Category: Judiciary

Stealing
By Raji Rasak
Badagry (Lagos State), June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 21-year-old man, Wasiu Ojulari, was on Thursday arraigned before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing refrigerator and air-conditioning compressors.
The defendant, whose address was unknown, is standing trial on a two-count charge of stealing and unlawful entry.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, Insp Edet Ekpo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 12 at about 1 a.m. at Green Arcade Hotel, Ojeomo Str., Imeke, Badagry, Lagos.
Ekpe said that the defendant stole 11 pieces of Panasonic refrigerator compressors and 10 pieces of split air-conditioning compressors, with value yet unknown, property of one Sogunro Olayinka, the complainant.
“The defendant unlawfully entered the premises of the hotel which is the property of the complainant.
“The offences contravene Sections 287and 306 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2015,” he said.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr N.A. Layeni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Layeni said that one of the sureties must be a community leader, with three year tax clearance.
He adjourned the case till July 31 for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ROR/AYO/WAS
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and ‘Wale Sadeeq

POS operator docked for allegedly stealing customer’s phone

Theft
By Patience Yakubu

Kaduna, June 27, 2024 ( NAN) A 22-year-old Point of Sale (POS) operator, Garbriel Timothy, was docked on Thursday in a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna for allegedly stealing a customer ‘s cellphone worth N215,000.

The police charged Timothy with theft.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp Chidi Leo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June at the Mahuta Junction in Kaduna.

He alleged that the accused stole a Samsung  galaxy A14 belonging to one Janet Simon when she went to his stand to withdraw money.

“When she returned to get the phone, the accused denied seeing the phone but another customer told her he saw when the accused put the phone in his bag,” he stated.

He further said that the accused was handed over to the police after the phone was discovered in his possession.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of Section 217 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State 2017, which stipulates 4 year jail term if found guilty.

Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until July 29, for trial. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

PMY/EBI/SH

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza

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Teenager docked for allegedly stealing 2 dozens of plastic chairs, TV set

Theft

By Patience Yakubu
Kaduna, June 27, 2024 (NAN)A teenager , Matthew Dogo, was on Thursday docked in Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kaduba for allegedly stealing two dozens of plastic chairs, a TV set and a generator.

The police charged Dogo, who resides in Barnawa area of Kaduna with criminal conspiracy, burglary and theft.

The Prosecutor, Insp Chidi Leo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June. 18 at about 6:00 a.m at a Shopping Complex in Barnawa.

Leo said that the accused and two others, ar large broke into a shops belonging to one Adams John and stole a two dozens of plastic chairs, a TV set and generator all worth N379, 900.

According to him, the accused and his accomplices entered into the shop through the ceiling and stole the items.

Leo further explained that the accused was arrested by members of the community vigilance group while the others escaped.

The prosecutor told the court that the accused confessed to the crime .

He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 57, 217 and 306 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, admitted Dogo to bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

Emmanuel ordered that the surety must be gainfully employed and should reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He further ordered the surety to furnish the court with evidence of tax payment to Kaduna State Government.

He adjourned the case until July 18, for hearing. (NAN)

PMY/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Tax force officer docked over alleged N264,000 fraud

Fraud
By Aderemi Bamgbose

Okitipupa (Ondo State) June 27, 2024 (NAN) A 45-year-old tax force officer, Ayodeji Aiyeku, on Thursday appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo, over alleged N264,000 fraud.

The defendant whose address was not given, is facing a two-count charge bordering on breach of peace and advance fee fraud.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendant on Dec. 10, 2023, around 10.00 a.m at Broad Street, Okitipupa in Okitipupa magisterial district conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.

Orogbemi said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N264,000 from one Kehinde Abdulateef with pretence of supplying him with a palm kernel shell without doing so.

He added that the offences contravened and punishable under Sections 249(d) and 419, Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

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

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Philip Akinlosetu granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500, 000 and a surety in like sum.

He added that the surety, who must reside within the court jurisdiction, must also show and present evidence of two years tax payment made to the state government.

The magistrate adjourned the case until July 4 for further hearing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

BAA/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Middle-aged  man docked for assault, breach of peace

Arraignment

By Olawale Akinremi

Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Police in Oyo State on Thursday arraigned a middle-aged man, Ismaila Oladipupo, before a Mapo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, over alleged assault and breach of peace.

The police prosecutor, Insp Oluseye Akinola, told the court that the defendant committed the  offence on June 19, at Challenge bus Terminal, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Akinola alleged that Oladipupo violently attacked one Kazeem Adewumi with a broken bottle, stabbing him several times on his forehead, arms and stomach following a minor disagreement.

The prosecutor told the court that the injured victim is on admission in the hospital for medical attention.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Latunji consequently admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

Latunji adjourned the matter until July 16 for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

SEM/KOO/SH
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Sadiya Hamza

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

Access to justice: bedrock of trust in legal institution – Solicitor General

Justice
By Ebere Agozie

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation says access to justice is the bedrock for trust in legal institutions.

Jeddy-Agba said this while delivering a keynote address during the citizens engagement event tagged “Access to Justice” on Wednesday in Abuja.

She was represented by Mrs Victoria Ojogbane, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the ministry.

She said the second quarter stakeholders’ engagement provides a unique and powerful platform to ensure that justice system is accessible.

“Access to justice is the bedrock upon which trust in the legal institutions is built.

“It is a fundamental right that must be upheld and protected as a cornerstone of a just, fair and equitable society.

“It is also a critical pillar of democracy that ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status have the opportunity to seek redress and the protection of their rights’’.

She noted that the quarterly citizens and stakeholders engagement session was one of the 12 ministerial deliverables of President Ahmed Tinubu that aligned with the mandate of the ministry.

“This deliverable is to communicate government’s activities to citizens and also serve as a feedback mechanism to government,’’ she added.

Mrs Ndidi Ezinwa -Ukoha from the Legal Aid Council identified paucity of fund as a challenge citizens face in accessing justice, stressing that there is the need to address it.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that there was a breakout group discussion by participants which culminated into a robust interface and provision of solutions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EPA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

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How I managed Anambra security vote account under Obiano, ex-banker tells court

Trial

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A former commercial bank staff, Mr Ugochukwu Otubelu, on Wednesday, revealed how he managed the security vote account under ex-Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra government.

Otubelu, who said he is now a businessman, told Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja that he was with the bank between Nov. 2, 2008 and March 24, 2023.

“I worked in Awka Regional Branch at Nmamdi Azikiwe University.

“I was a relationship officer, I recruit customers, manage their account and approves loan facilities for customers of the bank.

“The branch I worked is a regional branch and the Marketing Department is divided into Consumer Marketing, Commercial Banking and the Public Sector,” he said.

Otubelu, who was led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s counsel Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, as 3rd prosecution witness (PW-3), said he worked in the Public Sector Department of the bank.

He said he was told by the bank’s compliant unit that the EFCC was investigating the state and the security vote accounts of Anambra which he managed.

He said the commission asked him to get details of six accounts including that of Youdoo Ventures, Nazdal Ventures, Moment of Peace Ventures and Easy Dia.ln Limited and C.I Party Ventures Nigeria Limited.

He said he had met with ex-Gov Obiano before in the course of managing the security vote account.

The PW-3, however said that the signatories to the security vote account were the former Principal Secretary to the ex-governor, Willy Nwokoye, and the Accountant, Theophilus Nweze.

“I interface with them mostly on daily and weekly basis in processing their transactions.

“I correlate between the bank and them and in processing their transactions, I give them feedback on those transactions.”

He said he goes to the principal secretary’s office every week and he tells him the transactions to be done for the week.

“He will give me instruments through cheque for the transaction to be processed on behalf of that security vote account.

“After every week, I do go to his office to balance the account via the money that came into the security vote account and what it is needed to be done for that week,” he said.

On how the transaction was done, Otubelu said Nwokoye sometimes issued cheques and they at times, took the cash to him.

He identified the documents submitted to the EFCC numbering 215 and was marked as exhibits after Tahir tendered them.

But Obiano’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, reserved his objection until final address in line with court directive.

Otubelu, who admitted that funds from the security votes account went into the six companies’ account, said the money did not go to the account holders.

When being cross-examined by Ikpeazu, the witness admitted that the state government was neither part of any of the six accounts nor did it open them.

He also said that the state government did not directly operate the six accounts.

He said the six accounts were used for discreet security transactions.

When asked on what he understood by the expression , “discreet security transactions,” Otubelu said; “As at the time the accounts were needed, there were a lot of insecurity in the state to the extent that we, the bank workers, do not go to work.

“There was high tension of insecurity all over the state.”

“AmI right to say that the security operatives did not operate regular bank accounts?” Ikpeazu asked.

Responding, the witness said: “In the course of my duty, the security agencies were basically paid in cash.”

The PW-3 admitted that on few occasions he took cash to the former governor, it was usually during his meeting with the security operatives.

“The service chiefs are always there; the army, the navy, the DSS director, civil defence, vigilante and others,” he said.

He admitted that the vigilante groups in the state were established by the communities and churches.

He, however, agreed that the state government participated in their funding and expenses as security operatives.

The witness admitted that in the course of operating the six companies’ accounts, no part of the state government money went to the benefit of the companies and their directors.

“Not even a kobo because the transactions done for the week will be reconciled with the Principal Secretary,” he said.

After re-examination, Otubelu was discharged from the witness box.

The EFCC also called Hayatu Hadejia, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator as 4th prosecution witness (PW-4).

Hadejia told the court that he is a businessman, who runs BDC companies.

He said he had five companies and was invited by the EFCC as part of its investigations into the financial activities of the government of ex-governor Obiano.

After given his testimony and was cross-examined by Obiano’s lawyer, Justice Ekwo discharged him from the witness box and adjourned the matter until Oct. 7, Oct. 8, Oct. 9 and Oct. 10 for continuation of trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obiano was Anambra governor between March 2014 and March 2022.

The former governor, in a nine-count charge, was alleged to have among others, misappropriated over N4 billion from the state’s treasury.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

TOA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza