metro

Pharmacist jailed for life over rape freed by appeal court

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2024

Dr. Abubakar Danraka, former Chief Pharmacist of the National Hospital, Abuja

Pharmacist jailed for life over rape freed by appeal court

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has discharged and acquitted a pharmacist, Abubakar Mustapha Danraka, earlier sentenced to life imprisonment by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory FCT upon conviction for rape.

A three-member panel of the appellate court, headed by Justice Joseph Oyewole faulted the findings and decision of the High Court of the FCT and proceeded to set it aside.

In the lead judgment, Justice Oyewole found among others, that the case was poorly investigated and that the prosecution failed to prove its case with credible evidence as required.

The judgment, delivered on July 15 was on the appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CR/1019/2023 filed by Danraka.

Danraka is described as the Special Adviser to the Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Development (NIPRD), Abuja

He was arraigned on April 5, 2022 on a one count charge of rape, marked: FCT/HC/CR/014/2022 brought against him by National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Danraka was, in the charge, alleged to have, between March 20 and 21, 2020 raped a 12-year-old male neighbour (names withheld) by intentionally penetrating the victim’s anus with his penis.

READ ALSO:

The prosecution alleged that the incident occurred at Spring Valley Estate, Airport Road, Abuja.

He denied the allegation by pleading not guilty, following which the prosecution called four witnesses during the trial, while the defendant called three witnesses, including himself.

In a judgment on September 18, 2023, Justice Asmau Akanbi-Yusuf accepted the case of the prosecution, convicted Danraka and sentenced him to life imprisonment, a decision he appealed at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Justice Oyewole, in the lead judgment of the Court of Appeal, held that the trial court was wrong to have admitted the victim’s extra judicial statement as part of the prosecution’s evidnce.

He also held that the prosecution was wrong not to have investigated the alibi raised by Danraka.

Justice Oyewole also faulted the medical doctor – Dr. Denni Richard Shettima of the Nation’s Hospital, Abuja – who examined the alleged victim, for not equally subjecting the defendant to medical scrutiny.

The judge added: “The only eye-witness to the commission of the said rape was the victim, who testified as PW2 (the victim) at the trial.

“His testimony failed to specifically state that he was raped or penetrated by the appellant.

“In convicting the appellant, however, the lower court relied on the extra-judicial statement of the same PW2 tendered through PW1 (the investigating police officer – IPO) by the prosecution.

“This was an error as the lower court failed to take cognizance of the clear provisions of sections 232 and 233 of the Evidence Act 2011.

“The said extra judicial statement of PW2 was inadmissible for the purposes for which the lower court admitted it and in relying on the said extra judicial statement for evidence to convict the appellant, the findings which emanated therefrom were not only perverse but had occasioned miscarriage of justice.

“As earlier stated, the extra-judicial statement of a witness is not to be tendered in evidence and used as additional evidence against the criminal defendant or accused person, it can only be used to resolve contradictions in the testimony of the witness.

“It follows therefore that a court cannot rely on inadmissible evidence to arrive at its decision.

“The medical doctor who examined PW2 testified as PW4 (the medical doctor) and his evidence was assessed by the lower court as providing needed corroboration for the content of exhibit C, the wrongfully admitted extra judicial statement of PW2.

“On his own, the said PW4 did not examine the appellant although he (the appellant) was readily available at the earliest opportunity.

“His (the medical doctor’s) testimony therefore did not link the appellant with the offence.

“Also, his testimony cannot be corroborated or provide corroboration for the wrongfully admitted exhibit C.

“The absence of legally admissible evidence of penetration by the appellant and the absence of any examination of the appellant by PW4 rendered the evidence of the said PW4 worthless before the court.

“The situation of the respondent was only further exacerbated by the failure to investigate the alibi of the appellant which was raised at the earliest opportunity as contained in exhibit B,” he said.

Justice Oyewole held that the evaluation of the issue of alibi of the appellant by the lower court and the method of investigation by the investigators created an unacceptable impression that the appellant did not enjoy a presumption of innocence under section 36 (5) of the Constitution and that he had the duty of proving his own innocence.

He added: “This must never happen in a criminal trial especially one where the appellant faced the punishment of life imprisonment.

“It is a constitutional imperative that investigators approach their task with an open mind which permits of the possibility that the person brought before them as the alleged offender may be innocent.

