By Sandra Umeh
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday sentenced a woman, Omolola Kayode, who trafficked in Marijuana, to one year imprisonment with an option of N100,000 fine.

The convict was also sent to a month community service.

Kayode, 30, arraigned  by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) before Justice Mohammed Kala on a count charge of drug trafficking, pleaded guilty.

Following her guilty plea, the court reviewed the facts of the case, with NDLEA counsel, Mr P. O. Ajoku, calling a staff of NDLEA, Mr Aliyu Mohammed Ogah, to present  evidence.

When asked by the judge  to confirm or deny the evidence as adduced by prosecution,  the defendant confirmed the facts.

The judge consequently found her guilty as charged.

Her counsel, Chief Lilian Omotunde, prayed the court to tamper justice with mercy.

She  told the court that the defendant was a first-time offender and a single parent with two children.

Omotunde added that the defendant did not waste the time of the court.

Kala, therefore, sentenced her to one year imprisonment with an option of N100,000 fine in addition to carrying out a month community service.

In the charge, the NDLEA accused Kayode  of committing the offence on May 21 at the Carnal area of Festac Town, Lagos State.

It said that the convict  and one other  person known as “commander”, now at large,  illegally dealt in 259g of Marijuana.

The offence contravenes  Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, 2004. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed Sept. 26 for arraignment of another two senior staff of Rural Electrification Agency (REA) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged N1.84 billion fraud.

The officials, who are being prosecuted separately are Aminat Asuni and Laure Abdullahi.

They were part of the five others already arraigned by the ICPC before sister courts.

Justice Nkeonye Maha fixed the date after ICPC’s counsel, Mrs P.N. Emeka, sought an adjournment to enable the commission serve the defendants with the charges.

When the two matters were called, Emeka informed the court that the defendants were evading arrest.

She, however, applied for an adjournment to enable her effect the service of the processes on Asuni and Abdullahi before the next adjourned date, and Justice Maha fixed Sept. 26 for the defendants to take their plea.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)!reports that the ICPC had filed two separate charges against Asuni and Abdullahi.

In the first charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/207/2024, the anti-corruption commission filed four-count charge dated May 8 and filed May 10 against Asuni, while Abdullahi was also preferred with four-count charge numbered: FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2024, and filed same day.

Asuni was alleged to have, sometime in March, 2023 or thereabout while being a public officer in the employment of REA Abuja and with intent to defraud the agency, received the sum of N336 million in different tranches through her Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account number: 0022457813 under the false pretence of project supervision.

While, Abdullahi was alleged to have, within the same period and with intent to defraud the agency, received N433 million in different tranches through her GTB account number: 0023343114 under the false pretence of project supervision.

The act was said to have contributed to economic adversity of REA.

The offence is contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, among others.

The two officials were being charged for diverting the N336 million and N433 million belonging to the agency.

NAN reports that the money formed part of the N1.84 billion allegedly misappropriated by seven top officials of REA, including Abubakar Sambo, Director of Finance and Account of the agency.

Other staff members under prosecution are Henrrientta Onomen Okojie, Usman Kwakwa, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye.

They were alleged to have conspired to divert the funds for personal use.

President Bola Tinubu had, on March 7, suspended Mr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA indefinitely, alongside three executive directors of the agency.

President Tinubu appointed Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu as the MD and CEO to replace Ahmad.

The suspension followed an investigation into the financial activities of REA.

According to Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity, the conduct of the aforementioned officials was probed over misappropriation of N1.2 billion over the past two years, some of which had already been recovered by anti-graft agencies.

However, investigations by ICPC, weeks after Ahmad’s suspension, revealed that he had no link with the allegations.

Against this backdrop, the anti-corruption commission filed different separates charges against Sambo, Okojie, Asuni, Abdullahi, Kwakwa, Pada and Karaye before Justices Emeka Nwite, Bolaji Olajuwon and Maha of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

While Sambo had been arraigned before Justice Olajuwon; Okojie, Kwakwa, Pada and Karaye were arraigned before Justice Nwite; and Asuni and Abdullahi’s matters are before Justice Maha..(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Prof. Osita Agbu

By Taiye Agbaje

A Don, Prof. Osita Agbu, has urged the Federal Government to revitalise the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited to boost the country’s economy through industrialisation.

