Tag: lawyer

  • Police arrest 7 suspects linked to killing of lawyer

    Police arrest 7 suspects linked to killing of lawyer

    The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed the arrest of seven suspects allegedly involved in the killing of Mr Bright Owhor, a lawyer based in Port Harcourt.

    Owhor, aged 46,  was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on July 6 at his residence on Market Road in the Rumuomasi area of Port Harcourt.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Command, told newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday that the arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation.

    She stated that following the incident, operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit were deployed to investigate and ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.

    “Following meticulous intelligence work and technical surveillance that lasted over ten days, all individuals involved in the killing of Owhor were identified and apprehended,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko revealed that preliminary investigations showed the suspects, aged between 22 and 34, had assumed various roles in the execution of the crime.

    “The suspects’ roles ranged from: the shooter, gang leader, arms supplier, armed operative, handler of stolen vehicles, and driver of the getaway vehicle.

    “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Deygbam Secret Cult group and admitted their involvement in the murder.

    “The suspects also confessed to withdrawing funds from Owhor’s bank account and referenced recent cult-related violence between the BS and G12 Deygbam factions in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt,” she added.

    The police spokesperson confirmed the recovery of arms and ammunition from the suspects, including four locally made pistols, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, and two live cartridges.

    Others include a minibus, a Toyota Camry saloon car, and an MTN sim card.

    Iringe-Koko stated that the successful operation reflects a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in law enforcement across the state.

  • 29-year-old Nigerian-born British makes history as UK’s youngest mayor

    29-year-old Nigerian-born British makes history as UK’s youngest mayor

    Princess Opeyemi Bright has been inaugurated as the youngest mayor in the United Kingdom after assuming office as the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

    At 29, Bright’s appointment marks a historic milestone for both the Nigerian diaspora and youth representation in British politics. Her inauguration on Friday, May 16, drew widespread attention as a symbol of diversity and the increasing global footprint of Nigerians in public service.

    “This is nothing short of God’s grace,” Bright said in her acceptance speech. “I’m proud to serve my borough, and as a proud Nigerian, I will represent my heritage with humility and excellence. May this journey inspire others to lead, serve, and rise.”

    Born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, Bright began her political career at the age of 22 when she was elected as a councillor. Over the past seven years, she has focused on youth empowerment, social inclusion and economic opportunity within her local community.

    She follows in the footsteps of her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, who served as Civic Mayor of Hackney between 2006 and 2007. Her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, is a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

    Bright’s achievement is the latest in a growing list of Nigerians making waves in global politics. Other prominent figures include UK Secretary of State Kemi Badenoch, Labour MP Chi Onwurah, Canadian Minister Uzoma Asagwara, and U.S. Congresswoman Esther Agbaje.

  • NBA orders boycott of sittings over murder of lawyer

    NBA orders boycott of sittings over murder of lawyer

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Anambra Chapter has condemned gruesome murder of its member, Mr Ifeanyi-Rolex Iloakasia.

    Iloakasia, a member of Otuocha Bar was killed alongside his client in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area as they were returning from court sitting in Ekwulobia High Court on May 15.

    The NBA, in a statement signed by K.G. Abonyi, Chairman, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, described the mysterious attack as a “blatant assault” on the legal profession and the rule of law.

    They said that the NBA, Anambra Chapter, was deeply grieved and aggrieved by the ‘senseless” killing, especially as the tragic loss of Awa P. Awa, former Vice Chairman of Ihiala Branch of the NBA, remained fresh in their memories.

    Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, directed all lawyers to boycott all court sittings in the state from May 20 to May 21 in protest against the murder of their colleague.

    According to the lawyers, justice must be served, and we demand that the relevant authorities leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth and accountability.

    “We appreciate the swift response of the Commissioner of Police, Anambra who promptly visited the crime scene for an on-the-spot assessment and directed the commencement of preliminary investigations into the murder.

