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  • 23-year-old bags life imprisonment for raping Lagos teenager

    23-year-old bags life imprisonment for raping Lagos teenager

    Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Lagos State Special Offences Court has sentenced a 23-year-old man, Blessing Okon, to life imprisonment for raping a 14-year-old girl.

    The prosecutor, while arraigning Okon before the court, said he committed the offence on September 13, 2019, on Ribadu Road, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

    During the trial, the prosecution called three witnesses — the victim, her father and a medical doctor. Okon testified solely in his defence.

    The victim, during her evidence, told the court that the convict sexually assaulted her when she was nine years old by touching her breasts on two occasions.

    She added that he defiled her when she was 14 years old by dragging her to the staircase of her home and having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.

    Delivering her judgment, Justice Soladoye, who noted that the victim was consistent in her evidence before the court which established that the defendant had been having sexual contact with her since she was nine years old, described the convict as shameless.

    She said, “This defendant is lacking in compassion; he had sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl. There was overwhelming evidence against him as presented by the prosecution. He therefore should pay for his sexual crime.

    “He is guilty of Section 137 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State and is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without an option of fine. His name is to be entered into the register of sexual offenders in Lagos State.”

    Justice Soladoye commended the chaplain of the victim’s school who reported the incident for listening to the teenager’s complaints and reporting the case to the authorities without any cover-up.

    She urged heads of other schools to do the same.

  • Gbajabiamila commiserates with Shitta-Bey Family of Lagos over death of Former State Lawmaker

    Gbajabiamila commiserates with Shitta-Bey Family of Lagos over death of Former State Lawmaker

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has commiserated the Shitta-Bey family of Surulere, Lagos over the demise of a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly who once represented Surulere 1, Hon. Lateef Shitta-Bey.

    Gbajabiamila said Shitta-Bey, who represented Surulere Constituency 1 from 2003 to 2007, worked tirelessly for his people.

    The Speaker recalled how Shitta-Bey contributed immensely to the development of his constituency, noting that he was one politician worthy of emulation.

    He sent his condolences to the people of Surulere Constituency 1, especially the Shitta-Bey family, for the loss.

    Speaker Gbajabiamila prayed Allah to reward the late Lateef Shitta-Bey with Jannatul Firdaus.

  • FAAN Tackles Corrupt Practices, Arrests 90 Touts at Lagos, Abuja Airports

    FAAN Tackles Corrupt Practices, Arrests 90 Touts at Lagos, Abuja Airports

    In line with its decision to wipe out corrupt practices at the airports, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has arrested over 90 persons, caught at Nigeria’s busiest gateways, the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The suspects were arrested for carrying out nefarious activities, including facilitating the issuance of fake COVID-19 test results, providing illegal yellow card for travellers, shortchanging travellers under the pretense of assisting them in their boarding process and acting as interface between passengers and airlines.

    Other illicit activities include unauthorised entry, trespass, illegal facilitation, forgery, loitering, theft, public nuisance and crowding the departure halls, among others.

    FAAN in statement signed by its spokesperson, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu said some of those arrested were staff of Patovilki Nigeria Limited, Lakewood Services, Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and other airport staff.

    “Of the total arrested, 59 were handed over to the airport police command in Abuja for prosecution, while 30 were handed over to the police force in Lagos for same.

    “FAAN will like to use this opportunity to warn those that do not have any legitimate business at the airports, as well as airport staff carrying out illegal duties to desist from such acts, as the authority will not hesitate to arrest and hand over such individuals for prosecution,” the statement said.

    The management of FAAN had earlier identified those who throng the airports to engage in illicit activities.

    These include former airline workers, retired aviation agency workers, their relations and others who may be familiar with the airport environment.

    The agency alleged that they connived with some airport workers to carry out their illicit activities and vowed that these touts must be eliminated from the airports because their activities could encourage insider threat, which could constitute critical security breach at the airports.

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu visits Magodo as residents protest planned demolition

    Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has visited the scene of the protest staged by Magodo residents over the planned invasion and demolition of their properties.

    The estate management had ordered a closure of the estate gates in protest against the planned demolition of property in the estate.

    Policemen numbering about 50 had recently accompanied suspected land grabbers and members of a family to invade the estate in order to claim possession of property.

    During the invasion, the group used red, brown and blue inks to inscribe ‘ID/795/88 Possession Taken Today 21/12/21 by Court Order,’ on various properties in the estate.

    The suspected land grabbers were said to have operated based on a judgment by the Supreme Court.

    On Tuesday, some protesting residents brandished placards with different inscriptions, some of which called the attention of Governor Sanwo-Olu to the presence of the policemen in the estate.

    Visiting the scene of the protest, Sanwo-Olu called for peace, just as he pointed out that there would be a meeting between all concerned parties at his office on Wednesday.

    This is as he revealed that he had spoken with the Inspector-General of Police on the issue which he believed will be resolved soon.

    He said, “My great residents of Magodo, I bring you good tidings. The chairman of the residents association, the Attorney General, other cabinet members and also the Assistant Inspector-General of Police are here.

    “It’s difficult to start the New Year like this. It’s because of the importance of seeing to all of the information and lack of proper information that I had to take up this assignment myself.

    “When the first incident happened about two weeks ago, I indeed intervened and If you remember very well, the action was immediately halted and there was no incident again. Throughout the festive period, we started communication.

    “One of the things that we need to first understand is that the residents, the people that went to court and the police themselves are my subjects. So, I have the responsibility to ensure that fairness and equity are entrenched.

    “The people that went to court have Supreme Court judgment while the residents living there(Magodo) have proper title and the means to live there.

    “So, in the car, I had spoken extensively with the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney General and we’ve resolved all of the issues.

    “So, what we’ll see is that there is going to be a total stand down and tomorrow we’ll be inviting the representatives of the judgment creditors. We have actually started a committee, but I want to invite them again officially tomorrow by 11 O’clock to come over.

    “The state government, the residents association and the police will be at the meeting so that whatever it is that brought about this trouble and headaches will be laid bare.”

    The Governor expressed the belief that the meeting will address the issues and will help stakeholders to reach an amicable resolution.

    “I want everyone to ensure that peace is restored in the estate and that citizens go about their lawful businesses, knowing fully well that nobody will be harassed, no property will be trampled upon pending when we reach a resolution,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu assured the residents, saying, “None of your houses will be marked again. For those marked, we’ll try and sort the situation out.”

  • One Feared Dead As Passenger Bus Falls Into Canal in Lagos

    One Feared Dead As Passenger Bus Falls Into Canal in Lagos

    One person is said to have died Monday when a passenger bus skidded off the road and fell into a canal at the Iyana-Oworo area of Lagos State.

    Eyewitnesses say the commercial vehicle was conveying people believed to be attending a party in the area when the driver lost control on the narrow bridge leading to the sand-fill community.

    Coolers and other kitchen utensils could be seen on the murky water with other personal belongings within the upturned bus.

    Those present at the time of the incident said all occupants of the vehicle were reportedly rescued by passersby.

    The rescue operation is said to have gone well until the passengers in the vehicle, who could not account for one of their own, raised an alarm.

    On return to the accident scene, the victim – a woman – was seen unconscious, While efforts were made to resuscitate her, she eventually died at a nearby hospital.

    The sand-fill area within Iyana-Oworo is a community at the exit point of the 3rd mainland bridge outbound Lagos Island.

    Authorities are expected to give a comprehensive brief about the incident, soon.

  • Residents Panic As Electric High-Tension Pole Collapse In Lagos

    Residents Panic As Electric High-Tension Pole Collapse In Lagos

    There was tension in the Idimu area of Lagos State after a high-tension pole collapsed on Christmas eve.

    According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the pole carries 330 kva line from Egbin power plant to different communities.

    Emergency responders said the high tension pole supply electricity to residents of Ojo, Igando and parts of Badagry.

