government has arrested the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami(SAN), who made the disclosure to journalists on Tuesday, revealed that Kanu was arrested and brought back to Nigeria on Sunday.

He said the arrest followed a collaborative effort between security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol.

Meanwhile, Kanu has been taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of his trial on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and management of an unlawful society.

Vanguard