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Three sentenced to death by hanging in Ekiti for armed robbery
Three sentenced to death by hanging in Ekiti for armed robbery
An Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, has sentenced three individuals to death by hanging for armed robbery.
The convicts—Alexander Solomon (29), Desmond Peter (29), and Eric Tile (30)—were found guilty on charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
A fourth defendant, Promise Shie (27), was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crimes.
The convicts were arraigned on four charges, including conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms, in violation of Sections 6(b), 1(2), and 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. Rll, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The charges read, “That Alexander Solomon, Desmond Peter, Eric Tile and Promise Shie on 7th July 2022 along Ilumoba-Aisegba Ekiti Road, Aisegba Ekiti did conspire to commit armed robbery and unlawfully possessed firearms, to wit Beretta pistol.
“The defendants, while armed with guns, robbed Okey Jude and Jayeoba Ayobami of their belongings such as laptops, phones and N540,000 cash among others.”
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In his statement to the police, Jude said they were drivers and representatives of a marketing company.
He said, “We left Ado Ekiti for the Akoko area of Ondo State at about 3 pm after the day’s sales. We were stopped between Ilumoba and Aisegba Ekiti by the defendants.
“Initially, we thought they were vigilante members enforcing COVID-19 rules, but at gunpoint, they asked us to lay face down, they searched the vehicle and carted away all our phones, laptops, N540,000 cash and other things I could not remember.
“We narrated our ordeal to O’dua Peoples Congress members that we met at a roadblock, while we were with them, the robbers drove past, and the OPC members gave them a chase while we went to the nearest police station to make a formal complaint.”
The prosecutor, Gbemiga Adaramola, called four witnesses and tendered two guns, phones, laptops, cutlasses, axes, and facemasks among others as exhibits.
The defendants, who spoke in their defence through their respective lawyers, called no witnesses.
In the judgment, Justice Bamidele Omotoso said, “I hold that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt the offence of conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms against the first, second and third defendants.
“Consequently, for the offence of armed robbery, they are all sentenced to death by hanging, may the Lord have mercy on your souls.”
Justice Omotoso, who said the prosecution failed to establish any of the offences against the fourth defendant (Promise Shie), pronounced, “He is accordingly discharged and acquitted.”
Three sentenced to death by hanging in Ekiti for armed robbery
Punch
metro
Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully apprehended 19 individuals attempting to stow away on Europe-bound vessels.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the ship’s Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed that 15 stowaways were intercepted on Dec. 19 aboard the European-bound Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY. Another four were caught on Dec. 21 aboard MT MCC YANBU.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe,” Ibrahim stated.
The Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT), operating from ATLAS COVE and using the Falcon Eye Alignment under the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, facilitated the interception of the 15 individuals near the Lagos fairway buoy.
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Ibrahim further explained that credible intelligence led to the interception of the additional four stowaways by Navy personnel deployed on escort duties aboard the vessel.
“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” he added.
The first group of 15 individuals has been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining four suspects will also be transferred in due course.
“The presence of stowaways poses serious security threats to maritime operations, including risks of smuggling, piracy, drug and human trafficking, among other maritime crimes,” Ibrahim noted.
He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT will continue maintaining security along Lagos waterways and surrounding creeks to support safe maritime activities and economic growth.
Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
metro
Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected members of Ambazonian rebels in Taraba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia is a rebel group operating in neighbouring Cameroon Republic.
A statement on Saturday in Jalingo by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the suspects were arrested at a hotel in Takum town.
The statement said that acting on credible intelligence, the suspects were tracked and apprehended.
According to the statement, during initial interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of the rebel group involved in arms proliferation in exchange for cocoa with their Nigerian collaborators.
It said that four mobile handsets were recovered from the suspects now in detention undergoing further investigation.
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The statement also said that in another operation following actionable intelligence, troops deployed at Natilde community in Bantaji District of Wukari Local Government Area intercepted a truck with registration number WKR 66 BB, transporting 19 pieces of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
It said that further collaborative efforts with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 pipes, bringing the total to 30.
“The recovered items have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and necessary action.
“The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure.
“We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance our collective efforts in maintaining peace and security,” the statement added.
Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
(NAN)
metro
NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to the public, reiterating that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is entirely free of charge. The Commission emphasized that it neither charges nor authorizes its staff or Front End Partners (FEPs) to demand payment for NIN registration.
In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for extortion and pledged to take decisive action against offenders. To ensure compliance, the Commission has directed security agencies to identify and prosecute any staff or FEPs involved in such illegal activities.
“Anyone caught engaging in extortion will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the law, including the withdrawal of licenses for culpable FEPs,” the statement read.
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NIMC also urged the public to report any cases of extortion. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or by calling 0700-2255-646. The Commission assured Nigerians that all reports would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to address any violations.
Reaffirming its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery, NIMC pledged to provide seamless and hassle-free enrollment processes for all Nigerians. The Commission expressed its determination to eliminate corruption and protect citizens from exploitation during NIN registration.
This announcement is a clear signal of NIMC’s dedication to upholding integrity and ensuring that the NIN enrollment process remains accessible and free for all. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any attempts at extortion to help maintain the credibility of the system.
NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
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