Judiciary

Court Adjourns Okikiola’s Case

By Web News 262

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The controversial musician, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 sitting in Ota, Ogun State, over nine-count charges.

The charges include assault, occasional harm, stealing, resisting arrest and serious assault on a police officer, among others.

Portable, who had been having repeated encounters with law enforcement agencies over various offences, was denied bail by the court and subsequently ordered to be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta.

The magistrate adjourned the case to January 19, 2026, for further hearing. 

Edited by Taiwo Akinola

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Judiciary

Court Dismisses Case against Ex-Queen, Others

By Web News 98

By Funmilayo Obagbayegun

Justice Ladiran Akintola of an Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, has struck out a case of felony, murder, manslaughter and conspiracy to commit an offence against the former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Ogunwusi, an Ibadan based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan. Abdullah Fasasi.

The three were standing trial for their alleged involvement in the death of 35 children in a stampede during a Christmas funfair on December 18, 2024.

Justice Akintola said the case was struck out on compassionate grounds.

The judge also ordered the release of the defendants’ passports.

Speaking with newsmen after the ruling, counsel to one of the defendants, Mr Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, said all the parties involved in the case had agreed to settle out of court.

Mr Adetunbi noted that, though no amount of compensation could quantified the loss of lives.

Also, another defence counsel, Mr. Ridwan Adeleke said, some of the families of the victims of the stampede had appealed to the state government to discontinue the case.

Crime

Court Adjourns Hearing on Auxiliary Trial

By Web News 655

By Jeffery Ahonmisi

Justice Bayo Taiwo of  Oyo State High Court, Ring – Road, Ibadan has adjourned till January 22, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing in the ongoing trial between the state and former Chairman of the Park Management System, PMS in the state, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi also known as Auxiliary.

Justice Taiwo adjourned the matter because the defence Counsel to the defendant, Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN, objected to a police officer being called to give evidence.

The Director of Public Prosecution, Mr S. O . Adeoye, who appeared for the state, had called Inspector Innocent Agede from the Oyo State Police Command Monitoring Unit, Eleyele, Ibadan, to give evidence.

Mr Ojo said the state’s counsel did not serve him with the summary of the evidence.

He said the witness called did not have a statement or a summary of his evidence, as mandatorily required by section 380 subsection four of the Administration of Criminal Justice of Nigeria  2016.

Alhaji Lamidi is facing trial on seventeen counts of charges of armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and possession of firearms, including one AK-47 assault rifle.

The case is based on offences allegedly committed on the 29th of May, 2023, at the residence of the state governor, Seyi Makinde at Ikolaba, Ibadan.

Alhaji Lamidi had pleaded not guilty to the 17-count charge read to him on November 27th, 202

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Foreign

Chinese Man Who Rammed Car into Crowd Given Suspended Death Sentence

By Web News 357

A Chinese court has issued a suspended death sentence to a man who rammed his car into crowds outside a primary school in southern China last month, injuring more than two dozen people in one of several violent attacks that has recently rattled the country and prompted officials to ramp up security measures.

The driver, named as Huang Wen, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by a court in Changde city in Hunan province, state news agency Xinhua reported Monday.

Under Chinese law, the reprieve means Huang’s penalty can be commuted to life imprisonment, subject to his conduct during the two-year period.

Huang was arrested on site after injuring 30 people, including 18 students, on the morning of November 19, according to the court.

The court said Huang launched the attack to vent his frustration after suffering investment losses and conflicts with family members.

Huang got out of his vehicle after crashing it into people and attacked bystanders with a weapon before being apprehended, according to the court.

Video circulating on social media and geolocated by CNN showed dozens of panicked schoolchildren screaming and running into the schoolyard, with a man’s voice heard yelling “quickly, quickly,” in the background.

Another video showed multiple people, including adults, lying on the road, apparently injured. Police could be seen handcuffing a man in front of a vehicle.

Images circulating online of the incident were quickly wiped from social media platforms, while comment sections on posts related to the incidents were disabled.

“Huang Wen chose an unspecified large number of innocent primary school students as his main targets, demonstrating a despicable motive and extreme malice,” the court said in a statement.

Spate of attacks

The incident in Changde came just over a week after China saw its deadliest known attack in a decade, when 35 people were killed after a man plowed his car into crowds exercising at an outdoor sports center in the southern city of Zhuhai.

The suspect, a 62-year-old man, was apprehended while trying to flee the scene. An initial investigation suggested he was unhappy with the outcome of a divorce settlement, according to police.

