Judiciary

Ikire Obaship Tussle: Supreme Court Declares Oba Falabi’s Selection Illegal

By Web News 2893

Osun State High Court sitting in Ikire says Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi can no longer occupy the seat of Akire of Ikire.

Oba Falabi had earlier approached High Court sitting in Ikire to challenge Osun state government from dethroning him, as Akire of ikireland.

The Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi who was enthroned as Akire of Ikire in 1993, has been facing the legal battle for the past twenty-seven years.

Oba Falabi however in May 2014, challenged the state government over its plan to depose him following the judgment of Supreme Court.

In 2014, Supreme Court ruled that Akintula was entitled to the throne as a ruling house and the 1958 Ikire Chieftaincy declaration gazette Akintula ruling house as next to the throne after the late monarch who joined his ancestors in 1987.

The presiding Judge, Justice Razaq Abudulkareem ruled that 1958 Ikire Chieftaincy declaration still subsist as the chieftaincy declaration recognized Akintula, as next succession to the throne of Akire.

Justice Abudulkareem affirmed that the nomination and selection of Oba Falabi was illegal.

Speaking, the counsel to Oba Falabi, Mr Habib Giwa, said going by the interpretation of the judgment, the monarch still remained the Akire of Ikireland.

The Defense counsel, Mr Wale Olutayo said the court has ruled that the nomination and selection of Oba Falabi was not in conformity with Ikire Chieftaincy declaration.

Wasiu Ajadosu 

Judiciary

Court Acquits OAU’s Former Acting VC, Bursar

By Web News 1016

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has discharged and acquitted the former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Anthony Elujoba and former Acting Bursar, Mrs Josephine Akeredolu of allegations of abuse of office and financial misappropriation. 

The two were alleged of fraud and conspiracy by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 

They were arraigned in 2017 before an Ede High Court on seven counts of conspiracy, stealing, payment of Earned and Productivity Allowance of N1.4 billion to the staff of the university without authority’s approval, illegal payment of furniture allowance, abuse of office and conversion of money belonging to the university.

During the trial, prosecution counsel, Mr M. S. Usman called three witnesses and tendered various documents to prove, while counsel to the first defendant, Mr Abiodun Olabanpe and Mr Segun Akeredolu, who represented the second defendant entered a no-case submission.

Delivering judgment in the matter, Justice Wasiu Akanbi said the prosecution failed to prove the case of illegal payment of furniture allowance beyond reasonable doubt. 

Justice Akanbi said the evidence of prosecution witness two(PW2), as well as the letter of appointment of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, tendered before the court showed that the first defendants had right to fringe benefits attached to the office.

He declared that the Prosecution Witness Two and Three contradicted themselves on whether the first defendant could be paid furniture allowance on a proportional basis.

The judge added that the University, the owner of the money did not complain of any missing money or fraud against the accused persons.

On the payment of Earned Allowances and Productivity bonuses to workers in the University in 2017, the judge noted that considering the circumstances leading to the payment, which was the peak of the life threatening crisis, the former Acting Vice Chancellor did not act outside his powers.

Justice Akanbi maintained that since neither the Obafemi Awolowo University nor the Federal Ministry of Education complained of any missing fund, such payment could not be said to be a gratification, especially when the University was owing its staffers about 50 months allowances.

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Ogun Sacked Obas: Status quo remains – Court

By Web News 873

Seventy-five coronet Obas sacked by the Ogun State Government have challenged their demotion before the state High Court sitting in Abeokuta.

The court presided over by Justice Akinyemi in the inaugural sitting on the interlocutory injunction filed by the coronet Obas ruled that the status quo should be maintained.

Justice Akinyemi explained that the relationship that existed between the claimants and the defendants prior to the termination of their appointments and promotions should be maintained pending the determination of the suit before the court.  

Counsel to the seventy-five coronet Obas, Mr. Olumide Oniyire after the court sitting told newsmen that the status quo of the appointment of the traditional rulers should be maintained as proclaimed by the court.

However in her response, the defence counsel, Mrs.  Dankuwo argued that the status quo the judge ruled was after the revocation of the appointment of the coronet Obas noting that the proper time to maintain status quo should be at the time of the revocation.  

