Judiciary

Oyo Court Charges DPO for Human Rights Violation

By Web News 595

Justice Rachael Boyede Akintola of Court 4, Oyo State High Court, has awarded a sum of N150,000 as damages and costs against a former Divisional Police Officer, Iyaganku, Ibadan, CSP Alex Gwazah, for violation of rights of a fashion designer, Lukman Adeniyi.

Justice Akintola, who delivered the judgement on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, ruled that the act of the former DPO, who is the first respondent, was unlawful in respect of the things he did to the applicant.

The court awarded N50,000 as damages against Gwazah, while N100,000 was awarded in favour of the applicant.

But no award was brought against the second respondent, who is the state Commissioner of Police.

Counsel to the applicant, Barrister Mohammed Jubril, had filed a motion on notice, in which Adeniyi applied for an order for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights to personal liberty and dignity.

The applicant sought for an order to protect him against torture and inhuman treatment, as enshrined under Sections 34(1)(a) and 35(1) and (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The motion on notice also sought, among others, a declaration “that the arrest, interrogation, assault, torture and detention of the applicant by the first respondent on the 1st day of November, 2020, based on a baseless and false allegation that applicant destroyed the clothes he gave him for sewing, is illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of the applicant’s rights to his dignity and personal liberty, as guaranteed under Sections 34(1)(a) and 35(2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and Articles 5 and 6 of the Africa Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement Act) Cap A9 LFN, 2004.”

In an affidavit, Adeniyi swore to an oath on how he was contacted by the DPO to sew clothes for him, but ended up being physically assaulted, detained in the cell and arraigned in court over accusation that he (Adeniyi) damaged his clothes.

He added that the charge was eventually struck off by a magistrate sitting over Court 8, at Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, Mrs Olajumoke Akande, for want of diligent prosecution.

This, the applicant said, was because the first respondent did not attend court proceedings the two times the matter came up for hearing.

The first respondent also pointed out in the affidavit that Gwazah failed to pay him his professional fee of N60,000, which he legitimately earned through mutual agreement, despite several demands.

He said further in the affidavit that he was brutalised and made to suffer humiliation, which signified an abuse of office by the first respondent.

He stated that since the matter was struck off the Magistrate Court’s list, he had been receiving threats from the first respondent on his re-arrest and being dealt with, unless he dropped his demand for payment of professional fee.

This, Adeniyi said, had made him to abandon his work place at Oke Bola area of the city.

He added that the second respondent had refused to take any step on the matter, despite his writing a letter of complaint through his lawyer.

But Justice Akintola did not grant any award of damages against the second respondent, as she ruled that the second respondent could not be vicariously liable to act on the first respondent, because all he did were of his own volition.

It will be recalled that the former DPO arraigned Adeniyi in court on November 3, 2020, accusing him of malicious damage of his clothes worth N181,000, which he gave Adeniyi to sew in September.

Gwazah claimed that though Adeniyi delivered the sewn 12 pieces of clothes to him, they were made by his apprentice, which was against their agreement.

But the fashion designer said that the DPO slapped him the day he went to deliver the 12 sewn materials to him, on the allegation that the clothes were not well sewn.

The fashion designer further stated that DPO, after slapping him, still collected all the 12 materials without paying him any money from the N60,000 agreed on.

On Saturday, November 1, Adeniyi said that the DPO told him to come for the money he was to be paid, only for him to be detained on Gwazah’s orders after another hard slap, which made him shed tears on how he was being treated.

He was released on bail on Monday, November 2, before he was charged to court the following day.

It was learnt that Gwazah was redeployed from Iyaganku Division to Quick Intervention Unit as the head, after the initial detention and arraignment of the fashion designer and the furore it raised.

Abisola Oluremi

Judiciary

Illegal Mining: Ondo Court Remands 15 Suspects

By Web News 555

An Ondo State Chief Magistrate court sitting in Akure has remanded at the Nigeria correctional service facility, Olokuta Akure 15 illegal gold miners pending a legal advice from the director of public prosecution in the state ministry of justice.

Magistrate Damilola Shekoni gave the ruling after the defendants were docked on a three count charge including illegal mining contrary to relevant laws of the land. 