Agbu, of the the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Baze University, Abuja, gave the advice while delivering inaugural lecture at the institution in Abuja.

The lecturer, who spoke on “Technology and International Relations: Backward and Forward Linkages In Steel Development and Nigeria’s Foreign Relations”, said “we cannot make progress if we don’t embrace science and technology.

“And in Africa, where issues of primordialism and spiritualism hold sway, it is high time the country directs attention to bringing the company back to life.

“Look at other countries of the world that have industrialised and made progress, you see that there is a whole lot of attention on scientific issues that you don’t have to be living in the past.

“Yes, you can preserve your culture but you need to embrace the present and move into the future.”

Agbu said it was against this backdrop that he researched on the topic of his presentation because almost everything of that can make a country to develop or make a person to improve civilisation comes from the use of iron and steel.

“And that is why I took us back to the various industrial revolutions we had, up to the 5th Industrial Revolution, to show the importance of iron and steel industry in the development of mankind and the things we use.

“That is why I focused on what we have on the ground; the Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Industry.”

“What are its various constraints and problems right from Inception, the cold war politics around it, the coming of the company from the Soviet Union and what we have been able to achieve.

“I have been monitoring that project for three decades, and without it coming onstream, we cannot lay the foundation for industrialisation in Nigeria.

“Yes, there are mini steel companies but they are just a few and cannot even satisfy domestic market, not to talk of exportation.”

He, therefore, stressed the need for the country to take drastic measures to have control over the production of iron and steel.

“If we can do that and allow this to seep into other sectors of our economy, you will see what will happen to our economy .

“People will be engaged, people will be able to produce, the country will have greater influence among the comity of nations.”

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kathleen Okafor, in an interview, enumerated some of the takeaways from the lecture.

She said “this is telling us to disabuse our minds of political considerations when we are positioning investment institutions.

“We should also be concerned with short and long term benefits to the country.

“We should be aware of the presence of neocolonialism, where the super powers are not relenting in recolonising us in one way or the other, not recolonising us as a country geographically, but our minds.”

Okafor said that issues of corruption that had stalled development should be tackled.

She stressed the need for government to pursue development with a passion and aggression, saying “in terms of technology, we need to upscale, we need people with integrity and those who are prepared to be heroes for industrialisation.

“It is not only about the leaders, but individuals are needed who have the right minds to champion development. Education or research alone can’t take us there.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

TOA/SH

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ebere Agozie

The Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, has supported stakeholders’ calls for the establishment of Restorative Justice Centres in the country.

Jedy-Agba said this at the Validation Session of Restorative Justice Documents; the Policy, Bill, Practice Direction, and Training Manual on Thursday in Abuja.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Justice and sponsored by UNODC.

“These centres will run as forms of alternative dispute resolution and will be deployed as tools for decongesting many of the less serious cases in the docket of the courts.

“This will invariably decrease the overcrowded correctional centres.

“It is proposed that the centres will receive referrals from the police, courts and prosecutors to settle some criminal matters amicably.’’

She called for support for government policies towards reforming the criminal justice system, through restorative justice mechanisms.

“The criminal justice system faces tremendous challenges, ranging from recidivism, prolonged duration for trials, overcrowded custodial centres and the failure of punishment for offences to meet with standards of justice for the victims and survivors of crime.

“These challenges are addressed through restorative justice mechanisms, with the overall objective of improving the criminal justice system.”

She explained that restorative justice is an evolving approach to justice that seeks to repair harm by providing an opportunity for those harmed and the perpetrators to communicate and address needs in the aftermath of a crime.

“It gives offenders an opportunity to make amends and to try to correct some of their wrongs and hurt which they may have caused to their victims.

“It is also an innovative approach that has been known to reduce re-offending rates by making the offenders face the consequences of their action.’’

