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Usifo Ataga: Illegible statements, inaudible audio stall Chidinma’s trial

Published

3 years ago

November 9, 2021

Michael Ataga and Chidinma Ojukwu

The trial of Chidinma Ojukwu a 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos, who allegedly murdered Super TV’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Ataga, before a Lagos State High Court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square TBS, was Tuesday, stalled due to illegible statements served on the defence counsel.

The defence counsel told the court that the statements contained in the proof of evidence served on them were all illegible and that the audio interviews of the defendants were also inaudible.

They stated that the defendants had a right to clearer statements and audible video interviews as it would enable them prepare their defence adequately.

In a short ruling Justice Yetunde Adesanya, directed the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, to provide clearer statements and audible copies of the interviews to all the defence counsel before the end of the day.

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Earlier, the DPP, Mrs Addyinka Adeyemi, announced her appearance for the prosecution, while Mr Onwuka Egbu, Mr Babatunde Busari and Mr A.O. Ogunsanya appeared for the first to third defendants, respectively.

Adeyemi told the court that she had two witnesses in court and was ready to commence trial, but Egwu informed the court that he had a pending application before the court that was ripe for hearing.

He said that in his application he was praying for more legible statements, as the ones contained in the proof of evidence the prosecution served him were illegible.

Counsel to the second defendant, Busari, also aligned himself with the submission of the first defence counsel and further complained that the video recordings of the interviews were not served on him.

The counsel to the third defendant, Ogunsanya, from the Office of the Public Defender OPD, told the court that the video interviews of the defendants that were served on him were not audible.

He aligned with previous submissions that the statements he was served were also not clear.

The defence counsel submitted that they needed all these documents to enable them prepare for the trial adequately.

Adeyemi told the court that she would send soft copies of all the proof of evidence to each defence counsel email before the end of the day.

The charges, accused

The three defendants were arraigned on October 12, on a nine-count charge preferred against them by the Lagos State Government.

The Lagos State government accused them of allegedly murdering the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Micheal Usifo Ataga.

In the charge, the defendants were alleged to have conspired amongst themselves and murdered Ataga on June 15, by stabbing him several times with a knife on his neck and chest.

The incident took place at 19, Adewale Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Chidinma Ojukwu and Adedapo Quadri are facing the first seven counts on the charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, stabbing, forgery, making of bank statements and stealing.

While the third defendant, who is the first defendant’s sister, Chioma Egbuchu, is facing the ninth count charge of stealing iPhone 7, phone, belonging to the late Ataga.

The duo were also accused of committing forgery by procuring and making bank account statements purported to have been made by the deceased.

They were also alleged to have forged a bank account statement of one Mary from June 1, an international passport and a driver’s license in Chidinma’s name.

In count eight, Chidinma was accused of stealing two mobiles, one laptop and ATM cards belonging to the late Usifo Ataga, from which N380,000 was subsequently withdrawn.

It was also alleged that on June 22, Chidinma’s sister, Chioma, was found in possession of a stolen phone, property of the late Usifo Ataga.

Meanwhile, Adesanya adjourned the matter to November, 11, 15, 16, 17, 26 and 30 for trial.

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Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi

Published

7 hours ago

December 31, 2024

Trends Admin

Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi

The Lagos State Government has removed traders operating on the rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi, following a viral video that raised concerns about public safety.

The announcement was made by Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, on Monday.

The clearance was done in collaboration with the Nigerian Army from the nearby Ikeja Cantonment.

Wahab’s statement read: “Following the viral video on social media, we’ve removed traders from the rail tracks at Bolade, opposite Arena Shopping Complex, in collaboration with Nigerian Army personnel from Ikeja Cantonment.”

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The viral video, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @dipoaina1 on December 28, depicted scenes of buying and selling taking place perilously close to the railway tracks.

The footage showed an NRC train on the Lagos-Ibadan rail track passing by as people continued their activities undeterred. The post highlighted the dangers posed by the lack of barriers, with @dipoaina1 suggesting the railway route be fenced with barbed wire to prevent such risky behavior.

The government’s swift response underscores its commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining order around critical infrastructure. This move also aligns with broader efforts to address safety challenges associated with urban rail transportation in Lagos. However, the incident highlights the need for sustained proactive measures rather than reactive actions to prevent future occurrences.

Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi

metro

Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year

Published

7 hours ago

December 31, 2024

Trends Admin

Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year

In less than 12 hours, countries around the world will be celebrating a New Year – 2025.

However, there are some countries that will not join in the celebration as their calendars differ from the rest of the worlds’.

Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan are four countries that won’t be celebrating New Year’s Day 2025.

Ethiopia is a land of ancient traditions and unique cultural identities, including its own calendar system. The Ethiopian calendar, based on the Coptic calendar, comprises 13 months—12 of which have 30 days, while the 13th month, Pagumē, has five or six days depending on the leap year.

The Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, falls on Meskerem 1, which corresponds to September 11 or 12 in the Gregorian calendar. Interestingly, Ethiopia is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, meaning that as the rest of the world enters 2025, Ethiopia will still be in 2017.

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Nepal embraces two traditional calendar systems—Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat—making it one of the most unique timekeeping cultures globally. Vikram Samvat, a lunisolar calendar, is the official calendar of Nepal and is approximately 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.

Additionally, the Nepal Sambat, a lunar calendar, is used by the Newar community and runs on its own timeline, adding another layer of distinction to the nation’s calendar traditions. The official New Year celebration in Nepal, called Bisket Jatra, typically falls in April. Hence, January 1 is not a significant date in Nepal.

Iran follows the Solar Hijri calendar, which is one of the most accurate solar calendars in the world. This system begins with the vernal equinox, marking the first day of spring. The Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz, falls around March 21 and is celebrated with elaborate customs and rituals that date back over 3,000 years.

For Iranians, January 1 is an ordinary winter day, with their focus firmly set on the arrival of spring and the renewal it symbolises.

Afghanistan also uses the Solar Hijri calendar, aligning its timekeeping closely with Iran. Similarly, Nowruz marks the New Year in Afghanistan, celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, and cultural events.

Afghanistan’s rich history and adherence to its traditional calendar reflect its cultural pride and resistance to adopting the Gregorian system, making it one of the few nations where January 1 holds no special significance.

Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year

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Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO

Published

7 hours ago

December 31, 2024

Trends Admin

Isaac Fayose

Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO

Social media was set abuzz on the cusp of the new year when Isaac Fayose, the entrepreneur and younger brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, claimed he had donated a staggering N50 million to the NGO of popular activist VeryDarkMan.

In a post that blended philanthropy with a touch of mischief, Fayose teased followers with the declaration, describing it as both a “prank” and a “blessing.”

However, the announcement didn’t land smoothly with everyone. While some praised Fayose’s generosity, others demanded proof of the hefty donation.

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“Show us the evidence,” a skeptical follower urged, echoing the sentiment of many. “Without proper investigation, it’s wrong to just believe such claims.”

The skepticism grew as other comments poured in. “Send a receipt, even if it’s fake, before we Ekiti people fall for this prank,” one user joked, while another humorously quipped, “Statement of account or no deal!”

Some followers, however, leaned into the fun side of the announcement. A playful comment from one admirer read, “I’m proud of you, baby. I’ll donate my kidney to you!” Meanwhile, others took a more serious tone, questioning why Fayose didn’t spearhead his own initiative instead of supporting another.

Fayose’s post, now a viral topic, continues to draw both laughter and criticism. While the jury is still out on the truth of the donation, one thing remains certain—Isaac Fayose knows how to get people talking.