Mass trial: Court convicts 125 Boko Haram terrorists, financiers
By Vivian Michael The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, have convicted no fewer than 125 Boko Haram terrorists and financiers. In the resumed mass trial held over two days in Kainji, Niger State, they were convicted of charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support, and cases relating to International Criminal Court (ICC) criminality. This was contained in a statement released by Kamarudeen Ogundele, S A to the President on Communication & Publicity, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. The trials held under Giwa Project Kanji Phase Five were before five Federal High Court judges led by Justice Binta Nyako. Others are Justices Joyce Abdulmalik, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, and Mobolaji Olajuwon. The prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, while the defence team was led by Mr Abdulfatai Bakre from the Legal Aids Council. Others in attendance as international observers are the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) etc. Waaaa The courts convicted 85 persons for terrorism financing, 22 for ICC related crimes, while others were convicted for terrorism and were sentenced to various jail terms. It is also noteworthy that 400 defendants who have completed their sentence have also been moved to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for rehabilitation, deradicalisation, and subsequent reintegration.
BREAKING: Court Grants Ex-Minister Agunloye N50m Bail
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court Apo, on Thursday, granted bail to ex-Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, in the sum of N50 million. Agunloye was arraigned on seven counts bordering on fraudulent award of a contract and official corruption, on Wednesday. The judge had ordered his remand in Kuje Correctional Centre pending hearing and ruling on the bail application. Moving the application, the Counsel for the former minister, Adeola Adedipe, prayed the court to grant bail to his client by way of self-recognisance or in liberal terms. He said Argunloye is not a flight risk and that the notion canvassed by the prosecution was “born out of misconception and communication barrier”. Adedipe also appealed to the court not to order the use of a public servant as surety for his client. The senior lawyer also argued that the apprehensive misconception about bail and the mischief argued by the prosecution has been cured by Section 352( 4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Under this provision, Adeola said, “Once a defendant is admitted to bail, even if he absconds, the trial will continue and he will be convicted where necessary.” However, the prosecution counsel opposed the bail application. Delivering the ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie said the pendulum of the court swings in favour of granting bail to the defendant. He granted N50 million bail to the defendant and ordered him to produce two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be “reputable” and “people of means” resident within the FCT. They must have properties worth N300 million with a Certificate of Occupancy that must be verifiable. They must submit copies of their identity card and photocopies of their international passports to the court. The defendant is to submit his passport to the court and must be present for hearing at all times. The matter has been adjourned to February 12. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating Agunloye over the $6 billion Mambilla Hydropower Contract.
Court To Decide Fate Of Ex-NNPC GMD, Andrew Yakubu’s Seized $9.8m November 1
The former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, will learn his fate on November 1 regarding a lawsuit seeking the release of his $9.8 million cash seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from his Kaduna residence in 2017. Yakubu filed a suit against the EFCC, Central Bank of Nigeria, and a commercial bank, alleging their refusal to release the money after an Abuja high court had discharged and acquitted him of money laundering charges brought against him by the agency. Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo has scheduled November 1 to deliver a judgment on the money seizure case after Monday’s hearing. In March 2022, a Federal High Court in Abuja quashed the money laundering charges against Yakubu, which were brought after the EFCC discovered $9,772,800 and £74,000 in an apartment linked to him in 2017. Yakubu’s lawyer has returned to court, claiming that the monies have not been released as directed by the court, and is seeking an order for their release or, alternatively, for the money to be deposited with the Federal High Court Registrar pending the suit’s determination. The EFCC, represented by Faruk Abdullah, objected to the application, citing appeals filed in the Court of Appeal in Abuja against the judgment of the Federal High Court. Justice Ekwo, after hearing arguments from all parties involved, set November 1 as the date for a verdict on compelling the EFCC to release the money.
FG seeks withdrawal of firearms case against Emefiele
* Introduces new charges against former CBN Gov The Federal Government has initiated steps to withdraw the case of “illegal possession of firearms” it had previously filed against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, made an oral application before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, explaining that the decision was based on the outcome of further investigations. However, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal representative for Emefiele, opposed the application. He argued that the government should rectify its disregard for the court’s order granting Emefiele bail before proceeding with its application. Justice Oweibo has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, August 17, 2023, to make a ruling on the matter. After the proceedings, the DPP revealed that a fresh set of charges, totaling 20 counts, has been filed against the suspended CBN governor at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Among the charges is an accusation of “conferring unlawful advantages” against Emefiele.
Court halts Obaseki’s move to impeach Deputy Gov, Shuaib
Justice Ahmed Mohammed of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki’s Deputy, Comrade Phillip Shuaib to maintain status quo in a suit seeking to sack the latter. The order is following a motion on notice filed by Shuaib praying the court to stop the move to ease him out of office by his principal over their irreconcilable differences. In the ruling on the motion argued by Moses Ebute SAN from the Chambers of Chief Ogwu James Onoja SAN in Abuja, Justice Mohammed directed the parties in the suit to maintain “Status Quo Ante Bellum”. The order for the status quo ante bellum released on Friday, is to be in force till the time the defendants shall show cause as directed in another ruling of of the Court made on July 27th, 2023. By the order of ‘status quo ante bellum’, parties are to remain in the positions they were before Shuaib’s suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/1027/2023 was instituted against the defendants. The defendants are the Inspector General of Police (IGP), State Security Service (SSS), Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge, Edo State as 1st to 5th respondents, respectfully. At the Friday’s proceedings, the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly was represented by his counsel, Okotie Eboh while the Chief Judge was represented by Francis Ogbe both who opposed granting of Shuaib’s request but lost in the Court’s ruling. Justice Mohammed after the ruling shifted hearing in the matter till August 10 and ordered that the IGP, SSS and Obaseki who were not represented in court be served with hearing notices. Shaibu, in his originating simmons prayed the Court to determine whether in view of the provisions of sections 186 and 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Governor Obaseki has power to instigate the IGP and SSS to harass, intimidate, molest and prevent him from accessing his office to carry out his Constitutionally guaranteed duties. He also asked the court to ascertain whether the Governor has power to instigate the Speaker and the Chief Judge to commence impeachment proceedings against him with a view to remove him from office on any other ground other than allegations of misconduct as contained in section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. The Deputy Governor further prayed the Court to decide whether in view of the provisions of section 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Obaseki can deliberately refuse to carry him along or informing him of the State Executive Council (SEC) Meeting or any other meetings or functions within and outside Edo without violating the express provision of the law. Upon positive resolutions of the issues in his favour, Shuaib asked the court to declare that the IGP, SSS and Obaseki lacked power to intimidate, harass, embarrass or molest him. He also sought Court’s declaration that Obaseki, Speaker and the Chief Judge lacked power to impeach him on any ground other than gross misconduct and that the Speaker and the Chief Judge at the same time, lacked requisite power to set up a 7-Man panel of Inquiry on the same ground. Among others, Shuaib requested for order of injunction restraining IGP, SSS and Obaseki and their agents and privies from harassing, embarrassing,, intimidating and preventing them from stopping him to carry out his legitimate functions. He further prayed for an order of injunction restraining Obaseki, Speaker and Chief Judge from taking any action, plan or step on the impeachment plan and another order specifically stopping the Chief Judge from taking instructions from Obaseki and the Speaker to set up any panel of Inquiry for the purpose of impeaching him.
Man defiles 12-year-old girl in bush
The Lagos State Government has called for more mandated reporting in the case of alleged defilement of a 12-year-old girl in the Ikorodu area of the state by one Mr. Ife Adekoya. The Executive Secretary, Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, who made this known in a statement in Lagos on Friday, said the agency swung into action on receipt of the report. “The case was immediately reported at the Imota Family Support Unit Police Station for investigation and was subsequently transferred to the Gender Desk Department of the Lagos State Police Command,” she said. Vivour-Adeniyi said that the mother of the survivor narrated that on June 16, her neighbor called her to inform her that her 12-year-old daughter had been defiled by a neighbor who lives on the next street. “The mother of the survivor claimed that she was informed the following day, having just returned from a trip with her husband. “The mother also alleged that a neighbor alerted her of the incident after engaging the survivor and noticing the suspicious act of the perpetrator, who was spotted with blood stains on his trousers. “Further questioning by the neighbor revealed that the alleged perpetrator lured the victim into the bush, closed her mouth, and proceeded to sexually assault her by penetration,” she said. She further said that the matter was charged to court and the perpetrator was arraigned before Magistrate Amope Layinka on July 26. “The suspect was arraigned and remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Prison, pending the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) advice, and the matter adjourned to Sept. 19,” she said. She noted that all forms of abuse, neglect, domestic, and sexual violence were crimes against the state, and that perpetrators would be made to face the full wrath of the law. Vivour-Adeniyi called on residents of the state to break the culture of silence by reporting all forms of abuse through its toll free line 08000-333-333, or visit its office at Novel House, Plot 3, Jobi Fele Way, Alausa, Ikeja.
FIBA Afrobasket: Nigeria’s D’Tigress maul Egypt, berth quarter-final
The Nigerian senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, demonstrated their prowess once again in the ongoing 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament, securing a convincing victory against Egypt and booking their spot in the quarterfinals. On a Sunday showdown at the BK Arena, D’Tigress unleashed their determination to clinch an unprecedented fourth consecutive continental title. They proved their mettle by outplaying Egypt with a resounding 83-65 triumph, ensuring their early qualification to the last eight stage of the tournament. The match witnessed D’Tigress taking control from the outset, gaining an 18-10 lead in the first quarter and extending it further in the second quarter, finishing with a commanding 24-13 advantage. However, the third quarter saw Egypt make a valiant effort to narrow the gap, securing a 19-14 win in that period. As the tension escalated in the fourth quarter, the North Africans fought desperately to regain ground. Yet, D’Tigress exhibited unwavering determination, maintaining their composure and sealing the game with a strong finish. The final quarter ended with a score of 27-23 in favor of D’Tigress, sealing their comprehensive victory at 83-65. The standout performance came from Amy Okonkwo, who led the scoring with an impressive 29 points and 13 rebounds, steering D’Tigress to their well-deserved triumph and securing their spot in the quarterfinals. Murjanatu Musa also shone brightly with her valuable 18-point contribution, while Nicole Enabosi added 10 points to her name, registering double figures. This win marks Nigeria’s third consecutive victory over Egypt, following their previous triumphs in 2015 and 2017. The Nigerian team’s dominant performance has undoubtedly solidified their reputation as a formidable force in women’s basketball in Africa. With Nigeria safely advancing to the quarterfinals, Egypt and DR Congo will now face a challenging qualifying round to determine if they can join Nigeria in the next stage or head back home.
N3bn Fraud: Counsel’s absence stalls Elixir Management’s arraignment
The absence of the counsel to Elixir Asset Management Limited, Elixir Investment Partners Limited, along with two of their Directors Clara-Bittinger Mshelia-Whyte and Sarah Ogbemudia has stalled the arraignment of the accused persons. The case was subsequently adjourned to October 9th, 2023 for arraignment. They had been dragged before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on allegations of fraud to the tune of over N3b. When the matter came up before Justice Yelim Bogoro of Court 5, the court was informed that the counsel to the defendants was unavoidably absent due to Ill health. The Presiding Judge, apparently displeased that the counsel to the accused did not formally inform the court of his ill health described his actions as discourteous to the court and subsequently adjourned the case to October 9, 2023 for arraignment. Bogoro said: “That is not a very good presentation that the counsel will not reach out to the court. Their counsel is supposed to be here to defend them. “He cannot stay in Abuja and claim he has a stomach upset. The defence has not written to the court that he is ill which is discourteous. I will adjourn this matter till 9th October and he should ensure that he is in court on that date”. During the last adjourned date, the defendant, Mshelia-Whyte and Ogbemudia failed to honor the court invitation, which made Justice Bogoro to grant the wish of the counsel from the office of the Attorney General Moshood Adeyemi, to issue the defendants criminal sermon and set a date for the next appearance for July 11, 2023. In a four count charge brought against the companies and their promoters by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they are accused of offering for subscription an unregistered product ‘Elixir Treasury Product’ valued at over N3b to the investing public including Toyota Nigeria Ltd, Kaduna Industrial and Finance Company and others. According to the charge, the defendants are alleged to have committed a felony to wit: with the common intent conspired among themselves together with Samuel Aikhonbare, Christopher Edordu and their other staff to do an illegal act by luring the investing public including Toyota Nigeria Limited and others by offering them an unregistered product called ‘Elixir Treasury Product’ and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of Criminal Code Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The defendants are also alleged to have conspired among themselves to do an illegal Act- diversion of Investment funds belonging to the investing public including Toyota Nigeria Limited, Kaduna Industrial and Finance Company and others and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of Criminal Code Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. “That you Elixir Investment Partners Ltd and Clara-Bittinger Mshelia-Whyte both of No. 95 Medical Guild Close, V/I Lagos on or between the year 2019 and 2021 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did commit a felony to wit: diversion of investment funds to the tune of N3,213,700,150 belonging to the investing public including Toyota Nigeria Limited, Kaduna Industrial and Finance Company and others. You thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 383 (2) (f) of Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 390 (7) of the same Act” The Charge stated.
Internet Fraud: EFCC arrests FMC staff, 50 others in Ogun, Oyo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal office, has arrested a staff of Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta in Ogun, and 47 others for alleged involvement in internet fraud. This is contained in a statement signed the commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren and made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan. 48 suspects were arrested in Ogun and three others in Oyo State. Uwujaren said that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at the Idi-Aba area of Abeokuta, following intelligence on their alleged fraudulent activities. He said that items recovered from the suspects included seven exotic vehicles, several mobile phones, laptops, Apple wristwatches, among others. Uwujaren said that two suspects were arrested the same day at the Idi-Igba area of Ibadan in Oyo state, and two cars and other valuables were recovered from them. He said that the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Police also arrested and handed over a cybercrime suspect to the EFCC. Uwujaren said that the suspect was arrested at his house on suspicion of involvement in fraudulent activities. He said that a Honda Civic car and mobile phones were also recovered from him. Uwujaren said that all the suspects would be charged in court after the completion of an investigation.