Blog

NAN-H-15
Theft
By Moronke Boboye
Lagos, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) For allegedly absconding with his employer’s N1, 495,444, a sales representative, Mustapha Suleiman, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

Forty-two-year-old Suleiman, who resides on Karaole Estate, Ori Yanrin, Agbe Loba, Abeokuta, Ogun, is standing trial on a count charge.

The prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu, submitted that Suleiman failed to remit into his employer’s account, money he realised from sale of goods.

Ogu said that the accused committed the offence on March 22 on Iju Road, Agege, Lagos.

“The accused was given some cartons of pampers, bundles of detergents and cartons of toothpaste, all valued at N1, 495, 444, property of Rondatos Services Ltd.

“After selling the goods, Suleiman failed to remit the money into the company’s account and he disappeared,” he said.

Ogu also that the police tracked down the accused after apprehending his guarantor.
He said that the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like sum.

Akanni adjourned the case to Nov. 28 for mention. (NAN)
MTO/IGO
(Edited by Ijeoma Popoola)

NAN-H-46
Dasuki
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) The trial of retired Col. Sambo Dasuki and others was adjourned till Dec. 7 for further hearing following a concession agreed upon by all the counsels concerned.

The trial which came up at an FCT High Court Maitama before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf could not go on. However, all counsels had a chambers meeting with the judge and agreed on the date.

All the defendants were in court except Dasuki.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dasuki lost his father, the 18^th Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki.

Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, was arraigned before Justice Baba-Yusuf by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on a 19-count charge bordering on diversion of about N13.6 billion.

He is being tried alongside Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, and Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former NNPC Executive Director.

Also being tried were two firms, Acacia Holding Ltd., and Reliance Referral Hospital Ltd.

In the second case, Amb. Bashir Yuguda is the first defendant while Dasuki is the second.

Others are Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, Dalhatu Investment Ltd., Sagir Attahiru and Attahiru Bafaarawa, former governor of Sokoto State.

They were arraigned on a 22-count charge bordering on conspiracy, bribery, and abuse of office and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N28.315 million.

At the last sitting, the trial was streamlined by the court following the movement of the two case files to one.

The two cases were pending before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, and Justice Peter Affen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that at the previous sitting Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN), counsel for Dauski), had prayed the court to consolidate the two cases against his client.

Daudu sought for an order directing the prosecution to amend charge No. FCT/HC/CR/43/ 2015 pending before Baba-Yusuf, to include the counts in suit No. FCT/HC/CR/43/2015, before Affen.

He said that his prayer was pursuant to sections 6(6)(a), 35(5) and (9) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and sections 1(1); 208; 396(3); 401and 492(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Mr Rotimi Jacobs also said that the movement was to facilitate the quick trial of the case if the files could be in one court.

At the last sitting also the cases were brought to Baba-Yusuf’s court. (NAN)
NEO/GY
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Edited/Controlled by Grace Yussuf

NAN-H-47
Trespass
By Tomisin Oladele
Lagos, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) A Tinubu Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded 14 men in Ikoyi prison over alleged forceful entry into a property belonging to Kasmal International Limited.

The accused persons are Shefiudeen Bakare, 62; Tajudeen Bakare, 45; Kolawole Amode, 38; Olatunji Lawal, 38; Kabiru Salami, 51; Biodun Sanni, 32 and Saheed Quadri, 33.

Others are Femi Adeturinmo, 22; Olaitan Adebayo, 26; Abideen Olatunji, 33; Olawale Goodluck, 37; Saheed Azeez, 29; Azeez Jimoh, 29 and Adeniyi Laminu, 28.

They are facing a three-count charge of forceful entry; conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and carrying dangerous weapons to cause terror to members of the public.

The prosecutor, Insp. Philip Osijiale, told the court that the accused persons committed the offences on Nov. 14 at about 2.00 p.m. at Ogombo Town, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

He said that the accused persons conspired to forcefully enter the company’s property and conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace.

Osijiale added that they were armed with machetes, Indian hemp, charms and other dangerous weapons to cause fear to employees of the company.

“The company bought 175 acres of land in the town on Nov. 14.

“On that same day some land grabbers came with dangerous weapons and chased the company’s employees away from the land,’’ the prosecutor said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 56, 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and Lagos State Property Protection Law No (47(7) 2016 of Nigeria.

They pleaded not guilty.

Their defence counsel, Mr Ebunoluwa Adegoruwa, applied for bail for his clients on liberal terms.

Adegorowa promised that his law firm would produce them whenever they were needed in court.

But the prosecutor urged the court not to grant the accused persons bail on grounds that they constitute threat to the society.

“My lord, the 14 accused persons were caught with dangerous weapons to carry out their unlawful mission.

“If they had not been caught, they would have wrecked havoc in that community,’’ he said.

The Magistrate, Mrs Memunat Folami, denied bail application for the accused persons and ordered that they be remanded in prison custody.

She said that the issue of bail would be considered at a future date and adjourned the case to Dec. 29 for trial. (NAN)

TME/AIB/AEA
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Archibong Asuq

NAN-H-48

Rape

By Boboye Tinuola

Lagos, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) A 29-year-old man, Al-min Tijani , standing trial for allegedly gang-raping a 14-year-old girl with his friends was on Wednesday granted bail by an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ court in Lagos.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, granted bail in the sum if N500, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate ordered that the sureties must show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government.

The accused, who resides at Otubu Street in Agege, Lagos state, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and rape.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Rafael Donny, had told the court that Tijani and some others still at large committed the offences on Oct. 28 at his residence.

Donny said that the accused invited the victim of the incident to his house while she was returning home from an errand.

“She was lured to the accused room where some of his friends were waiting and they gang-raped her,” he said.

The offences, according to him, contravened Sections 259 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The magistrate adjourned the case to Dec. 5. (NAN)

MTO/EOB/OPI

Edited by Edith Bolokor and Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-DS-3
Rustling
Jos, Nov.16, 2016 (NAN) Mr Abdullahi Nuhu, Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau chapter, says the association has not recorded any incident of cattle rustling in the state, since May.

Nuhu disclosed this during an emergency meeting between the association and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Wednesday in Jos.

He attributed the success to the association’s collaboration with the government and security agencies.

He said when he assumed office, a blueprint was mapped out to ensure partnership with the various security agencies and the government to build on the existing peace in the State.

“When I assumed office, due to the prevalence of cattle rustling, cattle straying into farmlands and destroying crops and death, we found it imperative to work with the security agencies to achieve peace.

“We also identified the immediate causes of the killings, and observed that factors such as cattle rustling, cattle straying into farms and destroying corps were the factors responsible for the killings.

“Which we are working on to ensure that the issue of rustling and straying into farmlands is totally resolved,” the chairman said.

He said although there were still cases of cattle destroying farm produce, such incidents were being properly managed, which helped in fostering peace.

Nuhu said the union was also conducting sensitisation campaigns in the 17 local government areas of the state to educate the people on the importance of peace.

Mr Solomon Olasupo, the Plateau State commandant of the NSCDC, said the meeting was aimed at fostering peace between farmers and cattle breeders and to solicit their continuous cooperation in achieving the objective.(NAN)
UBO/DUA/AMY
Edited by Dada Ahmed and Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-S-1
List
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin,  Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie and 19 others have been listed in the Super Falcons’ squad for the forthcoming 2016 African Women Championship (AWC) in Cameroon.

In the final list of players on the website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday, there are three goalkeepers, six defenders, five midfielders and seven strikers.

The goalkeepers are Alaba Jonathan, Rita Akarekor and Ibubuleye Whyte, while the defenders are Ugo Njoku, Onome Ebi, Faith Ikidi, Ohale Osinachi, Ebere Ngozi and Gladys Akpa.

Osas Igbinovia, Ngozi Okobi, Halimatu Ayinde, Glory Iroka, Rita Chikwuelu were listed as midfielders, while the strikers include Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie and Francisca Ordega,

The other strikers are Esther Sunday, Uchechi Sunday, Chioma Wogu and Ijeoma Obi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2016 AWC has been scheduled to hold from Nov. 19 to Dec. 3.

The Super Falcons are drawn in Group B with Kenya, Mali and Ghana. (NAN)
BAY/HAS/PDE
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(Edited by Hajia Sani/Peter Ejiofor)

Man in court over alleged N93, 000 fraud

NAN-H-40

Fraud

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) A 32-year-old man, Sola Olatoye, who allegedly obtained N93,000 under false pretence was on Wednesday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Olatoye of No. 17, Ali St., Olowora, Agege in Lagos, is facing a three-count charge bordering on fraud and stealing.

The defendant, who claimed to be a generator repairer, allegedly collected N93,000 from the complainant, Mr Afolabi Solebo, under the pretext of repairing his generator .

The prosecutor, Insp. Clement Okuoimose, told the court that the defendant defrauded Solebo of N93,000 and maliciously damaged his generator engine, valued at N1.7million.

“Olatoye was given the said amount to repair the generator and its engine, but he dishonestly converted the money to his personal use and damaged the generator engine in the cause of repair,” Okuoimose said.

He said that the defendant committed the offences on July 16 at Block 88, Flat 3, Ijaiye Medium Housing Estate, Lagos.

He said that the defendant was not found until recently when the police apprehended him.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Olatoye, however, pleaded not guilty.

The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for offenders.

The Magistrate, Mrs S.Y. Ekogbulu, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000  with two sureties who must be gainfully employed.

Ekogbulu adjourned the case till Dec. 5 for mention. (NAN)
LAW/HAS/OU
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Edited By Hajia Sani/Obike Ukoh

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Researchers produce bio-gel cooking fuel from moringa plant

NAN-AE-5
Bio-gel
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, Nov.16, 2016 (NAN) Researchers from the Institute of Agricultural Research & Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, in collaboration with the Raw Material Research & Development Council, University of Ibadan, have produced bio-gel, a cooking fuel, from Moringa stem.

The process of the production was exhibited on Wednesday at the End-of-project workshop on climate change & fossil fuel reduction and environmental conservation using Moringa Oleifera plant, at IAR&T.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by Lifebuilders organisation, an NGO, in collaboration with IAR&T and Raw Material Research & Development Council, Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, the IAR&T Director, Prof. James Adediran, noted that the bio-gel production was consistent with one of the institute’s objectives of mitigating effects of climate change.

He said the use of Biochar for soil fertility management, botanical for plant protection and planting of improved varieties of crops adapted to Southern ecology received attention in the institute’s programmes.

“All our efforts in these areas contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

“Science is now exploring ways out of fossil fuel for an environment friendly source of energy and all hands must be on deck to make a success,“ Adediran said.

The Executive Director of Lifebuilders organisation, Chief Grace Oluwatoye, said it decided to invest in Moringa because of the plant’s numerous micronutrients required for the body.

“For the first time in the history of the world we have been able to generate bio-gel from moringa plant.

“The plant’s potential ought to be explored; so, we call on other researchers to join hands to escalate the breakthrough.

“Through this we can generate a lot of jobs for rural and young people, we have the POP sector, organic fertiliser industry, etc from it; investors, who could use the waste product of the plant should invest in it.

“This will earn Nigeria a lot of money that will save its foreign exchange, “ she said.

She emphasised that the organisation was registered for health and sustainable development interventions targeted at young people and rural dwellers.

“Part of our goals is to enhance self-employment among women and out-of-school youths in the non-formal sector including agriculture and other vocations of their choice, “ Oluwatoye said.

Earlier, the Project Implementation Committee Chairman, Prof. Lateef Taiwo, said the project was funded by UNDP and commended the NGO for deeming it fit to embark on such a project.

“This is the end of the first phase of the project, we have put in another proposal to UNDP for the next stage; we are optimistic that they will support us and we will make more progress, “ Taiwo said. (NAN)
CC/MOL/AFA
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Felix Ajide
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NAN-H-41

Visit

Lafia,Nov. 16, 2016(NAN) The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology on Tuesday embarked on visit to some selected secondary and primary schools in the state.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr Daniel Ogazi, told newsmen that the exercise was to enable the committee to get first-hand information on the decaying infrastructure in public schools in the state.

Ogazi said the visit was to also assist the committee in proffering lasting solution as part of its contribution toward revamping the fallen standard of education in the area.

The chairman, however, allayed the fear that the exercise was to witch hunt teachers, adding that the visit was to address the challenges facing the teachers and students so as to improve standard of education in the state.

“The unscheduled visit has enabled us to see the level of infrastructure in schools, the punctuality of teachers and to see how the students/pupils are performing.

‘’But we want to advise the teachers to be up and doing in order to complement government efforts to improve the standard of education in the state.

“In some schools visited, we saw students and pupils in their classrooms without teachers teaching them.

‘’Some teachers were seen sitting under the tree discussing, some pupils only know how to write their names, they don’t know anything beyond that.

Ogazi, therefore, urged the state Ministry of Education to ensure effective supervision of schools and teachers to improve the standard of education in the state.

The Teachers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the condition of anonymity, identified shortage of teachers and inadequate instructional materials as some of their challenges.

The schools so far visited include: Government Secondary School, Akurba, Pilot Science Primary School, Akurba, Government Junior Secondary School, Lafia East, and Lafia East Primary School, Lafia.(NAN)
BAB/DUA/AMY

Edited by Dada Ahmed and Abdullahi Yusuf
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NAN-H-42

Arraignment

By Boboye Tinuola.

Lagos, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) A 24-year-old security man, Chigozie Okorocha, charged with stealing was on Wednesday arraigned at an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, who resides at 102, Iju Water Works, Iju, a suburb of Lagos, was alleged to have stolen chairs and desks valued at N432, 000.

He is being tried for conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offences were committed between Oct. 1 and Oct. 25 at Eldrida Crest College, Iju.

Ogu said that the accused was a security man to the schools and that it was easy for him to access every part of the compound.

“The accused and others now at large carried 74 pieces of student desks and 62 pieces of chairs valued at N432, 000 from the school store.

“It was the school principal that got to know and while he was complaining about the missing desks and chairs, a student who heard him said he saw the accused with it.

“At the police station, the accused said he had sold the chairs to a malam,” he said.

He told the court that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000, with one surety in like sum.

Akanni adjourned the case to Nov. 28. (NAN)

MTO/OPI/OPI

Edited by Olisa Ifeajika