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Mohbad’s ally Spending raises the alarm over alleged prosecution plot

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Ayobami Sodiq, aka Spending, who is an ally of the late music star, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, has raised the alarm over alleged plots to prosecute him over the singer’s death.

Spending’s legal counsel, Bonajo Badejo & Co, represented by Stephen Ehinmowo, in a statement on Tuesday and obtained by According to Metro, raised concerns regarding a media publication that the Department of Public Prosecutions had decided to proceed with his prosecution over the death of Mohbad.

According to Ehinmowo, the decision to prosecute him while the coroner’s inquest is ongoing will amount to a travesty.

He stated that the evidence presented by Sodiq at the inquest was sufficient to exonerate him from any liability for the unfortunate demise of Mohbad.

The statement read, “On 26th September 2023, the Lagos State Government, through the office of the Chief Coroner, initiated a Coroner’s inquest into the sudden death of Ilerioluwa Imoleayo (A.K.A. Mohbad), in line with Section 14 and 15 of the Coroner System Laws of Lagos State. During the inquest, Mr. Ayobami Sodiq attended and presented clear evidence and he was equally cross-examined extensively without loss of credibility. The evidence presented so far at the inquest is sufficient to exonerate him from any liability for the unfortunate demise of Mohbad.

“The findings of the coroner’s inquest are very crucial in determining the cause of death, which will aid in deciding any subsequent legal proceedings. Deciding to prosecute based on incomplete facts and evidence is premature and unjustified. This not only risks unfair charges but also undermines the integrity of the legal system. While the desire for swift justice is understandable, rushing to prosecute before the inquest concludes would undermine the fairness of the process. Premature prosecution could result in wrongful charges or conflicting conclusions, potentially damaging public trust in the justice system.”

Spending’s lawyer emphasised the importance of completing the inquest to determine the cause of death and ensure fairness.

“To ensure fairness and prevent miscarriage of justice, it is essential to allow the Coroner’s inquest to be completed and its findings considered before the DPP would initiate any criminal charges. It is only fair that the state government that initiated the Inquest should allow the process to run its course to a conclusion in a transparent manner, in a way that helps build trust in the legal system and ensures that the investigation is fair, free from bias, and without any appearance of witch-hunt,” the statement added.

The solicitor also urged the Director of Public Prosecutions to reconsider its decision to ignore the pending inquest and proceed with prosecution at this stage.

Ondo prophetess arrested over mother, child’s death in church

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The Ondo State Police Command, on Tuesday, said it had arrested one prophetess, Mrs Folashade Adekola, over the death of a woman, Jumoke Adesuwa and her newborn baby inside the church.

Our correspondent gathered on Tuesday that the deceased bled to death from complications after childbirth inside the suspect’s church located in the Oke-Aro area of Akure, the state capital. The baby was said to have also died immediately.

It was also learnt that the suspect was arrested by the men of the command after the deceased’s brother reported the matter at the police station.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the incident, said the prophetess was arrested and taken to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation.

“The case was reported by the deceased’s brother, that the sister died after childbirth in the church and the prophetess is already in custody. Investigations are still ongoing,” the PPRO said.

A source in the family who spoke to According to Metro on the condition of anonymity, because he was not permitted to speak with the media, narrated that someone from the church called the family to inform the deceased’s husband that his wife had been delivered of a baby. The deceased’s husband called a family member and both rushed to the church.

He said, “When we got there, they were told that the baby died after childbirth but that the mother was alive. On sighting the deceased, we saw her in a pool of blood, bleeding profusely. So, we rushed her to a nearby hospital.

“Due to her condition, she was rejected at three hospitals and she died in the process of reviving her in the last hospital that admitted her. To our surprise, we got to the church to collect the baby’s remains and found the corpse in a room. The condition of the room was very worrisome as it did not look like a delivery room.

“We approached the Oke-Aro Police Station in Akure to report the case which led to the arrest of the prophetess in charge. The remains of the woman have been deposited at the mortuary.”

Victim of police killing not our student – Kwara varsity

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The management of Kwara State University has disowned Ayeyemi Sulaiman, who was allegedly killed by the police in the Tanke area, Ilorin, the state capital, last week Tuesday, as a student of the institution.

The acting Director, University Relations, Dr. Saeedat Aliyu, in a statement on Tuesday, said Sulaiman was no longer its student as of the time of the unfortunate incident.

Saedat said, “The management of Kwara State University is compelled to address statements in the media that claim that the victim of a killing in the Tanke area, Ilorin, was a student of the institution.

“Records in the university show that Aiyeyemi Sulaimon Olayinka had voluntarily withdrawn from the Department of Statistics of the institution since the 2018/2019 session when he was in the 200 level.

“The management of Kwara State University strongly sympathises with the family of the deceased and prays that God gives the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Kwara State Police Command had confirmed the alleged killing of the 27-year-old student identified as Suleiman Olayinka in the Tanke area Ilorin saying the police were already aware and had taken action on it.

The spokesperson for the command, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, had confirmed the killing, saying, “The Kwara State Police Command is aware of this unfortunate incident which led to the sudden death of Suleiman Olayinka (M) 27 years.

“A complaint of cheating and criminal breach of trust was reported against the deceased. Police detectives were immediately detailed to investigate the case.”

Ejire-Adeyemi said some policemen had been arrested and detained on the alleged killing and had been put on orderly room trial at the police headquarters.

“Meanwhile, the officers involved in the incident have been identified, arrested and detained for further investigations as regards the death of the suspect”, Ejire-Adeyemi said.

Lagos cleric accuses online firm of N351,169 fraud

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A Lagos-based Islamic cleric, Abdulrasheed Alaseye, is struggling to support his family after allegedly being scammed of N351,169 by an online company that claimed to offer SIM card subscription services to its customers.

Alaseye told our correspondent on Tuesday that his business activities, including paying his daughter’s tuition fees, had been put on hold since the company allegedly took his money, promising to make him a recharge card dealer in Lagos.

A review of the company’s X.com handle by According to Metro revealed a post advertising, “Become a Certified Recharge Card Dealer at your location.”

Our correspondent learnt that the victim contacted the company, Tab Trading Services, about being a SIM card subscription dealer and his intentions to become its sub-dealer in Lagos State on August 19, 2024.

He narrated, “They asked me to make a payment. So, on August 19, 2024, I made the first transfer right after paying the registration fee of N1,950. The total amount I paid that day was N89,919. However, I noticed they kept requesting additional payments, so I eventually asked for a refund after I had made payments of N351,169.

“When I requested a refund, they asked me to pay an additional sum before they could process it. I agreed but asked them to deduct it from the amount they owed me. On August 28, they sent me a form to fill out, which I completed and returned right away. They promised to refund the money after 29 working days.

“However, nearly 80 days have passed, and they still haven’t refunded my money. At one point, they said they couldn’t pay me because one of their staff members was unwell. I’m pleading with Nigerians to help me. I had to sell some of my belongings to make that payment. My eldest child is at a federal university, and I can’t afford to send her money for her upkeep. I’m devastated and in desperate need of my money back.”

Meanwhile, a man identifying himself only as Ken, who claimed to be a director of the firm, told our correspondent in a telephone interview on October 25, 2024, that the money would be refunded by October 30, 2024.

Ken had stated, “He registered to become a dealer in Lagos State. Our role is to train people, provide them with the necessary resources, and guide them on the documentation process with network operators as dealers. When he registered, we explained the steps involved.

“We reached a point where we could no longer proceed. We informed him that we would refund him, with the payment to be made after 29 working days. We also told him there would be accrued charges of around N53,000. When he said he didn’t have the money, we asked him to sign a form authorising the deduction from his refund, and he agreed.

“However, we were unable to process the deduction. We continued updating him, but he insisted on receiving his money back. We never denied receiving his payment or claimed we wouldn’t return it. He’s making it seem like we’re the villains here. I’m not sure why he urgently needs the money. We’re asking him to be patient, as we plan to refund him manually on Tuesday, October 30.”

According to Metro further discovered that when the deadline passed, the company issued a payment of N1,999, explaining that the amount was based on how the funds were credited to its account.

As of the time this report was filed on Tuesday, no refund had been issued.

Family accuses Abuja police of shooting 21-year-old son

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A yet-to-be-identified male adult has been hospitalised after being allegedly chased into the ditch by the police in the Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The 21-year-old victim was said to have been accosted by a team of policemen at a checkpoint on Saturday at about 7 pm.

A relative of the victim who narrated the incident and shared by @DrLove on X platform alleged that the police officers attempted to extort him of N200,000.

The relative added that the victim who sensed danger decided to flee and ended up falling into a ditch. The police officers were said to have also shot him in the process.

“Yesterday, the 9th of November 2024 at about 6:40pm – 7pm, the Nigeria Police @PoliceNG at the FO1 Kubwa Sokale checkpoint (Abuja) 5 in number and armed, surrounded and tried to extort my 21-year-old brother the sum of N200,000 for an alleged (yahoo crime as they call it) that he didn’t commit. After sensing he was in danger, he took to his heels and they shot at him and left him for dead in a ditch and dispersed when they thought he had died.”

The relative stated that although the bullet missed him, he was left with a completely broken left leg while also bleeding as a result of the injury sustained after the fall.

“We’ve tried to report the case and all they’re saying is, ‘Thank God he is alive,’” the relative added.

In the pictures attached to the post, an X-ray showed the victim’s fractured leg while he was also lying on the hospital bed.

DrLove in his reaction said the victim might not be able to walk again.

“They shõt him and destroyed his leg. Firstly, they accused him of being a Yahoo boy. Then, they demanded N200k for him to set himself free.

“200k for bribery to bail himself out of a crime he didn’t commit. I wake up every morning and go to work wondering if I’m next. There are many cases like this you haven’t heard of. Young boys, gone. For what?

“Almost bled to death in that ditch and even after surviving, he might not walk with that leg again,” he stated.

He also wondered why the police were always caught up in such scandals despite not being the only force in Nigeria.

“Why always the police? Police aren’t the only force in Nigeria legalised with guns. The army and military are there. We’ve never really called them out for incidents such as this. How are they trained? It’s really sad. How did we get here? This is not freedom,” he added.

The spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, did not respond to calls made to her telephone. A text message sent afterward had yet to be replied to as of the time of filing this report.

10 travellers killed in Jigawa road crash

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The Jigawa State Police Command said it had begun an investigation into the auto crash that resulted in the death of 10 persons at the Yanfari village in Taura Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the accident in a statement on Tuesday.

“The Jigawa State Police Command regrets to announce that on November 11, 2024, at about 2130hrs, a fatal motor vehicle accident occurred in Yanfari village, Taura LGA, along the Kano-Hadejia Road.

He said the accident occurred when a Toyota Hummer bus with registration number HDJ 631 YDD, coming from Kano to Hadejia jammed a parked trailer with registration number RGN180 ZC as result of which the vehicle somersaulted.

He said the driver and nine other passengers died on the spot while one passenger sustained injuries.

“On receipt of the tragic incident, the patrol team attached to Taura Division rushed to the scene where the 10 corpses were evacuated to the Hadejia General Hospital for medical examinations.

“The medical doctor on call certified them dead, while the remaining passenger was admitted at the Majia Primary Health Care Centre, where he is currently responding to treatment,” he said.

He said an investigation had begun to find out the cause of the accident.

“An investigation has begun to identify the cause of the fatal accident,” the PPRO hinted.

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EFCC arraigns man for N72m fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a man identified as Heart Chidozie Obum before the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, presided over by Justice Ramon Oshodi, on five counts of forgery, stealing and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N72m.

According to Metro learnt on Tuesday that Obum allegedly committed the offences in Lagos sometime in 2023 by dishonestly defrauding one Peace Asonye Udochukwu.

According to the EFCC, the offences contravene Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offenses Act 2006, Section 278 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015 and Section 365 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos state 2015.

His charge read, “Heart Chidozie Obum, sometime in 2023, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N72,689,000 from Peace Asonye Udochukwu as payment for a certificate of sponsorship which is contrary to Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act 2006.”

“Heart Chidozie Obum, sometime in 2023 and in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly took the sum of N72,689,000 from Peace Asonye Udochukwu as payment for a certificate of sponsorship, stealing contrary to Section 278 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015”, his second charge read.

His third charge read, “Heart Chidozie Obum, sometime in 2023 and in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and intent to defraud, obtained the sum of £31,200, from Peace Asonye Udochukwu as payment for a certificate of sponsorship which is contrary to Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act 2006.

“Heart Chidozie Obum, sometime in 2023 and in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly took the sum of £31,200 from Peace Asonye Udochukwu as payment for a certificate of sponsorship, stealing contrary to Section 278 (2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015,” his fourth charge read.

His fifth charge read, “Heart Chidozie Obum sometime in 2023 and in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, forged several certificates of sponsorship given to Peace Asonye Udochukwu, which is a forgery, contrary to Section 365 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

Upon arraignment, the convict pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the EFCC.

Following Obum’s not-guilty plea, Justice Oshodi ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Maximum Correctional Centre and the case be adjourned till February 18, 2025, for trial and further proceedings.

Enugu orders arrest of students bullying colleague

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The Enugu State Government has strongly condemned the bullying and physical assault of a student at the Federal Government College, Enugu, describing it as “deeply troubling and emotionally distressing.”

The state Commissioner for Education, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, in a statement on Tuesday, emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance policy for bullying, abuse, and dehumanising treatment in all learning environments across the state.

He directed the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the barbaric act which he said had no place in the state noting that the incident highlighted the importance of ensuring safety and well-being in educational institutions.

The Federal Government College, Enugu, is a renowned institution established in 1973 to promote unity among students from different regions in Nigeria.

Noting that the incident occurred in a Federal Government-owned college in the state, the commissioner said the state government was in communication with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that appropriate sanctions were applied to both the errant students and any school manager who failed in their duties.

The statement reassured parents, students and the public that the state government would always prioritise the safety and welfare of students, citing the record and massive investment the Governor Peter Mbah administration had made in the education sector as a commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive learning atmosphere.

“The Enugu State Government has zero tolerance for bullying and abuse in our schools. The safety and welfare of our students are paramount. The government is resolved to prosecute culprits who engage in the criminal behaviour of physical assault against students. Such immoral behaviour has no place in our academic environments and those who tread that path must be ready to face the consequences,” the statement read in part.

The commissioner also reminded all the educational institutions in the state of their role in ensuring that the safety and well-being of students were given preference, warning of dire consequences against harassment, intimidation and violence which violate the core values of respect, equality and freedom of students.

Earlier on Monday, a short video clip on social media showed some students of the Federal Government College, Enugu, physically assaulting another student in the school hostel which immediately elicited condemnation from both the state government and the public.

Meanwhile, the Parent-Teacher Association of the college has dispelled rumours that the bullying had anything to do with cultism.

The PTA Chairman, Dr. Chinedu Mba, in a statement by the media team on Tuesday, explained that a student was found bringing Indian hemp into the school, which led to what it described as “some disorderly conduct.”

“The attention of the PTA Chairman of the Federal Government College, Enugu, Dr. Chinedu Mba, has been drawn to a video currently trending online regarding an incident at the school. He wishes to clarify that, at the time of the incident, the PTA security guards had not resumed their duties.

“The PTA security team officially commenced duties on Sunday. Contrary to the rumours, it is untrue that the incident involved cult activities. Rather, a student was found bringing Indian hemp into the school, which led to some disorderly conduct.

It added, “It is also worth noting that the student involved failed to inform his parents about his behaviour. Parents are encouraged to counsel their children against engaging in nefarious activities. The online rumours are being promoted by individuals who do not have the best interests of the school at heart.

“The PTA security guards, who are well-trained and capable, are dedicated to upholding the safety and wellbeing of all students at FGC Enugu. We remain committed to maintaining a secure and conducive learning environment for our students.”

15 inmates killed in Ecuador jail clashes

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At least 15 inmates were killed and 14 injured in clashes Tuesday at a prison in Ecuador.

The Ecuadoran port of Guayaquil has been plagued by violence, the state prison service said.

“This morning, in a pavilion of the Litoral Penitentiary, serious incidents were reported between inmates, resulting in a preliminary toll of 15 dead and 14 wounded,” the prison service said.

Inmates could be seen placing a body on the ground in a yard next to a long row of corpses wrapped in blankets in an AFP video taken at the scene.

In another part of the prison, dozens of prisoners sat in rows guarded by security force members.

Once seen as a beacon of stability in South America, Ecuador has become one of the world’s most violent nations and a major drug trafficking hub in recent years.

Much of the violence has taken place in prisons, where clashes between rival drug cartels have left more than 460 inmates dead since 2021.

The Litoral Penitentiary is Ecuador’s biggest, with a population of 6,800 inmates.

The prison service said that a “significant contingent” of troops and police had been deployed to restore order at the prison, which was now under the “full control” of the authorities.

AFP

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ICPC arraigns ex-Benue lawmaker for money laundering

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned a former House of Representatives member for Gboko and Tarka Federal Constituency, John Dyegh, over money laundering allegations.

The commission stated that Dyegh was brought before Justice Shitu Abubakar of the Federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, on five charges.

The ICPC, in a statement on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, said one of the charges involved receiving the sum of N18,970,000 on May 19, 2014, intended for the construction of school facilities in Guma LGA, Benue State.

“He is accused of allegedly channelling the funds through the First Bank account of Midag Limited, a company in which Dyegh has a substantial interest. This alleged action violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

“Hon. Dyegh was further alleged to have received and transferred these funds through Midag Limited and Kangnaan Global Resources Limited, companies associated with him, contrary to the Corrupt Practices Act.
“The charge sheet alleges that Dyegh abused his office by privately benefiting from contracts awarded to these companies while overseeing the related funds as a signatory on their accounts,” the statement added.
Bakare said the former lawmaker’s conduct violated the provisions of the ICPC Act, 2000.

At the commencement of the trial, Bakare stated that the presiding judge, Justice Abubakar, ordered Dyegh to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Makurdi, pending the determination of his bail application and adjourned the matter until Monday, 11 November 2024.

Justice Abubakar noted that at the resumed hearing of the case, Defence Counsel S.E. Irabo moved a bail application for his client.

He prayed the court to grant bail, citing health concerns.

He said the ICPC, represented by Bako Along and T.S. Iorngee, did not oppose the application.

After listening to the arguments of the counsels, Bakare stated that Justice Abubakar subsequently granted Dyegh N20 million bail with two sureties, who were ordered to submit their international passports.

He said Abubakar later adjourned the case until 16 January 2025 for a definite hearing.