Our correspondent reports that that the court also remanded three defendants arrested by Amotekun for illegal possession of firearms and cattle rearing in government reserve without permission.

The 15 defendants were arrested in Owo in the first week of February 2021 by operatives of the Ondo state security network, operation Amotekun during a sting operation.

Upon completion of investigation, the agency dragged the 15 defendants before magistrate Damilola Shekoni on a three count charge.

The charge include trespass on government reserves,  Illegal mining punishable under section 517 of the criminal laws of Ondo state and 134 of the minerals and mining act of 2007. 

The prosecuting counsel, Olusegun Akeredolu said the court has no jurisdiction to hear a case of illegal mining and prayed for the remand of the defendants pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution.

Counsel to the defendants, Yemi Salau who agreed with the prosecution on the lack of jurisdiction by the court however sought their bail citing section of 269 of the administration of criminal justice law in Ondo State.

Magistrate Shekoni after listening to arguments by counsel, especially on the jurisdiction of the court invoked 272 of the administration of criminal justice law and remanded the defendants in Owo and Ondo facilities of the Nigeria correctional services.

He directed the prosecution to forward the case file of the defendants to the office of Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and adjourned the case till March 26th 2021.

He also said the Covid-19 test should be conducted on the defendants before their transfer to the correctional facility.

Counsel to the defendants, Yemi Salau and The State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji adeleye expressed satisfaction with the proceedings.

Meanwhile, the court also remanded at the correctional facility, three defendants after they were docked by Amotekun on a three count charge including illegal firearms possession, and trespass in government forest reserves.

Their case was also adjourned to March 26 for further hearing.

Leke Adegbite

Judiciary

Vandalized,Stolen Vehicles: Oyo Judicial Panel Of Inquiry Requests Proof Of Ownership

By Web News 876

Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality has ordered all the owners of the motorcycles and vehicles destroyed or carted away from the offices of State Vehicles Inspection Service during the last year’s #EndSARS protest to appear before the panel with original documents of their vehicles to prove the ownership.

Chairman of the panel,  Emeritus Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Badejoko Adeniji gave the order when Management of the Oyo State Vehicles Inspection Service appear before it to defend a petition written to appeal to the state government for help.

At the sitting, owners of the five of the twenty five motorcycles carted away at Monatan office of the service appeared before the panel, with some documents.

However the petition took a new dimension when one of the owners,  Muideen Musiliyu whose motorcycle was yet to be registered told the panel that the officer who seized his motorcycle did not give him fine ticked to prove that his motorcycle was seized.

This prompted the panel to ask the officers of VIO to explain how they got the list they compiled which they explained.

The members of the also asked why owners of the motorcycles form other stations were not at the panel.

Responding to this, Officers in Charge of Idi Ayunre, Mr. Isaiah Aremu told the court panel that some hoodlums trooped in to their office and forcefully took away the motorcycles saying nobody has ever come to ask for anything in their office.

When asked what prompted the petition, Mr.  Aremu said they did that to inform the government the development.

Reacting, the Chairman of the panel, retired Justice Badejoko Adeniji said there was need for the owners of the stolen motorcycles to prove that their property were truly seized.

She said the panel would recommend compensation for only those who could be able to convince them that their property were among those motorcycles carted away.

The petition was adjourned till March 17 for hearing.

Radio Nigeria had earlier reported that 72 motorcycle were carted away from three offices of the VIO in Oyo State during #EndSARS protest.

25 motorcycles vehicles were carted away at Monatan, forty six were carted away at Iseyin while one motorcycle and two tricycles were carted away at Idi Ayunre office of the service by EndSARS protesters.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Alleged 69.4bn Debt: Court Vacates Order Against Jimoh Ibrahim’s Assets

By Web News 500

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, set aside the interim order through which the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria seized property belonging to a businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, for an alleged N69.4 billion debt.

Justice Okon Abang, in a ruling, also vacated all consequential orders earlier made by the court on Jan. 4 but differently constituted by Justice Rilwan Aikawa of a Federal High Court, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a Federal High Court, Lagos, had on, February 17, declined to vacate an interim order through which AMCON seized property belonging to Ibrahim.

Ibrahim, NICON Investment Ltd and Global Fleet Oil and Gas Ltd, had prayed the court to set aside the order for “non-disclosure and misrepresentation of material facts.”