“That way every piece of Investigative lead would be adequately covered without any iota of bias.

“In line with the provisions of section 36 (5) of the Constitution that where doubts arise in the case presented by the prosecution then such doubts should be resolved in favour of the accused person or criminal defendant.

“The highlighted doubts in the case of the respondent herein must ensure to the benefit of the appellant.

“In totality, therefore, I find merit in this appeal and I hereby allow it.

“Consequently, the judgment of the lower court delivered in Suit No. FCT/HC/CR/014/2022 delivered on 18th September 2023 is hereby set aside.

“I equally set aside the conviction and sentence of the appellant and instead, the appellant is hereby discharged and acquitted,” Justice Oyewole said.

Justices Peter Obiorah and Okon Abang, who are members of the panel, also agreed with the lead judgment.

Pharmacist jailed for life over rape freed by appeal court

metro

Two Arrested for Smoking on Air Peace Flight from South Africa – Police

Published

6 minutes ago

July 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Two Arrested for Smoking on Air Peace Flight from South Africa – Police

The Lagos Airport Police Command has concluded plans to arraign two passengers accused of smoking and engaging in unruly conduct onboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, an incident that allegedly triggered the aircraft’s emergency smoke alarm and caused panic among passengers and crew. The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, identifying the suspects as 51-year-old Enaruna Prince Aghama and 43-year-old Tony Ajayi. According to the police, Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel handed the two men over to officers at the International Airport Police Division after the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, for investigation, setting the stage for what could be a landmark prosecution of aviation safety violations in Nigeria.

Preliminary findings indicated that the incident occurred at about 7:44 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while the aircraft was en route to Lagos. “Preliminary investigation revealed that at about 1944hrs on 9th July, 2026, while aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, the suspects lit and smoked cigarettes inside the aircraft, an action which activated the aircraft’s smoke detection and emergency alarm system, causing panic and anxiety among passengers and cabin crew,” the statement read. The activation of the smoke alarm forced the crew to investigate and take action to ensure the safety of all onboard, creating a tense atmosphere as passengers became aware of the potential threat.

READ ALSO:

Police further stated that investigators found the suspects were in possession of an alcoholic beverage and allegedly refused to cooperate with cabin crew members who attempted to enforce safety regulations. The statement added that the pair “became uncooperative and verbally aggressive when cabin crew members attempted to de-escalate the situation and enforce established safety regulations, thereby further disrupting the orderly conduct of the flight”. The suspects’ refusal to comply with crew instructions reportedly escalated the situation, requiring additional intervention from the flight crew to prevent further disruption.

The suspects were reportedly part of a group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid ongoing tensions over xenophobic attacks. Their conduct, however, has drawn sharp condemnation from aviation authorities, who have made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated regardless of the circumstances. Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, condemned the alleged actions of the passengers, describing them as a threat to aviation safety. “Any act capable of compromising aviation safety or disrupting the orderly operation of an aircraft is unacceptable,” she said, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities view such violations.

Olufunke added that the command “remains committed to the strict enforcement of aviation security laws and the protection of the lives of passengers, crew members, and all airport users”. She also appealed to air travellers to comply with lawful instructions issued by airline operators and aviation officials, stressing that “maintaining discipline and orderly conduct aboard aircraft is a shared responsibility essential to safe air travel”. The police said the suspects would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, with authorities signaling that a strong message would be sent to deter others from similar conduct in the future.

Two Arrested for Smoking on Air Peace Flight from South Africa – Police

metro

“I Just Learned I Filed for Divorce” – Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Breaks Silence

Published

14 minutes ago

July 10, 2026

Trends Admin

“I Just Learned I Filed for Divorce” – Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Breaks Silence

Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, wife of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has refuted reports alleging that she has initiated divorce proceedings against her husband, describing the claims as “entirely false” and “misinformation”. In a statement shared on her verified X account on Friday, Okwu-Kanu said she was compelled to respond following the circulation of what she described as false online reports claiming that she had filed for divorce. She wrote: “For the avoidance of doubt, I have not filed for divorce. The publication is entirely false and should be treated as misinformation”. Reacting to the rumours with a mixture of humour and dismissal, she posted on X: “Good conscious evening, my blessed Biafrans. I have just learned that I filed for Divorce while my husband is in prison”. The post, which included laughing emojis, appeared to mock the online reports that had claimed she filed for divorce following years of alleged infidelity, financial neglect, and family interference.

