Category: Judiciary

Solicitor-General tasks stakeholders on ending torture

Collaboration
By Ebere Agozie

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and has called on stakeholders to speak with one voice against all forms of torture in Nigeria.

Jeddy-Agba  made the call  during the 2024 Commemoration of the International Day Against Victims of Torture organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the National Human Rights Commission.

NAN reports that the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26 marks the moment when the Convention came into effect in 1987. Since then, the international anti-torture framework has come a long way.

The theme of the celebration is: “Voices Against Torture: A Call for Global Justice and Human Rights”.

She acknowledged the tireless efforts of stakeholders who have made necessary sacrifices to ensure Nigeria complies with UN Convention Against Torture and other forms of Inhuman degrading treatment.

She, however, stressed that stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors must speak with one voice against the perpetrators of torture, and for all who suffer at their hands, in order to build a better, more humane society for Nigerians.

“Nigeria has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the ideals of respect for human rights, particularly the prevention of torture and other inhuman degrading treatment against citizens.

“Today is designed to remind ourselves of the need to continue to prevent torture in Nigeria.

“June 26 of every year is therefore an occasion to highlight our collective collaboration to the prohibition of torture and all forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

“It is also an opportunity to express solidarity with the sufferings of victims and their families, and to reaffirm the need for a global commitment to rehabilitate all victims of all such abuse’’.

`We are committed to advocating, training and sensitising our law enforcement agencies, hospitals, psychiatric wards and other places of limited liberty, of the need to ensure respect for human rights.

“I encourage our law enforcement agencies to continue to support measures aimed at combating torture in all their detention centers.

“I solicit the support of our stakeholders and development partners to continue to give the necessary support aimed at rooting out torture and ensuring that Nigeria complies with its international obligations’’.

Also speaking, Dr Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission said the event provides the platform to reflect on the plight of victims of torture and how to eliminate torture.

“We must always speak against this abhorrent violation of human rights that has left protracted and profound scars on families, individuals, and communities.

“This is another opportunity to call for the strengthening of national efforts and mechanisms towards preventing torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.

“It is significant that Nigeria has taken active steps by being a party to core international and regional instruments that condemn this heinous violation of human rights and ensure that persons, irrespective of their circumstances, are treated with utmost dignity.

“We must enhance support services, including medical care, psycho-social, and legal assistance to victims and survivors by establishing rehabilitation centers across the country provide the necessary care and support to survivors.

“We call for the strict implementation of laws that prohibit torture and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

“We must strengthen our legal frameworks to ensure comprehensive protection for all persons in Nigeria,’’ he added.

NAN reports that on Dec. 10,  1984, the UN General Assembly adopted the convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June marks the moment when the Convention came into effect in 1987.

Since then, the international anti-torture framework has come a long way.

The absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is now the object of legal consensus, recognised as a jus cogens norm.

The entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention in 2006 has given a new impetus to torture prevention, establishing a system of regular, independent visits by independent oversight bodies to places of detention as a critical safeguard against abuses.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EPA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Lawyers threaten to sue I-G over alleged harassment of colleague

Suit

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A group of legal practitioners, under the aegis of Lawyers of Conscience, on Wednesday, threatened to sue the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged incessant harassment of their colleague, Mr Victor Giwa.

The lawyers, who called on the I-G to call his men to order, also urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to wade into the matter by calling Mr Egbetokun to refrain from such act.

Mr Maxwell Opara, while speaking to newsmen on behalf of the group, threatened to sue the I-G “in his personal capacity as Kayode Egbetokun, if he fails to act accordingly.”

Narrating how the issue started, Opara said a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mrs Asabe Waziri, who bought a multi-million naira property in the Maitama District of Abuja, led to series of litigations.

According to the lawyer, Waziri was alleged to be instigating the police to carry out unlawful acts in respect of cases pending before courts of competent jurisdictions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the purchase of the multi-million naira property by Waziri was said to have attracted several court cases before the FCT High Court.

The court had ordered her eviction from the property due to her alleged faceoff with other property owners in the apartment as well as financial dispute in the purchase of the assets.

Upon the order of the court, Waziri was evicted from the property by bailiffs of the Abuja High Court.

Dissatisfied with the order, she challenged her eviction in court, and the suit is still pending.

