Blog

Remand
By Dorcas Elusogbon
Ile-Ife (Osun), Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) An Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court in Osun on Wednesday ordered the remand of an 18-year-old, Seyi Kesinro, who was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, housebreaking and stealing.

The Magistrate, Mrs Adejumoke Ademola-Olowolagba, ordered the remand of the accused in police custody pending the presentation of facts by the prosecution.

The Prosecutor, Cpl.  Odusina Olawale, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Monday at about  1:30 p.m. at Irebami,  Ile-Ife.

Olawale said the accused conspired with others now at large to commit the offences.

He said the accused entered the  house of one Femi Jolayemi and stole one propeller, a motor vehicle rim, two standing fans, one pumping machine and a monitor,  all valued at N251,000.

The offences, he said,  contravened Sections 383, 390 (9), 411 and 412 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun,  2002.

The case was adjourned till  Friday for the presentation of facts. (NAN)
EDA/MAS/OJO
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(Edited by Moses Solanke/Mufutau Ojo)

Jimi Agbaje confirms re-election bid, says I am confident of winning

By Chioma Ugboma
Agbaje
Lagos, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Mr Jimi Agbaje, the 2015 Lagos State gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday ended speculations about his re-run bid, saying he was back in the race.

Agbaje made the confirmation via a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

“It is true that initially I did not want to re-contest, but I had so many people urging me to run.

“I bought and submitted my nomination form shortly before it closed. I will be part of the PDP Lagos governorship primaries, billed for Friday, Sept 28th, “ he said.

Agbaje said that he was confident he would win the elections in Lagos, if he picked the PDP guber ticket to run.

On the upcoming primaries, Agbaje said he was confident that the leadership would create a level playing ground for all the aspirants, as has been the norm of the party.

“Our primaries have always been open, fair and free for all.

“This is what we are known for, and that is the way I expect it to be,” he said.

Agbaje, who also contested for the National Chairmanship of the PDP in 2017, won by Uche Secondus, said that the recent defections from the party in the state would not affect him if he picked the ticket.

“It is the people of Lagos State that will decide. The issues in the party will not impart negatively on votes.

“Most Nigerians now vote for individuals rather than party,” he said.

NAN reports that Agbaje, popularly known as JK, was born March 2, 1957 in Lagos State to late Chief Julius Kosebinu (Banker) and Mrs. Margaret Olabisi (teacher).

A Pharmacist, Agbaje is the second born and first male child of five children (two female and two male siblings) including Segun Agbaje, the CEO of Guarantee Trust Bank. (NAN)
CHOM/NNO/SOA

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Nick Nicholas/Oluwole Sogunle

Man, 27, docked for house-breaking, theft, remanded

Remand

By Amen Gajira

Minna, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) A Minna Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday ordered the remand of a 27-year-old man, Mohammed Abubakar, docked for house-breaking and theft.

Abubakar was docked on a two-count charge of house-breaking and theft, contrary to the provisions of Sections 347 and 288 of the Penal Code.

He admitted committing the offences, while the Magistrate, Ramatu Adamu, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the case until Sept. 20, for facts and sentencing.

Prosecutor Emmanuel Ogiri, told the court that on Sept. 17, at about 10:30p.m., Abubakar broke into the house of the complainant, Adebisi Festus, at Bosso area of Minna and made away with some valuables.

Ogiri listed the items as a television set, a pair of shoes, a pair of trousers, one shirt,  a native dress and N24, 000 cash, all  valued at N82, 000.

He said that the accused was arrested while in possession of the stolen items.

According to him, police investigation revealed that Abubakar was a habitual criminal, who was arrested in the past for similar act.

The defendant admitted committing the offence and begged for leniency.

The prosecutor prayed the court to try him summarily in line with Section 157 of the Criminal Procedure Code. (NAN)

AMEN/IKU/OU
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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Obike Ukoh

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2 arraigned in Ile-Ife over alleged manslaughter

Manslaughter

By Dorcas Elusogbon

Ile-Ife (Osun), Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Two drivers, Ejedegba Jeremiah, 25, and Ojerinde Gbenga, 42, were on Wednesday arraigned in an Osun Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ile-Ife, over alleged manslaughter.

The accused are face a six-count charge of conspiracy, manslaughter, reckless driving and damages, driving without drivers’ license and kicking against traffic law.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Osanyintuyi, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Aug 7, 2018 around 4:30 a.m. along Road 2, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) area, Ile-Ife.

Osanyintuyi said that the accused were the drivers of a Mercedes Benz car with Reg. No. ABC 183 PQ, and a Toyota Camry car with Reg. No. DN 665 RBC.

He said that the accused drove dangerously on the public highway and caused the death of a 52-year-old man, Yinusa Ogunniran.

The prosecutor added that Jeremiah and Gbenga drove recklessly on the public highway without drivers’ licences.

According to him, the accused through their reckless driving also damaged 11 electric poles that belonged to the university.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 18 of the Federal Highway Road Traffic Act Cap 135 and Sections 4, 6 (10) of the Laws of Osun, 2002.

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

The defense counsel, Mr Bolaji Adewale, pleaded for the bail of the accused in most Liberal term and promised that his clients would not jump bail, but would provide substantial sureties.

The Magistrate, Mr Ishola Omisade, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum each.

Omisade said that the sureties must swear to affidavit of means, be civil servants on salary grade level 10, reside within the court jurisdiction and have verified addresses.

He adjourned the case until Nov. 22, for hearing. (NAN)

EDA/NNO/EMO

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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Ejike Obeta

Election
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of the Sept. 22 Osun governorship election, an NGO, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA Africa),  has appealed to political parties to shun hate speech and violence before, during and after the exercise.

The group’s  Project Director, Cynthia Mbamalu, made the appeal on Wednesday in Osogbo at a media briefing on its pre-election observation findings.

Mbamalu also urged political parties to engage in issue-based campaigns and stop inducing voters with gifts.

She said that the group, during its pre-election findings through its WatchingTheVote (WTV) project, observed that there was an impressive preparation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mbamalu, however, said that voter inducement through the distribution of money and gift items by politicians and their supporters was noticed during the pre-election findings by the group in some local governments.

She also said that voters’ education activities by INEC and civil society organisations were observed during the pre-election findings.

Mbamalu further said that hate speech, violence and intimidation of candidates were also noticed by the group during its findings.

She described the group’s  WTV as the largest non-partisan and independent movement of citizens’ observers committed to electoral integrity and playing an active role in the election. (NAN)
VE/NNO/OJO
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(Edited by Nick Nicholas/Mufutau Ojo)

Theft

By Moronke Boboye

Lagos, Sept. 19, 2018(NAN) A 38- year- old driver, Saliu Olabiyi who allegedly stole his employer’s truck valued at N2.5 million was on Wednesday appeared in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, who resides at 23, new era St., Alimosho, Lagos is being tried for stealing.

The prosecutor, Asp. Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Aug. 25 at Araromi area, Alimosho in Lagos.

Ogu said that the accused was a driver in charge of the truck owned by his employer, Mr Jonathan Ochuba .

“The accused drives the truck and when the employer wanted to sell, he told him he was interested in buying but because of the price placed on it he could not afford it.

“The truck was found missing where it was parked and the accused was suspected to have stolen it, “he said.

Ogu added that the accused was arrested.

The offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

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

The Chief Magistrate, Mr J. A Adegun granted the accused to a bail of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Adegun adjourned the case until Oct. 5 for mention. (NAN)
MTO/DUA
Edited by Dada Ahmed

2019: Group drums support for President Buhari
By Awayi Kuje
Confidence
Keffi (Nasarawa State), Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) The Modibbo Haruna Buhari Charity Organisation (BCO), an NGO, has passed a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, saying he deserves a second term.
Mr Modibbo Suleiman-Masaka, the National Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the organisation, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Keffi, Keffi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, on Wednesday.
Suleiman-Masaka said that Buhari’s laudable projects had direct bearing on the lives of Nigerians.
He also drummed support for Buhari’s re-election bid, explaining that their support was based on the president’s numerous achievements in the areas of security, corruption, agriculture and economy, among others.

“Buhari has done a lot and is still doing his best; he deserves second term to enable him continue with the good works he has being doing for Nigerians.
“We have searched everywhere but there is no any candidate to compare him with President Buhari in 2019.
“President Buhari had done well and is still doing well, we will continue to mobilise and drum support for his re-election bid in the interest of development.
“It is in view of this that we as an NGO after assessing his achievements in office, we pass a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s re-election bid come 2019 ,” he said.
Suleiman-Masaka called on Nigerians to support Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade with prayers for the success of the war.
He also called on Nigerians to offer special prayers for peace, unity and violence-free general elections in 2019 in order to elect God-fearing leaders.
The BOT chairman restated the organisation’s continued commitment to preach peace and harmony among Nigerians in the interest of national development. (NAN)
AKW/OFN/MST
Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Applicant in court over alleged N15,000 theft

Stealing

By Moronke Boboye

Lagos, Sept. 19, 2018(NAN) A 21-year-old man, Faruq Adewale, who allegedly stole N15,000 from a woman at the market ,was on Wednesday arraigned in   an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, an unemployed, who resides at Block 3, Flat 15, Jakande Estate, Iba, Lagos, was docked for conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Asp. Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offences were committed on Aug. 24 at Idumota Market, Lagos Island.

Ogu said that the woman, Mrs Modupe Evans, was at the market when the defendant cut her bag and stole N15,000.

“The accused and one other at large stole the complainant’s money and was about to steal her mobile phone when she caught them.

“The other accomplice escaped while the accused was apprehended and handed over to the police, “he said.

The offences contravened the provisions of Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

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

The Chief Magistrate, Mr J. A. Adegun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until Oct. 3 for mention. (NAN)
MTO/OU

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Edited by Obike Ukoh

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Road

By Uchenna Eletuo

Lagos, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Some stranded Lagos State commuters, on Wednesday, narrated their ordeal, as they were fining it difficult to pass through the Mile 2-Badagry road under reconstruction.

The commuters, most of whom were civil servants, who work in the Island area of the state, said they spent hours between Iyana-oba in Ojo and Mile 2 bus stops.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five kilometres road had been under reconstruction since 2002.

Mr Jude Eke, a staff of Dangote Group, in a chat with NAN, said that transporters had increased their fare by over 100 per cent due to the situation.

“We are suffering on this road everyday. I spend four hours on this road before I get to Apapa my workplace.

“I have to leave my house by 4.30 a.m. to meet up with the gridlock on the road; it is not easy at all, government should come to our rescue,’’ Eke said.

Mrs Adebisi Kaka, who works with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, said that the problem being encountered on the road was stressing the road users.

“The situation is made worse by the unending construction works on the route for years now; no meaningful work is being done on the road; what we see is window dressing work,” Kaka lamented.

Also speaking, Madam Kemi Lawal, whose boys hawk gala snack along the road, said that she relocated her business from Idinmu Lagos to the route since 2010.

Lawal, however, has been exploiting the situation, as according to her, because of the constant traffic hold up on the road, she relocates to the area to make money.

“Due to the traffic hold up and the more money I have been making on the road, I am now a major distributor with gala company,’’ Lawal said. NAN

EUC/FF/YEMI

Edited by Fela Fashoro/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

Theft
By Tomisin Erogbogbo
Lagos,  Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) A 24-year-old former employee of Four Brothers Nigeria Limited, John Eremi, was arraigned on Wednesday at the Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in  Lagos for allegedly breaking into the accountant’s office and stealing N1 million.

Eremi, whose address was not stated, is facing a two-count charge of breaking in, entry and theft.

The accused, however, denied the charge.

The prosecutor, ASP Fidelis Dike, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Aug. 30 at 8.00 p.m. at Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

He said that the accused broke into the office of the accountant at his former place of work and stole the  N1 million from the drawer where money was kept.

Dike said that the accused, who was caught by a security guard as he was trying to escape, claimed that he was not paid before he was laid off.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 309(1) (2) and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that Section 309 attracts seven-year imprisonment, while Section 287 stipulates three-year imprisonment for offenders.

The Magistrate, Mr Omolaja Kazeem, granted the accused a bail of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till Sept. 24  for hearing. (NAN)
TME/FLP/OJO
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(Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Mufutau Ojo)