    The Coordinator of NEMA in the South-west region, Ibrahim Farinloye, advised residents of Igando, Idimu axis, to observe serious safety precautions.

    ‘The line came in from Ikorodu across Ikeja and other areas. Fire service have been mobilised to provide eagle in case of fire outbreak.”

    “Power Service agencies especially Ikeja Electric Distribution Company and others are trying to isolate the 330 Line for safety reasons.

    “The collapse of the electric cable led to electric sparks all over the area and the sparks got to the sight of spilled content of PMS around the area as a result of there was an outbreak of fire and subsequent explosion. The pipeline corridor have been known to have spillage often due to activities of vandals,” he added

  • BREAKING: Customs Intercepts Container-Load Of Guns In Lagos

    BREAKING: Customs Intercepts Container-Load Of Guns In Lagos

    Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service attached to Tin Can Island Command on Friday intercepted a 1x40ft container carrying arms.

    It was learnt that the owner of the container had allegedly declared its content as plasma televisions.

    It was also learnt that customs officers at the command late discovered it to contain cartons of guns.

    A source told our correspondent that the consignment was sublet to a clearing agent by another, fueling suspicion that the agent must be aware of the content.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Tin Can Customs, Mr Uche Ejesieme, confirmed the development, saying that the container of guns was discovered during a routine examination at terminal B2 (Vehicle) of the TICT.

    “The officers intercepted a container loaded with weapons, but as we speak, what we have done as a command is that we have written to the terminal to evacuate the container immediately to enforcement unit for 100 per cent examination so that we can actually ascertain the quantity and other relevant information.

    “So, as we speak, we expect the terminal to evacuate the container to the enforcement unit where we intend to strip it, and the quantity, names of people involved and other further information would be available,” he said.

    He added that, in line with service protocol, the command would inform the Customs high command in Abuja after the container had been thoroughly examined at the enforcement unit of the command.

    “This is why we have not issued an official statement regarding the seizure.

    “As we speak, we do not have full details of who is behind the import, country of import and the model of guns.

    “All these will be made known at the end of investigations,” he added.

    The customs, however, vowed to trace the matter to its very roots and apprehend those in connection.

    “Most times, the suspect you see is those freight forwarders and agents coming for examination, but we are more interested in getting to the importer and everyone involved in that criminal importation to nip it in the bud,” he assured.

  • Several Feared Dead As Truck Rams Into Schoolchildren In Lagos

    Several Feared Dead As Truck Rams Into Schoolchildren In Lagos

    Several schoolchildren are feared dead after a truck rammed into some students in the Ojodu area of Lagos State.

    The incident occurred at Grammar School Bus-Stop along the Ogunusi Road on Tuesday afternoon when schoolchildren were returning to their respective homes.

    Reports gathered that the driver of the vehicle lost control before hitting the unspecified number of students.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Hakeem Odumosu, confirmed the incident to Channels Television via a telephone interview.

    Although he said two students have been killed so far and others injured, eyewitnesses at the scene gave conflicting accounts.

    While some claimed about 13 students were feared dead, others said 17 schoolchildren died.

    They were said to have been crushed while waiting to cross to the other side of the road.

    READ ALSO: Buhari Writes Senate, Seeks Passage Of 2021 Finance Bill

    The truck driver, the police commissioner explained, attempted to escape after hitting the schoolchildren.

    But the driver was later arrested by operatives attached to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ojodu who went after him after he fled the scene.

    Upon his arrest, a mob tried to lynch the driver but they were resisted by the police who took him into custody.

    Angered by the action of the security operatives, the crowd began to pelt the police van conveying the driver.

    This led to tension and panic in the area, causing a gridlock while the police reportedly fired teargas to disperse the crowd.

    The situation was later brought under control.

  • FULL LIST: Names of teenage cultists that allegedly killed Sylvester of Dowen college unearthed

    FULL LIST: Names of teenage cultists that allegedly killed Sylvester of Dowen college unearthed

    The names of teenage cultists gang that allegedly murdered innocent Sylvester of Dowen has been revealed by Gistlover blog on microblogging platform, twitter

    The father revealed that, his son was fed with a black unidentified liquid, lour correspondents reported

    According the Gist lover blog, the names are:

    Michael windoku
    2. Angel Temile
    3. Favour Benjamin 4. Edward Brown
    5. Agboro Emmanuel

    A source noted that,

    “Michael Windoku was a very stubborn kid he bullied his classmates but it was very light bullying because the school didn’t tolerate bullying at all or seniors dealing with annoying juniors. Teachers as well we’re prohibited from flogging children. I always dealt with him anytime I saw him bullying”

    “Really rough kid I believe he was part. He recently told some of his former classmates he’s innocent. I’m still trying to get his contacts but I haven’t been able to”

    the source added

  • NDLEA intercepts 12,385kg drugs smuggled into Lagos on waterways

    NDLEA intercepts 12,385kg drugs smuggled into Lagos on waterways

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the weekend seized 12,385 kilograms of Loud Cannabis, a strong variant of the illicit weed imported from a neighbouring country and smuggled into Lagos through the waterways.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi on Sunday.

    According to the statement, “Acting on credible intelligence that 12, 385 pellets of Loud Cannabis were brought in from the West African country through the ocean and ferried with boats to the Eko Atlantic Beach, Victoria Island from where they would be distributed to drug hotspots such as Island, Peti Alagba and others across Lagos and other states, over 50 narcotic officers stormed the beach on Saturday 27th November, 2021, recovered the consignments along with two long trucks, a Toyota Sienna Bus and arrested three suspects. Those arrested include: Abdulkadri Zakari, 24; Ka’abu Sausu, 45 and Lawrence Adie, 27.”

    In an operation in Edo State, a 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Beatrice Aigbedion was among suspects arrested in connection with the seizure of over 5,000 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs across the state.

    The statement said, “After days of surveillance, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 24th November stormed a warehouse at Uhiere, Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state, where they recovered a total of 4,261.5kg of cannabis sativa and a suspect, Ikong Stanley, arrested. The previous day Tuesday 23rd Nov, 1,240kg was equally seized at a warehouse in Uzebba, Owan West LGA of the state.

    “At the point of her arrest in Irrua last Wednesday, 70-year-old Mrs. Aigbedion was caught with different quantities of Codeine cough syrup, Swinol and Rohypnol while another dealer, Joseph Onyemaechi, 50, was also nabbed at Ikpoba Okha, Upper Sakponba- Benin City, on Friday with different types of psychotropic substances weighing 2.055kg. Similarly, Gabriel Akioya and Isa Salihu were arrested on Thursday 25th Nov at Irrua, Esan Central LGA with various quantities of Codeine, Tramadol, Swinol and Rohypnol.”

    Operations by the Agency in Delta State involved a raid on Hampton Towers and Spa Hotel, Okpanam Road, Asaba during which Dobedient Etumudor and Thompson Chukwuemeka were arrested with different quantities of psychoactive substances, while another dealer, Emeka Ben was nabbed with 4.7 grams of Methamphetamine along Asaba – Ibusa Road.

    The statement said other suspects arrested on Thursday, November 25 in the state for dealing in Meth, Cannabis, Cocaine, and Heroin include Ifeanyi Odibe, Uche Onwurah, and Justice Obika.

    “In Kano, a drug dealer, Alhaji Bukar Malan Abdu, was arrested and 143 kilograms of cannabis recovered from him while 466kg of same drug was seized in the home of one Bashir Shuaibu, an indigene of Edo State but resident in Kano, who deals in Cannabis sativa. On Thursday 25th Nov, a drug dealer in Maiduguri, Borno state, Chima Obi was arrested in a follow up operation following the seizure of his drug consignment, 73.2kg codeine, at an NDLEA checkpoint in Postiskum, Yobe state same day,” the statement said.

    The operations were commended by the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), who urged the officers and men involved not to rest on their oars. He charged them to always strive to record greater feats until the drug supply and drug demand reduction targets of the Agency are fully achieved.