Kaduna, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, on Friday sentenced a 27-year old man, Williams David, to two years imprisonment for being in possession of illicit drugs.
David was arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over alleged possession of illicit drugs.
David pleaded guilty to the charge, begged for leniency and pledged to turn a new leaf.
In his judgment, Justice Hadiza Shagari, sentenced David to a two-year jail term without an option of fine.
“This is to serve as a deterrent to others, it is done in consideration of your age and indulgence in notorious crimes,” he said.
Shagari ordered that the illicit drugs tendered as exhibits should be burnt by the NDLEA after 30 days of the judgment.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr T. J. Atserhegh, told the court that the convicts was arrested by officials of NDLEA at about 8.00p.m on June 2, at Kinkinau, Kaduna.
He said that 4kg of marijuana, 49.3g of tramadol and 8g of Exol-5 were found in his possession.
Atserhegh said that the offence contravened the NDLEA Act, Cap 30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Court adjourns Yahaya Bello’s arraignment until June 27
Arraignment
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned the arraignment of former Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, until June 27.
Justice Emeka Nwite, SAN, fixed the date after counsel for the ex-governor, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court that the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, earlier informed the defence team that today’s proceeding would not be convenient.
When the matter was called, Adedipe, who was in court for another matter, expressed surprise that Oyedepo was actually in court after an agreement between the two parties that junior lawyers would be sent to pick a new date, at the instance of the EFCC lead counsel, Mr Pinhero.
He said it seemed there was misalignment between the anti-graft’s lead counsel, Pinhero and Oyedepo.
He said Pinhero approached the defence lead lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, in his office, through a junior lawyer who also appeared in court alongside Oyedepo, that today’s hearing would not be convenient for them to proceed.
He said: “And as senior counsel, it was best agreed by way of convenient for another date.
“It was agreed administratively that junior lawyers be sent to court today to formally take a date as agreed by parties for June 27.
“I personally also approached the registry to confirm this information and it was confirmed to me. That was why I told the court that my appearance today is for another matter.
“What the prosecution has done this morning is an ambush to bring the defendant once again to the realms of social media.”
He insisted that it was at Pehinro’s behest that the matter be adjourned until June 27 for arraignment.
He said but for the decision of the EFCC to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, the ex-governor was ready to appear in court today.
“Under 266 of ACJA, there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them.
“We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide,” Adedipe said.
Responding, Oyedepo disagreed with Adedipe.
He said he was not aware of any meeting that happened between their lead counsel and the defence.
However, a senior lawyer, Simon Lough, who came for another matter, stood up to intervene.
He said it was unnecessary for senior counsel.to be attacking each other in court on a simple matter.
He said since Adedipe had explained why the defendant was not in court, a new date should be agreed on.
Lough said at the new date, the court could inquire from the prosecution lead counsel on what transpired.
He advised the lawyers to stop the argument in order not to waste the time of the court on other matters.
Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the case to June 27 on agreement of counsel after an undertaking that the defendant would appear on the next adjourned day.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Jos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) An Area Court in Jos on Thursday, sentenced a man, Annas Inusa, to nine months imprisonment for stealing a wristwatch and a ring worth N 25,000.
The judge, Shawomi Bokkos, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the offence.
The judge, however gave the convict an option of N10,000 fine or three months imprisonment for theft and asked him to pay compensation of N 25,000 or spend six months in default.
Earlier, the police prosecutor, Insp Labaran Ahmed told the court that the case was reported at the ”C” Division police station Jos, on May 20, by Mr Salisu Musa, the complainant.
He said Musa said that the defendant stole a wristwatch and a ring from his chop.
The prosecutor, further told the court that during police investigation, the defendant confessed to the crime.
The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of the Plateau Penal Code law of Northern Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Driver jailed 36 months for swindling businessman of N.5m
Swindling
By Blessing Odega
Jos, June 13, 2024(NAN) An Area Court in Jos on Thursday sentenced Abdulrahaman Mohammad, to 36 months imprisonment for swindling a businessman of N 500,000.
The Judge, Shawomi Bokkos, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the offence of criminal breach of trust and deceit and begged the court for leniency.
The judge also gave the convict an option of N20,000 fine or nine months imprisonment in default.
She also ordered the convict to pay a compensation of N 500,000 to the complainant.
Earlier, the police prosecutor, Insp Ibrahim Gokwat, told the court that the case was reported at the Police Area Command on May 18, by Mr Bashir Kano.
He said that the accused claimed to be a driver and collected the sum of N 500,000 from the complainant to transport timber from Cross River to Kano.
According to him, the accused, however, absconded with the money given and failed to deliver the wood.
The prosecutor further told the court that during police investigation the convict confessed to have absconded with the N 500,000 and converted it for his personal use.
The offence, he said, contravened the Plateau State Penal Code law of Northern Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
By Chinyere Omeire/Sandra Umeh
Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Some lawyers in Lagos have commended President Bola Tinubu over his Democracy Day speech, saying it came at the right time to assuage the myriad of challenges being faced by Nigerians.
The lawyers disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
They told NAN that the President outlined the true position of the country’s journey to democracy.
Mr Chibuikem Opara, a Senior Counsel, at Justification Chambers, Ikeja, said the speech was well articulated and came at the right time.
Opara, however, urged the president to match words with action.
“The president and his team should find a way to lift the prevalent gloom.
“That’s the only way to ensure that the labours of our heroes past and the heroes of June 12, will not be in vein,” he said.
Mr Onyekachi Ubani, former Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), also commended the president for his quick intervention in ending the industrial action by the organised labour.
Ubani was reacting to the portion where President Tinubu indicated that government had agreed on a new minimum wage with labour.
“ Part of the President’s broadcast read;
“In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with the organised labour on a new national minimum wage.
“We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly, to enshrine what has been agreed upon, as part of our law for the next five years or less.
“In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done.
“We chose the path of cooperation over conflict,” he had said.
Ubani noted that with the portion of the speech, the principles of democracy had been thoroughly upheld.
He further applauded the current administration for not “wielding the big stick” on partakers of the recent industrial action, adding that same, exemplied true democractic leadership.
“The aspect of not punishing those who shut down the national grid, is very commendable. It then means that the ethos of democracy is being consciously imbibed by government.
“It is indeed very commendable that government intervened swiftly in addressing the concerns raised by labour and have now reached a consensus without allowing same to linger,” Ubani said.
According to him, in the past, such industrial actions will have lingered without quick resolve, adding that same is not the case today, with the current administration.
“The swiftness with which the issues were resolved by this government, is highly commendable.
“If President Tinubu continues with the good steps he is currently taking to reform the economic and other aspects of social life, we will certainly get there.
“My happiness is that we have been able to celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and we are growing from strength to strength.
“We will get there,” he said.
Mr Chris Ayiyi, the Principal Partner, Ayiyi Chambers, however, expressed mixed feelings on the freedom of the press, over the years.
According to him, freedom of the press should be the priority of this government.
“I know the present administration inherited insecurity, however, they should try more to minimise kidnapping in the country.
“It is important that the economic reforms of this government are channelled toward empowering the youth, so the young ones will stop leaving the shores of the country,” he stated.
Mr Ademola Owolabi, also a Lagos-based lawyer, congratulated all Nigerians for the 25 years of unbroken democracy.
Owolabi said that democracy must not become an end, rather, must be a means to good and progressive governance.
He suggested that Nigeria should reduce its states from the current 36 to 18, adding that the local governments should be completely handed over to the states.
Owolabi added that the Senate should be scrapped.
The legal practitioner said that the citizens should make sacrifices in the interest of the country.
Mr Julius Ayoola, in his own opinion, said that the present government was on the right path.
He, however, urged the government to cut down on its spending.
“Nigeria is not doing so badly, but there are key areas we need to improve on, like the judiciary,” Ayoola said. (NAN)
UNS/OCC/CCN/JNC
================
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
From Left; Former Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State/ author of the book, Adeniji Kazeem SAN; his wife, Fatimat Kazeem; representative of the Governor of Lagos State/Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro; former Commissioner for Information, Steve Ayorinde; and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, at book Launch “Nigeria Law of Electronic transactions in Lagos 11/6/2024/Atolagbe babatunde/NAN
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
===========
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Oluwole Sogunle
Renew your commitment to strengthen democracy,
Ojukwu urges Nigerians
Democracy
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment in strengthening democracy.
Ojukwu made the call in a statement to commemorate the 2024 Democracy Day and also 25 years of unbroken democracy.
He commended the resilience of Nigerians in their quest for democratic governance which according to him, has clearly manifested in the repeated elections that have taken place since the return of democracy in 1999.
The executive secretary however , decried the challenges which seems to threaten the effective democratic processes in the Country such as elections marred by violence, ballot box snatching, killings, vote buying.
” The commission will continue in our interventions in strengthen the democratic process.
” Stakeholders should join hands in doing all that is required, before, during and after elections in order to further deepen democracy in Nigeria.
“As a commission, we shall continue to play our role of monitoring democracy in Nigeria and also safeguarding the rights of eligible Nigerians to freely participate in democratic processes. I therefore urge you all to show similar enthusiasm” he said.
According to him, it is worthy to mention that the Commission in line with its mandate, monitors all elections for the purpose of ensuring that they conform to human rights standards.
He stated that a project known as the Mobilising Voters for Elections (MOVE) was put in place for awareness towards democracy.
He added that the goal is to sensitised masses on the need to exercise freely their franchise especially as it relates to right to vote.
Ojukwu further stated to be voted for as well as being involved in all electioneering processes.
” Of significant interest is the commission’s collaboration with relevant Civil Society Organizations in co-sponsoring a bill seeking enhanced participation of women in politics, elections and governance.
” Though the bill was thrown out by the 9th National Assembly, the commission is still strategizing with stakeholders to represent the same bill to the current National Assembly, hoping that the Law Makers will see reason to pass this important bill without seeing Affirmative Action to prop up women as a discrimination against the men.
” Finally, I call on Nigerians to exercise restraint, exude patience remain focused and committed to support democracy in our dear country, despite the obvious economic challenges currently bedeviling the nation” he said.
According to him, true Democracy ensures enjoyment of human rights.
“With Democracy and Good Governance, the enjoyment of Human Rights is assured.
” But without democracy, human rights will be a victim. Human rights thrives in a democratic melieu not in a conflict stricken nation or military governance or anarchy or undemocratic environment.
” May the labour of our democratic heroes not be in vain and may God help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed and may justice and human rights reign in our democracy in Nigeria” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2018 declared June 12 as the new date for the celebration of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him the decision was to posthumously honour MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
Ikeja, June 11, 2024(NAN) The police in Lagos on Tuesday arraigned a 33- year-old man, Dauda Tijani, in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing employer’s property valued N1.7 million.
The defendant, a plumber, who resides at Meiran, Lagos, is bieng tried for conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp Felicia Okwori told the court that the offences were committed on April 9, at 9, Daddy Oniyide St., Orile Agege, Lagos.
Okwori said that the complainant, Mr Alex Goodness, employed the defendant as a house man and gave him his house keys.
The prosecutor said that the defendant and one another at large opened his employer ‘s door while he was not home.
Okwori said that the defendant and his other accomplice stole a laptop, gold necklace and a cash of N370,000.
” All valued at N1. 710million, ” she said.
The offences according to the prosecutor contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Mrs O. O Fagbohun granted the defendant bail of N500,000 with two sureties in likesum.
Fagbohun adjourned the case until July 2, for mention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Ibadan, June 11, 2024 (NAN) An 18-year-old, Idowu Saheed, and two others were on Tuesday in Ibadan docked at an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing bags of imported maize.
The defendants whose addresses were not provided were charged with conspiracy and stealing, to which they pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Femi Omilana, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence on May 30 at about 7:30 p.m. at Chifirm Nigeria Ltd., Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan.
Omilana alleged that the defendants stole four bags of imported maize worth N390,000, belonging to the Chifirm company.
He said the offence contravened Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mrs Gladys Oladele, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case until July 17 for hearing.(NAN)
CC/DEB/OLAL
============
(Edited by Debo Oshundun and Olawale Alabi)
Ile-Ife (Osun), June 11, 2024 (NAN) A 21-year-old man, Peter Olayera, was on Tuesday remanded on the order of an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing kitchen utensils and other items worth N200,000.
The Prosecutor, ASP Abdullahi Emmanuel, had told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence sometime in April at Oja-Ife, beside Sam‘D’ filling station, Ile-Ife.
Emmanuel alleged that the defendant conspired with others now at large to commit felony to wit shop breaking and stealing.
He added that the defendant broke into the shop of one Anike Adebayo and stole kitchen utensils namely, 15 pieces of cooking pots; one big iron pot, iron spoons, and stainless plates.
Other alleged stolen items include window nets, motorcycle spare parts, 50 pieces of yam tubers, electric iron and one DVD player, all with a total value of N200,000.
The prosecutor explained that the defendant purportedly conducted himself in a manner that led to pandemonium around the area.
He expressed that the offences contravened Sections 249(d), 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Abosede Sarumi, did not grant bail to the defendant but asked for a formal bail consideration application for the defendant.
Subsequently, Sarumi ordered his remand in Ile-Ife Correctional Service and adjourned the case until July 17, for mention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