Okwu-Kanu lamented the spread of unverified stories about her family, saying it was disturbing that some individuals continued to circulate fabricated information without confirming the facts. According to her, such actions “undermine responsible journalism”. She also appealed to members of the public to obtain information concerning her only from her or through her authorised representatives, and expressed appreciation to those who reached out to verify the reports before sharing them. Her response has been widely shared across social media platforms, with many of her followers commending her for addressing the rumours directly and with dignity.

READ ALSO:

Nnamdi Kanu and Uchechi Okwu-Kanu were married in 2009. The IPOB leader is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Custodial Centre after being convicted on terrorism-related charges by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025. The court found him guilty on all seven counts, sentencing him to life imprisonment on five counts, 20 years on one count and five years on another, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. The conviction has attracted widespread attention both within Nigeria and internationally, with human rights groups and political figures expressing concerns about the trial and the conditions of his detention.

Kanu has since challenged the judgment, filing a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal on February 4, 2026, seeking to overturn both his conviction and sentence. The appeal, which contains 22 grounds, alleges fundamental legal errors and a miscarriage of justice. Among the grounds, Kanu contends that the trial court delivered judgment while a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the charge and his bail application remained pending, and that he was convicted under a law that had been repealed. The appeal process is ongoing, and legal observers are closely watching to see whether the appellate court will grant Kanu’s request for a new trial or uphold the lower court’s decision.

“I Just Learned I Filed for Divorce” – Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Breaks Silence

metro

NIS Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal Abroad

Published

29 minutes ago

July 10, 2026

Trends Admin

NIS Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal Abroad

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has released an updated step-by-step guide to help Nigerians living abroad renew their passports through its Contactless Passport Application System, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment. The Service announced the update on its official X account, encouraging eligible Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of the digital platform, which simplifies passport renewal and reduces administrative barriers. The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to digitise passport services, reduce processing delays, and improve access for Nigerians in the diaspora. Since its launch, the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System has successfully processed and issued over 15,000 passports to Nigerians abroad.

Application Process

According to the NIS, applicants are required to follow the steps below:

Visit the official NIS Passport Application portal
Click “Continue” from the pop-up window
Select “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue”
Create an account and verify identity using National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth
Complete the application form and choose the preferred Nigerian embassy or high commission for processing
Upload all required supporting documents
Pay the passport booklet fee
Obtain the Application ID and Reference Number
Select the “Contactless” option under the “Application Status/Book Appointment” section
Review the instructions and click “I Understand and Opt In”
Download the NIS Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
Sign in or create a profile on the app
Select “Passport Application Services” , then “Passport Biometrics Enrolment”
Enter the Application ID and Reference Number to check eligibility
If eligible, proceed with facial image capture, fingerprint enrolment, and liveness verification
Pay the contactless enrolment fee and submit biometric data electronically

READ ALSO:

Eligibility and Exceptions

The contactless option is not available to all applicants. The NIS clarified that applicants who are declared ineligible during verification will be required to return to the application portal and schedule a physical appointment at their chosen embassy or high commission. According to the Service, an “INELIGIBLE” response means the applicant must complete the remaining process in person at the designated diplomatic mission. Those eligible for contactless renewal include Nigerians between 18 and 60 years, applicants with not more than six months to the expiration of their current passports, and those applying for re-issuance of existing passports.

Supporting Documents Still Required

Applicants who successfully complete remote biometric enrolment must still send the required documents to their selected processing mission. These include the printed application form, passport booklet payment receipt, biometric enrolment payment receipt, current passport, and a self-addressed return envelope.

Application Tracking

The NIS added that applicants can begin tracking their passport applications two weeks after submission through the online tracking platform at https://track.immigration.gov.ng or via the NIS Mobile App.

Technical Support

The NIS has acknowledged recent technical challenges encountered by some Nigerians in the diaspora while using the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System, assuring the public that its technical team is actively working to resolve these issues. Applicants who do not receive their payment One-Time Password (OTP) are advised to check their spam folders. For further assistance, applicants can reach the NIS Support Team through the following channels:

In-App Chat: Select “Support” → “Chat with Us”
Email: support@immigration.gov.ng
X (Twitter): @nigimmigration
Instagram: @nigimmigration, @nis_response
Facebook: @nigimmigration, @nis-response
Contact Center Numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)