Crime & Court
Group commends IGP, Oyo Police boss over Auxiliary’s arrest, arraignment
The Progressives Elders Forum (PEF) in Oyo State on Friday lauded the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba and the Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Williams for gradually restoring sanity to the political landscape of the State.
The group, in a statement by its spokesman, Comrade Abegunde Agboola noted that the recent arrest and arraignment of a known political thug, Mukaila Lamidi (a.k.a. Auxiliary) is a great relief to the people of the State especially residents of Ibadanland.
Contained in a two-page press statement made available to the newsmen, Agboola expressed joy over the Auxiliary’s arraignment saying, ‘this is indeed good riddance to bad rubbish.
“This singular effort of CP Adebowale Willams has shown that the current Police boss is a thoroughbred professional who would always walk his talk no matter whose ox is gored.
“Four days ago, the CP addressed a Security Summit in Ibadan where stakeholders including Mogajis, Baales and other notable citizens of the great city of Ibadan expressed serious displeasure about the daily threats to the lives and property by the residents by these elements I’m our society.
“The CP allayed our fears and said the IGP is a no-nonsense Boss who had given directives to all Police commands to rein in, all criminals and other despicable elements constituting themselves as a nuisance to other people going about their lawful duties.
“Though Auxiliary and his gang of terror squad have been sent a strong warning now to respect the wish of others and stop vandalising billboards and people’s means of livelihood, he (Auxiliary) still has many cases to answer because the police have been petitioned severally on his atrocities bordering on the threat to lives of known political figures; alleged connivance in the killing of one Ramoni in Iwo road Ibadan and other civil disturbances since 2019.
“The CP must not spare him any longer. The long arm of the law is already tightened around his neck and he must not escape justice.
“We use this opportunity to say that the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is a reputable man of honour but appears overwhelmed by this criminal element in his government who is being shielded from prosecution by cabinetry members
“These cabinet members are sharing the monies being generated from motor parks which Auxiliary headed since the year 2020.
“The Governor must show to the world that he is in charge of this government and send packing these criminal elements otherwise it would be seen that the governor also has a hand in their atrocities.
“Once again, we commend the State Commissioner of Police Adebowale Williams and task him to always walk his talk because IGP’s orders must always be respected by all and sundry.
“No man, not even the governor of the State is above the law. And nobody should stop the security agents from carrying out their lawful duties in protecting the laws of the land.
“The PEF congratulates the CP and the IGP on this latest feat of Auxiliary’s though subsequently released on bail. The Governor must not attempt to make IG and the CP toothless bulldogs. The CP has shown and displayed that he is a man of integrity; very honest and professional to the core.
“Enough is enough. A DPO in Ona Ara Local Government area of the State was attacked and stoned recently by Auxiliary boys. We must instil discipline and peace must reign before, during and after the conduct of the 2023 General elections.
“The Governor must be vigilant and look inward to rein in, on these elements who are destroying his name and image. He must be seen to expose criminals and not albeit them.
“The Governor is a man of honour but appears overwhelmed by the criminal elements in his cabinet. A stitch in time saves nine Your Excellency Sir,” Agboola added.
Crime & Court
Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi, Granted ₦30m Bail
A Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has granted human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, bail to the tune of ₦30 million. The court also mandated Farotimi to provide three sureties with landed properties within its jurisdiction.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered Farotimi to refrain from granting media interviews and to submit his international passport to the authorities. The case has been adjourned to February 13, 2025, for further proceedings.
Farotimi, who had been remanded at a correctional center in Ado Ekiti, arrived at the court premises on Friday at approximately 9:45 a.m. He was conveyed in a prison van accompanied by a police escort. Upon arrival, the embattled lawyer raised his hands in appreciation of a cheering crowd that had gathered outside the court to show their solidarity.
The human rights advocate is facing prosecution for allegedly defaming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola. His arrest has ignited widespread public outcry, with many Nigerians and civil society groups condemning the action and demanding his immediate release.
Farotimi’s detention and subsequent arraignment have fueled debates about the boundaries of free speech and defamation laws in Nigeria, with critics arguing that the case may stifle dissenting voices in the country.
Crime & Court
Anambra: Police Arrest Man with Gun Hidden in Rice Bag
Police operatives have apprehended a 25-year-old man, Enediong Bassey, in possession of a pump-action gun concealed in a bag of rice at Nkwelle-Ezunaka.
The suspect, a native of Ikono Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, was arrested on November 22, 2024, at 6:38 pm following credible intelligence.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
The statement revealed that officers attached to the 3-3 Divisional Headquarters, led by CSP Emeka Obi, acted swiftly to intercept Bassey.
During interrogation, he admitted to being a member of a local vigilante group but confessed to plans of absconding with the weapon to join a criminal gang involved in armed robbery and other illicit activities.
“Given the above and following other complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, in line with the principles of community policing, reiterates the calls for profiling of security operatives assisting the police and other security agencies on anti-crime operations to improve safety in the state,” the statement read.
In light of the situation, the Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate transfer of the suspect to the command’s anti-robbery squad for a thorough investigation.
The Anambra State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property, urging vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement.
Crime & Court
Bloggers Denied Bail Over Alleged Blackmail of GTCO, CEO, Citing Repeat Offenses
Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered an accelerated trial of four bloggers accused of defaming and cyberstalking the management of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), including its Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.
The defendants—Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—face a 10-count amended charge for allegedly publishing false and defamatory content about GTCO on various social media platforms.
During proceedings on November 13 and 14, Justice Faji dismissed their bail applications, citing the severity of the charges, which carry potential penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
The judge specifically noted that Precious Eze had previously been charged with a similar offense in another court and was on bail at the time of the alleged actions, demonstrating a likelihood of reoffending.
Justice Faji emphasized the destabilizing impact such actions could have on the banking sector, pointing to the cross-border nature of some of the allegations.
“The regulatory oversight of institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should not be undermined by false claims,” the judge remarked, referencing GTCO’s CBN-approved audited statements.
At the previous hearing, defense counsel Afolabi Adeniyi had urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, arguing that the defendants were ready to stand trial.
However, the prosecution counsel, Chief Aribisala, SAN, opposed the motion, raising concerns about the defendants potentially absconding and stressing the need for a swift trial.
In his ruling, Justice Faji rejected the defense’s plea, ordering an expedited trial to address the case’s significant implications for the financial industry.
The trial has been adjourned to December 10 and 12 for continuation.
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