Blog

Teenagers

By Moronke Boboye

Ikeja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) Two teenage boys, who allegedly burgled a Christ Embassy Church and stole four laptops valued N810,000 on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The accused, Joseph Kolawole, 19 and Stephen Godslove, 18, both residents of  No. 19, Obatalabi St., Ojodu, Lagos, are facing a two -count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

According to the Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Innocent Odugbo, the accused committed the offences on June 13 at Omolade Crescent, Omole Phase 1, Ojodu, Lagos.

Odugbo said that the accused burgled the church and carted away four laptops, valued at N810,000 and N200,000 cash.

“The accused were later arrested while they were about to burgle another church.

“They  confessed to the police that they were the ones that burgled the Christ Embassy Church and stole laptops and N200, 000 cash,” he said.

The offences contravened Sections 287, 311 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates a three-year jail term for offenders.

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

In her ruling, the  Magistrate, Mrs S. K Matepo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until Oct. 10 for mention. (NAN)

MTO/EOB/YEMI

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

Tltle
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) McCharthy Obanor , the second runner-up at the National Freestyle Football Championships held in Lagos on Friday, has promised to reclaim his title in the 2019 edition of the event.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obanor, the winner of the 2017 edition, finished third in the men’s category of the event.

NAN reports that Chinedu Ezeakabudu won the 2018 edition, while Austin Abariode finished second at the event held to herald the maiden Africa Championships which holds later today (Friday).

Obanor told NAN that he was unable to retain his title due to the injury he suffered when preparing for the championships.

“I would have loved to retain my title but circumstance beyond my control prevented me from doing so.

“I got injured while I was preparing for both the national and maiden Africa Championships.

“By God’s grace, I will be back and better in 2019 to reclaim my title ,” he said.

He, however, commended Ezeakabudu for winning the championships organised by Feet ‘N’ Tricks.

NAN reports that over 50,000 dollars prize money and a brand new car are to be won in the Africa Championships.

The freestyle football is the art and sport of juggling football using all parts of the body to entertain audiences and out-perform opponents.

It is also known as Freestyle Soccer in North America and it is a fusion of tricks with a ball, dance and music. (NAN)
KOA/PDE
=======
(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

Stealing
By Moronke Boboye
Lagos, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) Two friends who allegedly stole a car valued at N2 million were brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The accused, Onyema Nwakwo, 32, and Ijeoma Onuwa, 27, are car washer men and reside in Agege, a suburb of Lagos.
They are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Innocent Odugbo, told the court that the offences were committed on Aug. 6 at 12, Sule St., Agege, Lagos.
Odugbo said that one Mr Chidi Ikpegbu entrusted his unregistered Toyota Camry car to the first accused to sell for him.
“The car was displayed at a public place until the first accused drove it to the second accused house where it was reported to have been stolen.
“All efforts by the complainant to retrieve his car failed and he reported the case at the police station,” the prosecutor said.
The offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Mrs S. K. Matepo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N700, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Matepo adjourned the case until Oct. 10 for mention. (NAN)
MTO/AJA/TA
Edited by Adeleye Ajayi/Tajudeen Atitebi

Businessman charged with N3m fraud, gets N500,000

Fraud

By Deborah Akpede

Ikeja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) A 48-year-old businessman, Abdulquadri Ibidapo, was on Friday arraigned in a Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N3 million from an intending 2018 Haji pilgrim under false pretext.

Ibidapo, a resident of Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos, was arraigned on a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Kenrich Nomayo, the accused committed the offences sometime in March at Orile-Agege, Lagos.

Nomayo said the accused fraudulently obtained N3 million from Mr Nurudeen Shobola with the promise to procuring Hajj travelling documents for him, a promise which was later discovered to be false.

“The complainant approached the accused who claimed to be a travel agent to help him procure documents for two people.

“The accused and the complainant agreed on the price and the money was paid to him. He converted it to his use and refused to procure the travel documents as earlier agreed.

“Efforts made by the complainant to get the documents or retrieve his money proved unsuccessful as the accused always gave one excuse or another.

“When the complainant could no longer bear the excuses, he reported the case, and the accused was arrested,” the prosecutor told the court.

H said the offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that section 287 carries three years jail term for stealing while section 314 attracts 15 years for obtaining money under false pretences.

The accused entered a `not-guilty’ plea to the offences.

The Magistrate, Mrs T.O Ojo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ojo said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned until Sept. 20 for mention. (NAN)

DOA/KOLE/EMO

==============

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ejike Obeta

Retirement
By Kate Obande-Okewu
Abuja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) The Federal Government says it will start a five-year training for intending retirees in the civil service on various businesses which they can engage in after retirement.

Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

She said that the plan would enable the civil servants to be well equipped and have ample time to plan ahead for a smooth transition.

“We want them to have a smooth transition and so the training is focusing on various businesses that a retired civil servant can carry on after service.

“We know that this administration is seeking to diversify the economy through agriculture and because the 1999 constitution as amended allows civil servants to engage in the business of farming.

“We are taking advantage of that to ensure that the training has a large component of various agricultural businesses and its value chain.

“However, we know that not every civil servant will want to go into farming, so we are looking at other areas like consultancy in different areas of governance, leadership, among others,’’ she said.

She added that the state governments would replicate the training in the near future to harmonise with the federal government.

Walson-Jack said that, the OHCSF was also making efforts to ensure that the challenges retirees face in accessing their pension was looked into, adding that a standing committee had already been set up to tackle it.

According to her, the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Pension Transitional Administration (PTAD) in charge of the committee has commenced work on the issue already.

“We are aware of the pensions and gratuity challenges that retired civil servants face it is a very sensitive issue and dear to our heart, the OHCSF has a standing committee handling the issue.

“So we meet regularly to iron out issues concerning pensions and gratuity, indeed we are making progress and looking forward to a time when the issues of pension and gratuity challenges will be a thing of the past,’’ she said. (NAN)
KTE/JTJ/IS
==========
Edited by Julius Toba Jegede/Ismail Abdulaziz

Youths
Ilorin, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) Alhaji Abdulmumini Abiola, the son of  Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, says Nigerian youths hold the key to the nation’s transformation.

Abiola made the assertion on Friday in Ilorin on the sidelines of the maiden edition of the  National Youth Summit organised by a group, Zealous Kwara Youth.

The  summit had as  theme: “In the Interest of our Present and Future.’’

Abiola maintained that only the collective efforts of stakeholders could move the country forward.

According to him, the country is blessed with a productive youth population that could transform the country.

Abiola lauded the Muhammadu Buhari administration for setting the country on the path of socio-economic transformation and development.

He said the administration deserved the support of all stakeholders to achieve the desired change.

“This is not about being a Northerner or Southerner, Muslim or Christian, but as Nigerians in our collective resolve to move the country forward,’’ he said.

Mr John Adegboye, the President of the youth organisation, said the failure of successive administrations was responsible for the high level of underdevelopment in the country.

He expressed regrets that some of those parading themselves as youth representatives in governance were presently enmeshed in various controversies bordering on financial mismanagement and other vices.

Adegboye charged the youths to be vigilant and cautious in making politically based decisions as the processes toward the 2019 general elections gather momentum.

“You should be very cautious of those leaders you entrust with your votes and be guided with popularity, merit and transparency in making your choice,’’ he said.

Sheikh  Abdulrazak Alomota, an Ilorin-based Islamic cleric, in a lecture, said every leader must exhibit a high level of honesty, integrity, diligence and transparency in order to command the confidence and respect of followers.

According to him, the leadership in Kwara has failed in their electoral promises, adding that this is responsible for the high-level poverty being witnessed.

“There is too much hunger in the state, it takes a credible and people-oriented leader to redress these anomalies come 2019,’’ he said. (NAN)
ISHO/COO/OJO
===========
(Edited by Cecilia Odey/Mufutau Ojo)

Woman, 29, appears in court for alleged stealing

Phone
By Sylvester Thompson
Abuja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) A 29-year-old woman, Cecilia Adejoh, on Friday, appeared before a Gudu Upper Area Court in Abuja for allegedly stealing a mobile phone.

Adejoh, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a one-count charge of theft.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Theophilus Chukwuma, told the court that one Lawani John, reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on Aug. 26.

Chukwuma alleged that the complainant met Adejoh on Aug. 25 at Rita Lori Hotel, Garki, where she agreed to follow John to his home.

“While at his place, she made away with his Techno H7 phone valued N48, 000 without his consent,’’ Chukwuma said.

The prosecutor said that the accused escaped and converted the phone into her personal use.

“Since then, she was nowhere to be found until on Sept. 12 when the complainant sighted her at the same Rita Lori Hotel, where he met her the first time.’’

The prosecutor said that the offence was contrary to Section 287 of the Penal Code.