    “However, we urge the Commissioner of Police, DSS, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the perpetrators do not evade justice.

    “Speedy action is crucial in identifying and apprehending those responsible for this horrific crime,

    “Too many lawyers have been sacrificed to insecurity in this state and the legal profession cannot thrive under an atmosphere of fear and insecurity,” it said

    The NBA called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to revamp and strengthen security operations across the state to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future

  • Lawyer, one other killed after court session in Anambra

    Lawyer, one other killed after court session in Anambra

    A lawyer and one other individual were shot dead in Anambra State after attending a court session. The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the suspected assailants responsible for the killings, which occurred in Egbebelu village, Ekwulobia, Orumba North Local Government Area.

    According to a statement issued Thursday in Awka by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the victims were ambushed while returning from High Court II, Ekwulobia, where the lawyer had just secured bail for a client facing trial for murder.

    Ikenga reported that three people, including the lawyer, were attacked — two fatally, while one survived and is currently receiving medical treatment at a confidential location. The survivor has since provided the police with valuable information to aid the investigation.

    Preliminary findings suggest the victims were trailed from the courthouse before being intercepted and shot by gunmen. A red Toyota Camry, believed to belong to one of the deceased, was recovered from the crime scene.

    In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, visited the scene with senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations. The CP has ordered a thorough investigation and deployed tactical and intelligence units to pursue the culprits and ensure justice is served.

  • Police retract on reasons for summoning Ajaero – Lawyer

    Police retract on reasons for summoning Ajaero – Lawyer

    Mr. Maxwell Opara, a lawyer to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, says the Police have retracted their earlier reasons for summoning the labour leader.

    Opara disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, shortly after the labour leader in company with his lawyers returned from honouring the invitation by the Police.

    The Police had on Aug. 20, invited Ajaero, for interrogation on charges related to alleged “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cyber crime”

    However, the legal counsel to the NLC, Mr Femi Falana had pleaded for more time through a letter to the Police with the assurances that the NLC president would honour the invitation on Aug. 29.

    Addressing newsmen and workers of affiliates unions after honouring the invitation, Opara said the reasons as contained in the invitation letter from the Police was quite different from what they were told.

    “Just to correct an impression; what we heard from the Police when we got there, was quite different from the content of the invitation letter.

    “They said that Ajaero was invited to be questioned in respect of a tenant occupying one of the offices in Labour House.

    “So, Ajaero told them what he knew about the tenant and that was it.

    “This does not mean that we are going to relent, because we do not know what will come up next.

    “We must get ourselves prepared,” he said.

    Opara also called on the Police to release those arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest, or charge them to court

    For his part, Ajaero commended workers and affiliates nationwide for their support on the travails.

    It would be recalled that the NLC directed its members nationwide to embark on a peaceful procession and prayer session on Aug. 29, in solidarity with their president.

    “I want to thank everyone and those in the states that have been praying and fasting since morning. They can now can break their fast.

    “The labour movement is worth dying for, because of the patriotism and commitment of our members

    “Our patriotism from the days of colonial government to the period of the military is unshakeable. We are more patriotic than any other institutions you can think of in this country and we will continue to be that

    “I just want to confirm to you that as a citizen I have gone there and I am back and you can not do this kind of job without hazards,” he said.

    On the new national minimum wage, Ajaero noted that since the Bill was passed into law, workers were yet to see the implementation..

    He assured that the organised labour would  press harder for its implementation, as soon as possible.

    Ajaero said the union would not be distracted in the struggle to ensure that the welfare of workers is worthwhile and given to them promptly.

  • Lawyer writes NASS, demands autopsy on late Police Inspector, Peter’s body

    Lawyer writes NASS, demands autopsy on late Police Inspector, Peter’s body

    Lagos based Lawyer, Ohemu Boni, has petitioned the National Assembly, over the mysterious death of Inspector Sunday Peter.

    Late Inspector Peter was a Police Officer, attached to the ‘Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos Police Command, before he was murdered.

    In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Barr. Boni expressed the disappointment of the family over the role played by the colleagues of the Late Inspector, calling for thorough investigation, to ascertain the real cause of Peter’s death.

    The petition which was received on Friday at Senate President’s and Speaker’s offices, was also copied to the Chairmen of Committee on Public Petitions of both chambers.

    “The Late Insp. Sunday Peters, on the 16th May, 2024, in the normal course of active duty, went on a patrol with his team members along Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos State and he was hale and healthy.

    “Our client, Mr. John Peter, a brother of the late officer said he was called on his GSM phone about 7am on 17th May, 2024 in the morning, and was asked if he is the deceased officer’s brother, which he answered in the affirmative and was told that his brother is dead. Our client made effort to know the cause of his brother’s death but nobody was giving any answer.

    “It was upon getting to the RRS office that he was informed that his late brother’s body has been taken to the mortuary in Yaba, Lagos. Several efforts made by him to see the body of his brother were rendered abortive, until the RRS Commander later permitted him to go and see his late brother’s body.

    “It is pertinent to state that, the only information supplied to him officially at the RRS Office is that, his late brother complained to his colleagues of uneasiness and he was taken to the Police Hospital, Falomo, Lagos, that he walked to the hospital himself and eventually died”, the petition read in part.

    The Lawyer suspected fowl play in the manner in which the late gallant Inspector died and how his colleagues deposited the corpse in the morgue before informing the family.

    He averred that, Inspector Peter was already death before taken to the hospital and, contrary to the position of the Police that he was ill, a discreet investigation at the mortuary revealed that the late Inspector was murdered.

    Barr. Boni said, “However, our client who reviewed his late brother’s body maintained that, there were bruises, cuts and blood on the deceased’s body, hence, his team members have more information they are concealing as to the cause of the late officer’s death. Find attached, copies of photographs showing our client’s late brother’s body.

    “Following the above stated facts, the entire family of Peter Ogoyi as well as the deceased’s immediate family have been thrown in disarray as the mysterious death of Late Insp. Sunday Peter has caused them, especially the aged father, serious pains, trauma and pangs”.

    The petitioner therefore, craved the indulgence of the Honourable House and the Senate, “to wade into this matter and cause the Inspector General of Police to direct that a discreet investigation be conducted and an autopsy examination of the deceased body done, to ascertain the real cause of death”.

    Meanwhile, a source close to the family hinted our correspondent that, the Police authority in Lagos State was secretly discussing with the wife of the deceased, who is also a Police personnel of Edo State origin, to hurriedly bury the corpse in Inspector Peter’s home town, Otukpa, Benue State next week; against the wish of the family.

    “As we speak, the Commissioner of Police has sent out signal and the police have printed posters and commenced burial arrangements to hurriedly bury our brother, against our wish.

    “Because they know the wife is not from our place and she is a Police woman, they decided to cajole her to allow them bury her husband like a chicken.
    “We are from Otukpa. We are Idomas and our tradition doesn’t allow such burial until we know the cause of the death of our brother. If not, it would lead to more deaths. We won’t allow that to happen. The Police should come out and tell us what and who killed our bread winner. We won’t take it,” the source stressed.

  • Aiyedatiwa gives lawyer 7-day ultimatum to retract certificate forgery allegations

    Aiyedatiwa gives lawyer 7-day ultimatum to retract certificate forgery allegations

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Monday, gave a legal practitioner, Oladotun Hassan, a seven-day ultimatum to retract his allegation of certificate forgery levelled against him or be sued.

    Aiyedatiwa, in a letter titled: “Defamatory Publications Against Mr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa” written by his counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, also demanded an apology in three national dailies.

    The letter, dated April 8, was made available to newsmen in Abuja.

    “The above matter refers. We are solicitors to His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (“our Client”) on whose behalf we write this letter on the above subject matter.

    “It has come to the attention of our client that by an unsolicited letter dated June 2, 2023, you caused to be authored and submitted to the Nigeria Police Force, an unsubstantiated complaint of misrepresentation, certificate forgery, examination malpractice and perjury, against our client.

    “Whereas, you are not a registered voter in or an indigene of Ondo State to possess the requisite locus to ground your said complaint.

    “Your petition was cleverly routed through unauthorized sources within the police force and without recourse to our client, a report was purportedly submitted to you by the police dated February 19, 2024.

    “You thereafter caused the said report to be widely circulated as the basis of a malicious design to disqualify our client from participating in the governorship primary election in Ondo State.

    “You thereafter caused another letter to be written to the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the same purpose of disqualifying our client from participating in the governorship primary election of the said party fixed for April 2024.

    “You have since led a vicious campaign of calumny against our client through these and other false publications, all of which have brought our client into public ridicule and opprobrium, albeit without any justification whatsoever,” he said.

    The senior lawyer also accused Hassan of writing another letter on April 5, alleging that Aiyedatiwa, instead of clearing his name on the alleged forgery, the governor conspired with DIG Sylvester Alabi to compromise police integrity.

    Adegboruwa alleged that Hassan’s intention was to stop Aiyedatiwa from contesting in the APC primary slated for April and the November governorship election in the state.

    He, therefore, gave him seven demands, including “adequate compensation for the false and libelous publications,” against the governor within seven days of receiving the letter of face a criminal charge.

  • Miyetti Allah president, Bodejo yet to make valid statement in custody, lawyer clarifies

    Miyetti Allah president, Bodejo yet to make valid statement in custody, lawyer clarifies

    Mohammed Sheriff, counsel for the detained President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, on Monday, said his client was yet to make valid statement in the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)’s custody.

    Sheriff, who is one of the team of lawyers representing Bodejo before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, stated this in reaction to a newspaper publication linking Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State with his current travail.

    The lawyer gave the clarification in a press release he signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that, in the media report titled: “How Nasarawa gov pressurised me to establish militia group, Miyetti Allah leader tells investigators” and published on Sunday, Bodejo was alleged to have accused Gov. Sule.of being behind the establishment of the ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya.

    Bodejo, who is facing a three-count terrorism charge, was reported to have alleged in his confessional statement that the governor pressurised him to form the militia group.

    But reacting, Sheriff said their attention had been drawn to the publication “which unfortunately has been lifted and reproduced by many online media.

    “We hereby make this rebuttal to the statement regarding the alleged creation of ethnic militia by Bello Badejo being circulated by some sections of the media.

    “The publication purports to be quoting our client Abdullahi Bello Bodejo in a supposed extra-judicial statement to investigators.

    “We refute such publication as unreliable and such should be discountenanced by all.”

    According to him, we have been in constant touch with Abdullahi Bello Bodejo who is in the custody of Defence Intelligence Agency and can confirm that he was yet to make any valid statement to the Defence Intelligence Agency.

    “We are therefore shocked as to the source of the purported statement credited to him.

    “We urge a fair and unbiased approach to this matter, where all relevant facts are carefully examined, and legal procedures are followed diligently.

    “We trust that all concerned will uphold the principles of justice and act in accordance with the law.

    “We hasten to call on members of the public to disregard statements that do not emanate from fair and accurate report of judicial proceedings in public interest.

    “The matter is sub judice, It’s important to avoid making comments that could potentially influence ongoing legal proceedings or misrepresent the facts,” he concluded.

    Bodejo, who was arrested on Jan. 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State and kept in the custody of DIA, was arraigned before Justice Ekwo on March 22.

    His arrest was predicated on the alleged raising up an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s unity contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The offence was said to be punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts and the matter fixed for May 27, May 28, May 29 and May 30 for trial.

  • Lawyer reveals celebrities behind VeryDarkMan’s arrest   

    Lawyer reveals celebrities behind VeryDarkMan’s arrest  

    The legal counsel for social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has exposed the culprits responsible for his client’s detention.

    He said that Nollywood actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo collaborated with music producer Samklef to bring legal action against VeryDarkMan.

    VeryDarkMan was detained by police after actress Tonto Dikeh filed a petition alleging cyberbullying and threats to her safety.

    Before his arrest, VeryDarkMan accused Tonto Dikeh of being involved in the genesis of the GistLover blog, which resulted in many d3ath threats against her from the blog’s opponents, as alleged.

    Although VeryDarkMan was supposed to be freed from detention on Monday, the strict bail terms set have made his release difficult.

     

     

    The bail conditions include the possession of property and a business in Abuja, the involvement of a government official, the surrender of his foreign passport for a year, and a cash bond of N200 million.

    In a video, VeryDarkMan’s lawyer disclosed that they had met the requirements of two high-ranking government officials but were still unable to obtain his release owing to the absence of the governing authority.

    He expressed trust in the police’s professionalism in granting bail to his client. However, he cautioned that legal action would be taken if bail was not granted.

    He emphasized that due process would be followed, asserting the right to peaceful protest both online and offline in accordance with the law.

  • Slain Nsukka lawyer: NBA disagrees with police account

    Slain Nsukka lawyer: NBA disagrees with police account

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nsukka Branch, has disagreed with the account of  the Police Command in Kogi on how its colleague, Mr. Elias Ugwu, was allegedly killed on March 9.

    The association made its position known in Nsukka on Friday in a  press statement signed by Mr. Sunny Okoro, Chairman, NBA, Nsukka Branch.

    According to Okoro, Ugwu was deliberately and unjustifiably killed by state actors, and vowed that the association would continue to push until justice were duly served.

    He maintained that the slain colleague left Nsukka on the fateful day to secure the release of his cousin, Alexander Ugwu, who was kidnapped alongside five other passengers at Ijih Urban Area in Kogi State.

    The chairman claimed that the colleague had successfully delivered the ransom at somewhere in Alede-Egume, and secured the release of the cousin.

    He noted that the late colleague was making his way back to Anyigba where his cousin resided alongside Chidi Aneke, who accompanied him from Nsukka.

    The chairman alleged that when they got to Ojigbala-Egume, unknown to them, the police laid an ambush for them.

    “They drove into the ambush and the police, without an attempt at even stopping their vehicle, opened fire and shot him dead.

    “After shooting our colleague, the other two occupants of the vehicle made passionate pleas to the police to rush him to the hospital, after identifying themselves and explaining their mission in the area.

    “But the officers chose to treat them as suspected armed robbers, arrested and handcuffed the two survivors.

    “At the time they eventually accepted to take our dying colleague to the hospital, it was already too late and he was pronounced dead-on-arrival,” he said.

    The NBA boss said that lawyers in Nsukka were not happy with how police distorted what happened.

    “We have also read with dismay, the statement issued by the Police Command in Kogi, with all the distortions and contradictions that were laced with.

    “We wish to put the records straight; first, that our colleague, Elias Ugwu, left Enugu State, on Saturday, the 9th day of March, 2024, the same day he was gruesomely killed by the police.

    “It is, therefore, a deliberate misinformation, to state that he and his companions were seen roaming the bush in Kogi State for two days or more, prior to the 9th day of March, 2024.

    “It is also a deliberate and callous distortion to state that our colleague was flagged down and he refused to stop and that it was the tyres of the vehicle that the police targeted,” he said.

    Okoro said the account of the survivors of the incident, was  that police never stopped them but  simply fired at Elias Ugwu.

    ”Why would the police allege that Elias Ugwu was killed in the bush, when he had already entirely left the village where the ransom was paid, and was driving to Anyigba, the residence of the kidnapped victim when he was killed,” he asked.