She noted that while the traditional criminal justice process solely focuses on punishment for the offender, restorative justice focuses on victims and survivors who have been harmed by the conduct of the offender.

“Victims are empowered to participate more fully than in the traditional system, and the community also has an important role to play by establishing standards of conduct and helping to provide support to the parties involved.

“I hope that the validation and eventual passage of these legal and regulatory frameworks will serve as model to be adopted by the states’’.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun,
added that as a way of building a more inclusive justice system, police will champion adoption of the restorative system.

“As we review and validate these documents, I urge us to prioritise a justice system that encourages re-integration, the police is committed to work with all stakeholders.

“The concept holds immense potential for nation legal frame work. It encompasses policy, practice direction and training manual of restorative justice.

Mrs Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director of Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, noted that the ultimate goal is to have a justice system that not only punishes offenders but also heals communities and restores relationships.

“The purpose is not merely a formality but a testament to our dedication to reforming our justice system to better serve our people.

“Restorative Justice represents a paradigm shift from the traditional punitive approach to one that emphasizes healing, rehabilitation, and reconciliation.

“It is relevant now more than ever as we face the challenges of recidivism, overcrowded correctional facilities, and lengthy prosecution processes’’.

Ms Muchaneta Mundopa, a representative of UNODC, said that the documents emphasise Nigeria’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

“UNODC believes that restorative justice can play a crucial role in achieving this goal by addressing the underlying causes of conflict and promoting a culture of dialogue and understanding within communities.

“We recognise that adopting these documents is the first step in establishing a criminal justice system that provides an opportunity to all affected parties.

“However, the true impact will be experienced through the implementation phase of restorative justice,’’ she added.

She said that in line with the newly revised 2030 Strategic Vision for Nigeria, UNODC is proud and remains steadfastly committed to supporting Nigeria in this transformative journey. (NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ebere Agozie

Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation says access to justice is the bedrock for trust in legal institutions.

Jeddy-Agba said this while delivering a keynote address during the citizens engagement event tagged “Access to Justice” on Wednesday in Abuja.

She was represented by Mrs Victoria Ojogbane, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the ministry.

She said the second quarter stakeholders’ engagement provides a unique and powerful platform to ensure that justice system is accessible.

“Access to justice is the bedrock upon which trust in the legal institutions is built.

“It is a fundamental right that must be upheld and protected as a cornerstone of a just, fair and equitable society.

“It is also a critical pillar of democracy that ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status have the opportunity to seek redress and the protection of their rights.’’

She noted that the quarterly citizens and stakeholders engagement session was one of the 12 ministerial deliverables of President Bola Tinubu that aligned with the mandate of the ministry.

“This deliverable is to communicate government’s activities to citizens and also serve as a feedback mechanism to government,’’ she added.

Mrs Ndidi Ezinwa-Ukoha from the Legal Aid Council identified paucity of fund as a challenge citizens face in accessing justice, stressing that there is the need to address it.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was a breakout group discussion by participants which culminated into a robust interface and provision of solutions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Taiye Agbaje

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday, arraigned Abubakar Sambo, Director of Finance and Account of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) over alleged N1.84 billion fraud.

Sambo was arraigned before Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court, Abuja on three-count charge for allegedly diverting the funds to personal accounts.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts and ICPC’s counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, prayed the court for a trial date.

But Sambo’s lawyer, Isiaka Dikko, SAN, informed the court of the defendant’s bail application which had already been filed.

Since Akponimisingha did not oppose the bail plea, Justice Olajuwon admitted Sambo to a N200 million bail with two sureties in the like sum.

The judge held that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court with original certificates of occupancy (CofO) which must be deposited with the deputy chief registrar of the court.

She equally ordered that sureties to provide affidavits of their tax clearance in the last three years with a passport photograph each.

Justice Olajuwon adjourned the matter until Oct. 17 for trial commencement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-corruption commission had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/209/2024, sued Abubakar Abdullahi Sambo as sole defendant.