Eight people were also killed and 17 others injured in a mass stabbing on a college campus in eastern China on November 16.

Sudden episodes of violence targeting random members of the public – including children – have surged across China in recent months as economic growth stutters, unnerving a public long accustomed to low violent crime rates and ubiquitous surveillance.

Some social media users have taken to warning each other to be cautious of people becoming more desperate and unstable, calling the recent attacks an act of “revenge against society.”

Public discontent has been mounting in China over the country’s flailing economy, which is grappling with numerous woes from an ailing property sector to low consumer confidence and high youth unemployment.

Authorities have rolled out some stimulus measures, but many experts say they are not enough to boost much-needed domestic demand and revive the economy.

The recent outbursts of violence have unnerved China’s top officials.

In response to the Zhuhai attack, Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged officials to “prevent risks at the source” and “promptly resolve conflicts and disputes” to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Last month, China’s top judge called on court officials to hand out swift and severe punishment for violent attacks on the public.

The country’s top prosecutor also pledged last month to “resolve conflicts, manage risks and maintain social stability” and maintain “zero tolerance” on crimes that endanger the safety of students.

CNN/Adetutu Adetule

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Culture

Sanusi Receives Letter of Reinstatement, Court Says Halt

By Web News 258

By Abdullahi Jallaludeen/ Muzha Kucha

In a formal ceremony held at the Africa House within the Government House Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State presented a letter of reappointment to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, reinstating him as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Governor Yusuf emphasised that the decision to reinstate Emir Sanusi was aimed at revitalising the esteemed heritage of Kano.

He expressed gratitude to the Speaker and members of the Kano State House of Assembly for their dedication in representing the desires of the people of Kano through the revision of the Kano Emirate Law.

During the presentation of the reappointment letter, Governor Yusuf underscored Emir Sanusi’s vast experience and expertise, highlighting his potential to contribute significantly to the advancement of the Emirate and the state.

He urged the reinstated Emir to utilise his knowledge for the betterment of both the Emirate and the broader community, emphasising the importance of fostering peace and harmony.

The ceremony was attended by prominent government officials, district heads, traditional title holders, and various stakeholders, symbolising the significance of the occasion in the region.

Reactions trails the development in Kano

In 2019, the creation of additional Emirates of Karaye, Gaya, Rano, and Bichi by former governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had increased the number of first-class Emirs to five, leading to the deposition of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

However, in a recent sitting, the state Assembly passed the Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024, thereby establishing a single emirate council in the state.

This move has elicited a range of reactions with some residents expressing concerns about the centralisation of traditional power, while others welcome the return of Emir Sanusi Muhammad II.

Nurudeen Jibril, sees the reversal as the will of God, attributing leadership to divine selection.

Meanwhile, Buhari Abba voices worries that the dissolution might set a precedent for future governments to interfere with traditional institutions, potentially distorting the state’s historical fabric.

Salisu Muhammad, a businessman, expresses joy at Emir Sanusi Muhammad II’s return, praising his leadership qualities and philanthropy.

Police presence around the deposed Emir’s palace adds to the solemn mood.

The situation underscores the complexities surrounding traditional governance and the sentiments it evokes among the populace.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Kano has issued an ex-parte order halting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II until a substantive lawsuit regarding the reinstatement is resolved.

The court also objected to the abolition of four emirates: Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.

Justice Liman issued an order directing all concerned parties to uphold the current situation until the lawsuit contesting the recent actions by the Kano State Government brought forth by Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba-Dan Agundi, is resolved.

The defendants named in the lawsuit encompass various entities: the Kano State government, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the State Assembly, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Security.

Justice Liman’s directive instructs the parties involved to maintain the state of affairs as it was before the enactment and approval of the bill into law, pending the adjudication of the Fundamental Rights application.

This legal decision coincides with Governor Yusuf’s announcement earlier in the day, wherein he confirmed the re-appointment of Emir Sanusi shortly after endorsing the Kano Emirate Council (Amended) bill into law.

The signing ceremony took place at the government house, with the presence of the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Ismaila Falgore, and other key officials.

“Considering the Constitutional and Jurisdictional Issues evident on the face of the application, the parties are required to address the Court on these matters during the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application scheduled for June 3, 2024.

“To maintain peace and security in the state, this Honorable Court has issued an Interim Injunction restraining the Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalising the Kano State Emirate Law Council (Repeal) Law.

“The parties are instructed to maintain the status quo before the passage and approval of the bill until the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.”

