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Odiong, US-based Nigerian priest gets $5.5m bail in sexual assault charges

Published

4 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Anthony Odiong

Odiong, US-based Nigerian priest gets $5.5m bail in sexual assault charges

US-based Nigerian Catholic priest, Fr. Anthony Odiong, who is facing criminal charges for allegedly abusing his position of authority within the church to pursue sex with vulnerable women, has been granted a $5.5 million bail.

Odiong was granted bail at a bail hearing on Tuesday in Waco, Texas, United States.

Odiong requested a reduction in the $5.5 million bail on which he is being held in custody, but a judge denied the request after prosecutors established that Odiong had communicated plans to flee to his native Nigeria if he was released.

Odiong, 55, is charged with five counts of sexual assault in the first degree and two more in the second degree in connection with three other women.

DeLange stated that he had confirmed nine purported Odiong victims in the United States and abroad, with two more identified as recently as Tuesday morning.

DeLange testified under oath in a two-hour hearing that Odiong was constructing a luxurious home in his native Nigeria to which he could flee if he were to be granted bail.

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Many of the priest’s past congregants packed the courtroom gallery on Tuesday, with many confirming they could help the priest meet his bail requirements.

Some of his followers confirmed their aid for him was indeed not forced, testifying on Tuesday that they would be able and willing to contribute up to $25,000 to cover their priest’s bond.

According to DeLange, the priest sees himself as above the Catholic hierarchy and has managed to raise substantial funds directly from his congregants through claims of healing and spiritual guidance.

Prosecutors asked the detective if he was forcing his followers to donate to his defense. DeLange said it wasn’t forced but did describe the situation as “an abuse of faith.”.

“He is a dear friend of myself and my family,” said Rose Ann Vanek, who testified she would assist Odiong financially if he were to be released. While she testified, she grinned at the priest, who smiled and nodded back. “Thank you, father,” she said. “We love father.”

He could face life in prison if convicted on any of the first-degree counts.

Odiong, US-based Nigerian priest gets $5.5m bail in sexual assault charges

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NAFDAC seizes ₦300m worth of counterfeit drugs in Lagos

Published

2 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Trends Admin

NAFDAC Seizes ₦300m Worth of Counterfeit Drugs in Lagos

NAFDAC seizes ₦300m worth of counterfeit drugs in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered counterfeit medicines worth ₦300m during a raid at Tyre Village within the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, NAFDAC revealed that the operation led to the confiscation of fake pharmaceuticals, including Amoxicillin 500 mg, Ampicloxa capsules 500 mg, and packaging materials for Augmentin capsules 625 mg.

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“These counterfeit medicines pose serious health risks, such as treatment failure, organ damage, and potential carcinogenic effects due to their unknown compositions,” the statement warned.

The facility has been sealed, and a suspect linked to the illegal operation has been invited for questioning as investigations continue.

NAFDAC seizes ₦300m worth of counterfeit drugs in Lagos

metro

Lagos seals churches, hotels, others over noise pollution + [Pictures]

Published

3 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Lagos seals churches, hotels, others over noise pollution + [Pictures]

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has sealed off several establishments, including churches, hotels, bars, and other businesses, for failing to comply with the state’s environmental laws.

The operation which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, was part of ongoing efforts to address noise pollution and other environmental violations across Lagos.

LASEPA confirmed this in a statement on its verified X handle on Thursday.

It said the establishments were found guilty of breaching environmental regulations despite multiple warnings from LASEPA.

The statement said, “In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) sealed several establishments across the state.

“The enforcement operation, which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, underscores LASEPA’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

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“The sealed establishments include: Daily Bakery, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gak Universal Allied Limited, Ideal Standard, Franjane Royal Suites, Golden Haven Resort & Suites, Festival Hotel Conference Centre & SPA, FS Service Centre, Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall.”

The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for violations that threaten public health and community harmony.

“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility,” Ajayi stated.

“As a government agency, we are dedicated to enforcing all necessary measures to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

“Noise pollution, improper siting of hazardous facilities, and other infractions significantly impact public health and quality of life. We urge businesses and individuals to prioritise compliance and adopt sustainable practices,” he added.

Dr. Ajayi also urged Lagos residents to report environmental violations through LASEPA’s official channels, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect the environment.

Lagos seals churches, hotels, others over noise pollution + [Pictures]

metro

Apologise publicly to Endbadgovernance protesters, Amnesty Int’l tells FG

Published

3 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Apologise publicly to Endbadgovernance protesters, Amnesty Int’l tells FG

Amnesty International wants the federal government to publicly apologise to all protesters who were killed, injured or traumatised by security agents during the August 1–10 #EndBadGovernance protests.

A briefing published by the global organisation focused on human rights on Thursday stated that at least 24 protesters were killed and 1,200 were arrested during the nationwide August protest.

The 24 recorded killings occurred in Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Niger, Borno and Kaduna states. 12 people were killed in Kano, three in Jigawa, one in Katsina, three in Niger, three in Borno and two in Kaduna.

The briefing also revealed that the deceased were aged between 5 and 63.

“In all cases, the victims were shot by the police, firing live ammunition at close range often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill. Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas,” Amnesty International stated.

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According to the organisation, the killing and arrest of protesters by the Nigerian authorities as well as the brutality meted out to them reflect the failure to respect and facilitate the right to freedom of expression.

Amnesty International also asked the government to “drop all charges against protesters solely for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and unconditionally release those facing such charges”.

Some of the other demands to the government include granting detainees access to lawyers of their choice, families and independent medical care; the immediate release of those detained solely for peacefully exercising their human rights during the hunger protests; ensuring that detainees are tried under international standards for fair trials; and developing more robust engagement between the youths and the government.

Provide specific training for law enforcement officials on crowd facilitation during protests

In its recommendations to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Amnesty International called for the training of officers on crowd facilitation and management during protests and international human rights standards.

The group also recommended the implementation of ammunition registration, control system and communications records system to monitor operational orders; promotion of visible markings to identify officers who participate in public law enforcement operations; promotion of opportunities for dialogue with protest organisers and the establishment of administrative sanctions for law enforcement personnel involved in abuses or acts of violence.