In the charge dated May 8 but filed May 10 by Akponimisingha, an Assistant Chief Legal Officer in the commission, the ICPC alleged that Sambo sometime in March 2023 or thereabout while being the Payment Finalizer on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform of REA did finalise the payment of the totai sum of N1.84 billion (N1,835,000,000.00).

It alleged that the funds were done in different tranches for the use of Henrrientta Onomen Okojie, Asuni Adejoke Aminat, Usman Kwakwa, Laure Shehu Abduilahi, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approval, thereby contributing to the economic adversity of the REA.

The commission said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 68 of the Public Enterprise Regulatory Commission Act, CAP. P39, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

In count two, Sambo was accused to have used his access password to access the REA’s GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of the sum of N1.84 billion in different tranches for the use of Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without authority.

The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 6(4) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015.

In count three, Sambo was alleged to have conferred corrupt advantage on Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye when he used his access password to access the REA’s GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of N1.84 billion in different tranches for their use for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approvals.

The ICPC said the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

NAN reports that Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court had earlier ordered the remand of Karaye, Titus and Okojie after they were arraigned by the ICPC on separate four-count charge preferred against them.

While Karaye and Titus were arraigned before Justice Nwite on June 13, Okojie was arraigned on June 14.

However, the fourth official, Usman Ahmed Kwakwa, who was arraigned alongside on June 13, also on separate criminal charge before the judge, was granted N50 million bail on same day.

Meanwhile, after the arraignment of Karaye, Titus and Okojie, Justice Nwite ordered for their remand and fixed today for the ruling on their bail applications.

Upon resumed hearing on Monday, Justice Nwite equally admitted the trio to a N50 million bail with sureties in the like sum.

The judge, who ordered that the first surety must be a landed property owner with original CofO within the jurisdiction of the court, directed that the documents should be deposited with the deputy chief registrar of the court.

He held that the second surety must be a responsible citizen and must sworn to an affidavit of means.

Nwite adjourned the matter until July 10 for trial.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/203/24 filed against Okojie, she was alleged to have in count one, sometime in March 2023 or thereabout, with intent to defraud the REA, received the sum of N342 million in different tranches through her Access Bank Account: 0009022275 under the false pretence of project supervision.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Taiye Agbaje

A musician, Maleke Moye has alleged injustice in the directive by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, for a take over of the ongoing trial of MTN Nigeria and its CEO, over alleged copyright Infringement.

The musician said that the minister’s directive for the prosecuting agency, Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), to hands off the trial and forward the case file to his (AGF) office portends impending dangerous precedence.

Moye’s position is contained in a press release issued by his lawyer, Rockson Igelige, which was made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

It will be recalled that NCC filed criminal charges against MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd, Karl Toriola, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nkeakam Abhulimen, Fun Mobile Ltd. and Yahaya Maibe alleging copyright infringement.

In the three-count charge, before a Federal High Court, Abuja, NCC alleged that the defendants, between 2010 and 2017 “offered for sale, sold and traded for business’’, infringed musical works of Moye without his consent and authorisation.

The commission alleged that the defendants used musical works and sound recordings of Moye with subsisting copyright, as Caller Ring Back Tunes, without the authorisation of the artiste.

According to NCC, the alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under Section 20 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

At the last hearing in the trial before Justice Inyang Ekwo on June 15, NCC prosecution lawyer, Gladys Ojo had accused MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Toriola, of evading service of court documents

However, in a letter dated June 19, referenced DPPA/JACK/271/24, the AGF, through the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, directed the NCC to “promptly” hands off the trial, forward the case file and court processes to his office.

According to the AGF, the decision was taken, following a petition by MTN Nigeria and its CEO, and in line with Section 174 (1) (b) of the1999 Constitution, relating to entry of “Nolle Prosecui” in a criminal matter.

The section provides: “The Attorney-General of the Federation shall have power – (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other authority or person.”

Section 174 (3) further provides that, “In exercising his powers, the Attorney-General of the Federation shall have regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process”.

In a copy of the petition by the MTN Nigeria to the AGF, dated May 14, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the company alleged that the charge was constituted to smear and embarrass MTN and its CEO.

MTN through its lawyer, Ogden Alade contended that the criminal charge was calculated to “harass embarrass and force the hands of its clients to do the bidding of the musician by paying hundreds of million of Naira for alleged act of infringement”

MTN said it complied with the provision of applicable laws in the musician songs and did not connive with any person to defraud or violate the right of the musician

The company added that it had indicated its goodwill and readiness to settle the case amicably under just and fair circumstances without undue pressure and influence, as well as prejudice to its rights and defence.

MTN said there is an ongoing civil suit on the alleged copyright infringement where the musician is seeking damages of N500 million, before another Federal High Court.

“The prosecution of the case and trial of MTN and its CEO will erode the corporate image of MTN and depletes its profitability, thereby affecting its share price in the Nigeria’s stock market and taxes payable to the Federal Government by the company.

“It will also discourage foreign investment for fear of harassment

“It is in the light of this, that we wish to crave the kind indulgence of your good office in critically examining this matter and exercising your powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution in the overall interest of justice and to prevent abuse of legal process,” the letter read in part.

Reacting to the decision of the AGF to the MTN petition, the musician alleged that the minister used his office ‘as a tool for oppression against an ordinary Nigerian”.

“While we concede that the AGF is empowered under the law as the Chief Law Officer, to discontinue any criminal trial, we also know that the sacred trust vested in the AGF must not be abused.

“The responsibility of entering a ‘nolle prosequi’ must actually be exercised justifiably.

“Sadly in this instance, there is no justification, whatsoever, for the AGF to thwart the prosecution of MTN.

“The case, indeed, serves the crucial purpose of giving justice to Mr Moye who has expended time resources and energy to create a work of art which MTN and its cronies have willfully stolen and appropriated the income to themselves,” Moye’s lawyer said.

He called on the AGF to allow justice to take its course and direct MTN to present its case in court.

According to him, doing otherwise would suggest that the AGF did not trust the Federal High Court, where the matter is pending, to do justice in the case. (NAN) (www nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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By Ngozi Njoku

The Lagos State Government on Thursday arraigned a former employee of Punch Nigeria Ltd., Olusegun Ogunbanjo, charged with N998 million stationary fraud.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogunbanjo, whose residential address was not provided, was arraigned on eight counts bordering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit obtaining under false pretence, stealing and forgery.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his not guilty plea, the state Counsel, Mrs Qawiat Shomade, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed that the defendant be remanded in prison, pending the hearing and the determination of his bail application.

The Defence Counsel, Mr T.E. Okeke, informed the court that he was appearing for the first time in the matter and that he needed ample time to file the bail application.

Okeke pleaded with the court for a closer date for him to file and move the bail application on behalf of his client.

“My lord, I plead for a closer date to tender an application to grant the defendant bail,” he said.

Justice Ismail Ijelu, thereafter, remanded the defendant in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

Ijelu told the defence that the court would have looked into the bail application if it was ready.

“If you had your application, the court would have looked into it but while we wait for it, the defendant should be remanded at the correctional facility,” he said.

The judge adjourned the case until Oct.16 for commencement of trial.

Earlier, the prosecution told the court that the defendant with others still at large allegedly committed the offences between January 2017 and December 2022 in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The prosecution submitted one of the court count that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N417 million from one Mr Durodola Balogun on the pretext that he was going to use the money to purchase stationaries and supplies for financing Local Purchase Order from Punch Nigeria Ltd.

The prosecutor also alleged the defendant fraudulently collected N581 million from one Mr Olusola lkuyajesin under the guise of purchasing stationaries and supplies for financing Local Purchase Order from Punch Nigeria Ltd.

The state counsel told the court that the defendant allegedly stole and converted the sum of $5,000, property of lkuyajesin to his personal use.

The prosecution also alleged that the defendant forged Punch Local Purchase Orders.

According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences violate Sections 411 (2) 314, 285, 287 and 365 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (2015). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma