Crime Facts

‘FG files more charges than it can prove’ — CJN speaks on delay in high-profile cases

  Ibrahim Muhammad, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), says the federal government files more charges than it can prove in court. The CJN said this in reaction to the claim by Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, that the judiciary is to blame for delays in prosecuting high-profile cases. In an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Monday, Malami said the federal government has employed measures to ensure speedy dispensation of cases, and that once a matter is brought before the court, it becomes a judiciary affair. “As far as the present administration is concerned, delay of cases does not arise. If you are looking at it from the perspective of the legislative framework, we are enforcing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), as in day-in-day-out prosecution of cases,” he said. “You cannot, by any stretch of imagination, place blame associated with the conclusion and determination of the case on the doorsteps of the executive. It is exclusively a judicial affair. “We have taken steps to provide the legislative framework. We have taken steps in due diligence of prosecution of cases, which as a result of multiple convictions within a span of a year, is a clear pointer that we have indeed promised and delivered.” However, in a statement on Tuesday, the CJN, through his spokesperson, Isah Ahuraka, described Malami’s position as “one-sided”. “The judiciary by its constitutional position does not have criminal investigation unit or ‘fraud detective squad’ to detect and investigate criminal involvement of any person, neither does it have a garrison command to fight its cause or enforce its orders and decisions,” the CJN said. “More often than not, the federal government’s prosecution sector files more charges than it can prove or provide witnesses to prove, ostensibly at times for the prosecution to even fail.” He said the ACJA referred to by the minister “is infected with sores in some parts, making speeding adjudications improbable in some instances, in addition to high volume of cases, limited number of judges, poor infrastructure or archaic equipment”. Muhammad added that Malami’s allegation that the judiciary has not been transparent in its budget spending is untrue. “Although judiciary has refrained from joining issues all this while but to state the facts, in line with the budget call circular and ceiling the federal government sent to the judiciary before the commencement of the fiscal year, the judiciary prepares its budget estimates for capital, overhead cost and personnel cost according to the ceiling, needs and priority,” he said. “The judiciary defends its budget before the senate and the house of representatives committees on judiciary at the national assembly, besides the initial vetting by the executive. “The judiciary has an internal mechanism for budget control and implementation. Each court and judicial body has a budget unit, the account department, internal audit, due process unit, as well as departmental tenders board. There is also a due process committee at the NJC and the judicial tenders board that award contracts on expenditure above the approval limit of the accounting officers of the courts and judicial bodies. “These layers of control were established by the judiciary to ensure transparency, accountability and effective budget implementation. The type of transparency that the federal government has stressed.” The CJN also stated that the national assembly carries out an oversight function as empowered by sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 constitution, which also mandates it “to expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it”. “The executive also put in place some mechanism to monitor budget implementation and accountability in the judiciary through its organs like the office of accountant-general of the federation and auditor-general of the federation and other agencies where the need arises,” he said. “Apart from the internal audit units of the judiciary, the Federal Audit Department maintains offices in all the courts and judicial bodies that monitor spending in the judiciary. If the federal audit raises a query on any transaction and it is not well defended, it sends such to the public account committees of the national assembly. Officials of the judiciary would be invited to explain themselves. “The question to ask is who else should the judiciary open its account books to and who among these organs had raised exceptions which were not defended by the third arm? The answer is none. “One only hopes that these allegations against the judiciary by the federal government is not just a way of giving a dog a bad name so as to then hang it.”

Blackish Substance Found In Sylvester Oromoni’s Intestine – Pathologist

  A Chief Pathologist with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Sunday Soyemi, has told the Coroner Inquest into the controversial death of Sylvester Oromoni, that a blackish substance was found in the boy’s intestine during autopsy. While answering questions on Tuesday under cross-examination from Counsel to the Oromoni family, Femi Falana (SAN), Dr Soyemi, however, testified that no test was carried out to determine what the blackish substance was. Lekki-based school, Dowen College, has been in the eye of the storm since the demise of a 12-year-old student, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. The deceased’s father had alleged that his child was beaten by some senior students and forced to drink a liquid that killed him. But the school has denied the claim, saying instead that he sustained injuries while playing football with his mates.   Find below the conversation between Mr Falana and the Pathologist below: Falana: You did say, that when you were opening up the body, you found a blackish substance in the intestine of the deceased? That’s correct, said the pathologist. Falana: Did you send the black substance to a toxicologist? To which the pathologist replied No. Falana: Don’t you think the blackish substance should have been taken to a toxicology laboratory in view of the allegation that the boy was poisoned? Again, the pathologist replied No. This prompted Mr Falana to ask, “What is the blackish substance?” Pathologist: It could be anything. It could be faecal stool matter mixed with embalming fluid. Falana: It could be anything, we don’t know. Yet without conducting a test, you dismissed the conclusion of the pathologist in Warri who came to the conclusion that the deceased died of acute lung injury arising from chemical intoxication? Pathologist: I took samples of the oesophagus and the stomach to the laboratory and looked at it under the microscope and they were essentially normal. Falana: What laboratory did you use? LASUTH or one outside? Pathologist: I didn’t take it to a toxicologist laboratory. LASUTH has no toxicology laboratory. Falana: LASUTH has no facilities for testing for poison, when such tests are needed, it is sent abroad. Pathologist: That’s correct. Toxicology, according to the English dictionary, is the branch of pharmacology that deals with the nature, effect, detection and treatment of poisons and poisoning. In response to further questions from the Counsel to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bernard Onigah, the Pathologist gave reasons why a toxicologist test was not carried out. Pathologist: In conducting toxicology, I need to take blood, urine and the vitreous fluid in the eyes, all of which will be sent to the laboratory for test. I also need gastric content in the stomach. All these were not available at the second autopsy. When asked why they were not available, the pathologist said, “the stomach had been opened by the first pathologist and nothing was found. The blood, urine and eye fluid had been sucked out during embalming and put in the Formalin, the embalming fluid. The lawyer then asked, “Are you telling the court that it is impossible to take samples for toxicology as at the time the body was brought to you for an autopsy?” The pathologist replied, “that’s correct”. Counsel to Dowen College, Anthony Kpokpo asked the pathologist the impact a noxious substance, chemical or poison introduced through the mouth will have on the oesophagus or the stomach. The pathologist replied, “I’ll expect to see a bruising of the lining of the stomach and the oesophagus.” Kpokpo: Did you see any bruising in the lining of the deceased’s stomach or oesophagus? Pathologist: No The cross-examination also dwelled on the cause of death with the pathologist insisting that the late Sylvester, died of Septicaemia. Septicaemia is when bacteria enters the bloodstream, and causes blood poisoning which triggers sepsis While being led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP Lagos, Dr. Jide Martins, the pathologist testified on his findings during the autopsy. He said the findings indicated a generalised infection of the body. “It was an infection of the lungs, the deceased also had an infection of the liver, the kidneys, infection of the right arm, the soft tissue of the muscles covering the bone below the ankle. The summary of these is that he had generalised infection.” Dr. Soyemi said, “This could have been treated. What could have been used in treating was massive dose of antibiotics, intravenous fluid and blood transfusion.” He added that based on his finding, the illness could have been properly managed if the boy was taken for proper treatment. It was not a terminal case at all, the doctor stated. The doctor however noted that the medical condition could lead to death if not properly treated, adding that the “mortality rate is high.” Mr Falana asked, “can massaging of the body and an injury lead to infection?” The doctor replied no. The senior lawyer again asked, “If there’s an injury and it has been massaged repeatedly, can it lead to the removal of the skin or part of the skin?” The doctor replied in the affirmative. The senior advocate asked, “Are you aware that the ankle injury of the deceased was subjected to massaging in the sickbay of Dowen College on the 21st, 22nd & 23rd? Dr. Soyemi said, “Not aware.” The pathologist also spoke to some “sensitive photographs” of the autopsy report which were shown in court to describe the procedure and methods of the post mortem. One of the pictures showed the deceased with his name tag, another showed an incision made in the chest area. A few others showed vertical marks on the chin (post mortem injury), “a recent external circular injury on the right ankle,” reddening on the lower part of the two legs (this shows that the embalming fluid did not get to that part of his body), the white brain shows that there is not enough blood in the body. “Prior to the conduct of autopsy, I did a total body radiograph to

EXTRA: Don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, it’s satanic -Mummy GO

  Controversial Nigerian evangelist, Funmilayo Adebayo, popularly known as Mummy GO, has faulted the celebration of Valentine’s Day across the world, saying “it’s satanic”. The day is not worth celebrating, according to Mummy GO in a viral video. She explained that Valentine’s Day was initiated by the kingdom of darkness to destroy people. The evangelist said, “The story that happened that they said they are celebrating as Valentine does not deserve celebration. The story has nothing to celebrate, but the enemy just chose it because that man — Valentino or what did they call him — they knew everybody loves him because he is a good person, who helped people and showed love to everyone. “Yet, how did he die? He died a useless, terrible death. He died of dejection if you know the story very well. Is that something that needs to be celebrated? No. “But they purposively chose it because the kingdom of darkness needs a day dedicated for falling, destruction and how do you convince people to celebrate immorality: they use popular figures loved by others.” Valentine’s Day is usually celebrated by lovers all over the world on February 14. It is renowned for being the most romantic day of the year.

Don’t disregard Zulum’s alarm on ISWAP, Ortom warns FG

  Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, has asked the federal government to take proactive steps against the activities of the Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP). Ortom spoke on Tuesday while addressing a delegation from the Victim Support Fund (VSF) led by Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, its chairperson, at Makurdi, the Benue state capital. The Benue governor urged the federal government not to take for granted the warning issued by his Borno counterpart, Babagana Zulum, about the activities of ISWAP. Zulum has expressed concerns over the increasing strength of ISWAP, especially in the north-east. The Borno governor recently said ISWAP would become deadlier than Boko Haram if allowed to fester. Speaking in the same vein, Ortom said: “I want to lend my voice to what my colleague in Borno state, Prof Babagana Zulum, has cried out against the activities of ISWAP in that part of the country. “The federal government should not take this alarm from the threats of ISWAP lightly and take proactive steps to send away the terrorists away from Nigeria so that we can live in peace. “We can not continue this way. Nigeria deserves more peace than what we have now.” The governor said immediately he assumed office in 2015, he predicted the dangers of allowing the activities of armed herders to fester for long without a permanent solution. On her part, Ogunsiji said VSF was in the state to hear more from the governor on critical areas the organisation should intervene in confronting the problems of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Terrorists kill 13 in Katsina, abduct village head, others

  In a fresh attack in the early hours of Tuesday, sophisticated gun-wielding terrorists, in their numbers, stormed Bakori-Funtua axis of Katsina State, killed no fewer than 13 persons and abducted many. Among those kidnapped include the Village Head of Cugar in Bakori LGA, Alhaji Umar along with many children and women, a source disclosed.   According to the source, the terrorists began their operation from Dakuwa village, late night on Monday, looting shops before proceeding to Gidan Kanawa, where they killed three people. According to the source, the terrorists began their operation from Dakuwa village, late night on Monday, looting shops before proceeding to Gidan Kanawa, where they killed three people. Dakuwa and Gidan Kanawa village are said to be under Funtua Local Government Area. Not satisfied with their adventure at Dakuwa and Gidan Kanawa village, the hoodlums proceeded to Cuga community in Bakori LGA early Tuesday. They reportedly killed an additional 10 persons and abducted their village head, Alhaji Umar as well. In the course of the operation, the terrorists also raided the communities, looting residents of their valuables, razing houses, cars and motorcycles. The operation, sources said, lasted for a long time. Confirming the report, Abdullahi Umar, son of the kidnapped village head said: “We started hearing gunshots around 1a.m. on Tuesday. “This threw our community into commotion. I saw my father heading towards the village centre, but was escorted back to his residence by gun-wielding men who ransacked our homes then took him away along with several children and women. “They also rustled several animals and burnt down houses cars and motorcycles.” Abdullahi noted that the hoodlums were yet to contact the community or family members of those kidnapped to make any demand. The slain victims were said to have been buried around noon, according to Islamic rights, a source said.