The Judge adjourned the case until June 3, 2024, for further proceedings.

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Crime

Court Orders Labourer Be Given 12 Strokes for Stealing

By Web News 765

A Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court, on Thursday, ordered a 21-year-old labourer, Shuaibu Haruna to be flogged with 12 strokes of the cane for stealing a wallet.

The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, made the pronouncement after Haruna, a resident of Badiko, Kaduna, pleaded guilty to a  one-count charge of theft levelled against him.

Haruna prayed the court for leniency and vowed to refrain from such acts.

The magistrate held that the court applied leniency because Haruna admitted being guilty without wasting the court’s time.

Emmanuel advised him to be of good behaviour and desist from crime in the future.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Chidi Leo, informed the court that Haruna stole a wallet containing N45,000, an ATM card and other items belonging to the complainant, Mr Williams Ezekiel.

He said that Ezekiel, who resides at Ungwan Sarki, Kaduna, reported the matter on Feb. 5, at the Gabasawa Police Station.

Leo said that Haruna was caught and handed over to the police following an intelligent report from a member of the public.

He said that the offence contravened the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.(NAN)

Vanguard/Simeon UgbodovonSubscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Court Adjourns Trial of Adebutu over Alleged Vote Buying

By Web News 446

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

A High Court sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital has adjourned the trial of Ogun State Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the 2023 general election, Chief Ladi Adebutu over allegations of vote buying during the poll until next month. 

The Federal government had arraigned Chief Adebutu and nine others over allegations of vote buying during the March 18 governorship election in the state.

The Federal Government alleged that the PDP Governorship candidate ordered through his bank the issuance of N200,000 preloaded ATM verve cards with N10,000 and distributed same on the day of election across the State with the intent of inducing voters.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, the Federal Government’s counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs called three witnesses, including an official of a digital payment company and the witnesses were all cross-examined by the Defense Counsel, Mr Gordy Uche. 

The Prosecuting Counsel later told journalists that they had plans to call more witnesses to prove the case while the defence counsel said, they would be back here to continue with the evidence.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi later adjourned the case until the 19th and 20th of March March for continuation of hearing. 

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Culture

Alaafin Stool: Court Strikes Out Suit against Makinde

By Web News 587

The Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, and four other claimants in a suit instituted against the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and two others, were absent as Oyo High Court sitting in Awe area of the state struck out the case on Thursday.

According to reports the Kingmakers in Oyo town, popularly known as Oyo Mesi, dragged the governor and the state’s Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters, as well as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to court to stop them from aborting the process for the selection/appointment of the candidate for filling the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo candidate by Kingmakers.

The other claimants in suit no, HOY/38/2023 were Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo; Akiniku of Oyo, High Chief Amuda Yusuf; Areago Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Waheed Oyetunji and Alapo of Oyo who is also Warrant Officer for Alaapini of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, and they were all absent in court.

Justice Ladiran Akintola, while ruling on the suit, struck it out sequel to its withdrawal by the claimants.

Meanwhile, the claimants have filed a fresh suit no HOY/14/2023, of which the presiding Justice said the date for the hearing would be communicated to both parties.

The stool became vacant after the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who reigned for 52 years and died at the age of 83 in April 2022.

Details later…

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Labour

NLC Poised for Showdown with Imo Govt on Nov 1

By Web News 446

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has said it will mobilize its members to storm Imo State on Wednesday, November 1.

Briefing journalists at the Labour House on Sunday in Abuja, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, accused the Imo State Government of violating the rights of the Nigerian workers in the state.

Accusing Governor Hope Uzodimma of neglecting workers’ welfare, Ajaero lamented that many of them have died because of the alleged lack of payment of their salaries.

He outlined some of the infractions against workers by the Imo State Governor including the alleged refusal to implement previous agreements especially the accord reached on January 9, 2021, outstanding salary arrears of about 20 months, unjust declaration of workers as ghost workers, declaration of pensioners as ghost workers and unsettled gratuity arrears among others.

According to him, approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labelled as ghost pensioners resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions while about 11,000 workers have been branded by the Imo State Government as ghost workers.

The NLC President also lamented the non-compliance with the national minimum wage by the state government, adding that Governor Uzodinma has resisted the use of social dialogue and collective bargaining to resolve the issues.

Meanwhile, The National Industrial Court sitting in Owerri the Imo state capital has issued an extended interim injunction restraining the organized Labour from embarking on any kind of strike in Imo state.

Both the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress are further ordered not to embark on OCCUPY IMO, as planned, until the next adjourned date.

Justice Nelson Ogbuanya gave the order after hearing the submissions of the Attorney General of Imo State, Cyprian Akaolisa, who approached the court to grant an extended  interim order against the defendants in view of their fresh threat to embark on strike through occupy Imo.

The defendants are Nigeria Labour Congress and the Secretary General,  Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja and the Trade Union Congress and its secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro.

In the suit No NICN/ OW/41/2023, in which the Attorney General of Imo State and the Imo State Government  are applicants,  they prayed that since there is a subsisting order restraining the defendants from going on strike, the order should be extended.

Their argument was hinged on an affidavit by which the first defendant (NLC) by a letter dated 16th October, 2023 is currently mobilizing its members from the South East and South South  for a strike to occupy Imo from November 01,2023.

After hearing from both counsels in the suit, the court granted the order of  extended interim injunction restraining the defendants from embarking on any strike in whatever guise.

The court warned against the disobedience of its order, saying that it will attract consequences.

The Court adjourned the matter to November, 03,2023 for either hearing or report of settlement.

Channels/Adebukola Aluko

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Foreign

Trump in New York Court for Civil Fraud Trial

By Web News 541

Former President Donald Trump has arrived at court to attend the opening of his New York civil trial

Trump, his adult sons and the Trump Organization are accused of perpetrating years of fraud

The NY attorney general is seeking a fine of $250m (£204m) and a ban on him doing business in his home state.

Last week, a New York judge ruled Trump overvalued properties by hundreds of millions of dollars.

Trump has called the lawsuit a politically motivated “witch hunt”

The Trump Organization could be forced to relinquish control of its properties or sell some of its landmarks.

Mr Trump, who spoke to reporters for several minutes outside the room before entering, repeating previous claims that the case is against him is a sham.

“It’s a scam. It’s a sham. Just so you know, my financial statements are phenomenal.”

It is not certain if will there be live TV cameras inside the court, as there is no nod to that effect by the judge.

But last week a group of American news organisations petitioned Judge Arthur Engoron to allow live coverage of opening and closing arguments and parts of the trial other than witness testimony.

Live TV coverage isn’t generally allowed in New York state courts, but judges have the discretion to let cameras in, in some cases.

The group of news organisations has argued in a letter to the judge that if there’s ever a case where arguments should be broadcast live, it’s this one: “The need for the broadest possible public access cannot be overstated. Quite literally, the world is watching these proceedings.”

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Court Jails Vulcaniser for Life over Wife’s Niece Defilement

By Web News 371

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a 41-year-old vulcaniser, Wasiu Ibrahim, to life imprisonment for defiling his wife’s 15-year-old niece in Lagos State.

Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution sufficiently proved the charge of defilement against Ibrahim.

Oshodi held that the convict  tried to deny a statement he made, in which he confessed to have defiled the survivor (name withheld).

He said, “Mr Wasiu Ibrahim, for sexual gratification, you violated the survivor after your wife returned home from a burial.

“She had lived with you since she was 10, and called you daddy; yet, it did not deter you.

“You threatened to beat her up if she would tell  anyone, after having sexual intercourse with her.

“She did not inform anyone until days later, after she was found crying at the back of a classroom at the Estate Primary School, Ogba.

The judge said Ibrahim should be ashamed and punished, noting that the state had zero tolerance for sexual crimes.

“The charge of defilement for which you have been found guilty carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.

“I hereby sentence you to life imprisonment, and your name will be in  the Sexual Offences Register as maintained by Lagos State.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Foreign

Presidential Aide in Court over Alleged £225,000 Bribe

By Web News 420

The Madagascan president’s chief-of-staff has been charged in the UK with seeking a bribe from a gem mining firm.

Romy Andrianarisoa and an associate are accused of offering the British firm Gemfields licences in Madagascar in return for around £225,000.

She and her associate, Philippe Tabuteau, have been charged with requesting, agreeing to receive or accepting a bribe.

Both were remanded in custody after a brief court appearance on Saturday,

Ms Andrianarisoa, 46, and French national Mr Tabuteau, 54, are also accused of trying to land a 5% equity stake in any Gemfields Madagascar projects, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The agency said that the pair were arrested in the Victoria area of central London on Thursday afternoon, at a meeting where they were suspected of having attempted to solicit a bribe.

Andy Kelly, the NCA’s head of international corruption, said: “I am grateful to Gemfields for bringing this matter to our attention and for their ongoing co-operation with the investigation.”

Ms Andrianarisoa and Mr Tabuteau appeared in court on Saturday and have both been remanded in custody to next appear at Southwark Crown Court on 8 September.

The NCA did not specify what licences the alleged offences related to.

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Judiciary

Court Grants Emefiele N20m Bail

By Web News 358

Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety.

Justice Oweibo, however, ordered that the embattled CBN governor be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail condition.

Mr. Emefiele was charged in court by the State Security Service for possessing one single-barrel shotGun and 123 Rounds of live ammunition without a license.

Mr. Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge filed against him.

Following the “not guilty” plea, His counsel, Joseph Daodu, SAN, who led six other Senior lawyers, urged the court to grant bail on self-recognizance or other liberal terms, pending the hearing and determination of the trial.

“There is no counter-affidavit from the federal government; this is an unopposed application. He is a renowned banker and can only stay at his house, he can’t travel anywhere,” Mr. Daodu noted.

But the federal government, in its oral response, opposed the application, saying it had not been given time to respond In the spirit of fair hearing as enshrined in the constitution.

According to counsel to the government, Ms. Jones, and her team had information that the defendant’s refusal to hand in his passport indicated his capacity to abscond and evade trial.

“As the governor of the CBN, he is a powerful man and can intimidate the witnesses,” she stated.

“Granting him bail will intimidate the prosecution’s witnesses who have come forward to give evidence. He can evade trial based on his antecedents. We urge the court to dismiss the bail application.”

Earlier, the Court rejected the Federal Government’s claim that it had not received a copy of the bail application filed by the suspended CBN Governor in his alleged gun possession trial.

Justice Oweibo held that there was evidence that the government was served.

The Federal Government, which is prosecuting Mr. Emefiele, maintained that the offense was contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1(b)) of the same Act.

In the second count, Mr. Emefiele is accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a license, which is contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1(b)(II)) of the same Act.

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FRCN Abuja/ Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

News

Court tells DSS to Release or Charge Emiefele within 7 Days

By Web News 463

A high court of the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday issued a one-week ultimatum to the Department of State Security Service to either charge the detained suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele to Court or release him.

According to the report, Justice Hamza Muazu gave the order while delivering a ruling in a fundamental human rights suit instituted against the DSS and others by Emefiele.

Justice Muazu held that the DSS has the power to carry out its constitutional duties of making arrests, detaining, and ensuring the prevention of internal crime.

However, he maintained that such duties must be carried out within the ambit of the law.

Details later…

PUNCH/Taiwo Akinola

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Foreign

EU Court Rules Against Ireland on Nature Laws

By Web News 318

The European Court of Justice has ruled that the Republic of Ireland broke EU nature laws by failing to protect hundreds of sites.

The long-running case was brought forward by the European Commission in relation to the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive.

The court found that the Irish government had failed to designate Special Areas of Conservation for 217 of 423 sites across the country.

The government also neglected to set “site-specific detailed conservation objectives” at 140 sites.

The court awarded the costs of the case against the Irish government but the issue of fines was not determined.

The Habitats Directive, external aims to protect over a thousand species of animal and fauna and 230 characteristic habitat types.

The overall objective is to ensure that those species and habitats are maintained or restored to a favourable conservation status within the EU.

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) said the ruling was a “damning finding against Ireland” that comes as no surprise.

The IWT’s campaign officer Pádraic Fogarty said it was not seeing changes where it mattered despite some positive initiatives.

“We have whole sectors whose ecological footprints are out of control, particularly agriculture but also forestry, fishing and peat extraction,” he said.

Irish Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan said he recognised the importance of the judgement and was examining it with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and in consultation with the attorney general.

“It is important to note that the court’s findings refer to the position in January 2019,” he said.

“This government has made very considerable progress in recent years,” he added.

“I am confident that we will respond to this judgement swiftly with positive and constructive actions in order to bring Ireland into full compliance.”

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BBC/Taiwo Akinola

Crime

Oodua Nation Agitators in the Dock over Amuludun FM Invasion

By Web News 527

By Jeffrey Ahonmisi

Seven self-acclaimed Oodua Nation agitators who invaded Amuludun FM 99.1 in Moniya Ibadan have been arraigned by the Nigeria Police at the Magistrate Court, Iyanganku Ibadan.

The seven defendants, Noah Atoyebi, Adeleke Gbenga, Abdulganiyu Mustapha, Bashiru Kehinde, Ifagbola Elijah, Oladapo Ajani and Rasheed Jimoh were arraigned on four counts charge of conspiracy, treason, and two counts of armed robbery.

