Author: Ngozi Njoku

Trial

By Ngozi Njoku and Vivian Ibobo

Ikeja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The trial of two medical doctors, Michael Atiba and Michael Ugbeye, before the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, was stalled on Wednesday due to the absence of a witness.

The doctors are being tried for alleged involuntary manslaughter of a patient, Ejiro Ugorobi.

The case is presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala.

When the matter was called upon on Wednesday, Justice Ogala was informed by the prosecution that the witness who was meant to testify in the case could not make it to court due to ill health.

Consequently, Justice Ogala adjourned the case until Oct. 7, for trial to commence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Government had on March 25, arraigned the medical doctors for alleged involvement in the involuntary manslaughter of the deceased patient.

Specifically, Atiba, a doctor at the Gbagada General Hospital, and Ugbeye, a Consultant with the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, are facing a count charge of involuntary manslaughter.

While the arraignment lasted, the counsel for the Lagos State Government, A. O. Azeez, said the incident took place on Oct. 21, 2023.

The lawyer also informed the court that the incident took place at No. 20, Michael Adekoya Street, Ilupeju, Lagos State.

He added that Atiba and  Ugbeye unlawfully caused the death of one Ugorobi by wrongful application of medication before and after surgery.

According to him,  the alleged offence contravenes Section 224 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The medical doctors, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting Justice Ogala to give a trail date.

“Given the plea of the defendants, we are asking for a trial date,” he said.

Meanwhile, the lawyers for the defendants informed the court of their bail applications, both dated March 21 and 22, 2023, respectively.

The counsel for the second defendant, A. O. Fayemi, while moving the application for bail dated March 21, 2024, prayed to the judge to grant his client bail on self-recognistion

Fayemi revealed that the application was based on six grounds of 31 paragraphs.

He added that the first defendant has served the nation as a Consultant Orthopaedic for over 30 years.

In his words: “The first defendant is a consultant who has served this nation as a Consultant Orthopaedic with the National Orthopaedic Hospital, he is not a young man who would not attend court.

“He is a consultant medical practitioner, he has a clinic at Ilupeju, he is a person who will present himself for trial, I urge your lordship to grant him bail on liberal terms.”

In a bench ruling, Justice Ogala granted the defendants bail in the sum of five million naira each with two sureties each in like sum.

The judge directed that the sureties must be residents within the jurisdiction of the court.

He added that the sureties must present credible home and office addresses and must have credible financial status.

Justice Ogala ordered the sureties to present their BVN and NIN, evidence of payment of tax to the Lagos State Government, and explain their relationship with the defendants.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NG/IZU/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Imprisonment

By Ngozi Njoku
Ikeja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a security guard, Saviour Udoh, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a five-year old minor (name withheld) in a church premises.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi sentenced Udoh to lifetime jail on the sole charge of sexual assault by penetration, preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

Oshodi, in his judgment, held that the prosecution had been able to prove the charge against Udoh, beyond reasonable doubts.

He said the court had carefully considered the evidence presented during the trial which included the convict’s confessional statement, the testimony of the prosecutrix (survivor), her mother, the Investigative Police Officer (IPO) and the medical evidence.

According to him, the crime committed by the convict was a grave one, as it involved the sexual exploitation of a vulnerable child.

“The  prosecutrix, who was only five years old at the time of the incident, trusted you as ‘Uncle Saviour’ and her mother entrusted you with her care but you breached that trust most disgustingly by sexually assaulting the child in a place of worship.

“The impact of your actions on the prosecutrix and her family cannot be overstated because the prosecutrix’s mother, in her testimony, stated that she was still taking the victim to the hospital three years after the incident and that the prosecutrix was still having discharges.

“This statement highlights the long-lasting physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon the child and the ongoing medical issues she faces as a result of your actions.

“Sexual assault by penetration is a serious offence that attracts a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment under section 261 of the Lagos State Criminal Law (supra) and this severe punishment reflects society’s condemnation of such heinous acts and the need to protect our children from sexual predators,” he said.

Oshodi said he had considered the aggravating factors such as the age of the prosecutrix, the breach of trust, and the location of the offence in determining the convict’s sentence.

He said he had considered the mitigating factors, included the convict’s lack of previous convictions and his plea for mercy at sentencing.

The judge, however, said the aggravating factors far outweighed any mitigating circumstances as the severity of his crime and its impact on the prosecutrix, her family and the larger society could not be ignored.

“Therefore, having found you guilty of sexual assault by penetration, I now sentence you, Saviour Udoh, to life imprisonment, as mandated by section 261 of the Criminal Law (supra).

“You will serve this sentence in a Maximum-Security Custodial Centre or wherever the Nigerian Correctional Service may direct you and your name will be added to the register of sex offenders.

“I hope that this sentence sends a strong message to society that such crimes against children will not be tolerated and that the justice system will hold offenders accountable for their actions,” he said.

The State Lead Counsel, Mr Babajide Boye, had presented four witnesses to testify against the convict during trial, while the convict and his friend testified for defence.

The prosecutor told the court that the convict committed the offence on Dec. 12,  2018, at The Redeemed Christian Church of God on Osifila Street, Anifowose, Ikeja, Lagos.

The prosecution submitted that the convict sexually assaulted the five-year-old girl by penetrating her anus with his fingers.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NG/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Commercial driver bags life imprisonment for abducting, defiling 10-year-old girl

Imprisonment

By Ngozi Njoku

Ikeja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a 24-year-old commercial driver, Abdul Hudu, to life imprisonment for defiling and abducting a 10-year-old girl (name withheld).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubts the two count charge of abduction and defilement against Hudu.

The court sentenced the convict to two years imprisonment on count one while he was sentenced to life imprisonment on the second count

Oshodi, in his judgment, said that the facts of the case were distressing as Hudu cruelly abducted the 10-year-old survivor from the safety and care of her parents for three agonising days.

“Her father could not eat and her mother cried incessantly, sick with worry, over their missing child.

“The callous disregard you showed for a child’s well-being, the emotional torment inflicted on her parents is shocking and worse still, during those three days, you repeatedly defiled and sexually assaulted this vulnerable young girl at the tender age of 10.

“she experienced unthinkable trauma and violation at your hands, which no child
should ever have to endure and her innocence was stolen.

“Throughout this trial, you have shown no remorse you lied blatantly in your testimony, denying the clear evidence against you, including your prior statement to the police.

“The web of falsehoods you spun to evade responsibility only compounded your culpability,” the judge said

Oshodi held that it was a severe case of child abduction and defilement and the law viewed the offences as deserving of severe punishment to reflect society’s abhorrence in order to punish the offender and to protect other children from suffering a similar fate.

He held that the fact that the convict was a first-time offender did not deflect the magnitude of the offences.

“In light of the gravity of the offences, the aggravating features and the
absence of remorse, I sentence you as follows

“On count one, the offence of abduction contrary to section 141, I sentence you to two years imprisonment and it shall commence on the date of your arrest, July 23 2019, as shown in exhibit A-A1.

“On count two, the offence of defilement contrary to section 137, I sentence you to the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment and you shall also be registered as a sex offender.

“The sentences are to run concurrently, you will serve your custodial terms at the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre or wherever the Nigerian Correctional Service may direct,” Oshodi said.

The judge further said that through the convict’s wicked actions, he had brought the punishment upon himself.

“I hope you will use your time in custody to reflect and reform,” Oshodi said.

NAN reports that the State’s Lead Counsel, Mr Babajide Boye, called three witnesses: the survivor, her father and one Ms Oluchi Nwoke-Okoi, a nurse with the Women at Risk International Foundation.

The convict during the trial testified in his own  defence.

The prosecutor said that the convict committed the offences on June 30, 2019, on Adekunle Street, Idi Araba, Mushin, Lagos.

The prosecutor told the court that the survivor was returning from an errand in
the night when the convict accosted her.

He said that the convict hit her with an object and covered her face with something in a cloth, causing her to lose consciousness and she later woke up in his room.

According to the evidence before the court, the convict had unlawful multiple intercourse with the survivor over three days in different
locations and later dropped her off near her house.

She narrated the events to her father, who took her to the hospital and police station. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

NG/AOS

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Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Driver gets life imprisonment for abducting, defiling minor

Imprisonment
By Ngozi Njoku
Ikeja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday  sentenced a 24-year-old commercial driver, Abdul Hudu to life imprisonment for defiling and abducting a 10-year-old girl.

Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubts the two-count charge of adduction and defilement against Hudu.

The convict was sentenced to two years in prison on count one and life imprisonment on count two.

Oshodi, in his judgment, said that the facts of the case were distressing as Hudu cruelly abducted the 10-year-old survivor from the safety and care of her parents, for three agonising days.

“Her father could not eat and her mother cried incessantly, sick with worry over their missing child.

“The callous disregard you showed for a child’s well-being, the emotional torment inflicted on her parents is shocking.

“Worse still, during those three days, you repeatedly defiled and sexually assaulted this vulnerable young girl at the tender age of 10.

“She experienced unthinkable trauma and violation at your hands, which no child should ever have to endure and her innocence was stolen.

“Throughout this trial, you have shown no remorse; you lied blatantly in your testimony, denying the clear evidence against you, including your prior statement to the police.

“The web of falsehoods you spun to evade responsibility only compounded your culpability.

“This is a severe case of child abduction and defilement and the law views the offences as deserving of severe punishment to reflect society’s abhorrence in order to punish the offender and to protect other children from suffering a similar fate,” the judge said.

He also held that the fact that the convict was a first-time offender did not deflect the preceding.

“In light of the gravity of the offences, the aggravating features and the
absence of remorse, I sentence you as follows:

“On count one, the offence of abduction contrary to section 141, I sentence you to two years imprisonment and it shall commence on the date of your arrest, July 23, 2019, as shown in exhibit A-A1.

“On count two, the offence of defilement contrary to section 137, I sentence you to the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment and you shall also be registered as a sex offender.

“The sentences are to run concurrently. You will serve your custodial terms at the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre or wherever the Nigerian Correctional Service may direct you,” Oshodi ruled.

The judge said that the convict brought the punishment upon himself through his wicked actions.

“I hope you will use your time in custody to reflect and reform,” Oshodi said.

NAN reports that the State Lead Counsel, Mr Babajide Boye, had called three witnesses: the survivor, her father and one Ms Oluchi Nwoke-Okoi, a nurse with the Women at Risk International Foundation.

The convict, however, testified as the sole defence witness.

Certified copies of his extra-judicial statement dated July 23, 2019 were received and marked as exhibit A-A1.

The prosecutor had submitted that the convict committed the offence on June 30, 2019 on Adekunle Street, Idi Araba, Mushin, Lagos.

He told the court that the minor was returning from an errand in the night when the convict knocked her unconsciousness and abducted her. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

NG/CEO/SH

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Edited by Chidi Opara/sadiya Hamza

Arraignment
By Ngozi Njoku
Ikeja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government on Thursday arraigned a former employee of Punch Nigeria Ltd., Olusegun Ogunbanjo, charged with N998 million stationary fraud.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogunbanjo, whose residential address was not provided, was arraigned on eight counts bordering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit obtaining under false pretence, stealing and forgery.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following his not guilty plea, the state Counsel, Mrs Qawiat Shomade, asked the court for a trial date  and also prayed that the defendant be remanded in prison,  pending the hearing and the determination of his bail  application.

The Defence Counsel, Mr T.E. Okeke, informed the court that he was appearing for the first time in the matter and that he needed ample time  to file the bail application.
Okeke pleaded with the court for a closer date for him to file and move the bail application on behalf of his client.
“My lord, I plead for a closer date to tender an application to grant the defendant bail,” he said.
Justice Ismail Ijelu, thereafter, remanded the defendant in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
Ijelu told the defence that the court would have looked into the bail application if it was ready.
“If you had your application, the court would have looked into it but while we wait for it, the  defendant should be remanded at the correctional facility,” he said.
The judge adjourned the case until Oct.16 for commencement of trial.
Earlier, the prosecution told the court that the defendant with others still at large allegedly committed the offences  between January 2017 and December 2022 in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The prosecution submitted one of the court count that the defendant fraudulently obtained  the sum of N417 million from one Mr Durodola Balogun on the pretext that he was going to use the money to purchase stationaries and supplies for financing Local Purchase Order from Punch Nigeria Ltd.
The prosecutor also alleged the defendant fraudulently collected N581 million from one Mr Olusola lkuyajesin under the guise of purchasing stationaries and supplies for financing Local Purchase Order from Punch Nigeria Ltd.
The state counsel told the court that the defendant allegedly stole and converted the sum of $5,000, property of lkuyajesin to his personal use.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendant forged Punch Local Purchase Orders.
According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences violate Sections 411 (2) 314, 285, 287 and 365 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (2015) (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NG/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Remand

By Ngozi Njoku

Ikeja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday ordered the remand of the former staff of Punch Newspaper Ltd, Olusegun Ogunbanjo, in Kirikiri Correctional Facility over alleged N950 million fraud.

The Presiding judge, Justice Ismail Ijelu, remanded Ogunbanjo pending his arraignment on the alleged fraud.

The court order was sequel to exparte application filed and argued by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, dated June 19 and supported with 14 paragraphs affidavit.

Martins submitted that the court had on May 28, 2024, issued a warrant of arrest against the defendant, Ogunbanjo, who had refused to appear in court to answer criminal charge against him.

He said the defense counsel, Mr Chijioke Jiakponna, had told the court to produce the defendant for arraignment but did not, before the court issued the warrant of arrest.

According to Dr Martins, in consonance with the law, we filed a written address as well as the affidavit in support of the exparte application.

“The application is seeking an order to remand the defendant pending the arraignment.

“They vied that he failed to appear in court to answer the criminal charge against him. The counsel on record has informed the court to bring the defendant but failed to do so.

“It was the Department of State Security (DSS) that arrested him on June 14. The application is harmless and is in tandem with the law.

“The court should take judicial notice that the criminal charge has been pending since November 2023. On March 28, court issued a warrant of arrest when he failed to appear in court.”

It would be recalled that aside Ogunbanjo, other defendants in the suit marked ID/21559C/2023 are Olawunmi Ogunbanjo, Vaneloo International Limited, Valeco Global Ventures, Bagco Garba, Taofeek Ogunbanjo, Ifeanyi Odogwu, Bound Media Limited and Godwin Benson.

Ogunbanjo was first arraigned on March 8, 2023 on three counts bordering on obtaining money by pretence, forgery and stealing before the Magistrate’s Court.

The police alleged that the defendant committed the offence between January 2017 and December 2022, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The defendant was alleged to have obtained N450m from one Olusola lkuyajesin and N500m from one Durodola Balogun under the pretences of using the money to buy stationeries.

He was also accused of forging the organisation’s Local Purchase Orders to carry out the acts.

The prosecution said the offences contravened sections 287, 314, and 365 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2015.

However, the 45-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N10m with two responsible sureties in like sum.

Since November, when the case was filed at the High Court, he failed to appear in court.

However, while ruling on the ex-parte application on Wednesday, Ijelu said he had carefully considered the prosecution prayers and his submission.

“The ACJL 2021 states that where the defendant is arrested after bench warrant has been issued, the defendant must be brought to court for a remand.

“It is on record that this court issued a warrant of arrest against the defendant on March 28. It is hereby ordered that the first defendant be remanded in Kirikiri Correctional center till June 20 for his arraignmemt.”

He subsequently adjourned the case to June 20 for arraignment.

NN/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

L-R: Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch Law week committee, Thelma Coco-Bassey; Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch Law week committee, Olatunde Adejuyigbe(SAN); Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch, Seyi Olawumi; Financial secretary, Muhammed Jimoh during the NBA law week Press Conference in Lagos.

NBA
By Ngozi Njoku
Ikeja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mr Lawal Pedro, the Lagos State Attorney-General, will lead the legal luminaries to the 2024 annual Law Week slated for June 21 to June 27.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Law Week is organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch.
The Chairman of the branch, Mr Seyi Olawunmi, said the Annual Law Week was aimed at celebrating the commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Olawunmi spoke at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.
Listing activities lined up for the week-long event, Olawunmi said the event would start with an opening ceremony on June 21 followed by the inauguration of the NBA Ikeja library.
He noted that this would be preceded by the Young Lawyers Session/Programme, jumat prayers and a welcome cocktail party.
The chairman said there would be a football match between the NBA Ikeja female team and the NBA Lagos team on June 22
“On June 24 and June 25, there would be a public lecture with the theme: “Public Governance in Troubled Times; Safeguarding the Rule of Law,” he said.
He said there would be a town halleeting with the topic: ” Lawyers and Law Enforcement Agencies.”
He said the annual week would bring together all stakeholders to share insights and broaden the thinking needed for the growth of the sector.
Olawunmi said the Alao Aka -Basorun annual lecture with the theme: “Replicating the Exemplary Leadership of Alao Aka, as the President of the NBA,” would hold on June 27.
He said that the guest speaker for the annual lecture would be Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun.
Olawunmi said the theme of the lecture resonated deeply with the challenges and opportunities that the legal profession face in the rapidly evolving world.
“The legal week will have an exciting lineup of events that will provide valuable insights and foster robust discussions on various aspects of the law.
“Some of the highlights would be keynote addresses and panel discussions which will have esteemed speakers and panelists.
“This will include the impact of technology on the legal profession, human rights advocacy and the role of lawyers in economic development.
“As legal practitioners, our duty is to adapt to these changes, uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and contribute meaningfully to the development of the legal system,”he said.
The chairman noted that as part of the association’s commitment to giving back to the community, its legal aid clinics would also provide free legal services to those in need in ensuring that justice was accessible to all.
The chairman added that the initiative was part of testament to the branch’s dedication to serving the public and upholding the principles of equity and fairness.
According to him, the law week will also provide an excellent opportunity for networking and building professional relationships.
Olawunmi said: “Our social events will facilitate interactions among legal professionals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
“As we embark on this week of activities, I want to emphasise our unwavering commitment to excellence in legal practice.
“The legal profession is the bedrock of a just society and we must continuously strive to uphold the integrity, independence and professionalism that our calling demands.
“The challenges that lie ahead from the ever-changing legal landscape, to the pressures of maintaining ethical standards in a competitive environment would be discussed,” he said.
The chairman reteirated that through events like the law week, the association would collectively address challenges, share knowledge and inspired one another to achieve greater heights.
He appreciated sponsors, partners and all the volunteers who had worked tirelessly to make the law week a reality.
“As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, professional integrity, and service to our community,” Olawunmi said.
Apart from Pedro, other speakers and panelists expected at the event include Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), Prof. John Oluwole Akintola, National President, Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria and Mr Yemi Ademolekun
Others are Mr Norrison Quakers (SAN), Dr Olaniyi Olopade (SAN), Mr Afolabi Selebo, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, Dr Oluyinka Olumide and Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun (SAN), among others.(NAN)
NG/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Book

By Ngozi Njoku

Lagos, June 12, 2024(NAN)The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and his Lagos State counterpart Lawal Pedro (SAN) have called for a legal framework for electronic transactions.

They made the call  on Tuesday in Lagos, at the presentation of the book titled:  Nigerian Law of Electronic Transactions.

The book was written by former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN).

The book, reviewed by Mr Gbenga Omolokun, Managing Director, VFD Microfinance bank, is made up of  180 pages with six chapters.

Fagbemi, who chaired the event, noted that every sphere of human existence could  no longer feign ignorance of the pervasive effect of information and communication technology.

“This has even become more pronounced with the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence, wherein physical human involvement is now gradually being limited and/or phased out in the way we live and do business.

“Expectedly, therefore and as legal professionals, we cannot but take the bull by the horns in proffering the ground rules for a seamless transition from our present situation to this new world order.

“As we navigate the 21st century, the intertwined nature of law and technology becomes increasingly desired.

“The legal framework governing electronic transactions is critical to ensuring trust, security, and efficiency in our digital economy.

“This book is a timely and invaluable addition to our legal literature, addressing the complexities and nuances of electronic transactions in Nigeria,” he said.

Fagbemi commended  the author for his dedication and insightful contribution to this dynamic field of law.

He said the book was timely and could not have come at a better time.

“I commend Mr. Kazeem for his foresight and commitment to advancing legal research and practice in this area.

“His work during his tenure as the attorney general and commissioner  of Justice for Lagos State, laid a solid foundation for the integration of technology into our legal processes and this book is a testament to his enduring vision and effort,” the AGF added.

On his part, Pedro said electronic transactions had become a regular part of life and required regulation.

“The legal framework is crucial to guarantee the trustworthiness of electronic transactions,” he said.

According to him,  the state is  already leveraging technology in the payment of taxes, land use charge, electronic court filing and others.

He added that Lagos was  at the forefront of the digital revolution.

According to him, the opportunities will not be fully harnessed, including job creation, unless there is a strong legal framework for such transactions.

Chief Judge of Federal High Court, John Tsoho, represented by Justice Ayokunle Faji, hailed Kazeem for his contribution to knowledge, saying the book came at the right time.

“It will be a good source of assistance to judges and I am advocating the need for standalone legislation on electronic transactions,” he noted.

Earlier, the author of the book, Mr Kazeem, said the inspiration to write the book arose from witnessing the rapid digital transformation reshaping commercial transactions across Nigeria and the globe.

According to him, data from the Nigerian InterBank Settlement Systems Plc (NIBSS) shows that the value of electronic payment transactions reached a staggering N600 trillion in 2023, a 55 per cent increase from N387 Trillion in 2022.

He noted that transaction volume had also seen a significant rise from 5.1 billion in 2022 to 9.7 billion in 2023.

“While these figures may not all translate to completed commercial transactions from a purely legal standpoint, they undeniably point toward a massive increase in digital transactions across the nation,” he said.

The surge in commercial technology, Kazeem noted, offered a wealth of opportunities for the government,  as it streamlined  public service delivery from easy online tax payments, to efficient distribution of social programmes.

He also noted that a thriving digital commerce landscape benefited  the nation through increased tax revenue from transparent e-transactions, economic growth fueled by a flourishing digital economy and financial inclusion.

It also fosters good governance by leaving an auditable trail that combats corruption, the SAN noted.

Mr Kazeem said there was therefore, a need for a legal framework.

He explained that it was necessary to know which legal framework applied,  if a dispute over an electronic transaction arose, as well as at what point such transactions became  contracts.

“Technology’s rapid evolution demands a legal system that adapts to protect its citizens and which serves the growing FinTech and technology sectors.

“While industry summits often touch on regulatory compliance, the crucial aspect of legal protections for the users remains largely unexplored. This book aims to bridge that gap.

“It delves into how the law can provide those safeguards. By contributing to this knowledge base, I hope to empower everyone and fuel the creation of a comprehensive electronic transactions law in Nigeria,” the author said.

NAN reports that dignitaries at the book presentation include former Federal Commissioner for Works, Mr Femi Okunnu (SAN)  and a former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser Babatunde Ogala (SAN).

Also at the ceremony was a  former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Olasupo Shasore (SAN), among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

NG/CCN/SOA

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Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Oluwole Sogunle

Commercial driver docked for alleged assault

Assault

By Ngozi Njoku

Ikeja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A 27-year-old driver, Chinedu John, was on Friday, arraigned in an Ikeja  Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly causing bodily harm to his colleague, using a handset to hit him on the eye.

The defendant, whose address was not given, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault and bodily harm.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp Innocent Odugbo told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 14,  at CBM Park Adealu , Iyana Ipaja , Lagos.

Odugbo said that the defendant and another at large, used a handset to hit  Bright Osondu`s eye   over an undisclosed argument and misunderstanding between them (drivers).

He said that the defendant also inflicted injuries on the complainant`s right eyes which has caused damage to the right eye.

According to him, the offences contravened Sections 170, 246, and  411 of the Criminal Law of  Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Miss M.F Onamusi , granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.

Onamusi said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and one must be a blood relative.

She said the sureties must also provide evidence of LARASA utility bill.

Onamusi  adjourned the case until June 13, for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

NG/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Man, 37, docked over alleged N3.4m school fees theft

Fraud

By Ngozi Njoku

Ikeja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) A 37-year-old man, Mosuro Hammed, was on Thursday docked in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly converting N3.4 million meant for payment of a lady’s school fees to another purpose.

Hammed whose residential address was not provided, is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, Insp John Iberedem , told the court that the defendant,  and another still at large, conspired and committed the offences on April 18, at Ladoje Street, Oko-Oba,  Agege, Lagos.

Iberedem alleged that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace, by stealing the sum of N3, 450,000 under false pretence.

According to him, the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N3, 450,000 from one Tonia Okoye on the pretext that he would help her to make payment  for her school fees.

He said that the defendant stole the money from the complainant by conversion after deceiving her, and failed to return it.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 280(2), 314, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

The magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

She ruled that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Kubeinje adjourned the case until July 3, for mention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

NG/DCO/SOA

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Oluwole Sogunle