Category: Judiciary

FG backs calls for establishment of Restorative Justice centres

Centres

By Ebere Agozie

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN)The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind stakeholders’ calls for the establishment of Restorative Justice Centres in the country.

Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, said this at the Validation Session of Restorative Justice Documents; the Policy, Bill, Practice Direction, and Training Manual on Thursday in Abuja.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Justice and sponsored by UNODC.

“These centres will run as forms of alternative dispute resolution and will be deployed as tools for decongesting many of the less serious cases in the docket of the courts.

“This will invariably decrease the overcrowded correctional centres.

“It is proposed that the centres will receive referrals from the police, courts and prosecutors to settle some criminal matters amicably’’.

She called for support for government policies towards reforming the criminal justice system, through developing restorative justice mechanisms.

“The criminal justice system faces tremendous challenges, ranging from recidivism, prolonged duration for trials, overcrowded custodial centres and the failure of punishment for offences to meet with standards of justice for the victims and survivors of crime.

“These challenges are addressed through restorative justice mechanisms, with the overall objective of improving the criminal justice system.

She explained that restorative justice is an evolving approach to justice that seeks to repair harm by providing an opportunity for those harmed and the perpetrators to communicate and address needs in the aftermath of a crime.

“It gives offenders an opportunity to make amends and to try to correct some of their wrongs and hurt which they may have caused to their victims.

“It is also an innovative approach that has been known to reduce re-offending rates by making the offenders face the consequences of their action’’.

She noted that while the traditional criminal justice process solely focuses on punishment for the offender, restorative justice focuses on victims and survivors who have been harmed by the conduct of the offender.

“Victims are empowered to participate more fully than in the traditional system, and the community also has an important role to play by establishing standards of conduct and helping to provide support to the parties involved.

“I hope that the validation and eventual passage of these legal and regulatory frameworks will serve as model to be adopted by the states’’.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun  added that as a way of building a more inclusive justice system, police will champion adoption of the restorative system.

“As we review and validate these documents, I urge us to prioritise a justice system that encourages re-integration, the police is committed to work with all stakeholders.

“The concept holds immense potential for nation legal frame work. It encompasses policy, practice direction and training manual of restorative justice.

Mrs Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director of Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department noted that the ultimate goal is to have a justice system that not only punishes offenders but also heals communities and restores relationships.

“The purpose is not merely a formality but a testament to our dedication to reforming our justice system to better serve our people.

“Restorative Justice represents a paradigm shift from the traditional punitive approach to one that emphasizes healing, rehabilitation, and reconciliation.

“It is relevant now more than ever as we face the challenges of recidivism, overcrowded correctional facilities, and lengthy prosecution processes’’.

Ms Muchaneta Mundopa a representative of UNODC says the documents emphasise Nigeria’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

“UNODC believes that restorative justice can play a crucial role in achieving this goal by addressing the underlying causes of conflict and promoting a culture of dialogue and understanding within communities.

“We recognise that adopting these documents is the first step in establishing a criminal justice system that provides an opportunity to all affected parties.

“However, the true impact will be experienced through the implementation phase of restorative justice,’’ she added.

She said that in line with the newly revised 2030 Strategic Vision for Nigeria, UNODC is proud and remains steadfastly committed to supporting Nigeria in this transformative journey. (NAN)
EPA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Theft

By Ugochi Joy Ugochukwu

Abuja, June 27,  2024(NAN) Two Carpenters, Solomon Sunday and Umar Danjuman, were on Thursday, arraigned before a Zuba Magistrates’ Court, Abuja for allegedly stealing a furniture machine.

Sunday and Danjuman who reside at Tungamaji Zuba, Abuja, are being charged with criminal conspiracy and theft.

The Prosecutor, Chinedu Ogada, told the court that the complainant, Onakpami Emmanuel, a Security Guard at Three Plus Construction Company, reported the matter at the Zuba Police Station on June 8.

Ogada said that the defendants conspired with another, identified as Zakaria, now at large, to commit the offense at about 11.00p.m on June 5.

“They entered into the premises of the firm, Three Plus Construction Company, and stole a furniture machine.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 97 of the Penal Code.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr Abdulazeez Mohammed granted the defendants bail in the sum of N300,000 each, with a surety each in like sum.

Mohammed ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and should produce reliable means of identification.

He further ordered that the surety’s address must be verified, and thereafter, adjourned the case until July 2 for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

UGO/AZU

Edited by Azubuike Okeh

Fraud
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 50-year-old man, Babatunde Matairu, on Thursday, appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, over an alleged N295,000 land fraud.
Matairu, whose address was not provided, was charged with obtaining money under false pretence, stealing and conduct likely to cause breach of peace, to which he, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, ASP Anthony Igori, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in February at about noon at Oluwo area of Ibadan.
Igori said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the money from one Mr Samuel Kolade under the pretence of selling one acre and two plots of land to him at the aforementioned area.
He said that the offences was contrary to Sections 419, 390 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mr Olaolu Olanipekun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with two reliable sureties in like sum.
Olanipekun adjourned the case till July 16 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CC/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Ex-Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, seeks transfer of case to Lokoja

Case

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The immediate-past Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has sought the transfer of his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Federal High Court (FHC), Lokoja Division.

Bello, who made the application in a letter to the Chief Judge (CJ) of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, said that he preferred to be arraigned in Lokoja, being the place the alleged money laundering offence was committed.

Counsel to the former governor, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, made this known on Thursday when the matter came up before Justice Emeka Nwite.

At a resumed hearing, Adedipe informed Justice Nwite that a letter requesting for the transfer of the trial had already been delivered to the CJ for his administrative decision.

The senior lawyer said the request for Lokoja was due to the fact that the court had territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Adedipe said that the legal team of the ex-Kogi governor was still awaiting the response of the CJ on the request for transfer of the case to Lokoja.

“Although the letter requesting for transfer of this matter to Lokoja, was written by Yahaya Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, I am however under obligation to draw the attention of this honourable court to the issue,” Adedipe said.

Adedipe said the prosecution had been notified and their opinion had been sought via a letter dated June 14 from the CJ’s office.

The letter, addressed to EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was signed by the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq.

“You will find attached the copy of a letter by counsel to the defendant on the above subject matter, dated 10th June, 2024.

“I am directed by His Lordship, the Honourable, the Chief Judge, to forward the letter to you for your response within 6 (six) days of receipt,” the letter read in part.”

However, the request for transfer was vehemently opposed by the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who described the request as an attempt to frustrate the trial.

The EFCC lawyer pleaded with Justice Nwite to hold Adedipe and Mohammed, the two senior advocates in the defence team, responsible for their inability to produce their client in court, despite the undertakings they made.

The EFCC lawyer also requested that the two SANs to be cited for contempt of court.

Meanwhile, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until July 17, for arraignment of the former governor and ruling on the request of EFCC to cite the two senior lawyers for contempt.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

TOA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Threat
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Police, on Thursday, arraigned six men before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, over alleged threat to a woman’s life.
The defendants are: Olujinmi Oguntoyinbo, 48; Olawumi Oladipo, 46; Musa Atiba, 33; Mariam Abdulahi, 32; Agboola Ayodeji, 29 and Timileyin Fawise, 31.
The defendants, whose house addresses were not provided, are being tried for alleged conspiracy, threat to life and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
The Prosecutor, ASP Amos Adewale, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on March 6 at about 8 p.m. at Adeoyo area of Ibadan.
Adewale said that the defendants threatened the life of one Chief Funmilayo Obisesan, while armed with cutlasses, stones and other dangerous weapons, including red oil container.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 516, 418 and 249 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Mr Maruff Mudashiru, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.
Mudashiru adjourned the case till Sept. 18 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CC/KOO/WAS
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Fraud
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 37-year-old man, Soyombo Olanrewaju, was on Thursday arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, over an alleged N5 million mushroom fraud.
Olanrewaju, whose address was not provided, was charged with obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, ASP Foluke Adedosu, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometimes in 2021 and 2022 in Ibadan.
Adedosu said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N5 million from one Mrs Elizabeth Folorunsho and two others, with the pretext of selling mushrooms to them.
She said that the defendant converted the money to his personal use without supplying the mushrooms.
According to her, the offences contravene Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mrs M. Olagbenro, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with one reliable surety in like sum.
She adjourned the case till Aug. 1 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CC/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Fraud
By Raji Rasak
Badagry (Lagos State), June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 49-year-old man, Ibrahim Yakubu, on Thursday appeared before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly obtaining the sum of N1,150,000 under false pretences.

The defendant, whose residential address was not provided, is standing trial on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

The prosecutor, ASP. Clement Okuoimose, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences on Dec.6, 2022, at about 3.90.p.m., at No 98 Timmy Jas Ajara Agelaso area of Badagry, Lagos.

Okuoimose alleged that the defendant obtained the sum of N1,150,000 from the complainant, Mr Pam John, under the guise of wanting to help him purchase a Toyota Corolla car, which he never did.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendant instead converted the sum to his personal use.

The offences, according to him, contravene sections 314 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr A. J Aina, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Aina said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and must show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government as part of the bail conditions.

Aina, however, adjourned the case until July 11, for mention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ROR/KOO/JNC
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Arraignment

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 32-year old man, Waliu Animasahun, was on Thursday, arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly receiving a stolen phone valued N150,000.

Animasahun, whose address was not provided, is being charged with receiving a stolen phone to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Insp Olalekan Adegbite told the court that the defendant committed the offence at about 7.30p.m on May 2, at Ojoo, Ibadan.

Adegbite said that the defendant received a Infinix phone worth N150,000 from a man named, Mutiu Salami, knowing that it was stolen from the rightful owner, Benjamin Inmo

He said that the offence contravened Section 430 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Oluwabusayo Osho granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

She adjourned the case until July 24 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

CC/AYO/AZU

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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Azubuike Okeh

By Moronke Boboye
Assault
Ikeja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned a 37-year-old security guard, Idris Hamisu, before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court over an alleged sexual assault on his employer ‘s daughter.
The defendant, who resides at No. 4, Yetunde Adesola St., Igando, Lagos, is standing trial for sexual assault.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Insp Samuel Mishozunnu, told the court that the offence was committed on June 12 at No. 4, Yetunde Adesola St., Igando, Lagos.
Mishozunnu said that the defendant lured his 12-year-old employer ‘s daughter into his room and fondled her breast and body.
The offence, according to him, contravenes Section 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mrs F.D. Hughes, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Hughes adjourned the case till July 18 for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MTO/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Remand

By Moronke Boboye

Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, on Thursday, remanded two teenagers, Segun Solomon and Segun Adebiyi in Kirikiri Correctional Center for allegedly defiling their neighbour’s 10-year old daughter.

Solomon and Adebiyi both 19 years old, and reading at Temidire Street, Ayobo, Lagos, are being charged with defilement.

The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, who did not take the pleas of the defendants ordered that the case file should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

Osunsanmi adjourned the case until July 18 for DPP’s advice.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem, told the court that the defendants committed the the offence in May at the Temidire area of Ayobo.

Raji said that the defendants lured the girl to an uncompleted building and sexually molested her.

The prosecutor said that the girl reported the incident to her mother before the case was complained to the police.

Raji said that the offence contravened Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.(NAN)

MTO/EOB/AZU

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Edited by Edith Bolokor and Azubuike Okeh