The court adjourned further hearing on the case to seventh of July this year.

Ogun state government under the leadership of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun had on thirteenth May 2019 confirmed the appointment and upgrading of some community chiefs to coronet Obas.

The appointments was however reversed by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration on sixth of February this year following the recommendation of a committee set up to look in to the selection and upgrading procedures used by the former administration.

Wale Oluokun

Judiciary

Rape: Ogun Chief Judge Calls for State of Emergency

By Web News 714

The Ogun state Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has renewed the call on government to declare state of emergency on rape cases across the country.

Justice Dipeolu stated this at the official inauguration of the Magistrate Court, Ido-Oke, Igbesa Land, Ado-Odo/Ota, Local Government Area of the State.

The Ogun state Chief Judge who expressed worry over the rising cases of rape in the country said the state would deal decisively and ruthlessly with rapists in the state.

Justice Dipeolu blamed the appalling side of rape on lackluster response of justice administrators and absence of institutional supportive system to help the victims.

She said that newly built Magistrate Court in the Area would also bring justice closer to the people and avert jungle justice.

Olusegun Folarin

Judiciary

Man Appears Before Court for Physically Abusing Teenage Son

By Web News 829

A 41 year old man Iyiola Sanusi Abass, on Monday appeared before an Ibadan Magistrate Court, Iwo Road for abusing his 16 year old son for being wayward.

The Suspect according to Police Prosecutor Mr. Sunday Ogunremi committed the offence on May 20, this year, at his residence, No 10. Sale Manager Street Iwo Road, Ibadan. 

According to the Prosecutor, the suspect burnt the two legs of his son with lighted firewood and locked him inside the house for days without treatment until a neighbour noticed and informed the Police.

Mr  Ogunremi while addressing the court on the two counts charge said the offence was capable causing breach of public peace. 

The suspect, who was in the court with other two children told the court that the boy is used to running away from home after stealing.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge. 

The Defense Council, Mrs Gbadeyanka,  applied for bail, which was objected by the prosecutor. 

Responding, the Magistrate, Mr Taiwo Oladiran who was furious at the action of the man granted him bail with the sum of fifty thousand Naira with two sureties whose address would be verified.

The Magistrate also warned the man against taken revenge on the boy for bringing him to court. 

The case has been adjourned till 27th of next month.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Man Bags 8years Jail Term for Money Laundering

By Web News 757

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, has sentenced one Raphael Ayomide Davies to 8 years imprisonment of money laundering.

Davies was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office, on Monday, February 19, 2018 on an eight-count charge of money laundering, to which he pleaded not guilty, thus setting the stage for his trial.

While presenting his argument, Prosecution counsel, Simon Harrison Ibekwute, prayed the court to convict and sentence Davies accordingly.  

After reviewing the evidence before her, Justice Abdulmalik held that the EFCC convinced the court beyond all reasonable doubts, and that Davies was guilty as charged. She sentenced him to 36 months on each of the eight counts. His prison terms run concurrently and take effect from his arraignment date of February 19, 2018. 

Trouble started for Davies, sequel to an anonymous petition which alleged his serial use of fictitious addresses and fake PayPal account to purchase items online, with the intention to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. 

The Commission’s investigations into the allegations led to his arrest and prosecution.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Delta CJ Grants Amnesty to Inmates Awaiting Trial

By Web News 734

About eighty persons awaiting trial in prisons and holding centers across Sapele, in Delta State, has been released from incarceration, including teenagers charged for cultism and robbery allegations.

The suspects awaiting trial were set free during a visit by the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshall Umukoro to the Nigeria Correctional Service, and the Remand Home in Sapele, as part of the ongoing exercise to free up spaces in correctional facilities across the state.

Report says that three persons were also released on bail during the process.

Oghenero Eghweree

Judiciary

Court Sentences Man to Prison for Engine Oil Theft in Osogbo

By Web News 807

An Osogbo Magistrate Court in Osun State has sentenced to 7 months imprisonment a 39-year-old man identified as Remi Ifamoyegum for stealing lubrication (engine) oil worth ₦469,000 since he was employed. 

Ifamoyegun was brought before the Magistrate by Police on two counts including stealing engine oil belonging to Mobil Oil Nigeria, Osogbo. 

The prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adeoye, said the accused had been indulging in the Crime since he was employed in 2016 at Mobil Oil Nigeria PLC.

He stated that the offences committed contravened section 383 and punishable under section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria. 

The prosecutor tendered the accused written statement with two gallons of oil as exhibit arguing that the convict stole the content and replaced with water. 

Ifamoyegun who pleaded guilty as charged explained that the reason for his action was due to his wife and mother’s medical needs which his  ₦7,500 salary could not catered for.

The defence counsel, Mr Remigus Ngwu, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy on his client stressing that Ifamoyegun is remorseful. 

Delivering the judgment, the Magistrate, Risikat Olayemi, sentenced Ifamoyegun to 7months imprisonment and ordered that he should pay the sum of ₦400,000 to the company.

Akinola Adenitan

Judiciary

Delta CJ Releases 149 Awaiting Trial Inmates

By Web News 1159

The Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Umukoro, has pronounced the release of one hundred and forty nine inmates awaiting trial at the Warri Custodian Center of the Nigeria Correctional Service.

The prisoners were set free on the occasion of jail delivery at the Warri Prison, where a total of seven hundred and eighty six cases of persons awaiting trial in the facility were reviewed.

Oghewnero Eghweree reports that six persons were also released on bail as part of the exercise to decongest the prison.

His report.

Oghewnero Eghweree

Judiciary

President Buhari Nominates Dongban-Mensem as Appeal Court President

By Web News 669

President Muhammadu Buhari, in-line with his constitutional responsibility has sent the nomination of Her Lordship, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Acting President, Court of Appeal to the Senate for confirmation as President, Court of Appeal.
 
Justice Dongban-Mensem is a serving Justice of the Court of Appeal and was recommended, as is the practice, by the National Judicial Council for the nomination by the President.
 
Garba Shehu,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
June 8, 2020

Judiciary

Governor Makinde Swears in Customary Court of Appeal President, Others

By Web News 987

The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has sworn-in Justice Aderonke Aderemi as the new president of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal.

The event took place at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Makinde explained that the appointment of Justice Aderemi was not politically motivated but based on recommendation of the National Judicial Council and confirmation by the Oyo State House of Assembly.

The new President, Oyo state Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Aderonke Aderemi in an interview promised to deliver her work diligently to halt justice delay.

Similarly, Governor Makinde has sworn-in Foluke Oyediran as Permanent Secretary, Oyo State House of Assembly; Mrs. Adenike Olufadewa as Permanent Secretary, Oyo State House of Assembly Civil Service Commission and Mrs. Moradeyo Olufemi as Permanent Secretary, Schools Administratiion.

Iyabo Adebisi

Judiciary

Oyo LG Tussle: Appeal Court Set to Deliver Judgment

By Web News 2611

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Oyo State Government against the dissolved 33 Local Government Chairmen and 35 LCDAs in Oyo State.

In his argument, counsel to the Oyo State Government, Mr. Kunle Kalejaye, SAN, said the lower court has no jurisdiction to hear the case because it was premature as at the time the case was filed.

Mr. Kalejaye said the chairmen filed the suit at the lower court based on a rumour they heard that Engineer Makinde would dissolve them after his swearing-in on May 29, 2019.

He said the case was filed at the lower court and judgment obtained by the respondents before they were dissolved.

Mr. Kalejaye urged the court to dismiss the judgment of the lower court and uphold the appeal.

In his argument, Counsel to the respondents, Mr. Yusuf Ali SAN, said the action cannot be termed premature because the law allows a person to approach the court when such person noticed that his right would be threatened.

Mr. Ali said the law always protects the right of any individual and only an irresponsible person would wait for his eye to be plugged after noticing that such thing was about to happen.

He urged the court dismissed the appeal and uphold the judgment of the lower court to prevent such actions from happening in future. 

The three-man panel of Appeal chaired by Justice Jimi Bada reserved the judgment after hearing argument of counsel to both parties in the suit.

Justice Bada said the judgment date would be communicated to the respective counsels.

The Oyo State Government had appealed against the Judgment of the Oyo State High Court delivered on May 6, 2019 by Justice Aderonke Aderemi ordering the state government not to dissolve the elected 33 Local Government chairmen and 35 LCDAs in Oyo State.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Ogun Swears-In Two New Magistrates

By Web News 2232

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has advised the newly sworn-in Magistrates to uphold the ethics of the profession and dispense justice without fear and favour.

Justice Dipeolu stated this at the swearing-in of two Magistrates at the Judiciary complex, Kobape road, Abeokuta.

The Ogun state Chief Judge also urged the magistrates to put in their best to justify their elevation to the position.

Justice Dipeolu explained that the state had thirty nine magistrate courts which she said were conducive for sitting in addition to the provision of befitting quarters for Magistrates to avoid the stress of traveling and ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, the State Chief Judge, has opened a “Small Claims Court”, to provide easy access to informal, inexpensive and speedy resolution of simple matters such as, debt recovery disputes, demands and damages that do not exceed N500, 000.00, to further bring justice closer to the people at the grassroots level.

She pointed out that the operations at the “Small Claims Court” would commence in six Magisterial Districts, which were Abeokuta, Ota, Ifo, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu and Ilaro.

Olusegun Folarin

Judiciary

Traditional Ruler Arraigned for Alleged Conspiracy to Defraud

By Web News 713

The traditional Head of Igoba Community in Akure North Local Government area of Ondo State, the Obaloogun of Igoba, Chief Adinlewa Adeniyi has appeared before a State High Court sitting in Akure on eight count charge of alleged conspiracy to commit felony and false pretence to defraud on land ownership in the town.

Chief Adinlewa and two other defendants, Chief Adegbola Omoye and  Adelana Aderemi were also arraigned before the court for alleged forgery of document and breach of peace.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the offences while their lawyers prayed the court to grant them bail as the offences are bailable.

Ruling on the bail application, Justice Bode Adegbehingbe granted the defendants bail to the tune of N500, 000 each with a tax payer surety residing within the court’s jurisdiction.

Justice Adegbehingbe subsequently adjourned the suit till 6th, June, 2020 for hearing.

Leke Adegbite

Judiciary

Court Sentences Four to Death by Hanging in Ekiti

By Web News 755

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced two men and two women to death by hanging after being found guilty of murder.

The convicts are Rashidat Abdul thirty seven years, Oluwatosin Akarakiri thirty-two, Abdulrasheed Mutairu twenty two years and Iyoriochile Eromoina eighteen years.

The quartet are to pay the supreme price for the unlawful killing of a seventy-year-old mam, Samuel Oloyede, on fifth of April, 2017 in Odo Owa Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Justice Oluwatoyin Abodunde held that the prosecution had proved the case of murder against the convicts beyond the reasonable doubt.

They were first arraigned on the 12th of February, 2018 when the charge was read and interpreted to them but pleaded not guilty.

According to the witnesses, the deceased was a pensioner who operated a brothel in his personal house as a means of livelihood where all the accused persons also lived.

There was a misunderstanding between the deceased and accused persons on payments and sharing formula.

They testified further that the accused persons vacated the premises living the deceased missing and later found his dead body on the 4th day under the heap of cloths with his hands tied.

The matter was reported at the palace and later at Ijero Police Station.

To prove his case, the prosecutor, Oluwatoyin Marcus called 12 witnesses including the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and the medical personnel who conducted postmortem examination on the cause of the deceased’s death.

Exhibits tendered include statements of the accused, statements of the witnesses, photographs of the deceased dead body and medical report.

The accused persons spoke in their own defence through their lawyer, Chris Omokhafe and called no witness throughout the trial.

Oriola Afolabi

Judiciary

Mask Violation: Ekiti Court Sentences Man to Community Service

By Web News 586

A Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced a resident of Ekiti State Vincent Ikechukwu for three days Community Service with payment of a sum of forty thousand naira fine for contravening the Mask-up Law which has been inactive since the wake of the Covid19 Pandemic in the state.

The Charge which read that Vincent Ikechuckwu was moving without wearing a cloth facemask, thereby violating the provisions of Regulations, Four Sub Section Two, Paragraph (a) of Regulation Four, Punishable under Regulation Twelve of the Ekiti State Coronavirus Prevention of Infection) Regulations One to Four, 2020 made in pursuant  to Section Eight of the Quarantine Act, Cap Q2, LFN, 2004″ 

It was signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions in Ekiti State, Mr Julius Ajibare

The Magistrate Oluwasanmi, while delivering his judgment said there was absolute threat to existence occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic, and it was a gross crime to intentionally go against the Law of the state,

 The Magistrate imposed the fine as penalty on the defendant.

Reacting to the judgment after the court proceeding, the offender Mr. Vincent Ikechuckwu said he was overwhelmed by the penalty awarded by the court, saying that even though he was guilty of not wearing the face mask, he felts the punishment was too weighty than the offence committed.

However, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Femi Onipede said there was a clear order which has been repeatedly announced on all media outlets in the state on the use of facemask, hence the accused could not complain about the severity of the Judgment as the onus of Punitive measures was at the discretion of the Court.

Oriola Afolabi

Judiciary

COVID-19: Makinde Frees 15 Inmates

By Web News 830

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has granted State pardon to another set of 15 convicted inmates.

Nine (9) inmates were released in Agodi Custodial Centre while the remaining six (6) were set free in Oyo Custodial Centre.

While congratulating the pardoned inmates, the Controller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, Mr. Tosin Akinrujomu implored them to be good citizens of Nigeria and to engage in honest endeavours. 

He also reminded them to maintain social distancing and keep themselves safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.

These inmates according to a release from the Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the Service Mr. Olanrewaju Anjorin were released in line with the decision of the Federal Government to decongest Correctional Centres to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in the nation’s prison.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Oyo CJ Grants 45 Inmates Amnesty

By Web News 885

The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Muntar Abimbola, has ordered the release of 45 inmates from the Agodi Ibadan and Abolongo Oyo Custodial Centres of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS, in efforts to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus in prison.

The released inmates were granted mercy after the Monitoring Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice Law duly considered the need to decongest the prisons in the face of the security challenges being faced across the state and the rights of individuals involved in matters.

Among them was a man whose case had been suspended for a long time because prosecution witnesses refused to show up to testify.

Condition for their release included, inmates awaiting trial, inmates that had spent six years and above, sick convicted inmates, sick awaiting trial inmates and awaiting trial inmates with minor and bail-able offences. 

The committee also concluded to give them financial support to tide them over during this period.

Speaking on the exercise, Justice Munta Abimbola said the committee went through the list of one hundred and fifty  seven inmates  considered for the release and carefully  selected those qualified for the release.

Justice Abimbola therefore urged them not to go back to crime. 

For the first list of inmates that had spent more than six years, what we decided to do was get in touch with those in charge because most of the cases are part heard before the courts and we felt what would be appropriate is not to scuttle the trial process but fast track it and give necessary assistants to the court to ensure speedy conclusion of the matters within the shortest time possible.

 “After going through the list that contains minor and bail-able offences and by consensus of the monitoring committee of ACJL that most of the cases were minor offences that even if trial had gone on and they were convicted, they would have completed the terms of imprisonment, we thought it was appropriate to let them go, so 45 were given the prerogative of mercy. One of them was released because both prosecution and defense attested to the fact that witnesses haven’t been showing up. We feel it isn’t necessary to continue to detain such person because he can’t be convicted out of the blues without witness testimony,” the CJ said.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Sotitobire: Court Adjourns Hearing to 2nd of June

By Web News 1462

Hearing in the ongoing trial of the founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel Akure, Prophet Alfa Babatunde over the alleged disappearance of one year old, Gold Kolawole in the church last year, has been adjourned till 2nd June, 2020.

Justice Olusegun Odusola announced the adjournment after a state government counsel, Mr Babatunde Falodun informed the court of the inability of the state Attorney general and Commissioner for justice, Adekola Olawoye to be present due to an urgent state assignment.

Falodun, also sought an adjournment of the hearing which was not opposed by all the defense counsel, Olusola Oke, Olumide Ogidan, Akinyemi Omoware and Olalekan Akinrinsola.

Prophet Babatunde and six other church members are standing trial on three count charge including conspiracy to and abetting kidnap.

They were brought to the court by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Olokuta, Akure and made to undergo Covid 19 precautionary measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizers and social distancing order.

Few people including just two journalists were allowed to monitor the court proceedings in view of the social distancing order of the COVID-19.

Everybody in the court, including the Presiding judge, Olusegun Odusola wore nose masks as part of the precautionary measures.

Leke Adegbite

Judiciary

Ogun Grants Amnesty to 249 Inmates

By Web News 992

Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has ordered the immediate release of two hundred and forty nine inmates from five Correctional centers across the state.

The Chief Judge in a statement made available in Abeokuta said the release of the inmates was based on the Federal government’s decision to decongest Correctional centers to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Justice Dipeolu disclosed that those released were men and women with minor cases of stealing, burglary, assault among others.

She explained that forty eight inmates were freed in Ijebu-Ode, forty one in Sagamu, seven in Ago Iwoye farm settlement, fifty four were released in Ibara, thirty two in New Oba Prison, while sixty seven inmates were released at Ilaro Correctional centers.

The Chief Judge hinted that the decongestion would improve social distancing measures which would reduce the spread of the virus at the Correctional centers.

She advised the released inmates to go back to the society and be useful for the entire nation and refrain from criminal acts.

Justice Dipeolu added that those being considered where those having little years to complete their jail terms, old ages, those that have not meet up with fines, those that have spent 50 percent of their jail terms and those on medical related matters.

She further explained that some inmates awaiting trial, ought not to remain in custody, where matters for which they were charged for was not murder or armed robbery were also considered.

Justice Dipeolu said that cases discovered that the prosecution were moving at slow pace or not heard at all, were also pardoned.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, in a reaction, hinted that the federal government’s directive to decongest the centers, led to granting the unconditional pardon and clemency to the convicts serving various terms in the Correctional centers across the state.

He said, the governor approved the exercise in line with federal government’s directive to decongest the prisons, following the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus disease, currently ravaging the entire world.

Judiciary

Oyo Grants Amnesty to Five Inmates

By Web News 704

Monitoring Committee Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Oyo State, has released five inmates in the State Custodian Centers.

The inmates were released today after the meeting of the committee held in compliance to the order of the Federal government to decongest prisons in the country.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Trial of Sotitobire’s Prophet Babatunde: Court Adjourns Hearing

By Web News 1243

The trial of Sotitobire Miracle Centre founder, Prophet Alfa Babatunde and six members of his church has continued at an Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure despite the closure of courts nationwide as a result of coronavirus ravaging the world.

Babatunde is standing trial over the alleged disappearance of a year old boy, Gold Kolawole inside his church’s children’s section on Sunday November 10, 2019

During the hearing, a senior intelligence officer with the Department of State Service, DSS, Yomi Olabiyi gave evidence on the statements made by the defendants while in custody of the agency.

However, the court authorities as part of the Covid 19 precautionary measures reduced human access to the premises while hand washing bowls and soap were also provided at the two gates.

During examination of the DSS personnel, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs Grace Olowoporoku sought to tender as evidence the statements made by prophet Babatunde and defendants 2, 4, 6 and 7 while in the agency’s custody attested to by necessary persons including the defendants.

This position was however opposed by counsel to the defendants, led by Olusola Oke on the basis that at the time of obtaining the statements, it was counsel provided by the DSS from the legal aid council that was present contrary to claims of the agency that the counsel was engaged by their clients.

The trial judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola ruled in favour of the persecuting counsel, adding that section 17 of the administration of criminal justice law allows for a defendant’s counsel, a Legal Aid Council of Nigeria lawyer or justice of peace to be present when security agents elicit statements from suspects.

After over 6 hours of arguments and counter arguments, the court Adjourned till April 27, May 11 and 17, 2020 for further hearing.

Prophet Babatunde and his co-defendants have been returned the Nigerian Correctional Home, (formerly Olokuta Prisons Akure).

Leke Adegbite

Judiciary

Funke Akindele, Husband Plead Guilty in Court

By Web News 619


Popular Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele-Bello has pleaded guilty for violating the order of the Federal and Lagos State Governments on stay -at -home and observance of social distancing aimed at stopping further spread of Coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic in the state.

Akindele and her husband Abdulrasheed Bello popularly known as JJC skills were arraigned before Ogba Magisterial Court, Ikeja Magistra District, Lagos.

The couple arrived in court amid large entourage in defiance to social distancing directive.

The case was between Attorney-General of Lagos State vs Funke Akindele and Abdul Rasheed Bello, under a one-count charge.

The charge, dated April 6, 2020, read: That you Funke Akindele and Abdul Rasheed Bello, on the 4th day of April 2020, at No 9, Gbadamosi Close, Amen Estate, Ibeju Lekki, Magisterial District, gathered at the aforementioned address, with over twenty persons contrary to directive’s of Mr. Governor of Lagos State made pursuant to Regulation 8(1)(a) & (b) 17 (1)(i) of the Lagos State Infectious Disease ( Emergency and Prevention) Regulation 2020, and thereby commuted an offence punishable under section 58 Public Health Law Cap P, 16, Vol 9 Laws of the Lagos State, 2015.

Funke Akindele, however, pleaded guilty over the charge. She has pleaded guilty to the count and her lawyer, Alagbada pleaded for leniency, stating the defendant and husband are respectable members of d society, first offenders and have two kids, to be taken care of.

Vanguard

Judiciary

Oyo Govt, ALGON Case Suffers Setback

By Web News 873

There was confusion today at Oyo State High Court as two different counsels appeared for the Minister of Justice in a case the Oyo State Government filed against the suspended Council chairmen over the crisis rocking the leadership of local governments in the state. 

In the case, Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Inspector General of Police and Attorney General of the Federation are also attached, respondents.

At the resumption of the case today, a counsel Mr Abiodun Amole from Chief Niyi Akintola’s Chamber stood for the Attorney General of the Federation but was immediately countered by a Principal State Counsel from Federal Ministry of Justice Abuja, Mrs A.O. Ukpai said she came from Abuja to represent the minister. 

The argument on this representation took some minutes as the state counsel insisted that she was given a letter to that effect and counsel from Chief Akintola’s Chamber said he was the one to speak for the minister and requested that the case be stood down to consult his principal.

This was however opposed by the Counsel to Oyo State Government, Dr Akin Onigbinde who called the attention of the court to a letter he received from a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Malam Yusuff Alli indicating that he had been consulted to replaced Former Counsel to the Suspended Local Government Chairmen, Mr Kunle Shobaloju and requested for adjournment of the case till April 13 and 14.

Other Counsel in the matter told the court the dates were not convenient and chose May 11 and 12.

Ruling on the arguments, the Presiding Judge, Justice Moshood Abass told the Counsel from Chief Akintola’s Chamber and the Counsel from Federal Ministry of Justice to settle the issue between them before the next adjournment and adjourned the case till May 11 for the report of settlement or hearing.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Judiciary

Royal Tussle: Court Grants Agbowu’s Motion on Oluwo’s Appearance

By Web News 780

An Osogbo Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State has granted the motion ex-parte of the Agbowu of Ogbaagba, Oba Dhikirullahi Akinropo to file an application to compel the appearance of Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi before the court over an alleged assault. 

The motion ex-parte which was filed by counsel to the Agbowu, Mr Soji Oyetayo dated 27th of February 2020 was filed pursuant to section 35(1) of the criminal procedure, Law of Osun State, 2002. 

In the suit no: MOS/M84/2020, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Olusegun Ayilara, in his ruling, granted the applicant’s motion to apply for an order to compel Oluwo to appear before it over the matter. 

After the proceeding, the counsel to Agbowu, Mr Soji Oyetayo addressing journalists said, the motion that was filed in respect of leave was the order that was granted by the court today. 

The Agbowu had last week filed a writ of summons before an Osun High Court, seeking damage of 100 million naira from Oluwo over the assault meted to him before the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 11.

This latest application before a Magistrate court is seeking a criminal trial of the monarch for the offence of assault. Adenitan Akinola