They further prayed the court to order AMCON to pay N50 billion indemnity for alleged failure to conduct due diligence before obtaining the said order and for misrepresentation and concealment of fact.

But Aikawa, in a nearly two-hour ruling, upheld the argument of AMCON’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, which insisted that AMCON made “full and substantial disclosure of all material facts” at the time of obtaining the orders on Nov. 4, 2020.

Punch

Judiciary

Okorochas Aide, Others Regain Freedom

By Web News 634

A magistrate court sitting in Owerri, has granted bail to a Senior legislative aide to a former governor of Imo state and member representing Imo west senatorial district in the National Assembly, Chief Rochas Okorocha, Mr. Steve Asimobi and thirteen others over their alleged forceful entry into a property sealed by the state government.

The suspects one of whom is the ADC to Senator Okorocha Mr. Eberendu Chimejifulam were arraigned on a six count charge of unlawful possession of firearms, destruction of official seal of Imo state government, disturbance of public peace, defamation of the character of Governor Hope Uzodimma through social media publication among others.

The defendants were arrested by the police on Sunday alongside Senator Okorocha who was released hours later after interrogation at the police headquarters in Owerri.

The Magistrate Mrs. B.U Adikibe while ruling on a bail application brought by counsel to the defendants granted the accused five million naira bail each with surety of traditional ruler.

The court has adjourned hearing till the 18th of next month.

Efforts to speak with the prosecution and defense counsels yielded no result as they declined comment.

Chief Rochas Okorocha alongside his aides forceful gained entry into his property located in Owerri which was sealed by the state government but was resisted by agents of government, a situation that degenerated and led to the destruction of vehicles belonging to Senator Okorocha and his subsequent arrest by the police.

 Chinazo Ilechukwu

Judiciary

#EndSARS Victim Appears Before Police Brutality Panel

By Web News 651

A victim of #EndSARS protest, Chief Tunde Mustapha, has appealed to Oyo state government to come to his aid by renovating his damaged building which was vandalized by unknown hoodlums during the protests in Iseyin.                  

Chief Mustapha made the appeal while appearing before the Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and Other Related Matters to defend his petition.

The 86-year-old man said his house situated at No. 2, Omoloju Area, Iseyin, Oyo State was vandalized by unknown hoodlums who besieged his one-storey building occupied by staff members of Bank of Agriculture and Nigeria Immigration Service.

He said the hoodlums broke the house with harmful weapons and carried away properties belonging to the occupants.        

The petitioner presented a compact disk containing the video of what transpired on the ill-fated day, which was done by his son, Kamil Mustapha, alongside photographs of the vandalized building to the panel.

Chief Mustapha’s estate valuer, Seyi Adebayo, put the cost of the damaged properties at three million, thirty six thousand, two hundred and fifty naira.

The panel, discovering irregularities in the valuer’s report therefore adjourned the hearing to 10th March, 2021 for necessary amendment in the report and further hearing.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Drama As Oyo Panel Of Inquiry Continues

By Web News 629

The Tuesday’s sitting of the Oyo State Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality almost turned confrontational when a petitioner Ojo Bamidele and the representative of the Nigeria Police engaged in hot arguments on the jurisdiction of the petition.

The Petitioner, who is a former Member of Oyo State House Assembly, representing Ibadan Southwest one state Constituency Honourable Ojo Samson Bamidele had approached the panel to recover his car which he said the Police helped recover from armed robbers.

He explained the he was attacked by armed robbers who shot him and snatched the car in Ibadan in the year 2012, but with the intervention of the Nigeria Police, Iyana Offa, the car was recovered and the suspects were arraigned in Court.

The argument started when the Officer in Charge of Legal Department of Police Oyo State Command, Funke Fawole told the Panel that she could not respond to the petition because the car was in Lagos State.

At a stage the two parties almost resorted to the use of strong words to drive home their points. 

The tension was however doused by the Chairman of the Panel, Emeritus Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Badejoko Adeniji who appealed to the parties to be calm. 

Later the O/C Legal who did not deny or confirm the recovery of the car from the robbers suggested that the panel summon the officers in Lagos and also advised that the Legal officer of the Panel put a call through to the phone numbers provided in the petition form. 

Responding, the Panel agreed to invite the officers involved in the case to appear before it on round table and urged Mrs Fawole to also be at the meeting.

The petition was adjourned to March 2, 2021 and the parties later apologized to each other.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Ex-Oyo Deputy Chief Registrar Completes Hat-Trick Conviction

By Web News 833

For the second time in eleven months, An Oyo State High Court has again sentenced the former Deputy Chief Registrar of the state High Court Mutiat Omobola Adio to another three years in prison.

Mutiat Adio who is currently serving a five year prison sentence having convicted last year March for Fraud pleading guilty to a fresh charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretense and issuance of Dishonored Cheque which is contrary to Sections 419 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000 and Section 1 (1) (b) of the Dishonored Cheque (Offences) Act, Cap. D11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The Ex Chiffon Registrar was first convicted to seven years in prison in 2018 when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, started with her. 

Adio is alleged to have obtained a 2000 Model Toyota Pathfinder SUV valued at ₦1, 500,000 (One Million and Five Hundred Thousand Naira) from one Fabunmi Olatunji Samuel of Fatai Olanrewaju Motors by pretending to him that it would be paid once the cheque she issued him in the said value is presented to her bank.

The victim released the said vehicle to her but the cheque was dishonored within three months of issuance for in sufficient funds in the account.

Upon arraignment on January 30th, 2018, the defendant had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges but later changed her plea to ‘guilty’, after a plea bargain agreement leading to the amendment of the charge.

Justice Owolabi thereafter pronounced defendant guilty of the offence and sentenced her to three years in prison.

The Court also ordered her to restitute to her victim one Fabunmi Olatunji Samuel of Fatai Olanrewaju Motors the sum Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in addition to the sum of One Million Naira she had previously paid in restitution of the victim.

With the latest development, Adio completes a hat-trick of convictions having previously been jailed twice for fraud On May 18th, 2018, she was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for obtaining ₦9.2 million from one Abiodun Olonade, a Nigerian resident in Ireland, by false pretence. 

Also, on March 6th, 2020 she was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for stealing a sum of Twenty-Two Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirteen Naira), from Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

EndSARS: Judicial Panel Visits Petitioner Property

By Web News 645

A victim of EndSARS protest, Mr Femi Olabamiji has petitioned the Oyo State Government for the damages of his property destroyed during the protest last year. 

Defending his petition before the members of Oyo State Judicial Panel on Police Brutality, Mr Olabamiji, who is a proprietor of a private primary school at Yemetu area, Ibadan said property worth seventy five thousand naira were destroyed during the protest.

He told the panel that during protest some unknown hoodlums stormed his school at Yemutu area, Adeoyo Road, Ibadan burnt some chairs and tables, a part of the school building and also carted away some textbooks.

While prosecuting the petition, members of the panel asked about the standard of the school which he could not satisfactorily answered.

This however forced the members of the panel to visit the school on the spot assessment. 

Chairman of the panel Justice Badejoko Adeniji said the panel was in the school to assess the level of damage done to the school during the protest.

The panel will continue its sitting next week Tuesday.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Osun Court Denies Bail to Attempted Murder Suspects

By Web News 632

A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun state has ordered the remand of Adenle Mujeem and Olagunju Kamilu in Ilesa correctional centre, for attempt to kill a septuagenarian, Mrs Suleiman Fatimah.

According to the charge sheet, they committed the offense on 2nd day of February 2021, at 12 :00pm at Isosu area of Ede in Osun state, in contravention of section 516,509 of criminal code cap34 vol 11 law of Osun state 2002.

Meanwhile the defendant pleaded not guilty to the court charges levelled against them by the police.

The prosecutor inspector Akintade Jacob told the court that the woman the defendants attempted to kill and steal her property, was there neighbour.

Counsel to the defendant, Sunday Abolade Ismail urged the court to grant his client bail in most liberal term, promising that they would stand their trials.

The Magistrate, Mr Ishola Omishade however, denied the accused bail and ordered that they should be reminded in Ilesa correctional centre.

He adjourned the case to 17th of this month for hearing.

Akinola Adenitan

Judiciary

Osun Judicial Panel of Inquiry: Parents of Slain youth Demand Justice

By Web News 584

The parents of the late Idris Ajibola who was allegedly chased to death by yet-to-be-identified police officers are seeking justice so as to serve as a deterrent to erring security officers in the country.

