Why Court Sent NURTW Chieftain Koko Zaria To Prison

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

A Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday remanded a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Ganiyu Oyedepo (aka Kokozaria), in prison custody for assaulting an actor, Alhaji Ade Adele (aka Baba Lawori).

Oyedepo was remanded following his arraignment on alleged offences of conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.

Chief Magistrate B. Sonuga remanded Oyedepo, after he pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID).

The prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, a legal officer in the legal department of FCIID, Alagbon, in a charge marked B/40/2024, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 5, 2024, at Idimu, by conspiring with some of his ‘boys’ to assault Adele.

He said in the course of the assault, Oyedepo’s boys, injured Adele in the head with a bottle.

He told the court that the offences committed by the defendant, contravened sections 411; 173 and 168 (l)(d) of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State and punishable under section 168 (2) of the same laws.

The charges are “That you Ganiyu Oyedepo on or about the June 25, 2024 at Idimu, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, Lagos conspired to commit Felony wit: Assault Occasioning Harm and committed an Offence contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State

That you Oyedepo on the said date unlawfully procured one of your boys (now at large) who unlawfully broke bottle and inflicted injuries on the head of one Alhaji Ade Adele and committed an Offence contrary to Section 173 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015.

“That you Oyedepo conducted yourself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace when you threatened and procured one of your boys (now at large) to break bottle on the head of Adele and committed an Offence contrary to Section 168 (l)(d) of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015 and punishable under Section 168 (2) of thé same Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos state 2015.”

Oyedepo denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His lawyers, S. Bello with S. O. Ajetomobi, moved for bail application, saying the charge against their client is a bailable one.

Why Court Sent NURTW Chieftain Koko Zaria To Prison 

They urged the court to grant him bail in the most liberal terms.

Chief Magistrate Sonuga after hearing counsels’ submissions granted Oyedepo bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties, according to the Chief Magistrate, must be of unquestionable character, with evidence of means of livelihood and must be residing within the court’s jurisdiction.

The Chief Magistrate also ordered the sureties to present to court evidence of three years tax, and have their addresses verified.

Chief Magistrate Sonuga, while adjourning the matter to October 29, for mention, however, remanded the defendant in the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) custody, pending the perfection of the bail terms.

Online

Why Chinese Firm Seized Another Nigerian Jet In Canada

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Chinese company, Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, has completed the repossession of a luxury jet owned by Nigeria in Canada, as part of its ongoing confiscation of Nigerian assets globally.

Why Chinese Firm Seized Another Nigerian Jet In Canada

The aircraft, a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, was handed over to Zhongshang following a recent change of custodian paperwork finalized by Canadian authorities in Montreal, according to sources familiar with the mattermatter told News360 Nigeria

This development follows a Canadian court ruling earlier this year, which empowered Zhongshang to seize the jet from Nigeria.

Despite attempts by Nigeria to retain ownership, Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec dismissed the country’s arguments on March 21, 2024.

The jet, purchased for $57 million by fugitive Dan Etete with proceeds from the controversial OPL 245 oil field sale, had been seized by Nigeria in 2016 and was held in Dubai before being flown to Canada in 2020.

Zhongshang’s seizure of the aircraft is part of its broader efforts to enforce arbitration awards amounting to over $70 million against Nigeria, following a failed free trade zone contract in Ogun State.

The Chinese firm has already seized Nigerian assets in the UK, France, and Canada, with further confiscations anticipated in Belgium and the United States.

Despite Nigeria’s repeated legal challenges across five countries, the nation has been unsuccessful in preventing these seizures and continues to deny any wrongdoing in the case.

Meanwhile, efforts to resolve the dispute through negotiations with Zhongshang have made little progress. The latest development has not yet been addressed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Why I Tear-Up My Husband Passport- Wife Who Teared Her Husband Passport

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Why I Tear-Up My Husband Passport- Wife Who Teared Her Husband Passport

A Nigerian woman named Favour Igiebor, who tore up her husband’s passport at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, could face a jail term as punishment for her actions if found guilty, according to the Nigeria Immigration Service Act of 2015 (as amended).

The NIS had on Monday revealed that it had launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the destruction of a man’s passport by his wife, identified as Favour Igiebor, stating that she had been summoned for questioning.

In a statement, the spokesperson for the NIS, Kenneth Udo, described Igiebor’s action as a violation of Nigerian law.

The investigation was prompted by a viral video showing Igiebor destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport, reportedly belonging to her husband, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

The NIS statement partly read, “The Nigeria Immigration Service has launched a formal investigation following the circulation of a video on social media showing a female traveller destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act in the interest of national security and to preserving the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.”

Amid the widespread condemnation of her action, Igiebor, in another viral video seen by our correspondent, explained that her action was due to the stress her husband had put her through.

She said, “You have to ask what happened; don’t just look at the action alone. I am not a mad woman who would just come and act like that. I have my reasons; I have gone through many things.

“When it gets to your neck, you have to act. I didn’t want to make him go through a lot of stress; that’s why I waited till we got to Nigeria to do it rather than in Europe, where I could have done it. Don’t make comments without knowing what happened. I have gone through a lot of family issues here and there.”

In response to his wife’s recent video, the man who didn’t disclose his name, said he chose to remain silent because he believed the issue could be resolved “as a family.”

“My wife has posted something this morning. I don’t want to say anything, but I will leave you to watch the video. It is on various social media sites. I have the full clips.

“She didn’t know that I had someone with my phone because my friend and I came down here to do some things. I will post the full clip. I never expected that she would come out and say what she said. These are some things that we can resolve as a family,” he said.

However, findings by PUNCH Metro indicate that according to Section 49 of the NIS 2015 Act (as amended), a person found guilty of changing or altering a passport may face imprisonment or a fine. However, there is no section for punishment in case of destruction in the act.

The section reads, “A person who alters or assists another in altering a travel document, or who produces or reproduces or assists in the production or reproduction of any travel document without lawful authority commits an offence under Section 59 of the Act and is liable on-conviction to a- term of five years imprisonment or to a fine of one million naira or both.”

In an interview with our correspondent on Monday, a human rights lawyer, Collins Aigbogun, stated that there is no section of the Act that explicitly outlines sanctions for passport destruction, emphasising that Section 49 of the Act only specifies punishment for alteration.

He, however, noted that the wife had violated her husband’s constitutional right to freedom of movement.

“A passport is essential for cross-border travel. Possessing a Nigerian passport is not a privilege but a fundamental aspect of the right to freedom of movement.

“When someone destroys a passport, it infringes on the ancillary right to freedom of movement granted to her husband by the constitution. In essence, she has put that right on hold,” he said.

Sports: Paris2024: Why We Couldn't Produce A Bike For Ese Ukpeseraye - Owan Enoh

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

My attention has been called to a post on social media by Ese Ukpeseraye. After reading the post and some follow up comments i swung into action. Ese's post seems to have been grossly misunderstood, perhaps also because it didn't seem to give proper context to the matter in perspective. It is important I make some clarifications.

Paris2024: Why We Couldn't Produce A Bike For Ese Ukpeseraye - Owan Enoh

Abinitio, Team Nigeria qualified for one road race in cycling and prepared for it in terms of training and the appropriate competition equipment. Team Nigeria was fully prepared for this road race until two weeks ago after the Cycling team with the rest of Team Nigeria had already left for the Olympics, that a communication from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) was received reallocating additional slots to the Cyclist Federation of Nigeria (Kerin and individual sprint).

This reallocation to Nigeria was due to the disqualification of a country, leaving Nigeria as the next eligible to make the list of qualified countries to compete. Unfortunately, this additional slot required the use of a different competition equipment in terms of biking.

For this track race reallocated to Team Nigeria, a very special equipment (approved specifically for the Olympic track game) is used. It'll take months to have it delivered after ordering and making payment. To therefore get Ese to compete, the Federation through Ese's Club in Europe and working with a German owned Company, got a ‘Track Bike’ for our cycler Ese.

Todah the 9th of August 2024, Ese will race in an individual sprint, the race she originally qualified for.

Why We Are Successful At Lagos Assembly, Obasa Reveals

AgegePulse Magazine 

The Lagos State House of Assembly has become the most successful state parliament in Nigeria because of its reliance on God, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has said.

Why We Are Successful At Lagos Assembly, Obasa Reveals

Addressing guests including the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, traditional rulers and political leaders, the Speaker added that the House achieved its 2023 goals as a result of the diligence, commitment and dedication of lawmakers and staff. 

Dr. Obasa said this on Wednesday at the 21st anniversary of the annual thanksgiving and end of the year party held at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

"It is this commitment to God for excellence and unwavering faith that has led us to the successes we have achieved thus far.

"As we gather here today, we must acknowledge the incredible progress we have made as an Assembly and as individuals throughout the year.

"We have worked tirelessly, with dedication and integrity, to ensure that the needs and aspirations of our constituents are met. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us that if we commit our work to the Lord, our plans will succeed.

"Today, we come together in unity and gratitude, knowing that our collective efforts have not gone unnoticed," Obasa said.

Quoting James 1:17, the Speaker noted that the Lagos Assembly has become "a House above the common standards of excellence.

"Across the country, we are seen as passionate, a true reflection of the legislature as the focal point of democracy and an arm truly committed to the State's progress."

The Speaker, who commended his colleagues and the management for their dedication to duty, urged them to continue to strive for excellence so as to bring more positive changes to the society.

In his sermon on 'the spirit of excellence', Prophet Peter Adeniyi Olowoporoku of the Love of Christ Chapel Ministries, urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of discipline and constantly work to stand out in all that they do.

The event witnessed various guest artists including Evangelist Adeyinka Alaseyori.

Why We Built A Modern Market At Moshalashi, Agege - Egunjobi

 AgegePulse Magazine

 Why We Built A Modern Market At Moshalashi, Agege - Egunjobi

The Executive Chairman, Agege LG, Alh. Chief  Ganiyu Egunjobi has revealed why his Administration deemed it to build a modern market at Moshalashi Alhaja Agege, Lagos. 

Egunjobi said that, part of the activities of the government was to create enabling environment for traders and boost economy of the area. "The market was built for convenient  use of traders, their  customers and residents.

” This  ultra modern market was built to bring succour to the traders and  residents.

“Before now, this place was a  hideout for  hoodlums and criminals , but we converted  it to this beautiful  market for the benefit of  traders ,their customers and residents “,he said.

The council chairman added that the lock-up shops could accommodate no fewer than  100 traders, apart from dozens of petty traders that could  be accommodated in the new market. He appealed to traders to shun roadside trading and  take advantage of the new market.

The market was  Inaugurated by the wife of Lagos State Speaker, Princess Bukonla Obasa, Wife of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly.

Mrs. Obasa, who was ably represented by her  Personal Assistant, Mrs Kanyinsola Adebeshin, said the market  was provided by the council to address  inadequate market spaces for   traders and the attendant problem of street trading.

She urged traders in the community  to shun street trading and move into the new market for their convenience and that of their customers.

“We appeal to traders to shun roadside trading and  take advantage of the new  market.

In a brief interview with the Iyaloja General Agege, Alhaja  Taibat Tijani-Lawal, thanked the council chairman for the market, saying the traders would ensure proper use of the facilities  therein.

According to her, no trader will be allowed to trade by  the roadside  .

“Any interested trader will need to obtain a  form and follow the normal process before he or she can get a space in  the market ” she said.

Mrs Abosede Lawal, one of the traders ,also thanked the council boss for the market project, saying that the new facility would go a long way to help traders do their business safely.

Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon Gbenga Abiola, members of the Council Cabinet, the Baale of Panada in Agege, High Chief Wakilu Abayomi Sunmola, Iyaloja general of Agege, Alhaja Taibat Tijani, members of the market committee were top dignitary at the event.

Others include, The Contractor Mr. Tosin, Alhaji Olaniyi Oladeebo Okadigbo, Environmental health workers, Kick Against Indiscipline KAI personnel and Ministry of Environment MOE Enforcement Unit amongst others

Why we withdrew charges against Naira Marley, Gbadamosi ― LASG

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government today gave conditions for withdrawing the charge brought against controversial hip-hop star, Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley, former Lagos governorship aspirant, Babatunde Gbadamosi and his wife Folashade for flouting the state Coronavirus social distancing directive.

Naira Marley was represented in court by Damilola Ayinde-Marshall alongside Afeez Olabisi while Olawale Akoni SAN alongside Dr Bayo Adaralegbe represented the Babatunde Gbadamosi.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN alongside O. Awonuga represented the 3rd def, Folasade Gbadamosi.

After the announcement of appearance, the DPP, Yakub Oshaola told the court that even though the state has filed a charge before the court, …a few minutes before the court sat, the AG & Comm for Justice, Moyo Onigbanjo SAN forwarded a directive to him that having considered the remorsefulness of the three defendants, he has considered diverting the case out of court based on the defendants fulfilling three conditions.

(1) They have to write a formal apology to the Government of Lagos State which will solidify the remorsefulness shown by them.

(2) They have to give an undertaking in writing that they will continue to comply with the directives of Mr President and Mr Governor which is the subject matter of the case before the court.

(3) In view of the danger which the state believes they’ve put themselves by attending a gathering exceeding 20 persons, they must agree to go on 14 days isolation to protect other members of the public from any likely danger.

Mr Oshoala also submitted that this is absolutely necessary “in view of the fact that some individuals who travelled from endangered countries where present at the party. He stressed that the state is not a persecutor but it is always ready to enforce the laws that benefit the interest of the public.

“If they agree to these conditions, the 4 count charge will be withdrawn and that will be the end of the matter. We will keep it in abeyance.” That’s our submission.

In his submission, Akoni said: On behalf of the 2nd def, we wish to express our appreciation to the state, the DPP and to confirm to the court that we accept the three conditions.

On his part, Adegboruwa said: ‘On behalf of the 3rd def, we express our appreciation to his excellency, Mr President and the Governor, the AG, The DPP & his team, the Police and most of all the court.

The third def is a law-abiding citizen and accepts all that three conditions as stipulated by the DPP.

Also speaking, Ayinde-Marshall said: “On behalf of the first defendant, we say a big thank you to the police, the President, Mr Gov and the DPP. My client is a law-abiding citizen too and a strict supporter of government policies.

We undertake that we will fulfill the three conditions given to them.


Vanguard

Why I Revealed My HIV Status – Nollywood Actress, Dayo Amusa

AgegePulse Magazine

Popular Nigerian filmmaker, actress and singer, Dayo Amusa who caused quite a stir on social media months ago, has revealed why she posted her HIV status on her Instagram page.

In a recent interview, she revealed she publicized her status to encourage people to go for testing, whether positive or negative, so that they will not die ‘before death’

In her words:



“Well, the declaration of my HIV status wasn’t attached to this movie. What I posted was just a random thing. I just felt I should encourage people to go for their HIV test, to know their status, so they can know what next to do and go for medical advice if necessary.”

“It is better to know your status, so you can guide yourself and save others too. If mine was positive, I would have still posted it but might not be just at that particular moment. For me, being positive is not the end of the world and it doesn’t stop you from living a normal life. You don’t have to die before death comes. ”

Punch

Why I killed my pastor friend – ‘Evangelist

AgegePulse

A self-acclaimed evangelist, Prosper Peter, on Tuesday said he plotted the killing of his friend, Kelechi Iwuanyanwu, a pastor in a new generation church in Umuahia, for many decades.


Mr Peter, who was arrested by the Police in Abia State in conjunction with Zone 9 Command, told journalists at the Police Officers’ Mess, Umuahia, that his grouse was that the deceased refused to assist him financially.

He said he recruited three persons that murdered Mr Iwuanyanwu, his alleged mistress and Woman Leader in the church, Ruth Eze and Kalu Ikeagwu, the assistant pastor.

Mr Iwuanyanwu, who was the founder of Winds of Glory Ministry, Umuahia, was murdered along with the two others at his residence, located at Umuobia Housing Estate in the early hours of October 14.


The Commissioner of Police in the state, Anthony Ogbizi, who briefed journalists on the incident, said Peter was arrested through the combined efforts of operatives of the command and Zone 9.

Mr Ogbizi said police at Umuokpara division got the hint that the pastor’s Jeep, which was taken away by his killers, was found at Ohiya Mechanic Village in Umuahia.

He said the information led to the arrest of the mechanic, who was reportedly engaged by Peter to help in dismantling the security and tracker in the vehicle.

He said the mechanic gave Mr Peter’s identity, adding that he (Peter) was invited to the station during which he was arrested and detained.


Narrating how the deceased was killed, the suspect said he and the hired killers laid ambush in front of Mr Iwuanyanwu’s residence around midnight.

“As soon as he came back and opened the gate, the boys went into the apartment, where they matcheted the three of them to death,” he said.

He said the original plan was not to kill them, but that they were killed after one of the killers realised that he had been recognised by one of the deceased.

Mr Peter said his plan was to attack the pastor and remove some of his valuables, which he intended to share with the assassins.


He said after killing them, he took some of the pastor’s personal effects, including shoes, electronic gadgets, telephones and the jeep.

He said he loaded the items in the pastor’s jeep, which he also attempted to take away but could not because of the security installed in the vehicle.

The suspect said he later got someone that helped him to start the car with which he evacuated the pastor’s property out of the building, located in an isolated part of the estate.

On his grouse with the late pastor, he said when he appealed to him to assist him, “rather than help me, the pastor started avoiding me.”

He recalled how he assisted the pastor in the past and was expecting him to reciprocate when he began to do well.

“When his ministry was not doing well, he approached me for help and I took him to a native doctor in Ikare, Ondo state, who prepared a charm for him,” Peter said.

He said the charm was prepared to help the deceased to draw crowd to his ministry on the promise to reward him when things improved for him.

He said he was worried when Mr Iwuanyanwu started making money in Umuahia but allegedly refused to assist him as promised.

Mr Peter, who was arrested with his wife, Precious, said he regretted his action and absolved his wife of complicity.

Precious, who said they had been married for about eight years and had three children, wept profusely.

She said she did not know that her husband could be involved in such a heinous crime.

She said while she lived in Umuahia with their children, her itinerant husband shuttled between Aba and Abuja on evangelism.

The commissioner of police said Zone 9 command commenced a manhunt for Mr Peter’s accomplices in the murder of Mr Iwuanyanwu and the two others.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Abia police command also arrested three persons, who admitted to have kidnapped a toddler at Ntigha, near Umuahia, in September and took him to Aba.

The baby boy was allegedly kidnapped by one Uloma Frank, a nurse, who reportedly sold him to one Grace Simeon, also a nurse in Aba, at N300, 000.

Simeon told newsmen that she sold the boy to one Onyebuchi Nnaji at N600, 000.

Also arrested were a Merchant Navy, Ifeanyi Osuji, said to be specialised in car theft and some kidnap and armed robbery suspects, accused of terrorising residents of the state.

Mr Ogbizi said the father of the kidnapped baby had been linked up and would soon come to claim the child.

He said all the suspects would be arraigned at the end of the ongoing investigations.

(NAN)


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