Alleged N5bn Fraud: Ex-JAMB Registrar, Ojerinde Seeks Plea Bargain With ICPC

  The former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Adedibu Ojerinde, who is standing trial in an alleged N5 billion fraud, has opted for a plea bargain with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) in order to get a soft landing. At the Federal High Court in Abuja where his trial was scheduled to commence, Ojerinde pleaded with the trial Judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu to give him 24 hours to settle himself with ICPC through plea bargain instead of a formal trial.   His new lead counsel, Ibrahim Ishyaku (SAN), told the court that his client prefers an out-of-court settlement known as a plea bargain to resolve the matter. The senior lawyer informed the Judge that the trial could commence if, after 24 hours, the matter could not be resolved. Counsel to the ICPC, Mister Ebenezer Sogunle did not object to the request but insisted that the trial would proceed in case the plea bargain fails. ICPC had on July 8, 2021 arraigned the former JAMB Registrar on an 18-count charge bordering on diversion of public funds to the tune of over N5 billion He was said to have committed the offence during his tenure as Registrar of the National Examination Council (NECO) and JAMB. Justice Egwuatu subsequently fixed February 9 for report of the plea bargain.

Pay surprise visits to your children’s schools, Kanayo O. Kanayo urges parents

  Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has advised parents to pay surprise visits to their children’s school. The movie star made the call on his Instagram page on Tuesday where he shared a video of himself and his son. In the caption, Kanayo noted that some students may leave their school to ‘unimaginable places’ without their parents’ consent. He then urged parents to pay unscheduled visits to their wards. Kanayo wrote, “Do you know many of our children leave school to go to unimaginable places? “His or her school may be in Ekiti State but they are in Lekki, Lagos State every weekend grooving. “Please pay them unscheduled visits to avoid stories that may make you age under 48 hours.”

Pastor allegedly defiles, impregnates teenager

  An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Tuesday, remanded a pastor with the Royal World Embassy Church, Rufus Olatunji, for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old member. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs F.M. Kayode, who did not take Olatunji’s plea, ordered that Olatunji he should be remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre. Kayode then adjourned the case to March 8 for mention. Olatunji, 45, is facing a two-count charge of unlawful sexual intercourse and procuring an abortion. Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Kehinde Olatunde told the court that the defendant committed the offences in August 2021, at Royal World Embassy Church, Ipaja. Olatunde alleged that the defendant had sexual intercourse with the girl in the Church’s store, which resulted in the pregnancy. He said that when the defendant found out, he give the girl a drug to terminate the pregnancy. Olatunde said that the girl’s parents reported the case to the police and the defendant was arrested. He said the offences contravened Sections 137 and 145(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.   (NAN)

8 persons killed in Imo community

  Eight persons have been reportedly shot dead in Mmahu Egbema community, headquarters of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. Reports says the lone bandit who had escaped from the Imo Correctional Centre stormed the community from a nearby bush and started shooting which resulted in killing people. Confirming the incident, the President of Egbema Community, said the bandit who hails from the community, had since escaped from the prison and have been terrorizing the whole community leaving the people in fear. He said the community had invited the security operatives to the community to arrest him with the help of the youths but to no avail. The Youth President also confirmed that the bandit had killed three persons and ran into the bush to escape security operatives before the latest incident. The Imo state police command have confirmed the incident noting that investigations surrounding the killings has commenced.

2022 UTME/DE: JAMB Shifts Registration To February 19

  The Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) has postponed the commencement of the 2022/23 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) and Direct Entry(DE) registration exercise. The registration was earlier scheduled for Saturday, 12th to 19th 2022, however, JAMB has rescheduled the exercise to March 19 to 26, 2022. The Head, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin in a statement on Tuesday said the one-week postponement is to allow for more fine-tuning of the upgraded and more user-friendly procedures for candidates’ registration. He said the process, which will be concluded within the one-week extension period, is also aimed at accommodating feedback from candidates and other stakeholders alike. While noting that the Board is ever-ready to provide world-class services to Nigerians, he said the new and improved procedures for the 2022/23 UTME Registration would be made available on the Board’s website, its weekly bulletin as well as other media outlets on Monday, February 14, 2022. The candidates, according to him, are by this notice, urged to follow keenly the procedures for registration as would be announced by the Board.