metro
Updated: Court denies Baba Ijesha bail as sexual assault trial begins
A magistrate court sitting in Lagos has denied Nigerian actor, Baba Ijesha, bail in the ongoing trial of alleged sexual assault.
The actor was arrested and detained by the state police after he was alleged to have sexually molested a minor at seven and 14.
He was later granted bail on May 17 — after spending about 25 days in police detention — by magistrates in charge of prison decongestion. But he has remained in police custody despite the bail.
During his trial on Wednesday, Kayode Olabiran, counsel to Baba Ijesha, prayed the court to release his client, citing his deteriorating health.
He said the controversial nature of the case had made it difficult to secure his release despite his bail as intending sureties were scared of the likely consequences.
But in his ruling, the judge, P. E Nwaka, held that the court could not grant the actor bail because the matter was beyond its jurisdiction.
The judge also explained that the case has already been filed before the high court.
The superintendent of police in charge of the case, Yetunde Cardoso, said the matter was now beyond the police.
“Mr Olanrewaju was actually granted bail during the JUSUN strike and based on the conditions given, he couldn’t meet them and he was properly charged today (Wednesday),” she said.
“Just like the court stated, the case has already been filed before the high court and the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) of Lagos State Ministry of Justice has taken over the matter from the police.
“So presently, we have handed over to the DPP so the case is before them (DPP). It has nothing to do with the police anymore, it’s now left for the DPP to handle it.”
Baba Ijesha was brought to court in company with his colleague, Yomi Fabiyi, and other supporters for the sexual assault case against him.
One of his counsels, Adesina Ogunlana, had said the actor was granted bail by a magistrate but alleged that officials of the Lagos Police Command demanded a N500,000 bribe to get the actor released despite the court order.
The industrial action by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria had stalled the case before now.
Fabiyi, speaking with reporters, said, “I am in court because I believe in the rule of law and I have right to come to the court and observe the case.
“I want to see how the court (hearing) will go because there are so many lacunas, so many things that should have been done. I want to see how the rule of law and justice is being served.”
metro
Bandits kill nine civilian JTF members, kidnap three in Sokoto
Bandits kill nine civilian JTF members, kidnap three in Sokoto
At least nine Civilian Joint Task Force members fighting bandits in Sokoto State have been reportedly killed in an ambush, while an unspecified number sustained varying degrees of injury.
It was gathered that three CJTF members were also taken away by the bandits.
A source told our correspondent that the incident occurred last Sunday in Isa Local Government Area of the state.
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The CJTF source added that Isa LGA is a stronghold of bandits and very dangerous for security operatives.
“We lost nine members in an ambush in Isa LGA, many others were wounded and three others were abducted in the attack after our members received a distress call to support security operatives.
“We received the sad news two days ago. Since the beginning of this year, when we were asked by the state government to deploy our members to support the troops in the fight against banditry in the North-West.”
Recall that this was the second time bandits would ambush CJTF men in Sokoto State in two months.
Bandits kill nine civilian JTF members, kidnap three in Sokoto
metro
IPOB declares sit-at-home May 30 to honour Biafra heroes
IPOB declares sit-at-home May 30 to honour Biafra heroes
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared Thursday May 30 as sit-at-home day in South East to honour those who fought in the civil war.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, said: “The sit-at-home is an annual event held on May 30th to remember the men and women who died during the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970.
“IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi OkwuChukwu Kanu, urged all Biafrans, friends of Biafra, and residents in Biafra Land to observe the sit-at-home and reflect on the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes.
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“All schools, government offices, private offices, banks, transport unions, market unions, and private individuals are expected to shut down operations on May 30th, except for medical personnel and emergency workers.”
IPOB also called on Christians and traditional worshipers to use the day to pray for the fallen heroes and for Biafra’s independence from Nigeria.
The group warned residents to avoid loitering and stay indoors from 6 am to 6 pm to avoid any confrontation with security forces.
“IPOB members in diaspora are encouraged to organize peaceful rallies and seminars to raise awareness about the Biafran struggle and the ongoing genocide against the Biafran people.
By honoring the heroes and heroines of the Biafran struggle, IPOB hopes to keep their memory alive and continue the fight for Biafra’s freedom and independence, ” the statement added.
IPOB declares sit-at-home May 30 to honour Biafra heroes
metro
Court sends tenant to prison for setting landlord’s house on fire
Court sends tenant to prison for setting landlord’s house on fire
One Dickson Peter has been remanded in a correctional facility for allegedly setting his landlord’s house on fire.
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, ordered the remand of the accused on Thursday.
According to NAN, the police charged 35-year-old peter with two counts of felony and arson.
The Magistrate, Mr M. Mudashiru, who did not take the defendant’s plea due to want in jurisdiction, ordered that he should be remanded in Abolongo Correctional facility, Oyo Town.
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Mudashiru said the remand is pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP.
He adjourned the matter until July 23, for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Femi Oluwadare informed the court that Peter on April 18, at about 12:30a.m, was alleged to have unlawfully set fire to the House of his Landlord, Cepas Okeme and destroyed properties worth N6.5 million.
Oluwadare said after he set the building on fire, it also spread to the next property belonging to Bose Ali ‘ F’ and also destroyed property worth N3.5 million.
He said the offence contravened the provisions of section 443 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000
Court sends tenant to prison for setting landlord’s house on fire
Bandits kill nine civilian JTF members, kidnap three in Sokoto
Yahaya Bello govt spending third term in office through Ododo – Clark
IPOB declares sit-at-home May 30 to honour Biafra heroes
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