TheNewsGuru

Tag: Murder

  • Murder of Super TV CEO: Again, NCoS defends Ojukwu’s participation in beauty pageant

    Murder of Super TV CEO: Again, NCoS defends Ojukwu’s participation in beauty pageant

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is sensitive to the plight of victims of crime and their families and will not indulge in any activity to assault or undermine their sensibilities.

    The declaration was made in Abuja by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Francis Enobore.

    He was reacting to misgivings in some quarters about the participation of a murder suspect, Miss Chidinma Ojukwu, who emerged winner in a beauty pageant, held by the service earlier in March.

    The pageant was held at the Kirikiri, Lagos, custodial centre to mark the 2022 International Women’s Day.

    Miss Ojukwu is standing trial as the prime suspect in the murder of Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Usifo Ataga in 2021.

    Enobore stated that the NCoS identified with the Atagas in their moment of grief and would do everything within its power to assist the course of justice in unveiling those behind Ataga’s murder.

    “The intendment of the pageant was not to glamourise or make heroes out of criminality, he stated.

    He added that the pageant in question was one out of series of events at the ceremony that featured competition in dancing, singing, bead making and costume design among others.

    “Aside creating a relaxed atmosphere for inmates, the prizes do not bestow any right or privilege on any of the contestants.

    “Moreover, the event was for internal consumption within the custodial environment and never meant to be given wide publicity,’’ Enobore stated.

    He stated also that prizes were won by other inmates equally facing charges for heinous crimes.

    Enobore added that the Service believed that controlled social engagements did not interfere with trial of cases in court as activities within custodial centres had no bearing with evidence needed for cases to be tried.

    “For the records, psychosocial engagements have traditionally been part of the Service’s inmates treatment regimens designed to provide emotional stability needed to promote total well-being of inmates and enhance safe custody,’’ he stated.

    He recalled that several internationally-recognised artistes like Sam Okposu, Onyeka Onwenu, Alabi Pasuma, Denrele, Lamboginny, among others, staged lavish concerts at the Kirikiri and Ikoyi male custodial centres in the past to fete inmates.

    “In year 2000 to be specific, a TV station covered a musical concert for male inmates at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

    “At the concert, Dr Sola Fosudo, Head, Department of Art & Music, Lagos State University, praised the performance of inmates and commended NCoS personnel for their effort.

    “These events, beyond the venial of entertaining criminals and suspects, provide avenues for generating actionable intelligence to address some knotty issues under investigation.

    “The intelligence community has severally benefitted from this service,’’ Enobore stated.

    He also addressed the issue of alleged squalor in male custodial centres and stated that females account for less than 1.5 per cent of the total national population of about 70,000 inmates of custodial centres.

    “Therefore, overcrowding and the attendant chaos are exclusively found in male custodial centres due to pressure on infrastructure,’’ Enobore stated.

  • The ritual murder of Bamise Ayanwale – By Hope Eghagha

    The ritual murder of Bamise Ayanwale – By Hope Eghagha

    By Hope O’Rukevbe Eghagha

    As the world marked International Women’s Day last week, news of a missing 22year-old Ms. Bamise Ayanwale swept through social media, with a video of another woman Caroline Oni wailing frantically in front and around a BRT bus belonging to the Lagos State government. This wailing brought a personal dimension to Bamise’s plight and further deepened the tragic image of loss, frustration, and desperation. Caroline Oni, Bamise’s madam and adopted mother wailed loudly that her ward had boarded Bus 240257 that fateful night from Chevron Bus stop in Lekki heading for Oshodi and alerted the family that she was in danger. Apparently, she was right. She could not be reached on phone shortly after. A week later, her body was found in a morgue having been deposited there by the Police. The Police reported that her body had been found on Carter Bridge a week after her disappearance. It beats the imagination for a 21st man to believe that the harvested body parts of a human being can fetch them wealth and power!

    This is a now familiar sad story in Lagos. There have been reports of commuters who went missing in Lagos, stories about passengers who were forcefully taken into the bush in the Lekki axis and saved only by divine intervention from the hands of ritual killers. The Bamise story is familiar therefore, yet it is shocking beyond words how a young lady saw her death coming, alerted her family and nothing could stop the barbaric hands of a demented ritualist from snuffing out her life. Her death is another indication of how the State continues to fail Nigerians and the impunity with which the state reacts. For some state officials, this is yet another death. Nothing special. They seem to say that in a matter of weeks the tension would wear off, and we would move on to other disasters, forgetting poor Bamise in the cold grace that the barbarity of scoundrels sent her to in the prime of her life.

    There are questions crying to be asked and answered. How many others have lost their lives in such circumstances in Lagos and around the country? What were Bamise’s thoughts as she lay dying? The dread. The struggle, the terror. Then death! If BRT is unsafe, what is the fate of passengers who commute in those ‘danfo’ buses within the metropolis? How many have culprits have been arrested and prosecuted? How many more will die sadly like Bamise? What has Lagos State officials behaved as if the image of the transport company is more important than the life of a citizen? Why was the driver allowed to address the press like a free staff of BRT when he had to be arrested by the DSS and brought to Lagos from his hideout? Why are there conflicting reports about the state of her body from the Police and her family members?

    Fortunately, Bamise left enough traces for her murderers to be caught. She was smart enough to record the Bus number and communicate same to her family. If only she had let the scoundrel driver know that she had communicated his details to family members, perhaps they would have let her go. If you interview commuters in Lagos you would hear stories. There was a lady who worked in a television station in Ikeja. That early morning, she boarded a danfo, between Maryland and Ketu, she was raped inside the bus and thrown off the moving vehicle. There was yet another who was taken to a forest in the Lekki area. According to her, the place was a thriving market foe body parts. She was spared by the ritualists because she was in her monthly flow. A state that takes the security of life and property seriously should have burst the ring of ritualists in Lagos.

    Bamise must get justice. Her killers must be brough to book to the satisfaction of the citizens of Lagos. I suspect that the BRT driver had been in the dirty business for long. The impunity stinks. Lagos state government must redeem itself. Too many officials lies emanate from the state government. The way LASG handled the anti-SARS demonstrations in 2020 in which lives were lost is a clear demonstration of their capacity to tell barefaced lies. The investigative panels concluded that lives were lost yet the official position was that soldiers did not fire at protesters at the Lekki toll gate. They even had the temerity to challenge footage of the shooting provided by CNN! The Dowen College incident is yet another stain in official narratives from Lagos. The credibility gap is widening by the day.

    It is high time the government equipped the state roads and crannies with CCTV cameras. Every modern city takes security seriously and the surest way of monitoring activities on the streets and communities is the close circuit cameras which quietly record incidents. Lagos State ought to have its police force. The foolishness of the federal system that we operate makes common sense a rarity in governance.

    The point must be repeated that the killers of Bamise must be prosecuted. Justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done, especially considering the circumstances of Bamise’s death. There is a feeling right now that someone or some forces are trying to change the narrative to create the impression that Lagos is safe for commuters. The truth is that Lagos is not safe. We move about and live by Providence, not because of the security measures which the state has put in place! Also, there ought to be a strong security action against the ring of ritualists in the country. Advocacy is needed too.

    Finally, Bamise cried for help before she died. In death, the only thing the State government can do is to unravel the circumstances of her death and send a strong message to others that they will ultimately be caught by the long arm of the law! #JUSTICE FOR BAMISE#

  • Bamise: Court remands BRT driver for alleged murder, rape

    Bamise: Court remands BRT driver for alleged murder, rape

    A Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lagos, on Friday ordered that a 47-year-old Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominnikoron, be remanded in Ikoyi Custodial centre for alleged murder and rape of a 22-year-old girl, Oluwabamise Ayanwole.

    Magistrate O. A. Salawu ordered that Ominnikoron be remanded for 30 days. She held that Ominnikoron was to be remanded pending legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    The defendant is charged with conspiracy, murder, rape and misconduct with regards to corpses. The charge was read to the defendant but his plea was, however, not taken by the court. Salawu adjourned the case until April 11 for DPP advice.

    Earlier, the officer in charge of the Legal Department at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti, Mrs Yetunde Cardoso., said that Ominnikoron committed the offence at 8 pm on Feb. 26, along Ajah-Oshodi expressway, on a Lagos State BRT bus with code number 257.

    She said that Ominnikoron, who was on duty as a driver, raped Ayanwole, and pushed her out of the moving BRT bus. The offence, she said, contravened the provisions of sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    Sections 223 stipulates the death penalty for the offence of murder, 260 provides for life imprisonment for rape and 165 carries five years imprisonment for misconduct with regards to corpses.

  • ‘Heads should roll’: Reno Omokri reacts as murder suspect, Chidinma wins Miss Cell 2022

    ‘Heads should roll’: Reno Omokri reacts as murder suspect, Chidinma wins Miss Cell 2022

     

    Lawyer and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has criticised the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for allowing a murder suspect, Chidinma Ojukwu, to take part in a beauty pageant organised for inmates on Tuesday, stressing that a prison facility should be a place of punishment and rehabilitation rather than fun.

    Ojukwu, a 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos who emerged winner of the pageantry, is being held as the prime suspect in the murder of Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Usifo Ataga, which occurred in June last year.

    “Prison is a place of punishment and rehabilitation. Once it becomes a place of fun, the purpose is defeated. How will Usifo’s family feel to see Chidinma prancing about as a beauty queen in prison? Heads should roll, except Chidinma has a prison official sugar zaddy,” Omokri said.

    However, the NCoS has now responded saying that the contest was organised as part of events to mark the International Women’s Day celebration, and was open to all female inmates whether convicted or awaiting trial.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Rotimi Oladokun denied seeing the photos but told The Nation that “the female custodial facilities commemorated International Women’s Day with inmates, various inmates without distinction or discrimination against anybody”.

  • Bamise’s murder: Commuters stranded as LASG suspends BRT operations

    Bamise’s murder: Commuters stranded as LASG suspends BRT operations

    Many Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) commuters were stranded at various bus stations in Laos on Tuesday due to the state directive to suspend operation in sympathy over the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwole.

    News correspondents who monitored the situation found that thousands of commuters were stranded at various stations across Lagos.

    A BRT passengers, Mr Innocent Kanu, said he waited for BRT at Iyana-Ipaja for three hours, saying that he had to enter other commercial bus at exorbitant price.

    He said that a daily trip which usually cost N1, 200 from Iyana Ipaja to and from now cost him N3200 due to the absence of BRT buses.

    “I entered N1, 000 from Iyan-Ipaja to Oshodi and I took another bus to Ojuelegba for N300 and enter the last bus going to CMS for N300 at Ojuelegba.

    Another passenger Mrs Lara Badmus, a former Banker now selling jewelries at Dosumu in Lagos, said she spent N1,500 from Igbogbo in Ikorodu to Dosumu market in Lagos.

    A staff of an insurance company in Costain, Mr Benjamin Ajayi, said getting to work was so hectic and expensive compared to other days because once BRT shun operations other transporters extort passengers.

    Ajayi sympathised with the families of the deceased and prayed for the Lagos State Government to get justice for the dead victim as soon as possible.

    A phone repairer at Computer Village in Ikeja, Mr Chidi Tobechukwu, said he spent N700 from Iyan-Ipaja to Ikeja as a result of absence of BRT operations in Lagos.

    The Public Affairs Officer of Premero, Mr Mutiu Yekeen, told NAN that the directive to stop operations came from Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu.

    Yekeen said that the protest to mourn the death of the missing lady who was later found dead led to the governor’s directive for all BRT buses.

    Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole, 22, who got missing after boarding a Lagos Bus Rapid Transit vehicle and corpse was reportedly found with some body parts missing.

    One of Ayanwole’s relatives made the claim on Monday, saying that they are awaiting the outcome of an autopsy.

    Many students of public schools who usually enjoy free BRT bus rides were stranded at various BRT stations in Lagos.

  • Murder: Bamise Ayanwole’s family protests at Lagos Assembly

    Murder: Bamise Ayanwole’s family protests at Lagos Assembly

    The family of late Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole, the 21 years old girl allegedly murdered after boarding a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle, on Tuesday stated a peaceful protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    Leading the protesters, Lead Counsel to the family, Mr Ayo Ademiluyi, said the protest was to demand for justice.

    Recalls that Bamise, the young lady who was declared missing after boarding a BRT bus in Lagos, was found dead at the Ebute Ero area of Lagos Island.

    The 21-year-old Bamise was allegedly abducted by a driver of the Lagos Bus Services Ltd. after she boarded an LBSL bus, popularly known as BRT, at the Chevron area of Lekki en route Oshodi on Feb. 25.

    Ademiluyi told the lawmakers that the family was at the assembly to register their demand to the house and also demand that the Lagos State Government should institute an inquest into the death of Bamishe.

    “We are demanding that the Chief Pathologist of the state, Prof. John Obafunwa, should conduct a forensic autopsy on the deceased.

    “The family also want the machinery of justice to be moved to the autopsy.

    “We want Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address a state broadcast, assuring residents of safety.

    “This is because as we speak, the BRT bus operations has been shutdown indefinitely,” he said.

    The lawyer said those that had murdered Bamishe should speak no more.

    Addressing the protesters, Speaker of the house, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, who led other lawmakers to condole with the family, assured them that the assembly would ensure the case was not swept under the carpet.

    The speaker described the death of the deceased as an unfortunate incident that should not have happened.

    “We are monitoring the case at the assembly and we are happy that the police is ready investigating to unravel the cause of her death.

    “However, this is not the case that will not be swept under the carpet and we are monitoring the case and we will ensure that justice is served accordingly.”

    The speaker noted that since the driver of the BRT bus had been arrested, calling for arrest of the General Manager of the BRT was unnecessary because the police must have justification to make any arrest.

    Obasa said the police cannot conclude that the driver was culpable until investigations were concluded.

  • Bamise Ayanwole: FG, IGP tasked to take over murder case

    Bamise Ayanwole: FG, IGP tasked to take over murder case

    The federal government (FG) and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba have been tasked to take over the murder case of Bamise Ayanwole.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the FG and IGP Baba were tasked by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa to take over the murder case to guide against cover up.

    Adegboruwa in a statement stressed that the Lagos State has no business in the interrogation of a murder suspect, and feared that the case might be compromised.

    The lawyer, therefore, admonished the Lagos state government and the police not to compromise the ongoing investigation into the murder of the fashion designer.

    Recall that Oluwabamishe was murdered after boarding a BRT bus from Chevron bus stop at Ajah, enroute Oshodi in Lagos.

    Adegboruwa stressed that it will be in the interest of the police to come out clean and fetch other fleeing killing squad of the deceased, saying that he smells a rat and a conspiracy to do a cover-up in an attempt to scuttle ongoing investigation with a hurriedly packaged TV interview with the suspect driver.

    ”Events unfolding concerning the murder of Miss Oluwabamishe Ayanwole are as intriguing as they are worrisome. Following public outcry and media monitoring, the Lagos State Government hurriedly packaged the Bus Rapid Transfer driver for media interview, to give the impression that he was innocent of the crime.

    ”Some further revelations have now thrown up very serious questions that the Lagos State Government must answer, if it is not covering up this dastardly act of daylight murder.

    ”In a homicide matter of this magnitude, how can a prime suspect who was declared missing, be handed over to government by the security agencies?

    ”A video of his initial arrest showed that the driver confessed to having carnal knowledge of the deceased, in very remorseful fashion. He was dressed in shabby and disheveled attire, truly reflecting his fugitive status as of the time of his arrest”.

    ”Who then packaged a crime suspect, to turn out clean shaven, dressed in specially designed Lagos State Government outfit and now well tutored to claim innocence to set up the cock and bull story of hijack?

    ”Why was Lagos State Government romancing a murder suspect?

    ”And why was he paraded on a selected media of TV Continental, over which Lagos State has influence through patronage?

    ”What is the business of Lagos State in the interrogation of a murder suspect?

    “The Commissioner of Police had earlier addressed the press to the extent that the suspect had confessed to the crime before Lagos State emerged with the latter James Bond storyline,” he stated.

    Adegorunwa stressed that it will be a sad day for humanity in general should the government stoop so low to try to cover up a clear case of murder, just for public relations.

    He accused governor Sanwo-Olu of being a party to the packaged story being told by the driver, saying it doesn’t add up.

    The lawyer said that Lagos state police cannot be trusted to handle the murder case, because it had already surrendered a murder suspect still under investigation to the Lagos state Government for media packaging.

    He urged the federal government to take over the investigation of the case to avoid compromise in the murder case.

    “What interest is the government serving to cover up a clear case of blue murder?

    “Has there been other cases of ritual killings in BRT buses to which the government has become accustomed?

    “Why will a driver whose bus was hijacked and has thus become a victim himself then bolt away for days without reporting to his employers?

    “Your employee that was trusted with human carriage took your citizen who boarded the bus innocently based on trust that it’s a government outfit, your driver allegedly saw the citizen abducted, your driver drove the bus to you, he did not report the incident but handed over the bus and disappeared and after public outcry he was apprehended and all you do is dress him up for press interview to lie to the public, after killing an innocent girl?

    “What kind of government will do this wickedness and expect to earn the trust of its people?

    “It will be a sad day for humanity in general for a responsible government to stoop so low to try to cover up a clear case of murder, just for public relations. It is unthinkable that Governor Babajide Sanwoolu that we know would be a party to this nonsense story of hijack, which does not add up at all.

    “It is clear that the Lagos State police command cannot be trusted to handle this case, given that it surrendered a murder suspect still under investigation to the Lagos State Government for media packaging.

    “I therefore urge the federal government and the Inspector-General of Police to take over this investigation immediately, before the case is completely compromised,” Adegboruwa further stated.

  • Bamise Ayanwole: BRT bus driver gives account of what happened

    Bamise Ayanwole: BRT bus driver gives account of what happened

    Nice Andrew Omininikoron, driver of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus involved in the murder of Bamise Ayanwole has given an account of what happened.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the BRT bus driver narrated his own side of the murder story when he was paraded by the police in Lagos State on Monday after he was arrested by the DSS in Ogun state.

    The 47-year-old BRT bus driver suspected to have murdered the 22-year-old Bamise, said he was a victim of kidnappers that hijacked his bus.

    “My Bus was hijacked by the kidnappers that kidnapped Bamise. They held me and the deceased hostage after they flashed me their weapons.

    “When those guys showed me the weapons, I was filled with fear. Whatever they told me to do was what I did.

    “When I followed the Carter Bridge, they ordered me to stop and open the door. When I opened the door, they started dragging her as they came down.

    “When I saw she was crying for help, actually, I was helpless. So, I was thinking she was still inside the vehicle holding the iron; so, I moved on to leave that scene. It never occurred to me they have dragged her down already.

    “I do not have connections with any of them. They are passengers that entered my bus,” he said when questioned.

    Lagos Governor, Sanwo-Olu reacts

    Meanwhile, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has vowed that killers of Oluwabamise Ayanwole would be brought to book and that nothing would be swept under the carpet.

    Oluwabamise, 22, was kidnapped inside a BRT bus and murdered, with her body dumped on Carter Bridge.

    The prime suspect, Andrew Nice, who drove the BRT has been arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS, and handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.

    Reacting to the development in a series of tweets late Monday night, Sanwo-Olu said the life of every citizen of the state mattered to the government.

    “Dear Lagosians, the life of every citizen of the state matters to us, and we do not take the security of our people for granted.

    “We will therefore leave no stone unturned in the investigation and arrest of everyone found culpable in the kidnap and death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola.

    “The driver of the BRT bus involved in this unfortunate incident has been arrested, and Lagos Bus Service Ltd have been directed to cooperate with security agencies in their investigations so that the full weight of the law is brought down on all involved in this ugly incident,” he tweeted.

    Sanwo-Olu added: “To Oluwabamise’s family and loved ones, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, may the Almighty God console you. I hereby give you my word that JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED.

    “To fellow Lagosians, I assure you that I am following all the investigation closely, and will ensure that Oluwabamise gets the justice she deserves.

    “I also assure you all that the BRT services remain safe, despite this condemnable act. Once again, my sincere condolences to the Ayanwola family. May Oluwabamise’s soul Rest In Peace. Amen.”

    How Bamise was found dead

    TNG reports Oluwabamise, who got missing in transit on Feb. 26 while on a BRT bus in Lagos was found dead, according to Police spokesman in Lagos State, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, on Carter Bridge by Ogogoro Community on the Lagos Island.

    “The corpse has been deposited at the morgue of the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, for autopsy. The bereaved family has been contacted and family members have identified the corpse as that of Oluwabamise, the lady earlier declared missing,’’ he stated.

    Ajisebutu added that the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, was saddened by the incident.

    “He expresses his heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family on behalf of the management, officers and men of the command,’’ Ajisebutu added.

    He stated also that detectives handling the case of Oluwabamise would not rest on their oars until her killers were found.

    “We assure the concerned public and the bereaved family that we are closing in on the culprits. We are sure that soon the suspects would be arrested and made to face justice for this murderous act.’’ he stated.

    He appealed to anyone with additional information that could help in arresting the suspects to kindly send same to the police.

    “Such information, we assure, will be treated with utmost confidentiality. The Command is ever-determined and committed to the protection of lives and property of residents in the state and has strengthened its security apparatus to prevent a recurrence of this ugly, disturbing incident,’’ Ajisebutu added.

    Oluwabamise worked as a Fashion Designer at Chevron Estate, Ajah, and spent weekends at Ota, Ogun State, with her sister.

    She was returning to Ota from Ajah on Saturday, Feb. 26 when she boarded a BRT bus with number 240257 going to Oshodi at about 7 p.m. at Chevron Bus-Stop.

    Sensing danger as the bus did not pick any other passenger at subsequent bus stops, Oluwabamise engaged a friend using voice notes on her phone

    The voice notes showed that the bus driver said he liked Oluwabamise and asked for her name and other details.

    She told her friend to pray for her as she became suspicious of the bus driver and in response, the friend told her to alight at Oworonsoki bus stop, way before Oshodi bus stop.

    Oluwabamise also sent a video to her friend showing how dark it was in the bus and said: “there are three men and one woman in the bus. The woman is sitting at the back. That’s the number of the bus in case. Please pray for me.’’

    That was the last that was heard of Oluwabamise.

    It was gathered that Oluwabamise’s family held a meeting with the Lagos Bus Service Ltd. (LBSL), operators of BRT on Wednesday, March 2 and the latter assured that efforts were being made to track down the driver.

    It was learnt that the driver of the bus had not been seen and also the guarantor was nowhere to be found.

    Mr Johnson Omilana, a family member who reported at Akinpelu Police Station said Oluwabamise had not been seen since she left Ajah on Saturday, Feb. 26.

    He said the family met with the BRT general manager and about three other management staff who said the matter was being shared on social media and that might jeopardise police investigation.

    The BRT management also told the family members that it was working with the police to make sure the missing girl was rescued.

    The BRT management also told Oluwabamise’s family members that it does not employ drivers directly and that the consultants involved were being sanctioned because of the incident.

  • BREAKING: Murder trial of Usofor Ataga stalled

    BREAKING: Murder trial of Usofor Ataga stalled

    Trial of an undergraduate, Chidinma Ojukwu, for the murder of Mr Usifo Ataga, Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, was on Monday stalled due to absence of a prosecution witness.

    Ojukwu is standing trial before a Lagos High Court sitting at the Tarfa Tafawa Balewa Square.

    She is charged with murder, stealing and forgery alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri.

    On Monday, prosecution counsel, Mrs A. O. Oluwafemi, also Deputy Director of Lagos State Directorate Public Prosecutions, told the court that a prosecution witness, billed to testify, was not in court.

    She prayed that earlier dates for continuation of hearing of the case be vacated to enable prosecution to get toxicology and Deoxyribonucleic Acid results needed for the trial.

    Oluwafemi said the results were not available yet, adding that the next witness would be examined with those documents.

    Justice Yetunde Adesanya consequently vacated the dates, and adjourned the proceedings until April 25 for the continuation of trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the last adjourned date, Feb. 17, an Investigative Police Officer, Insp Ibrahim Isaka, gave evidence.

    Isiaka, the sixth prosecution witness, narrated how police allegedly discovered Usifo Ataga in the pool of his own blood on June 16, 2021.

    The witness said that the police consequently called the Emergency Unit at Yaba General Hospital and evacuated Ataga’s corpse.

    He told the court that on June 16, 2021, a case of murder was reported at his place of work, Maroko Police Station.

    Isiaka testified that at 11:30 p.m. one Mrs Nkechi Mogbo came to the station and reported that a body was discovered at her short-service facility where people lodged.

    He testified that Mogbo narrated to the police that the security guard at the facility informed her that the body of a man who lodged in the facility was discovered lying in the pool of his blood.

    The witness said that Mogbo also told the police that a cleaner in the facility went to clean the apartment but there was no response from the people who lodged there.

    He said that the security guard and the cleaner forcefully opened the door and discovered Ataga in a pool of blood.

    The witness said the police, including the divisional police officer and the divisional crime officer, went to the crime scene.

    Isiaka said that the police found some clothes as well as a travelling bag in the apartment and collected the items for investigation.

    The three defendants were arraigned on Oct. 12 on a nine-count charge preferred by Lagos State Government.

    Ojukwu and Quadri are facing the first to eight counts bordering on conspiracy, murder, stabbing, forgery, making of bank statements and stealing.

    The third defendant, Egbuchu, is facing the ninth count – stealing of iPhone 7 belonging to the late Ataga.

    Ojukwu and Quadri are alleged to have conspired and murdered Ataga on June 15, 2021, by stabbing him several times with a knife on the neck and chest.

    The alleged murder took place at No. 19, Adewale Oshin St., Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

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

  • Court remands prophet for alleged murder

    Court remands prophet for alleged murder

    An Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court on Friday, ordered the remand of a 30-year-old man, Adedayo Oluwaseyidara, at the correctional centre in Ado-Ekiti for alleged murder.

    The defendant, whose address was not provided, is being tried for alleged murder.

    The police prosecutor, Sgt. Sodiq Adeniyi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Feb.12 in Iyin-Ekiti.

    Adeniyi alleged that the defendant murdered a 17-year-old Emmanuel Adeyemo.

    The prosecutor told the court that the deceased’s mother, Mrs Bisola Adeyemo, in her statement said the deceased’s younger brother was bedwetting and was taken to the prophet for prayer.

    He said the defendant told her to bring the deceased, who he claimed was possessed, alongside different types of fruits to appease the gods due to a vision and revelation about him.

    He added that the defendant prepared the sacrifice and concoction and gave the deceased to drink, thereafter, the deceased started complaining of stomach ache and later died.

    According to him, the offence contravened Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

    The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in the correctional centre pending legal advice from the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    The plea of the defendant was, however, not taken.

    The magistrate, Mrs Franca Olaiya, ordered the remand of the defendant at the correctional centre, pending issuance of legal advice.

    She adjourned the case till March 10 for mention.