The parents of the deceased said this as the Osun Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality, Human Rights Violations and Related Extra Judicial Killings.

Mrs Titilayo Ajibola, mother of the deceased while addressing journalists after she tendered some documents as exhibits through her counsel before the panel, insisted that the Police and other concerned authorities must fish out the killers of her son and pay the family a sum of N5billion as compensation.

Mr. Kehinde and Mrs. Titilayo Ajibola, parents of the deceased, had approached the panel to seek justice for the killing of their son.

Addressing journalists after the hearing of the petition, the counsel to the petitioners, Barrister Kanmi Ajibola, said the parents insisted on the payment of N5billion as compensation in order to teach police an unforgettable lesson, let the officers and men of the Force bear the brunt of their brutality and to serve as a deterrent to other erring officers.

Mr Ajibola said the outcome and recommendation of the panel would determine the next line of action on the case.

The Panel adjourned the Ajibola case to 19th of February for further hearing.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Judiciary

Ogun Judicial Panel Chairman Tasks Police on Compliance with Extant Laws

By Web News 577

Chairman of Ogun State Judicial Panel of Investigation on police brutality, retired Justice Solomon Olugbemi has advised law enforcement officers to always comply with extant laws in the discharge of their duties.

The panel Chairman gave the advice at the Magistrate Court one, Isabo, Abeokuta while presiding over a petition of unlawful detention by the police.

He explained that both the Administrative Criminal Justice Acts of 2015 and the Administration of Criminal Justice and Other Allied Matters law of Ogun State of 2017 have provided that a defendant’s statement should be taken in the presence of his or her lawyer while there must be video recording of the process should there be no lawyer.

Retired Justice Olugbemi decried increasing reports of allegations of police officers obtaining statements from suspects under duress.

One Mr. Gbenga Kehinde had accused the police of unlawful arrest and detention for forty seven days alongside his three friends for allegedly stealing of fishes worth sixty three million naira at a fish farm in Imagbon area of Ijebu-Ode.

Wale Oluokun

Judiciary

Customary Court: Osun Assembly Confirms New President

By Web News 562

Osun State House of Assembly has confirmed Justice Wasiu Oladejo Akanbi as President Customary Court of Appeal.

The Assembly confirmed the Governor’s nominee during the plenary after the motion moved by Majority Leader Mr. Maruf Olanrewaju and seconded by the Deputy Speaker Mr. Olufemi Popoola.

Earlier, the lawmakers had commended the nominee for his uprightness and sacrifices made in the course of his duty.

They advised the nominee to do his best to restore sanity to the judiciary and make it more functional.

In his remark, the Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye noted that the nominee has demonstrated competency, capability, effectiveness and commitment to duties since his years in service.

He urged the nominee not to rest on his oars in improving the state judiciary.

The Speaker urged the state Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola to proceeds with swearing in of Justice Wasiu Oladejo Akanbi as President of Customary Court of Appeal.

In another development, the Speaker frowned at Legislature and Judiciary arms of government for not being up to task on implementation of Executive Order of President on financial autonomy for both Houses of Assembly and the Judiciary.

He said the two arms of government has failed in their primary responsibilities with Section 121 and 123 not effectively implemented.

The speaker said the Judiciary arm had not supported the Legislature in implementing the financial autonomy.

Funmi Adekoya

Judiciary

Oyo Assembly Gets New Clerk

By Web News 1154


Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly has sworn in Mrs. Oludara Yetunde Awe as the new substantive Clerk of the house. 
Mrs. Awe took over from Ms. Felicia Foluke Oyediran, who served as the first female clerk of Oyo House of Assembly and retired after attaining the age of 60.
During the swearing in, Speaker of the House, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin said Mrs Awe’s appointment was in line with a recommendation from Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission, having met the requirement of the law. 
Also during the plenary, the house passed the state sexual and gender based violence response agency and referral bill 2020 into law.
The bill seeks to address the increasing rate of sexual and gender based violence in the state. 

Mosope Kehinde

Judiciary

Abuse: Ogun Judicial Panel Chairman Advises Residents to Utilize Legal Means

By Web News 556

The Chairman of Ogun State Judicial Panel of Investigation on Police brutality, Justice Solomon Olugbemi has advised residents of the state to always use legal means available to seek redress whenever they feel cheated or abused by public officer.

The Chairman gave the advice at the sitting of the panel held at the Magistrate Court One, Isabo, Abeokuta.

Retired Justice Olugbemi while responding to a petitioner, Mr. Odupitan Daniel who brought a complaint against the police for allegedly charging him to Court without proper investigation, stated that the panel was to investigate complaints on Police brutality and not to prevent the police from carrying out their duties.

The chairman assured that the panel would give appropriate recommendations to the state government at the end of its sittings.

Wale Oluokun

Judiciary

Police Brutality Panel: Oyo Police Denies Receiving Hearing Notices

By Web News 600

Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality has ordered the Officer in charge of Legal Department of Nigeria Police in Oyo State, Mrs Funke Fawole to compile all services from the panel and act accordingly.

The order is coming in response to the attitude of the command which has been rejecting services of hearing notices served on them.

The chairman of the panel, Retired Justice Badejoko Adeniji who gave the order at the sitting of the panel said police must respect any means of service from the panel.

Justice Adeniji frowned at refusal of police in Oyo State to cooperate with the panel.

She therefore appealed to the Officer in charge of Legal Department of the Oyo State Police Command to get all the notices dropped at office of the Commissioner of Police though, she also told the panel’s legal officer to issue fresh hearing on the police. 

Earlier, the panel’s Legal Officer, Mrs Folake Ogundele had told the panel that all efforts to serve the office of the Oyo State O/C Legal hearing notice failed as the officers there refused the services hence the need for them to take the notices to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police. 

Appearing before the panel, the Officer in Charge of Legal Department of Police in Oyo State, Mrs Funke Fawole denied receipt of services in many of the petitions called at the sitting and appealed to the panel to adjourn the hearing on the petitions.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

45-Year-Old Jailed Over Cable Theft In Ile-Ife

By Web News 614

An Ile-Ife Magistrate Court in Osun State has sentenced a 45-year-old man, Sanni Moses, to twelve months imprisonment for the theft of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife’s armoured cable pipe worth three hundred and fifty thousand naira.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr A.A. Adebayo convicted the suspect, with a ten thousand naira option of fine after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

In sentencing the defender, the magistrate said he put into consideration the plea made by the defence counsel, Mrs Innocental Akhigbe to the effect that the defendant has an aged mother, wife and children to fend for adding that he is now sober and remorseful.

He also noted that for the fact that the defendant had not wasted the precious time of the court by simply admitting his guilt, he deserved some leniency.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Mr Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that Moses committed the offence on April 15, 2020 around 9:00 pm at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Mr Osanyintuyi said the defendant stole armoured cable pipe valued 350,000 naira, property of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Show Competence, Integrity To Boost Citizens’ Confidence: Fayemi

By Web News 911

Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has stressed the need for a review of the age of legal officers to be appointed as Judges in line with the ongoing reforms in the nations Judiciary sector.

Governor Fayemi spoke in Ado Ekiti at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed judge of the Ekiti State High Court, Justice Adeniyi Familoni.

He noted that young and vibrant Lawyers should be member of the Bench to inject fresh ideas and enhance justice delivery in the sector.

The Governor said that government was working towards ensuring the elevation of judges in the state to the supreme court as requested by the leadership of the judiciary.

Dr. Fayemi who stressed that government had initiated various reforms to ensure effective justice delivery emphasized the need for judges to show competence and integrity to boost citizens’ confidence.

He gave assurance that government would improve welfare of the judiciary officers and urged the new judge to always discharge his constitutional duties without fear or favour.

In a remark, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Wale Fapohunda described the new judge as an experienced and committed lawyer who had contributed to the growth of the legal profession.

Responding the new judge, Justice Adeniyi Familoni promised to be upright and fair in the discharge of his duty.

Born in ijero Ekiti in 1972, Justice Familoni began his career as a Legal Officer in the Ondo State Ministry of Justice in 1996, and later, Ekiti State Ministry of Justice where he held various offices including Director of Law Review, Director of the Citizens’ Rights, Director of Civil Litigations and Director of Public Prosecutions.

Until his elevation Justice Familoni was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ekiti State Civil Service in April, 2019 and posted to Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs.

Tope Bamidele

Judiciary

Osogbo Court jails man for Defrauding foreigner

By Web News 620

Osogbo Court jails man for Defrauding foreigner

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal office, has secured the conviction of one Oteyowo Akinkunmi Samuel over internet-related fraud.

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State pronounced the 32-year-old, who claimed to be a graduate of civil engineering, guilty of a one-count amended charge of criminal impersonation. handed him fourteen months custodial sentence.

He was charged for defrauding one Warren Doht, an American, of a total sum of N19,664,128.50 (Nineteen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Eight Naira, Fifty Kobo).

The convict had, however, approached the Commission for a plea bargain agreement which formed the basis for the amended charge with which he was arraigned and convicted of on Monday.

After pleading guilty to the amended charge, prosecution counsel Murtala Usman urged the court to convict him accordingly.

Apart from the jail term, the court also ordered Oteyowo to restitute the N19,664,128.50 to the victim of his crime.

Sunday Ogunyemi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal office, has secured the conviction of one Oteyowo Akinkunmi Samuel over internet-related fraud.

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State pronounced the 32-year-old, who claimed to be a graduate of civil engineering, guilty of a one-count amended charge of criminal impersonation. handed him fourteen months custodial sentence.

He was charged for defrauding one Warren Doht, an American, of a total sum of N19,664,128.50 (Nineteen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Eight Naira, Fifty Kobo).

The convict had, however, approached the Commission for a plea bargain agreement which formed the basis for the amended charge with which he was arraigned and convicted of on Monday.

After pleading guilty to the amended charge, prosecution counsel Murtala Usman urged the court to convict him accordingly.

Apart from the jail term, the court also ordered Oteyowo to restitute the N19,664,128.50 to the victim of his crime.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Fayemi Appoints New Judge of Ekiti High Court

By Web News 689

Governor Kayode Fayemi has confirmed the appointment of Mr Adeniyi Familoni, Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs as a Judge of the Ekiti state High Court.

This followed the recent reports of the National Judicial Council which screened and recommended mr Familoni for appointment as a judge in Ekiti state.

Mr Familoni began his career as a Legal Officer in the Ondo State Ministry of Justice in 1996, and later, Ekiti State Ministry of Justice where he, at various times, held offices as Director Law Review, Director Citizens Rights, Director Civil Litigations and Director Public Prosecutions.

He was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ekiti State Civil Service in April, 2019 and posted to Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs.

The Governor will formally swear in the new judge on Tuesday 19th January at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado- Ekiti by 10am.

Tope Bamidele.

Judiciary

23-Year-Old Maid Docked Over Theft, Threat To Life Of Employer

By Web News 546

A 23-year-old housemaid, Olayemi Lawrence has been remanded in Ilesha Correctional Center for alleged stealing and attempted kidnap of her boss identified as Chief Eunice Fateye. 

Olayemi was dragged before an Osun State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo on a five-count charge bothering on conspiracy, burglary, stealing, attempted arson and attempted kidnap of her boss. 

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Abiodun Fagboyinbo in the charge brought before the court stated that “Olayemi”, in December 2020 at about 2 AM at Ilasa-Ijesha in Obokun, broke into the house of one Chief Mrs Eunice Abike Fateye of No 5 Orofon Street to steal an Itel P36 mobile phone and one android mobile phone valued 150,000 naira. 

The prosecutor also alleged that the accused stole one ATM card belonging to her principal and used same to withdraw the sum of 305,000 naira from the principal’s bank account and also threatened to set her house ablaze if she refuses to send the sum of 500,000 naira. 

Olayemi was further accused of attempting to kidnap Chief Mrs Eunice Abike Fateye by sending her series of text messages if she fails to send the sum of 500,000 naira.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against her. 

Counsel to the defendant, Mr Nagite Okobe, prayed the court to grant her bail in most liberal term assuring the magistrate that she has reliable sureties and was willing to stand her trial. 

The prosecutor opposed the bail stating that she will jump bail if granted and the life of the complainant will be in danger because the agents of the accused person have been threatening the life of the victim.

The Magistrate, Mr Adebayo Ajala transferred the matter to Ibokun Magistrate Court on the grounds that the alleged offence was committed in that jurisdiction. 

He ordered that she should be remanded in Ilesha Correctional Center till Monday, January 18, 2021. 

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Court Nullifies Sack of Tribune Staff

By Web News 804

National Industrial Court, Ibadan has declared as null and void the sack of a staffer of African Newspaper of Nigeria PLC, Publisher of Nigerian Tribune Titles, Mr Kareem Popoola by the company.

The presiding Judge, Justice J. D. Peters who delivered the judgment on the suit filed by Mr Popoola, former President of Staff Cooperative Society of the company, also described the dismissal as abuse of power by the management.

Justice Peters who noted that the company could not give any reason for dismissing the plaintiff as he was not queried for any gross misconduct on duties before sacking him as claimed by the company.

He noted that the only query given to the complainant was the one issued in 2013 on his activities in the staff Cooperative Society which the Court said was not enough to sack him as the Cooperative Society is not under the control of the management. 

According to the justice, even if there was any foul play in the Cooperative Society, the then president should be queried by the members or Ministry of Trades and Investment, stressing that membership of the cooperative is voluntary.

The court therefore ordered the company to pay the complainant over two million naira as entitlements with interest of ten percent of the money.

The judge as well ordered the company to also pay the plaintiff over four hundred thousand naira which is his basic salary for two years as damages.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Court Orders Establishment Of Directorate Of Medical Laboratory Science In LAUTECH

By Web News 4294

The Presiding Judge, National Industrial Court, Ibadan, Justice J. D Peters has ordered the management of Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, to immediately grant autonomy to Medical Laboratory Scientists in the hospital and separate it from other professionals.

The court’s order sequel to a suit filed by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso Chapter, against the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Commissioner for Health, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Management Board, Chief Medical Director, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital and four others seeking for the establishment of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science in the hospital.

Declaring the judgment, Justice Peters noted that it was not appropriate to put various professional together and expect them to perform optimally.

The judge said members of the Association of Medical Laboratories Scientists were professionals and qualified to operate as directorate without any outside intervention.

He therefore ordered that the service of Laboratory Science should be recognized as Directorate and be separated from other departments in the area of duties and administration.

The court also declared that the claimant should not be victimized for the suit.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Ogun Police Brutality Panel Promises Adequate Investigations

By Web News 555

The Ogun State Judicial Panel of Investigation on Police Brutality, Human Rights violations and Extra-Judicial Killings by Security Operatives has visited some of the scenes mentioned by petitioners and respondents during its sitting.


Chairman of the panel, Justice Solomon Olugbemi who led other members while speaking during the visitation, said the assessment of the facility was for proper investigation to determine the veracity of claims of both petitioners and respondents.


The chairman reiterated the commitment of the panel to holistic fact findings and thorough investigation into all petitions before it, to deliver justice without fear or favor and to make appropriate recommendations to government.


There were allegations against the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, on the manner its officers tortured and victimized some petitioners which led to the site assessment as part of the panel’s efforts to unravel the truth.

Wale Oluokun

Judiciary

Court Dismisses Certificate Forgery Suit against Obaseki

By Web News 592

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed the certificate forgery case the All Progressives Congress, APC, and one of its members, Mr Williams Edobor, instituted against Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

Delivering judgment, the judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, held that the Plaintiffs failed to give credible evidence before the court to establish that Governor Obaseki forged either his O’level Certificate or the Degree Certificate that was awarded to him in 1979 by the University of Ibadan.

Justice Mohammed held that the allegation of forgery the Plaintiffs levelled against Mr Obaseki bordered on crime and therefore required to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

He further held that the discrepancies in the documents Governor Obaseki submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, were explained satisfactorily before the court.

Governor Obaseki contested and won the governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a bid to extend his stay in office by another four years.

After defecting from the APC, he got the PDP’s ticket and went ahead to defeat Ize-Iyamu for the second time to claim the governorship seat in what can be described as a dramatic switch of political parties.

Governor Obaseki had defeated Ize-Iyamu as the APC candidate in the 2016 governorship election while the latter was the PDP candidate.

Four years later, he secured 307,955 of the total votes, 84,336 more votes than Ize-Iyamu who got 223, 619 votes.

Ifeoma Nwovu