I was not detained in police cell, says embattled Chief Magistrate – Newstrends
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I was not detained in police cell, says embattled Chief Magistrate

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A Lagos Chief Magistrate, Mushin Court 1, Mrs. Matepu yesterday denied being detained at Area D Command, Mushin.

Mrs. Matepu stated this in a virtual statement issued to give clarification on the face-off she had with the Area Commander, Aliko Dankoli, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)

The incident between them happened last Monday when she went on a routine check of suspects in the cell, based on Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) to decongest the police cells.

The Chief Magistrate who admitted that “something happened”, explained that what happened was “not as bad as it was narrated” in online and newspaper publications.

She stated: “I just want everybody to know that, yes, something happened but not as bad as it was narrated.

“I went on a Police visit to Mushin and the Area Commander insisted that I should seek his approval or get his approval before I can interrogate the suspects in the cells.

“I insisted it shouldn’t have gone that way and I put it to him that that is the way I do my job. So, I stood my ground and insisted that I must complete my job and that it is his officers that must report to him after I had finished my job.

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“I said that if there is any basis or any need to see him that is when I would see him. I am not supposed to see him first.

“Though, he agitated and started complaining.

“Immediately, the second day, I came to the High Court to report the issue to Mr. Fadeyi who called him out to order.

“He warned him and told him he was going to make arrangements for him to apologise.

“So that was the situation before the news that went viral about th? situation. There was no arrest or detention.

“Mrs. Matepu is fine and everything was ìn order. I think th? High court is taking proper steps on the issue”, she stated.

The Lagos State Police Command in its reaction to the development stated that there was no truth in the report by online publications that the Chief Magistrate was detained in the cell at Area D Command.

The statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Ikeja, Benjamin Hundeyi,  stated in part: “At no time did the Area Commander detain or attempt to detain the magistrate, who was at the Area Command for Cell Inspection exercise. The Police will never engage in such disrespect to the Judiciary.

“The writer referring to a serving magistrate as ‘the innocent woman’ says a lot about his objectivity/bias and contrived efforts at sensationalism.

Also, it is suspicious that the writer could not provide the name of the magistrate, who is a public officer. It is equally suspicious that the writer made no attempt to contact the judiciary to verify the purported detention.

“The Lagos State Police Command did the needful and contacted the judiciary. The Lagos State Judiciary confirmed that there was no such thing and neither was the magistrate prevented from carrying out her Cell Inspection exercise.

“We hereby state it unequivocally that any attempt to cause disaffection between the Police and the Judiciary will be fiercely resisted.

“We remain worthy partners in the justice sector.

The Lagos State Police Command urged Lagosians to disregard the story “as officers and men under the stewardship of CP Abiodun Alabi, will continue to be professional and uphold the rule of law at all times.”

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Bandits kill nine civilian JTF members, kidnap three in Sokoto

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4 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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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

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IPOB declares sit-at-home May 30 to honour Biafra heroes

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5 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB

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

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Court sends tenant to prison for setting landlord’s house on fire

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5 hours ago

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May 2, 2024

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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

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