Magistrate P O Adetuyi did not take the plea of the defendants and ordered their remand at the Abolongo Prison, Oyo.

Earlier, counsel to one of the defendants, Adeleke Gbenga, Barrister Abiodun Adeleke requested for medical attention for his client as he was shot during his arrest.

The prosecution, Inspector Folake Ewe did not object to the request.

Magistrate Adetuyi after noting that the case file would be duplicated and sent to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP, for advice, adjourned the case to 13th of September, 2023.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria after the proceeding, counsel to one of the defendants, Barrister Abiodun Adeleke said he would apply for bail for his client when the case comes up at the high court.

Younger brother to one of the defendants, Oluwasegun Adeleke while pleading for mercy for his brother, said the defendant took unwise decisions due to his low level of education.

It would be recalled that suspected Oodua Nation agitators hijacked Amuludun 99.1 FM in Ibadan in the early hours of Sunday 28th of May this year.

The radio station, owned by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, was hijacked by the suspects around 6 o’clock in the morning, with various forms of charms and dangerous weapons.

The suspects also allegedly collected the staff valuables including mobile phones making it impossible for them to communicate with the outside world.

The alleged agitators took over the station and broadcast live for almost one hour.

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Foreign

Court Jails Tunisia Opposition Leader

By Web News 575

A Tunisian court has sentenced opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi to a year in prison.

The Ennahda party leader, who is a fierce critic of President Kais Saied, has been detained since last month after being arrested for allegedly plotting against state security and incitement.

Mr. Ghannouchi rejected the allegations as politically motivated, refusing to appear before the judges. On Monday, he was sentenced in absentia.

There has been a wave of arrests this year of leading figures opposed to Mr. Saied, who assumed full executive powers almost two years ago.

Since February, 20 of Mr Saied’s political opponents and personalities have been arrested, including former ministers and business figures.

Mr. Ghannouchi’s detention last month alongside others sparked international condemnation, including by the US, the European Union, and rights groups.

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

Crime

Court Restrains Police from Arresting Ihedioha, Reps-elect

By Web News 598

The High Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the police from inviting and arresting the House of Reps member-elect, Ideato Federal Constituency, Ikenga Ugochinyere; former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha and former Deputy Governor, Gerald Irona.

The court in a ruling delivered by Justice A.S. Adepoju set aside the police invitation letter dated March 13, 2023 sent to Ugochinyere, Ihedioha and Irona.

Ruling in the suit between Ugochinyere and seven respondents including the governor of Imo State, State Security Services, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Imo State, Ebubeagu Security Network and the Deputy Inspector General in charge of Federal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau; the court stated:

 “It is hereby ordered that the letter dated March 13, 2023, titled “INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES- RE: CASE OF MURDER (SIC), KIDNAPPING AND ARSON” be set aside pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

The court further held that “the respondents are restrained whether by themselves, agents, officers, staff, privies or howsoever described from giving any effect, carrying out, proceeding with, arresting, further inviting or taking any other steps in furtherance of or in connection with the said letter of invitation dated March 13, 2023, as it affects the applicant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

Earlier, in a letter addressed to the Imo state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Charles Ugwu, the Police invited the applicant and others in connection to what it called the investigation into a case of murder, kidnapping and arson.

By the ruling of the court, the Imo state police command which has been accused by the member-elect of its alleged complicity in the multiple attacks on his person and his home and for failing to conduct any form of investigation has been stopped in this fresh move to arrest Ugochinyere.

The matter was thereafter adjourned to April 4, 2023, for a hearing.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Economy

Old Naira Notes: Supreme Court Orders Circulation Till Dec 31st

By Web News 672

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes remain in circulation till December 31, 2023.

According to apex court also nullified the Federal Government’s naira redesign policy, declaring it as an affront to the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the lead judgement, held that the preliminary objections by the defendants (the Attorney General of the Federation, Bayelsa and Edo states) are dismissed as the court has the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Citing Section 23(2)1 of the constitution, the court held that the dispute between the Federal Government and states must involve law or facts.

The apex court further held that President Muhammadu Buhari in his broadcast admitted that the policy is flawed with a lot of challenges.

The court said the policy has led to some people engaging in trade by barter in this modern age in a bid to survive. The court added that the President’s disobedience of the February 8 order, is a sign of dictatorship.

Sixteen states of the Federation instituted the suit to challenge the legality or otherwise of the introduction of the policy.

The suit initially instituted by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states has been slated as the first case on the cause list for a final verdict.

Justice John Inyang Okoro who led a seven-man panel of Justices of the Court had on February 22 fixed today for the court to make its decision known on the suit.

The 16 states led by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara are praying the apex court to void and set aside the policy on the ground that, it is inflicting hardships on innocent Nigerians

They accused the President of usurping the function of the CBN in the introduction and implementation of the policy and asked that the directive issued by Buhari be voided.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and his Kogi State counterpart, Yahaya Bello were in court to witness the judgement on Friday. The two governors were also in court at the last hearing. Also, Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle was in court on Friday.

Channels/Taiwo Akinola

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Crime

Court Convicts Corps Member, 38 Others for Fraud

By Web News 813

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of a Corps member, Osisi Ikenna Nicholas to one-month community service for his involvement in internet-related fraud.

Osisi was convicted alongside thirty – eight others on a separate one-count charge each before Justices Bayo Taiwo, Omolara Adeyemi, Ladoke Akintola, Mohammed Owolabi of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan and Justice Opeyemi Sobowale of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta between November 21, 2022 and November 25, 2022.

The sentences range from a fine, one to six months of community service, and one-year imprisonment.

Other convicts are Christopher Ehiabhi Ogbidi, Odewale Johnson Olumide, Akinade Adeyeye Gbolahan Muyiwa, Chukwudi Emeka Samuel, Ehinmowo Stephen Segun, Emmanuel Oluchukwu, Aboaba Olawale Joshua, Akinba Oluwafemi Clement, Ayobami Temidayo Yusuf, Moshood Adeyinka Hammed, Gbolahan Oluwasegun Ogunseitan, Ojo Aduragbemi Emmanuel, Adeosun Amos Adeoye, Opeyemi Gbenga Omoyemi, Owolabi Gbadamosi Moses, Opeyemi Timilehin Akorede, Olawale Sodiq Adeniyi, Oluwaseun Samuel Aboaba, Abidemi Nasir Idris and Odewale Akindele Damilola.

The rest are Afolabi Jamiu Oluwadamilare, Adekomaya Adedoyin Eniola, Kazeem Babajide Remilekun, Mustapha Adewumi Ayoade, Ajani Quareeb Ajibola, Aineribhokun Abel Ernest, Isaac Chinedu Isaiah, Christopher Osarhemen Ivuogbe, Dauda Kareem Oladayo, Basit Azeez Akande, Atilade Stephen Ogunniyi, Temidayo Emmanuel Eyinla, Ajuwon Omobola Ibrahim, Adisa Ibrahim Olasunkanmi, Akande Damilare Peter and Salami Victor Gbenga.

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges filed against them by the EFCC.

Upon their pleas, prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Oyelakin Oyediran, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Musa Galadanchi, Shamsuddeen Bashir, Mabas Mabur and Abbulrasheed Suleiman reviewed the facts of the cases, tendered several documents in evidence and urged the courts to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.

Consequently, Ajuwon, Ogunseitan and Ogunniyi were convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment each, Akinba to three months imprisonment while Salami, Akande Damilare, Aineribhokun, Odewale Akindele, Nasir, Akorede, Owolabi, Ojo and Makinde bagged six months community service each.

Furthermore, Adisa, Basit Azeez, Ivuogbe, Ajibola, Moshood and Yusuf were convicted and sentenced to five months of community service each. Eyinla, Isaac, Omoyemi, Ogbidi, Oluchukwu, Afolabi, Adekomaya, Ayoade, Ayoade, Oloyede and Olawale Joshua were sentenced to three months of community service each while Oladayo bagged four months of community service.

Also, Adeoye was convicted and sentenced to one-month imprisonment and one-month community service, Akinade to two-months community service, Aboaba and Olawale to one-month community service each while Odewale Johnson, Chukwudi and Ehinmowo were convicted and ordered to pay N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine each.

The convicts were ordered to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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News

Court Sacks LG Chairmen, Councilors

By Web News 483

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, has nullified the October 15 Local Government elections conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC.

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel, in a judgement delivered on Friday, said the election was held in contravention of Sections 29 & 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had approached the court to challenge the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, All Progressives Congress, APC, and its chairman, Gboyega Famodun were the defendants in the suit.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the election.

In his judgment, Justice Ayoola held that: “OSIEC law is inconsistent with sections 29 & 32 2022 Electoral Act that provides 180 days’ notice.

“Notice of election is fundamental. Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act says any election conducted in violation of the provision of the law shall be invalid. I hold the view that the plaintiff has made a good case.

The case is held in favour of the plaintiff and against the respondents.

“The election held on 15 October 2022, is hereby declared unconstitutional, invalid, null and void. All persons or individuals occupying the offices are sacked.”

Newspeak/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Politics

YPP Drags INEC, PDP, Adeleke to Tribunal over Osun Guber Poll

By Web News 586

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has filed a petition before the Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the State High Court, Oke-Fia, Osogbo seeking cancellation of 2022 Osun State Governorship Election for noncompliance with the 2022 Electoral Act. 

In the petition numbered EPT/OS/GOV/02/20222, obtained by Radio Nigeria Correspondent,  the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party and the governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke were joined as respondents. 

According to the petition, YPP contends that INEC failed to give 360 days’ notice before the date appointed for the election which is contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. 

YPP further submits that the previous electoral Act, upon which INEC issued the 2022 Osun gubernatorial election notice does not recognise use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) which was used during the election.

“Accreditation of voters in the 16th July 2022 Governorship Election in Osun State was done using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) which is an electronic methodology of voters’ verification and accreditation was introduced which was not permitted by law prior to the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2022.” 

The petition prayed that the court should declare July 16, 2022 Osun State governorship election and declaration of Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the election invalid, null and void. 

The petition demanded for an order of the Tribunal to mandate INEC to conduct a fresh Governorship Election in Osun State.

Adenitan Akinola

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Judiciary

Oyo Undertakes Remodelling of Court Complexes

By Web News 699


Oyo State Government has approved the award of the contract for the remodelling and restructuring of the Oyo State High Court and Magistrate Court Complexes in Ibadan through the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA) to the tune of .N6bn.

The Commissioner for for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Professor Daud Sangodoyin stated this while briefing newsmen in Ibadan after the executive council meeting.

Professor Sangodoyin explained that the construction of the High Court and Margistrate Court Complexes would be in two phases and would be completed within eighteen months.

The commissioner said the council has also that approved the reconstruction of the 2.275 kilometre Sijuade Road, Jericho, linking Akeredolu Street to the Police Barracks Gate and the main gate of the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan at a cost of  # 683 million naira within the the duration of eight months.

In an another development,the State Exco has equally approved a new waste management initiative that would assist the waste management drive of the state government.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Abiodun Oni noted that the new waste management initiative was poised to solve the problem of waste management in the state.

Mr Oni urged  residents of Oyo State to stop throwing waste in canals and streams for a safe and clean environment.


Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Court Stops INEC from Ending Voter Registration

By Web News 470

The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission from ending voter registration on June 30, 2022.

Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, Court 10, on Monday granted an order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument on motion exparte by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.

SERAP and 185 concerned Nigerians had early this month filed the lawsuit against INEC asking the court to “declare unconstitutional, illegal, and incompatible with international standards the failure of the electoral body to extend the deadline for voter registration to allow eligible Nigerians to exercise their rights.”

In the suit, SERAP had asked the court for “an order restraining INEC, its agents, privies, assigns, or any other person(s) claiming through it from discontinuing the continuous voters’ registration exercise from the 30th June 2022 or any other date pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

The suit is adjourned to 29th June, 2022 for the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

The suit followed the decision by INEC to extend the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties by six days, from June 3 to June 9. But the commission failed to also extend the online pre-registration which ended May 30 2022 and the Continuous Voter Registration ending June 30, 2022.

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1034/2022 filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, and transferred to Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to determine “whether the failure of INEC to extend the deadline for voter registration is not a violation of Nigerian Constitution, 1999, as amended, the Electoral Act, and international standards.”

Punch/Taiwo Akinola

Judiciary

Court Sentences Olakunrin Killers to Death

By Web News 662

The Ondo State High Court, Akure, on Friday, sentenced three persons to death for killing Mrs Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of the Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

The deceased was killed by the convicts along the Benin-Ore-Shagamu Expressway in the Ore Odigbo Local Government Area of the state in June 2019, on her way to Lagos State.

The convicts are Awalu Abubakar, Muhammed Shehu and Adamu Adamu.

Justice Williams Olamide found the trio guilty of involving in murder, kidnapping and armed robbery and sentenced them to death.

The court, however, discharged and acquitted the fourth defendant, Auwalu Abubakar, 25, for conspiracy.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko