Judiciary

Adegoke’s Murder: Court To Rule On Adedoyin’s Bail Application Next Monday

By Web News 871

The Chief Justice of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo has reversed the ruling on the bail application of the owner of Hilton Hotel and Resort, Ile-Ife, Dr Rahmon Adedoyin and six staff over the alleged murder of a Master’s student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Timothy Adegoke. 

Recalls that Dr Rahmon Adedoyin, Magdalene Chiefuna, Adeniyi Aderogba, Oluwole Lawrence, Oyetunde Kazeem Adebayo Kunle and Adedeji Adesola were arraigned and remanded on eleven count charges bothering on murder, conspiracy, felony amongst others as the case was adjourned till today, March 4th 2022 for the argument of bail for the seventh defendant. 

Counsels for the defendants, Messers Kunle Adegoke and K. K Eleja, SAN, argued the formal bail application of the first to sixth defendants which was opposed by the prosecuting counsel, Mr M.O Omosun filed before Justice Ojo. 

At the sitting today, counsel to the seventh defendant, Adesola Adedeji, Mr Okon Ita moved application for the bail of his client. 

He submitted that Exhibit one attached to the application is a medical report of the applicant which should be admitted as proof of exceptional circumstances to admit her to bail.

The prosecution, M.O Omosun responded that a counter-affidavit to oppose the bail had been filed.

The presiding Judge, Justice, Adepele Ojo reserved a ruling on bail for all the defendants to Monday 7th March 2022. 

She noted that a hearing of the matter would commence on Monday after ruling on bail.

The defendants are to continue their stay in Ilesa correctional center till Monday

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

OAU Students’ Death: Court Remands Ramon Adedoyin

By Web News 792

The Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State Capital, has ordered the remand of the founder of Oduduwa University Ile-Ife(OUI), Dr. Ramon Adegoke Adedoyin over the death of Timothy Adegoke, a postgraduate student at Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU.

According to correspondent, there was heavy security presence of security personnel at the premises of Osun state High Court, as the owner of Hiltons Hotel, Ile-Ife, Dr Ramon Adedoyin, and six others arrested in connection with the death of master student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Timothy Adegoke, appeared before the court.

The defendants appeared at court 1, where Osun state Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo, presided over the matter.

Adedoyin, as well as, Adedeji Adesola, Magdalene Chiefuna, Adeniyi Aderogba, Oluwale Lawrence, Oyetunde Kazeem and Adebayo Kunle, had previously been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful interference with a dead body, altering and intent to destroy evidence and murder.

But counsel to the family of the deceased, Femi Falana, SAN, had written to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba asking that the matter be returned to Osun state, where the crime was allegedly committed.

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Court Sentences Man to 8 Years Imprisonment for Burglary

By Web News 526

Justice Adeniyi Familoni of Ekiti State High Court, sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a 25-year-old, Aluko Imoleayo to five years imprisonment for burglary and stealing.

According to the charge, Imoleayo who was arraigned October 11, 2021, on a four-count charge bothering on burglary and stealing was said to have broken into the dwelling houses of Oladipupo Temitope and Omolere Opeyemi on 20th of June, 2021 at about 12:47 a.m.

He was said to have stolen; one Apple Ipad, one Techno phone, one Tiger Generator, one gold chain, one Rolex wristwatch, one HP Laptop Computer and a cash sum of N17, 000.00.

The charge reads, “that Aluko Imoleayo on 20th of June, 2021 at GRA, Onigari, Ado Ekiti, you broke into dwelling houses of Oladipupo Temitope and Omolere Opeyemi with intent to commit a felony (stealing) and stole one Apple Ipad, one Techno phone, one Tiger Generator, one gold chain, one Rolex wristwatch, one HP Laptop Computer and a cash sum of N17, 000.00”.

In her testimony before the court, one of the victims said, she was asleep on that day, when she woke up around 12:47 a.m and saw the convict in her room.

She thereafter became unconscious out of shock, but later, at around 2 a.m. she regained her consciousness and heard the defendant had been arrested alongside the stolen items.

To prove his case, counsel to the complainants, Mr Kunle Adeyemo called two witnesses and tendered statements of the victims and defendants, search warrant, bond to produce and release exhibits.

The convict also spoke in his own defence through his counsel but called no witnesses.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Adeniyi Familoni said, the defendant was not found guilty on counts 1and 2 for which he was discharged and acquitted but was found guilty on counts 3 and 4.

On count 3, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment in count 4, he was sentenced to three years imprisonment, the sentences are to run concurrently, the judge concluded.

Olaniyi Alade

Judiciary

Kidnap Kingpin, Evans Bags Life Imprisonment

By Web News 578

 The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has sentenced kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans and two others, Uchenna Amadi and Okuchuwkwu Nwachukwu, to life imprisonment.

Justice Hakeem Oshodi handed out the sentence to the trio on Friday after convicting them on two counts of conspiracy and kidnapping of a businessman, Donatus Duru.

The victim is the Managing Director of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

In convicting the trio, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had successfully proved the charge against them beyond a reasonable doubt.

In reaching his verdict on Evans, the judge held that he observed the demeanour of the witness, stating that in some of the confessional videos played in court, Evans had mentioned some of the other defendants and the roles they played in the crime.

“He was seen freely laughing and willingly answered questions. A close look at his body shows no sign of torture. He did not look unkempt. He is seen laughing even when he was told that he must be a rich kidnapper,” Justice Oshodi said.

“He showed no remorse in the dock and tried to lie his way out of the crimes despite the video evidence.”

He concluded that the evidence tendered before the court especially their video confessions corroborated their guilt.

The court discharged and acquitted Ogechi Uchechukwu and two former soldiers of the Nigerian Army, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba, for lack of sufficient evidence linking them to the crime.

The Lagos State government had arraigned Evans alongside Uche Amadi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Ogechi Uchechukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi, and Victor Aduba for allegedly kidnapping the Managing Director of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Limited, Donatus Dunu, on February 14, 2017.

The state had claimed that the convicts committed the alleged offence between February 14 and April 12, 2017.

The prosecution had further told the court that the incident took place at about 7:45 pm, along Obokun Street, in the Ilupeju area of Lagos.

The prosecution told the court that on April 12, Evans alongside the other five defendants while armed with guns and other weapons captured, detained and collected a ransom of 223,000 euros from Donatus for his release.

The Lagos State government subsequently arraigned the defendants before the court in August 2017.

In all, the prosecution presented four witnesses, including the victim, Dunu while the defence presented six witnesses including Evans who testified in his own defence.

Evans is also facing similar charges before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo and Justice Adedayo Akintoye of the same court.

IntelRegion/Adedayo Adelowo

Judiciary

33 Inmates Regain Freedom From Correctional Centres

By Web News 471

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has freed 33 inmates from three out of five Custodial Centres of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) in the State.

Eight of the inmates were released from Ikoyi custodial centre, 11 and 14 from Maximum and Medium Custodial centres respectively.

The inmates were pardoned at an open court session presided over by the Chief Judge at the premises of Justice Samuel Ilori Court House, Ogba.

Justice Alogba noted that the exercise was in line with the efforts by the Federal Government to decongest the prisons as stipulated ìn Section 6 of the1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, Chapter 40 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2005.

He said it was also pursuant to powers conferred on him to grant the inmates pardon pursuant to Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act.

Justice Alogba lamented that the prevalence of crimes in the society had been so horrendous for anybody to consider releasing anybody who had not been processed under the law.

He explained that the criteria used to determine those released were not based on sentiments but “were meticulously followed and scrutinized by the Justice Adenike Coker led decongestion committee.

Members of the committee also include Justices Omobola Okikiolu-Ighile, Yetunde Adesanya, Hakeem Oshodi, Busola Okunuga, Josephine Oyefeso among others.

Wahab Akinlade

Crime Judiciary

Court Convicts Kidnap Kingpin

By Web News 680

Kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike aka Evans, has been convicted alongside two others for conspiracy and kidnapping of a businessman, Donatus Duru.

The other two convicts are are Uche Amadi and Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu.

The three men were found guilty of a two-count by the Ikeja High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Hakeem Oshodi on Friday.

According to Justice Oshodi, the prosecution succeeded in proving the charge against the three convicts beyond reasonable doubt.

He, however, discharged and acquitted one Ogechi Uchechukw and two former soldiers, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba, saying the evidence against them was not sufficient enough.

Justice Oshodi is, however, yet to sentence the convicts as proceedings are still ongoing.

Evans is facing similar charges before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo and Justice Adedayo Akintoye of the same court.

The Punch/Oluwakayode Banjo

Judiciary

Sylvester Oromoni: Dowen College Doctor Gives Evidence

By Web News 512

A Medical Doctor working with Dowen College, Mojisola Bisiriyu has narrated to Coroner’s Court that a 12-year-old student of the college, Sylvester Oromoni Junior has no medical history.

Dr Bisiriyu disclosed this before Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri in an ongoing inquest to unravel the cause of the death of Oromoni Junior.

The school’s lawyer, Mr Anthony Kpokpo led her in Evidence-in-Chief and tendered her statement on oath before she was cross-examined.

While she was being cross-examined by the Oromoni family lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, the school’s doctor explained that she was in charge of the school’s sickbay.

She explained that the deceased came limping to complain of pain in his right thigh and that the boy was not taken to the partner hospital, Lifeline Children Hospital, Lekki.

“The deceased has no leg injury. I asked the nurse to massage his right thigh. He did not complain about the leg. I handed him over to the resident nurse, Omobola Kayode. The massage improves his condition.”

“I am very aware that he was in school till November 23, 2021. On November 21, I ordered the nurse to massage him. I am not on duty on November 23. When I saw him (the deceased), he was still in pain, waiting for his guardian to come and pick him up.”

According to the school doctor, she only referred emergency cases to the hospital, pointing out that the case of the deceased did not merit taking him to the hospital.

“As a school policy, every parent must be told before taking their child to the hospital, especially in the COVID-19 period, parent don’t want their child to be taken to any hospital.” 

She further told court that she advised the parent to take him to the hospital, but she did not give them a referral note.

Wahab Akinlade

Judiciary

Super TV Boss Death: Trial Suffers Setback Again

By Web News 636

The trial of an undergraduate, Chidinma Ojukwu, for the murder of the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Usifo Ataga, suffers set back today owing to the absence of a prosecution witness.

Ojukwu is standing trial before a Lagos State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Island.

She is charged alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri for murder, stealing and forgery

The prosecution counsel, Mrs Adenike Oluwafemi, told the court that a prosecution witness, billed to testify, was not available.

She prayed that earlier dates for adjournment to enable the prosecution to get toxicology and Deoxyribonucleic Acid results needed for the trial.

Mrs Oluwafemi said the results were not available yet, adding that the next witness would be examined with those documents.

Subsequently, the presiding judge, Justice Yetunde Adesanya consequently vacated the dates and adjourned the proceedings until April 25 for the continuation of trial.

The three defendants were arraigned on October 12 on a nine-count charge preferred by the Lagos State Government.

Ojukwu and Quadri are facing the first to eight counts bordering on conspiracy, murder, stabbing, forgery, making of bank statements and stealing.

The third defendant, Egbuchu, is facing the ninth count – stealing of iPhone 7 belonging to the late Ataga.

Ojukwu and Quadri are alleged to have conspired and murdered Ataga on June 15, 2021, by stabbing him several times with a knife in the neck and chest.

The alleged murder took place at 19, Adewale Oshin St., Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

The duo was also accused of committing forgery by procuring and making bank account statements purported to have been made by the deceased.

Wahab Akinlade

Judiciary

Paris Club Refunds: Court Fixes Judgment For March 25

By Web News 597

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled judgment for March 25 in a suit by the 36 State Governments against the plan by the Federal Government to deduct from States’ funds to settle debts owed consultants engaged by the states and Local Governments in relation to the Paris Club refunds.

Justice Inyang Ekwo chose the date on Tuesday after lawyers to parties in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1313/2021adopted their written addresses and made final submissions.


The plaintiffs are, by the suit, seeking to restrain President Muhammadu Buhari and others from effecting the planned deduction from states’ funds to settle the debt owed consultants engaged by states and LGs. Lead plaintiffs’ lawyer, Sunday Ameh (SAN) in his final submission, argued that the defendants misconstrued the kernel of his clients’ suit.


Ameh faulted the argument by the defendants that the suit was challenging existing judgments given by the court in favour of some of the consultants.


“We are not challenging the judgments, we are saying the way the Federal Government and its agencies are going about enforcing the judgments enforcing violates sections 120 and 162 of the Constitution,” he said.


Ameh stated that his clients were not averse to FG’s issuance of promissory notes to the consultants (also sued as defendants), but became uncomfortable when it (FG) issued a notice to commence deduction from the states’ accounts. He added that since the Federal Government agreed that the contractors were owed in relation to the services they rendered, it should settle the indebtedness without deploying funds belonging to the states and LGs.


Ameh contended that it is the nation’s commonwealth that some individuals were attempting to out of the Federation Accounts, stating that “if the Fed Govt is inclined to pay the debt, it should look for another way to do so and leave the funds belonging to the state govt and LGs alone.”
He prayed to the court to allow the case and grant his client’s prayers.


Defendants’ lawyers, including Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Maimuna Lami Shiru (ting Director, Civil Litigation, Federal Ministry of Justice), and Olusola Oke (SAN) faulted the competence of the suit and urged the court to dismiss it.


Olanipekun, who represented one of the consultants, Dr. Ted Iseghohi-Edwards (14th defendant), described the plaintiffs as meddlesome interlopers, noting that the state governments claimed to be fighting for the Local Governments, a distinct tier of government, without the consent of the third tier of government.
He prayed the court to dismiss the suit for being time-wasting and constituting an abuse of the court process.


Mrs. Shiru argued that not only was the suit statute barred, but the plaintiffs are also seeking the impossible by asking the court to sit on appeal over judgments earlier delivered by it and other courts of coordinate jurisdiction.


“The plaintiffs have not appealed against the judgments of this court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the contracts awarded to the consultants are valid,” she said.


She further argued that the decision by the Fed Govt to issue promissory notes to the consultant as a way of settling the debt owed them was legitimate, adding that the plaintiffs cannot distance themselves from the decision taken by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in engaging some of the consultants.


Mrs. Shiru represented the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Accountant General of the Federation (AGoF), the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and the Debt Management Office (DMO), sued as the first, second, third, fourth and sixth defendants in the suit, marked:
Oke, who represented Riok Nigeria Limited and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu argued that the suit is without merit and should be dismissed.


He noted the promissory notes by the Fed Government were charged on its properties and not those of the states.
Oke stated that the judgment obtained by his clients was against the Local Governments and not the plaintiffs, adding that the LGs have admitted the contract awarded to his clients.

thecaveat.info

Judiciary

Court Jails Widow For Brutalising Child; First Lady Hails Judgement

By Web News 786

A magistrate court sitting in Akure ,Ondo  State has sentenced a woman ,Opeyemi Omoyemi to three and half years imprisonment for brutalising a twelve year old boy ,Joel Sunday,who is her house help .

Omoyemi, a widow was also jailed for one year for being found guilty of Violence Against Persons Prohibition.


The jail terms are to run concurrently.
Our Correspondent who monitored the proceeding reports that the convict was arrested by men of the State Police Command after she used blade to inflict deep cuts on the body of the victim at Adebowale area of Akure .

The thirty six year old widow had accused the boy of stealing some pieces of meat from her pot of soup.

36year Old Opeyemi Omoyemi

The presiding Magistrate ,Mrs olufunmilayo Edwin, said the defendant was guilty of count one ,four and five.
Meanwhile ,counsel to the convict ,Foluso Kayode had said the judgement would be appealed .


Members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists were also in court in solidarity with the twelve year old Joel Sunday.


In the meantime,the chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers,FIDA, in Ondo State ,Mrs Catherine Ogunjebi has descibed the verdict as a good development towards curtailing gender based violence in the state .


Mrs Ogunjebi while reacting to the judgement said children of Mrs opeyemi omoyemi ,the convict were already being taken care of by the ministry of women affairs 


Also speaking ,The chairperson ,Nigeria Association of women Journalists, Ondo state Council ,Mrs Doris Olumoko, was of the view that quick dispensation of justice would serve as deterrent to others who delighted in brutalising children.

NAWOJ Chairperson,Ondo State Council, Mrs Doris Olumoko.

Similarly ,the Wife of Ondo state Governor,Mrs Betty  Anyawu-Akeredolu hailedthe Magistrate court for granting justice in the case of the twelve year old Joel Sunday who was brutalised by his guardian.


Reacting to the judgement in Akure, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu said the verdict would send strong signal to curtail the abuse of children in the state. 


Olufisoye Adenitan.

Judiciary

Ondo Court Remands G.O Over Member’s Death

By Web News 779

A 49- year-old General Overseer of a Pentecostal Church,  Prophetess Serah Abuloye, has been remanded by an Ondo State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Akure over circumstances that led to the alleged murder of a church member.

The defendant, Serah Abuloye, is the founder of All Saints Development Church of Christ, Igbara-Oke in Ifedore local government area of the state.

The Police Prosecutor, Obalasa Ajiboye, informed the court that the defendant killed and dumped one Adefunke Aselogbon, aged 37, in a bush behind her church on January 6, 2022.

He said she committed the offence at about 4.00am along Isarun Road, Igbara-oke in the Ondo State Magisterial District.
The charge sheet read in part,”That you, Serah Abuloye, did conspire to commit felony, to wit: murder and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you, Serah Abuloye  and others at large on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did kill and dump one Adefunke Aselogbon, aged 37, in a bush at the back of your church and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The plea of the defendant was not taken.

Obalasa, therefore made an oral application to remand the defendant in prison custody pending the outcome of advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
According to him, the body of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary.

Counsel to the defendant, Mrs Ola Adedire, did not oppose the prosecutor’s application.

In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, ordered the remand of the defendant in police custody and adjourned the case till February 18, 2022 for ruling on remand application.

Bukola Bardi
 

Judiciary

Breaking: Abuja Court Strikes Out Timothy Adegoke’s Murder Case

By Web News 1139

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gudu, in Apo, Abuja, has struck out the case of the alleged murder of Timothy Adegoke, a postgraduate student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State.

In November last year, Adegoke was reportedly murdered at Hilton Honour Hotel and Resorts, Ile Ife.

The judge, Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, issued the order striking out the charges filed in connection to his death after the prosecuting counsel, Ochogwu Ogbe, moved an application for discontinuance of the case on Tuesday.

Mr Ogbe, representing the police prosecuting team, said the withdrawal of the case was necessitated by the need for further investigations on the case.

The lawyer said this was in view of some “new facts” found concerning the case.

“Take notice that the complainant discontinues all the proceedings in the case against the defendants for further investigation,” part of the prosecution’s court filing read.

The judge, Ms Osho-Adebiyi, subsequently struck out the case on the basis of the application.

“Since the prosecutor has applied for a discontinuance of case and the defendants are not opposing the application, I hereby struck out the case,” she ruled.

The ruling came as a temporary reprieve for the seven defendants, including Rahmon Adedoyin, the owner of Hilton Honour Hotel and Resorts, Ile Ife, where Mr Adegoke was reportedly murdered in November, 2021.

It is, however, not immediately clear if the police would release the defendants during the period of further investigations.

The decision by the police to withdraw the charges came on the heels of the request by the Adegoke family lawyer, Femi Falana’s request for the case to be transferred to Ile Ife in Osun State, where the alleged offences were said to have been committed.

Controversy had trailed Mr Adegoke’s death after he lodged at Hilton Hotel and Resort in Ile Ife, Osun State.

He was in the ancient city to write an examination at the OAU Distance Learning Centre, Moro campus, when he was declared missing on November 7, 2021.

Mr Adegoke’s body was said to have been discovered after some suspects, including workers at the hotel, were arrested by the police for questioning.

The police had stepped into the matter, and in January, charged the owner of the hotel, Rahmon Adedoyin, and six others over Mr Adegoke’s death.

Mr Adedoyin was charged with an attempted felony, conspiracy, unlawful interference with Adegoke’s corpse, and tampering with the hotel’s receipt and CCTV camera, with the intent to destroy evidence that would prove that Mr Adegoke visited the hotel.

Others charged alongside Mr Adedoyin are: Adedeji Adesola, 23; Magdalene Chiefuna, 24; Adeniyi Aderogba, 37; Oluwale Lawrence, 37, Oyetunde Kazeem, 38; Adebayo Kunle, 35, and others at large.

Those at large were Prince Rahim Adedoyin, Esther Asifo and Quadiri Moshood.

Point News

Judiciary

Court moves Nnamdi Kanu’s fundamental rights suit to Feb. 28

By Web News 542

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has adjourned until the 28th of this month, to hear a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu against the Department of State Services, its Director-General and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Kanu on behalf of his counsel, Maxwell Okpara, is suing the DSS and the AGF over an allegation of poor medical attention given to him in the detention facility of the DSS.

By the suit, the applicant wants an order of the court directing the Respondents to immediately allow him to appoint an independent medical practitioner of his choice from a certified government hospital to review his medical files.

Kanu is also seeking an order to allow him access to facility and material for the practice of his religion as well as to direct the Respondents to immediately remove him from solitary confinement.

When the matter came up for mentioning, it was discovered that the DSS was yet to serve it’s counter-affidavit on the applicant’s lawyer.

On its part, the office of the AGF filed a motion for extension of time within which to file its counter affidavit in opposition to the suit.

The judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo therefore adjourned the matter for hearing.

FRCN, Abuja

Judiciary

Hanifa’s Murder: Lack of Legal Representation Stalls Trial

By Web News 656

Lack of legal representation has stalled the trial of Abdulmalik Tanko and his accomplice before a Kano High Court for alleged murder of five-year-old, Hanifa Abubakar.

Earlier, Tanko, Hashimu and Fatima were arraigned on January 24, before a Chief Magistrates’ Court on four-count charge of culpable homicide, conspiracy, kidnapping and concealing/keeping in confinement a kidnapped person.

The case was later moved to a high court of justice, due to what the prosecution council described as lack of jurisdiction by the magistrate court to handle.

When the case came up for re-arraignment, the Prosecution Counsel, Kano State Attorney General, Musa Abdullahi-Lawan, told the court that the defendants had no counsel and asked for an adjournment, as they prayed for the state government to provide a legal presentation on their behalf.

Justice Usman Na’abba, ordered the remand of the defendants in a correctional centre and adjourned the matter until February 14, for further mention.

Tanko, who is the proprietor of Nobel Kids Comprehensive College, Kano, conspired with the two others to kidnap his student Hanifa.

Hanifa was held hostage at Tanko’s house situated at Tudun Murtala Quarters, Kano, for six days after which killed her with rat poison, put her corpse into a sack and buried her in a shallow grave on December 10, 2021.

The offences according to the prosecution counsel, contravened the provision of Sections 97, 274, 277 and 221 of the Penal Code.

FRCN, Abuja

Judiciary

Breaking: Court Dismisses Case Impeding Appointment of New Olubadan

By Web News 919

Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Abimbola has dismissed the suit challenging the consent judgment that nullified the promotion of Ibadan High Chiefs as Obas under the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi led government in the state.

Justice Abimbola gave the verdict at a sitting at Court one of Oyo state high court.

The High Chiefs had earlier withdrawn the suit challenging the judgment that nullified their promotion, which had stalled the enthronement of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

In his remarks, Justice Abimbola explained that the withdrawal of the suit by the High Chiefs indicated a termination of all litigations on the case.

The Chief Judge explained further that the Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration of 1957 remained valid and any contrary declaration should be disregarded.

Shortly after the court session, The OSI Balogun of Ibadan land, Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, in an interview, expressed delight and relief that the case was finally settled.

Chief Ajibola said the High chiefs, including the OSI Olubadan of Ibadan land, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, would soon meet with the State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for the next line of action.

It would be recalled that since the passage of Oba Saliu Adetunji early last month, there had been controversies surrounding the appointment of the next in rank, Otun Olubadan, Chief Lekan Balogun as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, as a result of an impending legal tussle.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

Judiciary

Court Adjourns Sitting over Nnamdi Kanu’s Case

By Web News 561

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned until Wednesday, the matter against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The adjournment followed Mazi Kanu’s complaint that the Federal Government failed to promptly serve him the fresh 15-count amended charge it brought before the court.

Mazi Kanu, through his team of lawyers led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome, further accused the Federal Government of denying him the necessary facility to defend the charge against him.

Chief Ozekhome told the court that the amended charge was served on them, barely 24 hours to the scheduled hearing.

On his part, the Prosecution counsel, Mr. Mohammed Labaran did not oppose to the court granting a short adjournment to enable the defense lawyers to study the charge.

Meanwhile, before adjourning the matter, the trial Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, ordered the Department of State Services, DSS, to allow Mazi Kanu to meet with his lawyers and to have a change of cloth.

Ifeoma Nwovu

Judiciary

Court Sentences ex- Military Officer, One Other to Death by Hanging

By Web News 664

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced an ex-military officer, Olasoji Damilola (36) and Koiki Tunde Benson (32) to death by hanging for offence of armed robbery while Ogbesetuyi Tunde (30) bagged life jail term for offences bothering on conspiracy and attempted robbery.

In his judgment, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye said, the prosecution had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt on offences of conspiracy, attempted robbery and armed robbery against the defendants.

In all, the sole issue for determination is resolved in favour of the prosecution. In count two (Armed Robbery) the first and second defendant i.e. Olasoji Damilola and Koiki Tunde Benson were sentenced to death by hanging until they die. In count one, three and four, the three defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment for offences of conspiracy and attempted robbery.

According to the charge, the three defendants had on 10/03/2016 conspired and attempted to rob a filling Station on Ikere Road, Ado Ekiti.

Also, on May 15, 2016, Olasoji Damilola, an Army Officer who was Court Marshalled and dismissed during the pendency of the case alongside Koiki Tunde Benson conspired and robbed one Oluwadare Adebayo at a filling Station in Odo-Ado, Ado Ekiti and carted away a sum of 1,204,750. At the time of the robbery, they were armed with gun and other offensive weapons.

The offences run contrary to Sections 6(b) and 1 (2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. RII, Vol.14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The victim, Oluwadare Adebayo told the court that around 6:30pm, the defendants came to the filling station in pretence of buying fuel and forced their way into the Station’s bulk room. While begging them, one of them slapped him and another one hit him with gun boot on the head which made him become unconscious.

According to him, Koiki escaped with the money while Olasoji Damilola was arrested at the scene.

To prove his case, the Prosecutor Olawale Fapohunda Esq. called two witnesses and tendered wallet, two passport photographs, Army Identity card and photocopy, statements of the defendants among others as exhibits.

Niyi Alade

Judiciary

Osun Customary Court of Appeal Gets New President

By Web News 1655

A new president of the Osun state customary court of appeal, Honorable Justice Raheem Siyanbola has been sworn-in.

Speaking at the event which took place in Osogbo, Osun state Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola tasked the new president to dispense justice with fairness so as to write his name in gold.

Governor Oyetola who said his government had been enjoying necessary cooperation from the judiciary to ensure development in the state harped the need for the judiciary to remain professional so as to serve as the hope of the common man.

Speaking after taking the oath of office, Honorable Akanbi noted his appointment was accompanied with challenges and solicited the cooperation of the three arms of government to enable him to succeed in office.

Until his appointment, Honorable Justice Raheem Akanbi Siyanbola was a judge in Osun state high court of justice.

Abiodun Adeoye

Judiciary

Court Sentences Man to Prison for Assault in Osun

By Web News 632

An Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Ejigbo has sentenced a man, Ebenezer Ojuawo to three years imprisonment at Ilesa correctional service.

Ojuawo was arraigned before the court on a two count charge bothering on assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Prosecuting the defendant, Sergeant Olanrewaju Oke told the court that the defendant, Ebenezer Ojuawo had on the fifth of this month around Ori Eeru Ejigbo , deliberately matcheted one Adebowale Ojerinde in the head, causing him severe head injury.

He told the court that it took the intervention of the public to apprehend Ojuawo around nine in the evening the same day.

After reading the statement obtained from the defendant at the police station to the court, Ojuawo confessed through the statement that after returning from his farm, he went out to a joint where they sell alcoholic drinks, submitting that was the last thing he remembered.

Ojuawo maintained that he did not even know that he matcheted anyone.

Ojuawo however pleaded guilty to the two-count charge praying the court to temper justice with mercy.

Delivering the judgement, Magistrate, A. Ajala said the fact of the case revealed that the defendant was not insane but acted under the influence of alcohol.

The court said it was not good to keep such a person in the public noting that correctional services were equipped enough to rehabilitate such people.

The court, having found him guilty of the two-count charge convicted Ojuawo for three years imprisonment for the first charge and one month for the second charge without the option of a fine.

The court also ordered that the term be served concurrently.

 Adedayo Adelowo

Judiciary

We are investigating the issues of conflicting court orders – NBA

By Web News 721

National President, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Mr Olumide Apata says the association is investigating the issues of conflicting court orders from Judges in the country.

Mr Apata who stated this in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta when he paid a courtesy visit to the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said any erring member of the association would be taken to the Disciplinary Committee for prosecution.

The NBA president who noted the ongoing developmental projects in the state expressed optimism that the private sector background of the governor would help to ensure that governance should be pragmatic in finding solutions to people’s problems.

Responding, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, commended the NBA for protecting human rights and the tenets of good governance, saying it was in tandem with his administration’s policy of fairness, equity and fair play.

The governor also announced that a law would soon be put in place to ensure that judges who had served the state would own houses, adding that all judges from Ogun State serving in various courts across the country would benefit from the arrangement.

Bolanle Adesida

Judiciary

Sexual Abuse: We need parents, caregivers’ support – Oyo AG

By Web News 885

For justice to be served for survivors of child sexual abuse and rape there is the need for strong synergy among caregivers, medical practitioners, law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations.

This formed part of resolutions at a stakeholders’ roundtable dialogue on response to child sexual abuse in Ibadan.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo said cases of child sexual abuse against perpetrators hit major setbacks when family members frustrate legal processes by refusing to cooperate with relevant agencies.

Represented by the coordinator, Oyo State Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team, Mrs Dupe Awosemusi, the Attorney General also highlighted lack or improper medical report of the victim, withdrawal of interest from victims and pressure from the community as another bane of justice delivery.

Professor Oyewo who disclosed that eighty per cent of perpetrators of child sexual abuse are family members urged parents to be vigilant and protect their children, especially during the Yuletide when people are likely to visit.

In his contribution, a chief consultant, Forensic Pathology, University Teaching Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Dr Uwom Eze said the improper ways of collecting forensic evidence from survivor of child sexual abuse by some medical practitioners have stalled justice for victims.

Dr Eze Advised any child who is sexually abused to immediately visit the one-stop-shop centre where all necessary assistances are available for such cases.

Also speaking, a research scientist from Tai Sholarin University, Ogun State, Professor Samuel Oladipo while presenting recent findings on survivors of sexual abuse in Nigeria, said many were victims of circumstances from broken homes.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Convener, Executive Director, Hope for Second Chance Foundation, Mrs Ibukunoluwa Otesile said the stakeholders’ dialogue was borne out of the increasing cases of child sexual abuse despite the fight against the menace over the years.

Present at the stakeholders’ dialogue were community leaders, police, representatives of the Ministry of Education, National Human Rights Commission and CSOs.

Mosope Kehinde

Judiciary

Ekiti Chief Judge Frees 69 Awaiting Trial Inmates

By Web News 653

Ekiti State Chief Judge, Justice John Adeyeye has released 69 awaiting trial inmates.

The Chief Judge released the inmates during his maiden visit to the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Ado Ekiti, since assumption of duty in June this year.

Justice Adeyeye said the released inmates were those who committed lesser offences ranging from burglary, stealing, who have stayed in the centre beyond the stipulated law jail term for the offences they committed among others.

He advised them to be of good conduct and shun any act that could bring them back to the centre.

Justice Adeyeye lauded the Controller and his men for keeping a clean and healthy environment, thereby making the facility more conducive for the inmates.

According to him, a total of 583 cases were reviewed, 11 females and 527 males, 45 inmates were released unconditionally, 19 were released on bail, 4 were freed on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Julius Ajibare for having no case to answer, 1 was struck out while 3 bail conditions were varied.

Earlier, the Controller of the Centre, Mr Olayemi Ojo, who conducted the Chief Judge round the facilities, urged him to make the visit a regular exercise so as to decongest the correctional centre.

Mr Olayemi told the Chief Judge that the facility was designed to hold less than four hundred inmates but currently accommodates about seven hundred inmates.

He also urged the Chief Judge to encourage Magistrates to make use of Non-Custodial sentences, such as community services, as such will drastically help in decongesting the Correctional centre.

Amos Ogunrinde

Judiciary

Court of Appeal Unveils New Rules

By Web News 1543

The court of appeal has unveiled new rules (the Court of Appeal Rules 2021) for the appellate court.

The Court of Appeal Rules 2021, was unveiled at the second annual working retreat conference for judges of the appeal court in Abuja.

With the powers conferred on the President of the Court of Appeal by section 248 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), issued the Court of Appeal Rules 2021 (the “CAR 2021”), which came into force on 01.11.2021 and repealed the Court of Appeal Rules, 2016 (the “CAR 2016”).

The CAR 2021 introduces certain innovations aimed at modernising the Rules of the Court of Appeal and ensuring expeditious disposal of appeals.

Unveiling the new rules, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha said the”CAR 2021″ is an appropriate instrument that would help in the efficient dispensation of justice in the country.

Mr Mustapha while emphasising the importance of justice said efficient justice dispensation was an essential tool for the nation’s development.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Justice Tanko Muhammad said the appellate court has always served as a link between lower courts and the Supreme Court which had tremendously helped in the quick dispensation of Justice delivery in the country.

The President Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen said the annual working retreat conference helps judges to share ideas, challenges and work out strategies for better administration of justices.

Justice Dongban-Mensen also called for retraining of the judges as a way of improving and enhancing their service delivery.

Frcn, Abuja

Judiciary

Sotitobire: Appeal Court Set Aside High Court Life Imprisonment Sentence

By Web News 908

The court of appeal siting in Akure, Ondo state capital has set aside the judgement of the Ondo state high court that sentenced the founder of the Sotitobire Praising Chapel, Prophet Babatunde Alfa to life Imprisonment.

An Ondo State High court handed Prophet Alfa a life jail over the disappearance of one- year-old boy, Gold Kolawole in his church in 2019.

The Sotitobire founder had asked the appeal court to nullify his life sentence conviction by the court.

The court ruled that the circumstantial evidence the high court based its judgement is not enough to convict him.

Prophet Alfa was therefore discharged and acquitted Justice Gamma Barka read the judgement on behalf of other judges.

Meanwhile, the Sotitobire praising chapel in Oshinle Akure went agog when the news of the judgement filtered in.

Radio Nigeria reporter who was around the church premises said members had arrived early in the morning offering praise and worship and well as prayers for the judgement to be in favour of their general Overseer.

The atmosphere changed to that of a carnival when the news came in the Prophet Alfa had been set free by the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure.

Bukola Bardi