Adejoh pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The judge, Mr Sidi Rufai, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N20,000 with a reliable surety in like sum.

Rufai ordered that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned hearing in the matter until Nov. 5. (NAN)
JI/YEMI
Editing by Joseph Idika/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

Davido

By Joy Obanya/Edward Ojiah/Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) Ace Nigerian and award-winning singer, David Adeleke a.k.a. Davido has postponed his tour of the US to complete the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
The `Assurance’ crooner took to his Instagram handle @Davidoofficial to announce that he had cancelled the latter part of his concert in the U.S. to concentrate on serving his fatherland.
“Due to scheduling conflicts and National Youth Service Corps commitments in Nigeria, the remaining date for the `Davido Locked Up Tour’ has been cancelled.
“Refunds will be made available at point of purchase. Davido and his team are working hard to reschedule all dates plus add new dates in the near future.
“I love you guys and see you soon. Houston, Dallas, L.A and San Francisco will be giving you all the new dates soon.
“I apologise to all my fans, but duty calls! Shout out to all the fans who sold out each City so far.OBO,’’ he wrote.
The NYSC scheme is obligatory for all graduates of higher institutions in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Davido graduated from Babcock University in Ogun State in 2015, with a degree in music.
The 25 year-old singer joins thousands of young graduates who will take part in the programme.
After undergoing his NYSC registration on Aug. 29, the singer left the Lagos Orientation Camp in preparation for his show.
He is a member of the 2018 Batch B, which orientation programme ends on Monday, Sept. 17.
In 2018, he won the Best International Act at the BET Awards and also won the artist of the year at the Headies Awards. (NAN)

JOYO/OKAS/CMY/YEE

================

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Police

By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) The Rivers Police Command says it has restored normalcy after suspected members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) allegedly burnt trucks belonging to Dangote Industries Ltd.

The command’s Spokesman, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Friday,

It was not immediately clear the reason for the attack, but a witness, who simply identified himself as Tony, said the incident might be connected to the Sit-At-Home order declared by IPOB.

The witness said the secessionist group might have carried out the act because its sit-at-home order was defied by some residents of Oyibo Local Government Area of Rivers.

Omoni told NAN the incident took place in the early hours of Friday at the highly populated Oyibo town that shared border with Port Harcourt.

He said: “Our personnel working on intelligence we gathered yesterday (Thursday) confronted them, IPOB members, and thereafter took over the place.

“We have not been able to ascertain the extent of damage; but we do know that members of the proscribed IPOB were there this morning.

“We are still assessing the situation, and at the end of the day, we will come up with what really happened in terms of the damage.

“However, it is important to note that we have restored normalcy to the area (Oyibo),” he said.

The police spokesman said that no suspects had been arrested while promising to inform the public on the outcome of the operation.

Col. Aminu Iliyasu, spokesman of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said the army would respond by assisting the police only when the incident escalates.

“So, for now, we are not involved,” he said. (NAN)
DES/PDE
======
(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

Enugu residents defy IPOB’s sit-at-home order, engage in normal activities

Order

By Maureen Ojinaka

Enugu, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) Residents of Enugu on Friday defied the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) went on with their normal business activities in the metropolis.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who monitored some areas in the Agbani/Amechi axis observed that the residents were at their usual business premises transacting business.

The roads were busy as usual while people were seen at the various bus-stops, waiting for, and disembarking from commercial vehicles.

Some residents who spoke to NAN said that the order was no longer effective because it was countered by the police.

Mr Ugochukwu Igwe, a shop owner along Amechi Road, said that he was in his shop in order to get his daily bread.

Igwe noted that the police gave counter order in the interest of the residents.

At the Garki Market, Mrs Amaka Ike, noted that if people remained in their homes, it would be difficult for them to get food for the day.

A petrol station attendant, Miss Ngozi Elochukwu, said that she had to be at her place of work because her survival depended on her work.

NAN recalls that a Federal High Court in Abuja on Sept. 21, 2017, proscribed IPOB and declared its activities as acts of terrorism and illegality.

The proscribed organisation however issued a statement last week, ordering South-East residents to sit at home on Sept. 14, in remembrance of the “Biafran heroes” who died during the Nigerian civil war.

This prompted the police commands in the zone to counter IPOB’s order, warning members of the organisation to steer clear the five states or face the consequences.

The commands urged the people to ignore the order and engage in their normal businesses, assuring them of their safety. (NAN)

OJI/MA/EMO

==========

Edited by Muftau Adediran/Ejike Obeta