Meanwhile, Opara accused Mrs Waziri of resorting to self help with the alleged unlawful use of police to achieve what she could not achieve in the open court.

The lawyer said that the police had no business dabbling into a pure civil transaction of property purchase.

He added that the police as a law abiding institution should allow the matter to be fully determined by the court instead of acting as a court of its own.

Opara insisted it was wrong of Mrs Waziri to use the police to harass Victor Giwa, who was counsel to the property developer, Abbey Signatures Ltd.

The lawyer warned the I-G and his officers to desist from taking laws into their hands.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

TOA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Death
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, has described the death of Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte of Oyo State High Court as a rude shock to its members.

Chairman of the branch, Mr Ibrahim Lawal, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ibadan.

NAN reports that Gbolagunte, a senior judge in the state judiciary, died on Monday at the age of 64, after a protracted illness.

The NBA chairman said that with Gbolagunte’s death, the state judiciary had indeed lost a courteous judge.

“Lawyers who appeared before my lord always have good reports about his reverence for the bar. We pray the Almighty to repose his soul,” he said.

Lawal said that the death of the judge was a reflection of the kind of difficult terrains judges were passing through in rendering their services to the country.

According to him, judges have so much to contend with, saying the cases an average judge in Oyo state has to adjudicate upon at every given time are too many due to inadequate number of judges.

“In Oyo state, we are supposed to have 40 judges to man our courts but in the last four years, we have only 21 judges, and with the demise of Justice Gbolagunte, we now have 20.

“Imagine the pressure on those judges to discharge their duties faithfully and speedily,” he said.

The NBA chairman, therefore, renewed the call for appointment of more judges and improvement in the conditions of service of the serving ones.

“This is not limited to judges; our Magistrates and President of Grade A Customary Courts too should not be left out. There should be proper funding of the judiciary, going forward,” Lawal stated.

Also, a former NBA Chairman, Ibadan branch, Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi, described the late Gbolagunte as a brilliant and astute jurist.

“As a judge, he extended professional courtesies to all legal practitioners who came before him.

“Before he took ill, his lordship was a very diligent judge, who sat early and went through his case list, dispensing justice without fear or favour.

“He demonstrated the right candour, while litigants leave his court with the satisfaction that justice had been done in their cases.

“May the soul of the well-respected jurist rest in peace,” Aladeniyi prayed.

Similarly, a former Publicity Secretary of the branch, Mr Tobi Fatoki,
said the late judge always ensured that justice was done to the cases brought before him.

“His death came to me as a rude shock; he really battled with the illness that led to his death.

“However, he left a legacy behind as an erudite judge, who did his best on the bench.

“His records are there; he delivered sound judgments which would forever speak for him. His death is indeed a great loss to the bench and the bar” he said.

Fatoki prayed God to uphold the family, the judiciary, the bar and the well-wishers left behind by the deceased. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CC/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

2 in court for alleged N5.2m visa scam

Visa
By Chinyere Omeire
Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A 35-year-old woman, Olajumoke Imoh, and one Solomon Olugbenro, 43, on Wednesday appeared before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for an alleged N5.2 million visa scam.

The defendants whose residential addresses were not provided, are standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on fraud, conspiracy and breach of the peace.

The prosecutor, ASP Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendants and others still at large, committed the offences sometime in June 2023, at Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.

He alleged that the duo fraudulently obtained the sum of N5.2 million on the pretext of procuring a United States of America visa for the complainant, Mr Akinsanmi Akinyemi.

The prosecutor said that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by not procuring the visa.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 168 (d), 314, 323 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

The duo denied the charge.

The Magistrate, Miss K.A. Ariyo, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

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

Ariyo adjourned the case until July 9, for mention. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

OCC/CEO/IKU
Edited by Chidi Opara/Tayo Ikujuni

Again, court adjoirns suit seeking Ganduje’s sack to July 5 for hearing

Suit

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja has again adjourned the suit seeking the removal of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) until July 5.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, on Wednesday, adjourned the matter to allow the plaintiff respond to a fresh application filed by Ganduje to challenge the competence of the suit.

Upon resumed hearing, plaintiff’s lawyer, Benjamin Davou, told the court that Sanusi Musa, SAN, who appeared for Ganduje, had just served him with a fresh motion.

He said he would need time to study it on whether to respond to the application.

Musa did not oppose Davou’s application for adjournment.

Justice Ekwo, consequently, adjourned the matter until June 5 for hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge had, on June 13, fixed today for hearing after Davou applied to respond to the notice of preliminary objection and counter affidavit served on him by Ganduje’s lawyer.

The plaintiff, the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, had filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024.

In the suit, they queried the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the Chairman of the APC when he is not from the North Central geo-political zone.

Listed as defendants in the case are Ganduje, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The plaintiff wants the court to, among others, restrain Ganduje from further parading himself as the chairman of the APC.

It also prays the court to issue an order directing INEC not to accord recognition to all actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries and nominations, since Ganduje became APC Chairman on August 3, 2023.

The plaintiff is contending among others, that Ganduje is occupying the office of the APC chairman illegally, not being from a state in the North Central geo-political zone.

It argued that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC breached the party’s constitution when it appointed Ganduje, from Kano State in the North West geo- political zone to replace Sen. Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State in the North Central geo-political zone.

It also argued that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi was contrary to Article 31.5(1) f of the APC constitution and ultra vires the powers of the NEC of the party.

The plaintiff added that by the true interpretation of Article 31.5(1) of the APC. Constitution 2013 (as amended), the party is bound to comply with the procedure for the replacement of an officer in the event of a vacancy and ought to appoint a member from Nasarawa State in the North Central geo- political zone into the office of the chairman of the party.

It wants the court to among others, declare that by Article 20(1) of the APC constitution 2013 as amended, Ganduje cannot be appointed as the National Chairman of the party other than through democratic conducted elections and that his current occupation of the office is illegal.

It equally seeks a declaration that by the provisions of Article 13 of the APC constitution 2013 (as amended), the party’s National Convention is the final authority of the party which has the power to elect or remove national officers of the party including the national chairman of the party.

The plaintiff also wants a declaration that the party’s NEC lacked the power to appoint any person to the office of the Chairman, among others.(NAN)(www.namnews.ng)

TOA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Court jailed internet fraudster to 1 year imprisonment
Sentence
By Uche Bibilari
Gwagwalada (FCT), June 26, 2024 (NAN) An FCT, High Court in Gwagwalada, on Wednesday, sentenced a 29-year-old internet fraudster, Eke Emmanuel, a.k.a Miller Fulton, to one year imprisonment for swindling his victim of 700 dollars.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had prosecuted the convict before the court on a charge of cheating by impersonation.

He pleaded guilty to the charge and begged the court for mercy.

Delivering judgment, Justice Aliyu Shafa, held that the convict was guilty and sentenced to the term in the correctional centre.

Shafa, however, granted the convict an option of N200,000 fine.

The judge also granted the application of the Prosecution Counsel, Chiamaka Njoku, that the iphone X cellphone used to commit the crime and the 700 dollars recovered from the convict should be forfeited to the federal government.

He also ordered that the convict should swear to an affidavit of good behaviour after his term in jail or upon paying his fine.

Earlier, the convict while pleading for mercy told the court that he was deeply sorry for his action.

The Defence Counsel, P.E. Egeolu in his   allocutus on behalf of the convict pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

Egeolu said that the convict, who has no criminal records, was remorseful for commission of the offence.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Njoku said that the convict sometimes in 2023 cheated by impersonation when he assumed the identity of one Miller Fulton, a military personnel from Denver, Colorado.

She said that the convict fraudulently obtained the sum of 700 dollars from some unsuspecting victims.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provision of Section 321 of the Penal Code, punishable under section 324 of the code.

By an oral application, Njoku requested that the court should order the  forefieture of  the cellphone and money recovered from the convict to the federal government through the EFCC. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UU/AOS

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Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Cleric threatens legal action against persons linking him with US visa job

Legal

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The lead Pastor of the Resurrected Assembly (GROM) Worldwide, Prize Aluko, has threatened to institute a legal action against persons behind a website or portal in the name of “Caregiver Visa Sponsorship Jobs in United States of America (USA).”

Aluko, in a statement issued and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, said he had no relationship or affiliation with any website or portal in such name.

An unidentified group was alleged to have published the picture of the clergyman on a portal, “Caregivers Portal” with the title: “Caregiver Visa Sponsorship Jobs in United States.”

The said portal was said to contain information on 45, 000 visa opening with work permit available to interested individuals ready to work as caregivers in the US with no agent fee.

Reacting, Aluko distanced himself and the church from the said website and portal while expressing shock by the usage of his picture in the publication.

He described the act as an embarrassment to both the church and himself.

The cleric urged members of the public to disregard any such message and to be “aware of scammers and fraudulent transactions on that platform.”

He said the church would not hesitate to take legal action necessary against those behind the act if his picture was not immediately pull down from the platform.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

TOA/SH

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Arraignment

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Two men, Babatunde Olawale, 29, and Ganiyat Ariyo, 42, on Wednesday appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly aiding the escape of a suspect.

The duo whose addresses were not provided were charged with conspiracy and conduct likely to cause breach of peace, to which they pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp. Iyabo Oladoyin, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence between May 17 and June 9 around Ojoo bus terminal in Ibadan.

Oladoyin alleged that the defendants aided the escape of a suspect who the police wanted to arrest for investigations.

She said the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by committing such acts.

Oladoyin said the offence contravened Sections 516 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Adebola Adeola, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case until July 30 for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CC/GOM/BRM

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Bashir Rabe Mani

Alleged attempted murder: Trial of 20 ex-PTD members begins

Trial
By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday began the trial of 20 former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) charged with attempted murder.

The former union leaders, including a one-time National Chairman, Lucky Osesua, were arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu in the suit, marked: CR/042/202.

They are charged with attempted murder, breach of peace and assault by the office of the Attorney general of the Federation.

Also charged are Dayyabu  Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi.

Others are  Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku and Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.

The union members were alleged to have attacked NUPENG President, Wiliams Akporeha; General Secretary, Wale Afolabi and the newly elected National Chairman of the PTD branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.

The NUPENG members were particularly alleged to have acted “in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon”, when they laid siege at PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent , Utako District in Abuja on Nov. 1.

In the suit, the defendants were further accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko and Comrade Augustine Egbon.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel David Kaswe told the court that his five witnesses were in court.

The first prosecution witness, Olawale Afolabi testified as PW1 told the court that he is the general secretary, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG).

Led in evidence by Kaswe, he narrated how the defendants laid siege at the PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent , Utako District in Abuja on Nov. 1.

He alleged that he was beaten and left unconscious by the defendants.

”When I gained consciousness the next day, I found myself in Zankli hospital, Abuja.

“I suffered  severe injuries. I was afraid for my life and safety at the hospital. I had to leave for another hospital,” he said.

The witness said he was taken to the police station on Nov. 2, 2023. where he made a statement and was taken to the Police hospital services for further treatment.

Kaswe tendered the hospital reports and patient’s cards of the two hospitals, also that of Emmanuel Eye Care services and Dental clinic appointment card which were later admitted in evidence.

Also admitted was the petition written to the police on Nov. 2, 2023.

Being cross examined by the defendants counsel, Benson Igbanoi, the witness said he arrived in Abuja for official duty from Lagos, where he resides.

When asked if there was election a day before he arrived Abuja, he answered in the affirmative adding there were three elections, in Ibadan, Warri and Port Harcourt and that they have 150 branches.

When asked if he was aware of the National Industrial court judgment, he said yes.

Answering how he was able to recognise those who attacked him, he said:” that I lost consciousness does not mean I lost my memory ‘

He said he doesn’t remember the name of the doctor who treated him in the  hospital.

Meanwhile, Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned until Oct 10 for continuation of trial.

He however, said that the defendants should remain on the bail granted them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

NEO/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Assault

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Three motorcyclists, Aliasatu Sharafadeen, 19, Shettuum Uka, 27, and Abubakar Bello, 20, were on Wednesday arraigned in  a Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Ibadan over  alleged assault.

The defendants, whose addresses were not provided in court, were charged with conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, Mr Philip Amusan, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence on Monday at about 9.45 a.m. at Elebu area of Ibadan.

He alleged that the motorcyclists assaulted Gbenga Falola, a member of the Oyo State motorcycle task-force, by hitting him with plywood on the head.

“The defendants fought Falola who asked them not to park on an obstruction and not to conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace,” he said.

Accroding to him, the offences contravened Sections 516, 355 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The court president, Mrs Sukurat Yusuf, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case until July 23 for hearing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

CC/DEB/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh