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Court remands Osun monarch, four others for alleged arson

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Court remands Osun monarch, four others for alleged arson

The Elegbedi of Egbedi in Osun State, Oba Muideen Azeez, and four other defendants, standing trial for alleged arson and malicious damage of a farm in Iloba town, were on Thursday remanded in the Ile-Ife Custodial Centre following their inability to perfect the bail granted them by the court.

Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran and Sarafadeen Abioye were the other defendants standing trial alongside the monarch before an Osun State High Court, sitting in Ede on 29 counts.

According to Metro had reported that the five defendants were arraigned on June 27, 2024, on 29 counts of arson, destruction of farmland, illegal possession of firearms and robbery.

The details of the offences allegedly committed by the defendants as contained in the sheet partly read, “Oba Muideen Olanivi Azeez (A.K.A Asemalu,) Akeeb Azeez Abioye, Yisa Surajudeen Akolapo (A.K.A. Kola Isah), Rasidi Ayandiran, Sarafadeen Abioye and others at large, on or about September 3, 2019, at a farm in Oloba within the Ede Judicial Division, while armed with firearms and offensive weapons, robbed Wasilatu Akinola and other women processing palm oil with her of about 70 kegs of palm oil, palm kernel, palm fruits, goats and other domestic animals valued at about N10m, and at, or immediately before or immediately after the time of the robbery did use personal violence to the said Wasilatu Akinola and other women with her.

“Oba Muideen Olanivi Azeez (A.k.a Asemalu,) Akeeb Azeez Abioye, Yisa Surajudeen Akolapo (A.k.a. Kola Isah), Rasidi Ayandiran, Sarafadeen Abioye and others at large, on September 3, 2019, at a farm in Iloba within Ede Judicial Division willingly and unlawfully set the palace of Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, Oloba of Iloba and other buildings in Iloba town on fire.”

The offences committed were said to be contrary to Sections 402, 403A, 443, 2(1), and 249(1) of the State Criminal Law 2002.

At the resumption of proceedings on Thursday, Justice Kudirat Akano granted the bail application of the defendants in the sum of N5m with two sureties each.

The judge also said one of the two sureties must be a level 16 civil servant who has landed properties within the court jurisdiction adding that the other must be a part-two monarch.

The defendants were however unable to meet the conditions, and the vehicle of the correctional centre was observed driving them out of the court premises around 2:10 pm.

At the commencement of the day’s proceedings, Mr Abiodun Badiora, from the state Ministry of Justice, had announced an appearance for the prosecution, while Mr Bukola Atobatele appeared for the defendants.

A prosecution witness, Mustafa Waheed, while being led by his counsel, said Elegbedi assaulted him after he (Waheed) brought policemen to arrest the monarch for destroying a farm belonging to him.

Justice Akano subsequently adjourned the matter till October 16 for the continuation of the hearing.

Kwara hails death sentence for five Offa bank robbers

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Kwara hails death sentence for five Offa bank robbers

The Kwara State Government on Thursday commended the judgment that convicted the five suspects involved in the Offa bank robbery to death describing it as a “triumph of good over evil.”

The government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, said, “It heaves a great sigh of relief at the judgment of the State High Court, which convicted the five criminals involved in the armed robbery in Offa.”

Justice Haleema Salman had earlier convicted and sentenced the five suspects to death by hanging for their involvement in the bank robbery of April 5, 2018.

Those convicted for the robbery included Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham.

The sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a retired police officer arrested with the suspects, had died while in custody before the trial began.

The convicts were tried on five counts of conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms and armed robbery.

All five convicts pleaded not guilty to the offence, which they did individually.

As the case progressed, the convicts pleaded various alibis contrary to their confessional statements in a desperate bid to cover up their involvement in the crime.

The court heard during the trial that no fewer than 32 people, comprising nine police officers, including two women, were killed during the robbery of five banks located in the ancient town of Offa in Offa Local Government Area while the police station was also attacked.

The trial of the accused persons lasted over six years in the court.

Delivering the judgment, which lasted for about four hours, Justice Salman said there was abundant evidence that the convicts were partners in crime, adding that their material contradictions watered down their alibis and made them worthless.

After reviewing the evidence, the judge said, “The video clips in the court to show the culpability of the defendants made their alibis worthless, a desperate attempt to cover up and afterthought.

“The law is clear that once a person is present at the scene of a crime, such a person is culpable. Any person who fires an AK47 close at a person should know that the consequence is death.”

Salman said the prosecution proved the offences against the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The five defendants are hereby convicted for bordering on illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery and culpable homicide punishable by death.

“I order that the five of you are to be hanged untill you are pronounced dead.”

The judge also handed down three years imprisonment on each of the convicts for the offence of illegal possession of firearms based on the Penal Code Law of Nigeria.

Justice Salman added that “the convicts acted contrary to law and misbehaved by allowing their connections with the powers-that-be in government then lead them astray.”

The persecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, expressed satisfaction over the verdict appreciating the judge for being thorough despite several distractions that made the case prolonged.

The defence counsel representing the convicts, Abdullah Jimba, who stood for Mr Mathias Emeribe during the judgment, said the judgement was not unexpected, noting that his principal had already combined all necessary documents for the appeal.

The Kwara State Government said it was a melancholic incident that could never be forgotten in the history of the state.

“The government is happy that justice has been served to the victims of that unforgivable crime, their families and loved ones, to the state against which the crime was committed, and to the criminals themselves. The judgment is a triumph of good and the rule of law over evil and impunity!

“The government commends the firmness and erudition of the court on this important case. History will not forget the forthrightness of the court.

“We also commend the resourcefulness, hard work, commitment, and brilliance of the government team, which is led by the inimitable Rotimi Jacob SAN. We also commend every member of the team from the Kwara State Ministry of Justice. We thank them for giving life to the case after the initial conspiracies to sabotage it.

It noted that the judgment was a clear and bold statement that such horrible behaviour would never be tolerated from anyone or any quarters, no matter who the enablers are.

Police recover 95 rail tracks from Bauchi vandal

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Police recover 95 rail tracks from Bauchi vandal

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old suspect (name withheld) for vandalising rail tracks in the state.

The spokesman for the command, SP Ahmed Wakil, who stated this on Thursday in Bauchi, said 95 vandalised rail tracks were recovered from the suspect.

He said operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the 29-year-old suspect (name withheld) and recovered the stolen items from him.

“The suspect conspired with one another now at large to vandalise critical rail track components.

“The incident occurred on Tuesday, at approximately 2300 hours, in the vicinity of Inkil quarters in the Bauchi metropolis,” he said.

Wakil said the police had intensified surveillance to track down the other culprit, adding that vandalism of rail line poses threats to public safety and sabotages the national economy.

He said the rail line linked the Inkil community to Gombe State, facilitating a smooth flow of trade and transportation.

Wakil said the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa, lauded the collaboration between the command and the metal scrap dealers association leading to the arrest of the suspect.

“This achievement underscores the command’s dedication to safeguarding public assets and ensuring citizens’ safety through collaborative community efforts”.

He urged residents to report suspicious activities and persons to security agencies.

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Amotekun arrests two suspected kidnappers, rescues victims in Ondo

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Amotekun arrests two suspected kidnappers, rescues victims in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested two suspected kidnappers who allegedly abducted four travelers along the Owo/Benin expressway in Ose Local Government Area of the state.

The incident happened barely 72 hours after the corps paraded 27 suspected criminals arrested across the state, noting that after the latest arrest of the hoodlums, the corps rescued four victims.

Speaking on the development, the corps commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, while parading the suspects in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday, said he led the operatives in collaboration with some hunters to arrest the suspected kidnappers and rescue the victims.

According to the commander, the suspects had been terrorising farmers and commuters plying the Elegbeka/Ifon on Owo Benin Expressway and had collected a ransom of  N1.2m from some victims in August.

He said, “The suspects engaged the operatives of Amotekun in a gun battle before they were captured. A day before the rescue, there was a reported kidnapping along a well-known route. Our team swiftly mobilised and, in collaboration with hunters, we combed the forest where the victims were believed to be held. By the end of the day, we successfully rescued four people.

“What made this operation particularly significant was the identification of two of the arrested suspects. These are no longer suspected kidnappers—they are confirmed kidnappers.”

The Amotekun boss added that the victims identified the suspects as the same individuals responsible for previous abductions in the area, saying, “These criminals had been arrested before but somehow managed to return to the same locality. Now, we have them again.”

“The criminal tactic used by the kidnappers was for one of the bandits to block a portion of the road with a vehicle, forcing commuters to slow down and making them vulnerable to ambush. Another suspect was identified by one of them  who extorted N1.2m in ransom from a family in August. The same individual had demanded N20m this time but we apprehended him at the scene before the ransom could be paid.

“This arrest sends a strong message: there is no hiding place for kidnappers in Ondo State anymore. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that these criminals are brought to justice and that our communities remain safe,” Adeleye stated.

Edo poll: PDP didn’t engage in vote buying

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Edo poll: PDP didn’t engage in vote buying

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the September 21 Edo Governorship Election, Asue Ighodalo, has stated that his party did not participate in vote buying.

Ighodalo stated this on Wednesday evening when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television Politics Today programme.

According Online reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the winner of the election, having polled 291,667 votes, while the PDP polled 247,274 votes and the Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata polled 22,761 votes.

Meanwhile, INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Edo State, Rhoda Gumus, presented the Certificates of Return to Governor-Elect Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, on Thursday, five days after the elections.

The PDP candidate alleged that the All Progressives Congress offered minted notes of between N10,000 and N20,000 for votes, adding that the APC undermined the election with the support of INEC.

“We were not involved in vote buying at all. APC agents and other agents came with notes straight from the CBN or from the banks, mint notes, and they were offering N25,000, N30,000, and N50,000 per vote. What our guys did was to go to them and harass them and tell them that you can’t come here to buy votes. But we were not engaged in vote buying in any way, I’m clear about that”.

“We didn’t even need to go and buy votes. The people of Edo State were solidly with us, solidly. It’s only when you’re not sure of your capability you cannot perform. That’s when you do underhand things. And APC, through this election, with the connivance, complicity and support of INEC, undermined the whole democratic process.”, he stated.

Responding to whether he would accept the hand of fellowship from the Governor-elect and work with the new government, Ighodalo stated, “Because the mandate is stolen, there is no way you can accept these hands of fellowship or friendship. I will stay with the people of Edo State, who fully gave me the mandate of their free will, and I will go into the courts and the Tribunal to reclaim our mandate and then form the government”.

Prioritise Edo’s development, Tinubu tells Okpebholo

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Prioritise Edo’s development, Tinubu tells Okpebholo

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called on the Edo State governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, to prioritise his state’s development.

He also assured him of the full support of the Federal Government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

Tinubu gave this advice at a meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress party, where the Edo governor-elect, Okpebholo, and the deputy governor-elect, Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return.

The Special Adviser to Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who was at the meeting, revealed the details in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu receives Edo gov-elect, tasks him on development.’

Tinubu emphasised the importance of good governance and delivering results to the people of Edo State, saying, “Governor-elect, you can now face the task of development.

We are here to work with you. You have seen the progressive governors of APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them. Learn the ropes, and I believe you are up to the task.”

Acknowledging the challenges of democracy, particularly in emerging economies such as Nigeria, the President added, “You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, particularly in emerging democracies and economies like ours.

“If you hear complaints from places like America, you know how difficult it is to navigate democracy. But it remains the best form of government.”

The President congratulated Senator Okpebholo and his deputy, describing them as a “good symbol of people ordained by God to work together.”

“You started as rivals and ended up as partners. You are a symbol of good understanding in politics; the man at our party’s helm has been through it before.

“In Kano, he was a front runner, became a second runner, and became a deputy before he eventually became a governor,” he said.

Tinubu acknowledged the role played by former Edo State governor, Senator -, the progressive governors, and the APC leadership in the successful outcome of the gubernatorial election in Edo.

“I saw Adams Oshiomhole radiating in joy. Sincerely, the governors showed up in Edo; they impressed me. They defended the party. They worked hard for the party,” he remarked.

Tinubu also commended INEC and the security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and organised election, with no reports of violence or disturbances.

“I must thank the security agencies. There was no bloodshed, no riot; people voted and went back to their houses in peace, and the fears dissipated instantly,” he said.
The President urged the party leadership and membership to remain united and focused on achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Never mind the noise makers. I do a lot of statistical sampling and results. When you hear politicians saying ‘all politics is local’, you must respect that notion.

“When you see the stability in the Edo North senatorial district, we see a man who won the Central senatorial district and a candidate who has won a seat in the South senatorial district; we did a match that turned out to be a winning match,” he said.

President Tinubu also commented on the heavy downpour on Election Day in Edo and the electorate’s commitment to vote in the rain without an umbrella.

“It is a very striking illustration,” the President said, referring to remarks made by the National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, about the election-day rains in Edo.
In his remarks, Ganduje, the party’s national chairman, commended the President, the governors, and all stakeholders for their leadership and support.

“On the day of the election, there was an exciting scenario: it was raining heavily, yet people came out to vote without using an umbrella.

“Your Excellency, the people were convinced that our party is the party to be voted for, and we won the election,” he said.

The APC National Chairman noted that the party’s next focus is securing victories in the forthcoming governorship elections in Ondo and Anambra states.

“The election in Anambra is part of our programme, ‘Political de-marginalisation of the Southeast geopolitical zone.’
“Having only two states in the Southeast as APC is too small for us. We need more states from the Southeast geopolitical zone,” he said.

Police recover 95 vandalised rail tracks in Bauchi 

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Police recover 95 vandalised rail tracks in Bauchi 

The Bauchi State Police Command says it has recovered 95 vandalised rail tracks and apprehended one suspect in connection with the crime.

The spokesman for the command, SP Ahmed Wakil, stated this on Thursday in Bauchi.

He said operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a 29-year-old suspect (name withheld) and recovered the stolen items.

“The suspect conspired with one another now at large to vandalise critical rail track components.

“The incident occurred on September 24, at approximately 2300 hours, in the vicinity of Inkil quarters in the Bauchi metropolis,” he said.

Wakil said the police had intensified surveillance to track down the other culprit, adding that vandalism of rail lines poses threats to public safety and sabotages the national economy.

He said the rail line linked the Inkil community to Gombe State, facilitating a smooth flow of trade and transportation.

Wakil said the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa, lauded the collaboration between the Police and the metal scrap dealers association leading to the arrest of the suspect.

“This achievement underscores the Command’s dedication to safeguarding public assets and ensuring citizens’ safety through collaborative community efforts.”

He urged residents of the state to report suspicious activities and persons to security agencies.

(NAN)

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Amotekun arrests two suspected kidnappers, rescues victims in Ondo

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Amotekun arrests two suspected kidnappers, rescues victims in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested two suspected kidnappers who allegedly abducted four travellers along the Owo/Benin Expressway in the Ose Local Government Area of the state.

The incident happened barely 72 hours after the corps paraded 27 suspected criminals arrested across the state. After the latest arrest of the hoodlums, the corps rescued four victims.

Speaking on the development, the Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday, said he personally led the operatives in collaboration with some local hunters to arrest the suspected kidnappers and rescue the victims.

According to the commander, the suspects had been terrorising farmers and commuters plying the Elegbeka/Ifon on the Owo-Benin Expressway and had collected a ransom of  N1.2 million from some victims in August.

He said, ” The suspects engaged the operatives of Amotekun in a gun battle before they were captured alive. A day before the rescue, there was a reported kidnapping along a well-known route. Our team swiftly mobilised and, in collaboration with local hunters, we combed the forest where the victims were believed to be held. By the end of the day, we successfully rescued four people.

“What made this operation particularly significant was the identification of two of the arrested suspects. These are no longer suspected kidnappers—they are confirmed kidnappers.”

The Amotekun boss added that the victims identified the suspects as the same individuals responsible for previous abductions in the area, saying, “These criminals had been arrested before but somehow managed to return to the same locality. Now, we have them again.”

“The criminal tactics used by the kidnappers are that one of the bandits blocked a portion of the road with a vehicle, forcing commuters to slow down and making them vulnerable to ambush. Another suspect was identified by one of them who extorted N1.2 million in ransom from a family in August. The same individual had demanded N20 million this time but we apprehended him at the scene before the ransom could be paid.

“This arrest sends a strong message: there is no hiding place for kidnappers in Ondo State anymore. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that these criminals are brought to justice and that our communities remain safe,” Adeleye stated.

Amotekun is a security outfit based in all six states of South Western, Nigeria, responsible for curbing insecurity in the region.

FRSC unveils plan to curb road accidents in ‘Ember months’

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FRSC unveils plan to curb road accidents in ‘Ember months’

The Federal Road Safety Corps has unveiled a robust strategy to reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the ember months and beyond across the country.

Speaking at the maiden town hall meeting organised by the FCT Sector Command, FRSC, on Thursday in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, emphasised the need for collective efforts to ensure road safety.

Mohammed, who was represented by the Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) in charge of operations, Hyginus Omeje, said that the essence of the gathering was to address pressing issues that affected everyone across the nation.

He said that the responsibility for creating safer roads is with every individual, civil society, and all levels of government.

“This town hall meeting aims to encourage dialogue and forge a path towards a safer motoring environment.

“Road safety is a matter of national priority because road traffic crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury globally.

“Over the years, Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) have claimed thousands of lives and left countless others disabled, in addition to the huge toll they take on our annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

“As you are all aware, FRSC has been at the centre of playing a critical role in enforcing traffic regulations, promoting safer driving practices, and educating the public about road safety matters.

“To address this, we have launched some initiatives such as staff development, strategic partnerships, digital transformation, and discipline and staff welfare, among others,” he said.

According to Online explains that “ember months” are the last four months of the year ending with “ember”.

They are September, October, November, and December.

Mohammed, however, said that strategic partnership was also needed to complement the effort of the corps.

He said that the partnership was necessary to ensure every individual takes responsibility for their action on the road.

“This is the strategic imperative of this town hall meeting,” he said.

The FRSC boss emphasised that the recently launched FRSC Mobile App and the National Crash Reporting Information System were a further demonstration of the Corps’ collective resolve to make the roads safe

Mohammed said that it was expected to raise awareness and sensitise both drivers and passengers on potential causative factors of RTCs.

“It is our duty to ensure that commuters utilise these digital platforms to reduce road traffic crashes on our highways.

“Further to my assumption in May 2024, I unveiled an administrative blueprint to rejig and reposition operation strategies: train and retrain staff to align with realistic expectations: to improve strategic partnership.

“To adopt a digital transformation in our operations: and to promote discipline and staff welfare in the Corps.

“Pursuant to these objectives, we have commenced the implementation of a range of initiatives and programmes to enhance road safety in Nigeria.

“The process of harmonisation of the lower cadre ranks has already commenced while the promotion exercise for senior officers has been concluded, and the promotion exercise of the middle cadre and junior officers is on course.

“This is expected to motivate staff for greater productivity,” he said.

The FRSC boss urged stakeholders at all levels to engage in meaningful discussions to address critical challenges and explore effective solutions.

This, he said would be to safeguard lives and ensure a secure and enjoyable journey for every road user.

(NAN)

Osun pastor arraigned for calling gospel artiste prostitute

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Osun pastor arraigned for calling gospel artiste prostitute

A clergyman in Osun State, Niyi Peter, was arraigned on Thursday before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo for allegedly defaming popular gospel artiste, Bunmi Akinnaanu, also known by her stage name Omije Ojumi, via social media.

Peter, facing a three-count charge, allegedly posted a picture of the artiste on social media and labeled it “prostitute song,” sparking outrage among her fans and colleagues.

Appearing before Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, details from the charge sheet read that, “You, Apostle Niyi Peter, male, in the month of April 2024, at about 12:00 pm at Oke-Odo Area, Osogbo, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did defame the character of one Bunmi Akinnaanu, a.k.a. Omije Ojumi, by posting her picture and tagging it ‘prostitute song’ on social media via your WhatsApp number 08065352473.”

The clergyman was also accused of sending a threatening voice note to Akinnaanu, stating that she “will perish and never rise again.”

The charge further read, “You, Apostle Niyi Peter, on the same date, time, and place, conducted yourself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by falsely damaging the character of Bunmi Akinnaanu, a.k.a. Omije Ojumi.”

The offences are said to contravene sections 373, 88, and 249(D) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

Peter, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His counsel, Mr. Okobe Najite, urged the court to grant him bail.

Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Ayilara admitted Peter to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties, both of whom must be civil servants.

The case was adjourned until Tuesday, October 22, 2024, for further hearing.

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