Judiciary

Ogun Inaugurates Family Court Assessors

By Web News 701

Ogun State Government has urged the newly inaugurated Seventy Two member family court assessors to carry out their duties with sense of responsibilities based on the confidence reposed on them as their  contributions would help build family values and develop the society.

At the Swearing-in Ceremony in Kobape, Abeokuta, the State Capital, the commissioner for women affairs and social development, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape said the assessors include parents, teachers and community leaders with good character and quality leadership qualities.

Mrs Efuwape added that the assessors would be offering honest and useful advice to presiding magistrates of the family courts for the next two years in the six judicial divisions of the state.

In her address, the Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu charged the assessors to avoid corruption, be discrete in their obligations with utmost regard for the best interest and welfare of children as provided under the state’s child right law.

Modupeola Sobukonla

Judiciary

Amendment on Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners: Lawyers call for deliberation

By Web News 779

Lawyers in Ibadan wants the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr.  Abubarkar Malamute to call the General Bar Council meeting for proper deliberation on recent amendment on Rules of Professional Conduct for legal practitioners in Nigeria.

Reacting to the amendment, the legal practitioners who spoke with Radio Nigeria said the  amended section was not the grouse but legality of the process.

Mr.  Musibau Olapade legal practitioners believed it was wrong for the Minister to single handedly amend the professional conduct without the approval of other members of General Council. 

Former Chairman Nigeria Bar Association Dr. Oluwole Akinlayo said though the removal of practising fees; stamp and seal for legal practitioners had assisted in identifying fake lawyers in the system, the procedure  most follow due process. 

Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association Ibadan  Branch, Mr Olayinka Esan is of the opinion that such amendment would  have negative effect on dignity of legal profession.

Mr. Esan noted that such amendment should be done during a general assembly meeting. 

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Lawyers Boycott Court in Osun over Alleged Judicial Abuse of Power

By Web News 752

Proceedings were disrupted yesterday at a magistrate court sitting in
Ilesa, Osun State as lawyers boycotted and protested alleged abuse of
judicial power by the Magistrate of the court.

Our correspondent Isaac Hasstrup, who monitored the protest at
Magistrate Court 2 Ilesa reports that, those who had cases and other
businesses at the court returned home disappointed as the lawyers
refused to enter the court.

Speaking on the industrial action, the chairman, Ilesa branch of the
Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Mr Femi Fafowora said, members shunned
the court after a deliberation on the alleged stray style of
magistrate of the court.

Mr Fafowora further cited alleged refusal of the affected magistrate
to grant accused persons bail without justification when such bail
applications were not opposed by the prosecution counsel.

The NBA chairman, who also protested purported molestation of the
members of his association during proceedings said, a letter had been
sent to the Chief Registrar, Osun State High Court for the transfer of
the magistrate out of Ijesaland.

The Chief Registrar, Justice Muhammed Lasisi told Radio Nigeria that
he was yet to receive the NBA’s letter.

Justice Lasisi promised to look into the matter and pleaded with the
lawyers to remain calm.

Isaac Haastrup

Judiciary

Ogun Judiciary Unveils New Customary Court Rules

By Web News 2011

Ogun State judiciary has unveiled new customary court rules to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in the state.

The customary court of appeal rules 2020 was unveiled at the Ogun State High Court Conference hall, Isabo in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Speaking at the ceremony, the State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu congratulated the President and other members of the court for the landmark achievement.

The Chief Judge who was represented by Justice Akinyemi also assured the court of continued support in the administration of justice.

She stressed that the state is looking forward to a greater heights for the court in the state.

Justice Akinyemi who was also the guest speaker at the ceremony, noted that the court of appeal rules was a landmark achievement not only for the judiciary but the entire people of Ogun state.

He lauded the achievements of the court, adding that the court has been quite visible within the short period of existence.

Justice Akinyemi said the court of appeal rules are made solely to ensure speedy and efficient dispensation of justice.

The President of the customary court of appeal, Mrs. Mobolaji Ojo disclosed that despite the COVID-19 pandemic the court has delivered twenty one contested judgments and rulings within the first six month of its existence.

Mrs. Ojo said that the customary court of appeal rules was a product of insightful and intense brainstorming sessions by learned members of the bar.

Wale oluokun

Judiciary

Osogbo Magistrate Court Remands Six for Alleged Desecration of Shrine

By Web News 1177

A chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo has ordered the remand of six persons for alleged conspiracy, indecent act and malicious damage of property at the Osun- Osogbo shrine.

The accused persons are Tobiloba Isaac Jolaoso 27, Ladiva Aije 22, Juliet Semion 24, Ahmed Olasunkanmi 23, Adeniran Eritosin 29, and Tunde Jimoh 27.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Idoko John told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on July 25th, 2020 at about half past noon at Osun-Osogbo shrine, Osogbo.

Inspector Idoko alleged that the accused persons acted a drama which connoted indecent acts as Young ladies were half naked and the movie was published for public consumption. 

He further alleged that the accused persons desecrated the Osun-Osogbo traditional and religious ground.

The police prosecutor further told the Court that the accused persons unlawfully damaged window louvers of a police station.

The six accused persons pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

One of the accused told the court that they only went to the shrine for excursion where they took pictures. 

Counsel to the accused persons, Mr Tunbosun Oladipupo applied for bail arguing that the allegations were bailable offences.

In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr Isola Omisade ordered the remand of the six accused persons in Ilesa correctional center.

He thereby adjourned the matter till September 17, 2020 for ruling on the bail application.

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Ekiti House of Assembly Reviews Law for Improved Justice Administration

By Web News 684

Ekiti State House of Assembly has received the reviewed version of the Ekiti State laws for further scrutiny.

The laws which were worked on by the Ministry of Justice was presented to the House by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olawale Fapounda.

Presenting the document, Mr Fapounda explained that the review of the laws which was directed by Governor Kayode Fayemi was to ensure improved administration of justice in the state.

He explained that the laws were updated in line with the modern day reality.

Receiving the document, Speaker of the House, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye said the Assembly would do the needful on the document.

Meanwhile, Members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have taken delivery of new official vehicles to enhance their legislative assignment.

The Chairman House Committee on Media, Mrs Yemisi Ayokunle made this known to newsmen at the Assembly complex in Ado Ekiti 

According to Mrs Ayokunle, the mode of payment will be subsidized by the state government for the lawmakers.

Kayode Babatuyi

Judiciary

Breaking: Supreme court upholds election of Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi state

By Web News 952

Nigeria’s apex court, the supreme court has upheld the 2019 governorship election in kogi state that produced the candidate of the All progressives congress, APC, Yahaya Bello as winner.

In its final ruling this morning, the supreme court dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples democratic party, PDP, and its candidate, Musa Wada, challenging the election of Yahaya Bello as Governor of the state.

Details later………….

Judiciary

We Need An Autonomous Judiciary – Gov. Fayemi

By Web News 768

Autonomy of the judiciary is the only way to make the judicial sector more effective and responsive to the yearnings of Nigerians.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi stated this in Ado Ekiti while playing host to the president-elect of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Mr Olumide Akpata.

The governor who is also the chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, equally said all the 36 states governors were in support of judicial autonomy which according to him, remained the critical component of Nigeria’s democratic growth.

Governor Fayemi told the NBA president-elect that he had consulted the leadership of the Nigerian judiciary to reach a common front on the modalities for the implementation of judicial autonomy across the states of the federation.

“Judicial reform was necessary, it must be undertaken in the sector to promote rule of law, and give a better hope for the common man.

I appeal to the NBA president-elect to partner Ekiti state lawyers and give them sense of belonging in the union, as Ekiti has a history of producing legal practitioners who can be encouraged to become Senior Advocates of Nigeria” Fayemi said.

Responding, the NBA president-elect, Mr Olumide Akpata maintained that the union would be active in the implementation of judicial autonomy, with a promise to bring radical changes to the legal profession.

Tope Bamidele

Judiciary

Ogun Customary Court of Appeal to Adopt Digital Technology

By Web News 705

The Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal has announced plans to embrace the use of digital technology to enhance the Customary Court system in the state. 

President of the court, Justice Mobolaji Ojo made this known at the inauguration of a Grade One Customary Court at Ososa in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Justice Ojo, who commended the traditional ruler of the town, the Gbegande of Ososa, Oba Adetoye Alatishe, for donating the court facility to commemorate his 10th coronation anniversary, said the gesture would help to uplift justice delivery at the grassroots level. 

He gave the assurance that a technology-driven Court that would be deeply committed to the preservation of cultural heritage would be put in place for the benefit of the people. 

Justice Ojo had earlier in Abeokuta, sworn-in three newly appointed Presidents of the Customary Courts of Appeal charging them not only to be firm and resolute but humane and fair in the discharge of their duties

He advised the appointees, Mr. Enitan Fadina, Mr. Olayinka Ojo and Mrs. Olasunkanmi Lala to treat others in the court panels with respect and understanding, bearing in mind that the Customary Court was essentially a court of facts and common sense. 

Oluremi Olugbenro. 

Judiciary

Dispense justice without fear or favour – Ogun CJ Advises New Magistrates

By Web News 744

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has sworn-in Chief and Senior Magistrates with a call on them to uphold the ethics of the profession and dispense justice without fear or favour.

Justice Dipeolu, while administering the oath of office on the six newly appointed Chief and Senior Magistrates at the State High Court premises in Kobape, Abeokuta said the appointment was imperative to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

She advised the newly appointed Chief and Senior Magistrates to resist the temptation of abusing judicial powers in the course of dispensing justice.

The Chief Judge noted that judicial officers had the constitutional duty to serve the nation competently, diligently, fairly, professionally and speedily.

Justice Dipeolu said their conduct must, therefore, be professional, noting that judicial officers must earn the trust, respect and confidence of the people they serve.

The Chief Judge also enjoined them to be honest in their dealings as well as be hardworking, diligent, time-conscious, reliable and deal with citizens and litigants who appear before them with a human face.

She further implored them not to be carried away with the enormous powers which various laws had conferred on them.

Olusegun Folarin

Judiciary

Olumide Akpata Emerges 30th President of NBA

By Web News 920

Olumide Akpata has emerged President of the Nigerian Bar Association with 9891 Votes

Mr Akpata polled 9,891 votes to defeat two senior advocates – Mr Dele Adesina and Dr Babatunde Ajibade.

Ajibade polled 4,328 votes and Adesina 3,982 votes.

Mr Akpata polled 9891 votes (54.3%) out of 18, 256 total votes cast.

The results of the elections were announced by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) Mr Tawo.E. Tawo.

Other elected officers for the various offices include Mr John Aikpokpo-Martins as NBA First Vice President with a total of 6,010 votes.

Mr Adeyemo Kazeem emerged NBA Second Vice President with 8,794 votes, Mrs Joyce Oduah was elected NBA General Secretary with 8, 979 votes, while

Mrs Uchenna Nwadialo polled 7,314 votes to emerge NBA’s Assistant General Secretary.

Mrs Mercy Agada was elected NBA Treasurer unopposed, Mr Nnamdi Anagor emerged the financial secretary unopposed while Mr Olukunle Edun was elected NBA Welfare Secretary with 9,001 votes.

Dr Rapulu Nduka emerged the NBA Publicity Secretary with 11,964 votes while Mr Naza Afam polled 6,490 votes to emerge NBA Assistant Publicity Secretary.

Akpata expressed appreciation to NBA members for electing him the President, and promised that NBA would record transformation during his administration.

Similarly, Oduah and Edun (General Secretary and Welfare Secretary) thanked God and their supporters for the election, and pledged to live up to their campaign promises

Mr Akpata is a graduate of Law from the University of Benin.

He is a Senior Partner at Templars, a leading commercial law firm.

He will lead the NBA in the next two year.

The new executives will be sworn in at a later date.

FRCN Abuja

Judiciary

Ekiti Attorney General Contracts Coronavirus

By Web News 924

The Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Olawale Fapohunda has tested positive for COVID-19.

Mr Fapohunda announced this in a tweet via his official Twitter handle, @AGWalefapohunda.

The commissioner explained that the result of his second test came out positive.

Mr Fapohunda said he had gone on self-isolation in line with the established protocols.

According to the commissioner, all state legal matters should be directed to the Solicitor General of the state pending his recovery.

Governor Kayode Fayemi had last week Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19 and he had since been in self-isolation.

Meanwhile, Ekiti state has recorded nine new Coronavirus cases.

With this fresh cases, Ekiti has now recorded more than one hundred and ten cases.

Amos Ogunrinde

Judiciary

Court Dismisses EFCC’s Appeal against Jonathan’s Cousin, Wife

By Web News 689

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against the acquittal of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Mr Aziboala Roberts and his wife.

Delivering judgement on the appeal filed by the EFCC, Justice Stephen Adah held that the appeal was lacking in merit.

The judge therefore upheld the judgment of the lower court.

Reacting to the verdict, counsel to the respondent, Mr. Kanayo Okafor lauded the appellate court for its sound reasoning.

Counsel to the appellant, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, said the EFCC would study the judgment and take the next step.

The EFCC had in April 2016, charged Mr. Roberts, his company One Plus Holding Ltd, and his wife, Stella, with a nine-count charge of money laundering after they allegedly received the sum of 40 million U.S Dollars from a former National Security Adviser, Retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki, for the supply of security kits.

But while ruling on a no case submission filed by the defence counsel, Chief Gordy Uche, in March 2018, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba discharged and acquitted Azibaola on counts 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 of the charges, but ordered him to enter defence in respect of counts 2 and 3.

Ifeoma Nwovu

Judiciary

Shooting Range Safety: Court Dismisses Army’s Application

By Web News 755

Justice R.B Akintola of Oyo State High Court Ibadan has dismissed an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction raised by Nigerian Army against a suit filed by Ajobo/Omilabu and other communities along Arulogun Road, off Ojoo, Ibadan over the effects of the shooting exercise of Nigerian Army, 2 Division, Odogbo.

The communities wanted the court to refrain the Nigerian Army from conducting their shooting training in the area and also prayed the court to compel the Nigerian Army to pay damages for property that had been destroyed as a result of the exercise.

In response to the suit, Nigerian Army and other defendants including Chief of Army Staff prayed the court to dismiss the suit saying the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. 

According to the objection, Nigerian Army said every case that involved the Federal government or its agencies should be filed at the Federal High Court and not State High Court. 

Reacting to the objection, counsel to the communities, Mr. Emmanuel Adeosun opposed the motion and asked the court to dismiss it. 

Ruling on the motion, the Presiding Judge, Justice R. B. Akintola dismissed the Army’s application on the grounds that the claim in the matter was on the welfare of the residents and not against the executive officer of the agency which he said was major determinant in determining the jurisdiction of such matters. 

The court also awarded the cost of twenty thousand Naira against the Nigerian Army.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Ajobo-Omilabu Communities: Court Dismisses Nigerian Army’s Application

By Web News 798

Justice R.B Akintola of Oyo State High Court Ibadan has dismissed an application by Nigerian Army challenging the court’s jurisdiction in a suit filed by Ajobo/ Omilabu and other communities along Arulogun Road, off Ojoo, Ibadan over the effects of the shooting exercise of Nigerian Army,  2 Division, Odogbo.

The communities wanted the court to refrain the Nigerian Army from conducting their shooting range training in the area and also prayed the court to compel the Nigerian Army to pay damages in respect of property that had been destroyed as a result of the exercise.

In response to the suit, Nigerian Army and other defendants including Chief of Army Staff prayed court to dismiss the suit, saying the court lacked jusrisdiction to hear the suit. 

According to the objection, Nigerian Army said every case or file that involved the Federal government or its agencies should be filed to Federal High Court and not State High Court. 

Reacting to the objection, Counsel to the communities, Mr Emmanuel Adeosun opposed the motion and asked the court to dismiss it. 

Ruling on the motion, the Presiding Judge, Justice R. B. Akintola dismissed the application on the ground that the claim in the matter was on the welfare of the residents and not against the executive officer of the agency which he said was major determinant in determining the jurisdiction of such matter. 

The court also awarded the cost of twenty thousand Naira against Nigerian Army.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Community Service: Convicted Landlord Cuts Grasses in Court Premises

By Web News 681

A landlord at Abese Compound, Akuro Community, Oke-Ado Area of Ibadan, Tajudeen Oyatokun has commenced a nineteen working-days community service within the premises of Customary Court, Iyaganku, Ibadan, cutting grasses.

This is due to his inability to pay fine of forty five thousand Naira, as punishment for his failure to provide toilet in his house. 

Oyatokun was charged to court by the director of the Environmental Health Services Department of Ibadan Southwest Local Government for failure to provide sanitary convenience, thereby exposing the area to possible outbreak of cholera and other diseases.

 The Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Olugbenga Ajayi, who prosecuted the convict, had told the court that the man also failed to yield to warnings officers gave him to tidy up his compound 

The convict, who refused to appear in court last week when he was supposed to be arraigned, was also accused of failure to provide waste bin within his compound.

The convict pleaded guilty to the four-count charges levelled against him

 The Magistrate, Mrs Titilayo Oyekanmi subsequently sentenced Tajudeen Oyatokun to nineteen working-days community service within the court premises with fine option of forty five thousand naira. 

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Oyo LG Tussle: Appeal Court Sets Aside High Court Judgment

By Web News 1283

Court of Appeal Ibadan Division has set aside the judgment of Oyo state High Court which restrained the state government from sacking Local government chairmen.

The court based his judgment on the fact that the High Court judgment was based on speculation which could not be taken for cause of action. 

The judgment read by Justice Harumna Tsammani said the case was premature with no fact to establish the intention of the state government when the local government chairmen instituted the case last year. 

The court therefore was silent on whether the state has power to dissolve the elected local government chairmen or not which was the basis of the judgment of the state High Court which said the state government lacked power to sack them. 

The local government chairman in May last year approached the state High Court to restrain the state government from removing them from office, which was granted by the court on the grounds that state government lacked power to remove elected Local Government Chairmen.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Court Orders Arrest of Landlord for Contempt

By Web News 950

An Ibadan Chief Magistrate Court Iyaganku has ordered the arrest of a landlord Mr Oyatokun of Abese Compound, Akuro Ashaka Foko, Oke Ado Ibadan for failing to appear in court.

The suspect, who was charged to court by Director of Environmental Health Services, Ibadan Southwest Local Government Area of Oyo State, was facing four counts charge bothering on failure to provide toilet, failure to provide register with government waste contractor, and failure to maintain clean environment.

Prosecutor, a chief sanitarian at the Local Government Environmental Health Services, Mr Olugbenga Ajayi, told the court that the suspect was duly served with court summon to appear, but the suspect failed to appear. 

Mr Ajayi said the action of the suspect was capable of causing pandemic in the area and the state at large. 

Ruling on the request of the prosecutor, the Magistrate, Mr Olaide Hamzat ordered that Mr Oyatokun be arrested and be brought to court on Thursday to face the charge.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Delta Chief Judge Inaugurates Customary Court in Okpe LG

By Web News 1021

The Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshall Umukoro, has inaugurated the Osubi Magistrate Court in Okpe Local Government Council, with the aim to provide access to justice in the area and surrounding communities.

At the formal opening ceremony, Justice Umukoro noted the Osubi Magistrate Court has the advantage of preventing recourse to self-help by aggrieved members of the community, which was capable of causing breakdown of law and order.

He designated the Magistrate’s district to comprise Osubi, Okuokoko, and Okuikpehre communities. The others are Ugolo and Okoroghwe communities.

Justice Marshall Umukoro also charged the pioneer members of staff of the court to eschew corruption and to maintain global best practices in their service to the public.

Notable members of the community including the Speaker, Delta State House of Assemble, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Chairman of Osubi Community Mr. Paul Erugberu, expressed appreciation for the commissioning of Magistrate’s Court in the area which they said was long overdue.

 Oghenero/Asaba

Judiciary

Gov. Makinde Approves Payment of Outstanding Emoluments of Judicial Workers

By Web News 740

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved the payment of all retired judicial workers’ outstanding emoluments since 1999.

The State Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, disclosed this on Friday at an event held in Ibadan.

Professor Oyewo said Governor Makinde had also directed that the judicial subvention should be paid.

The Commissioner for Justice noted that Governor Makinde had approved the repair of road networks at Iyaganku and Ring-Road courts.

The commissioner explained that approval had also been given for the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and refurbishment of dilapidated court structures across the state.

Proffesor Oyelowo, however, assured the serving judicial officers of better working conditions and urged them to live up to expectation.

Iyabo Adebisi

Judiciary

Governor Makinde Inaugurates Family Court

By Web News 907

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has called on residents of the state to take advantage of the new family court to report any act of child right violation or issues affecting the interest of children and family values.

He stated this during the inauguration of the State Family Court at Iyanganku, Ibadan. 

Governor Makinde explained that the establishment of the Family Court was in line with the administration’s roadmap for accelerated development at strengthening laws on child right act.

He noted that the Ministry of Women Affairs’ rapid response team and the Judiciary would work in ensuring that all matters involving child welfare were duly adjudicated upon in the new court.  

Earlier, the chief judge of the state, Munta Abimbola said the establishment of a family court was in line with emerging legal practices on child rights and protection, while cases of domestic violence would be addressed by the court 

In separate goodwill messages, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, were unanimous in applauding the inclusiveness of all the arms of government to function effectively, adding that the family court would help in building sustainable family value.

Iyabo Adebisi

Judiciary

Gov. Bello Tasks Kogi’s New Acting Chief Judge on Administration of Justice

By Web News 843

Newly sworn-in Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Henry Olusiyi and Acting President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Bayo Olowosegun have been charged to bring their wealth of experiences to bear on the administration of justice and its reform in the state judiciary. 

Governor Yahaya Bello gave the charge while administering oath of office and oath of allegiance to the justices in Lokoja. 

Governor Bello said the appointment and swearing in of the two judges was necessitated by the death of two former occupants of the office whom he said both performed their duties creditably well with utmost sense of responsibility and integrity. 

He urged the new judges to toe the path of their predecessors by dispensing justice with the fear of God and just in all dealings.

 Earlier, in an opening remark, the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mohammed Sanni, SAN, said the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge and Acting President, Customary Court of Appeal was in tandem with the Constitutional provision to avoid vacuum in the State Judiciary. 

In a remark on behalf of two justices, the Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Henry Olusiyi pledged the commitment of the justices to the administration of justice in the state in line with Constitutional provisions and to perform their duties by being fair and just to all. 

Olusegun Oyenibi/Lokoja

Judiciary

Presidency Hailed Over Magu’s Suspension

By Web News 840

The presidency has been commended for its decision to suspend the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu, noting that the anti-graft agency boss should not be allowed to remain in the office while been investigated. 

A legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, Mr Kazeem Olaniyan gave the commendation while reacting to the suspension of Mr Magu who was alleged of looting, favoritism and others crimes.

Mr Olaniyan said as it is done in other civilized countries, the moment investigation processes was instituted against a public office holder, it was expected that such individual honourably resigned his appointment to allow transparent inquiry, which Mr Magu should have done. 

He said the acting EFCC boss should be aware that nobody is above the law, hence the need for him to step down pending the outcome of the investigation. 

Mr Olaniyan, however, projected that political big wigs in government would have begun power tussling for and against the suspended acting chairman of the EFCC, as well as lobby for the appointment to fill the vacuum occasioned by the suspension.

Mosope Kehinde

Judiciary

Court Sentences Landlords to Community Service, Orders Tenants to Vacate House over Oozing Toilet

By Web News 1906 Post a comment

An Ibadan Chief Magistrate Court  has ordered the closure of a house at Ago Igbira, Olugbode Odo Ona, Ibadan  giving  the tenants if the house till Sunday to pack their loads out of the house. 

The Chief Magistrate Mr. Olamide Hamzat gave the order when the Landlord of the house appeared before him on the three counts charge bothering on failure to ensure clean environment. 

The Magistrate also sentenced the Landlord Mr. Sanni Mathew to two weeks community service with option of twenty thousand naira fine for his failure to maintain hygienic environment. 

The environmental officer who prosecuted the suspect, Mr. Olugbenga Ajayi said they had been going to the house of Mr. Sanni Mathew since last year with various warning and all attempts to see him failed as he had always been avoiding the officer, and that tenants in the house even threatened to beat the officers.

He told the court that the suspects refused to repair the filled up soak- away in his house there by allowing stench from oozing human excreta, which said could cause pandemic in the area. 

Mr. Sanni Mathew, who said he inherited the house from his father, agreed that the toilet was filled up, saying he only came to Ibadan because of the case.

The Chief Magistrate gave the tenants till Sunday to pack out of the house and the house be sealed until when the toilet was tidied.

Another landlord in the area, Mr. Abimbola Odukoya was also sentenced to two weeks community with option fifteen thousand naira fine for violating environment laws of Oyo State.. 

Mr. Odukoya of Abimbola Street, Odo Ona Ibadan was alleged to have failed to repair the filled up soak-away in his residence, thereby allowing stench from oozing human excreta in and around the neighborhood, which he said could lead to cholera epidemic, Lassa fever and other diseases..

Mr. Ajayi also told the court that the suspects ignored all warning sent to them to ensure clean environment, pointing out their environment was filled with refuse.

During the hearing, the prosecutor tendered four photographs taken from the house of Mr. Abimbola Odukoya, which showed a damaged toilet concretes, damaged pipes and gutter with faeces.

Mr. Odukoya, who pleaded not guilty, agreed that his soak-away had been filled up and blocked, but denied any littering faeces in his gutter.

He said his wife as a result of the threat of the environmental health office shut the house, saying he had repaired all the faulty pipes and soak-away.

He also blamed his tenants for the dirty environment.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Olamide Hamzat fined Mr. Abimbola fifteen thousand naira or option of two weeks community service within the Secretariat of Ibadan Southwest Local Government.. 

He also ordered the environmental health officers to visit the house again to verify his claim that he had repaired the damaged facilities, failure of which he said the man should be ready to be arraigned latest before the end of August

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Prison Decongestion: Delta CJ Frees Over 2,000 Awaiting Trail Inmates

By Web News 1042

Over two thousand awaiting trial inmates have been set free in Delta State, following the completion of a month-long prison visitation exercise by the state’s Chief Judge, CJ, Justice Marshal Umukoro.

Justice Umukoro in his closing remarks at the Ogwashi-Uku Medium Security Custodial Center, decried the high number of youths between the ages of seventeen to twenty-five in the prisons, while urging parents to live up to their responsibilities to address the current threats to family values.

The CJ harped on the pressure on witnesses not to testify in court, especially rape victims, which he noted was a hindrance to serving justice to offenders.

He highlighted other challenges leading to delays in prosecution of cases and prison congestion.

The Chief Judge of Delta State had earlier visited the Warri, Sapele and Agbor Correctional Centers.

Others prisons visited are the Kwale Prisons and the finale at Ogwashi-uku custodial facility.

Twenty two persons were also released on bail during the process.

Oghenero Eghweree