The Department of State Security Service (DSS) has arrested  former Chairman of the Park Management System (PMS), Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, better known as Auxillary.

This development follows closely on the heels of the Oyo State Government’s declaration of Auxillary as a wanted individual, prompted by a raid on his Alakia-Isebo residence, which uncovered a cache of illegal firearms.

Reliable sources confirmed  that Auxillary was taken into custody on Tuesday  from his Olodo residence by operatives of the DSS.

Auxillary’s encounter with law enforcement isn’t his first.

It will be recalled that nearly a decade ago, during the tenure of former Governor, the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Auxillary found himself behind bars for criminal offenses, a chapter that has resurfaced with his recent apprehension.

The details surrounding Auxillary’s arrest are expected to unfold in the coming days.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an interim order to freeze 1,146 bank accounts owned by individuals and companies under investigation.

The investigation revolves around alleged offences related to unauthorised dealing in forex exchange, money laundering, and terrorism financing.

The judge’s decision came as a response to a motion presented by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, during proceedings.

Justice Nwite stated, “That an order of this honourable court is hereby made freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule below which accounts are owned by various individuals who are currently being investigated in a case involving the offences of unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing to the extent that the investigation will be for 90 (ninety) days.”

Moreover, the preliminary investigation uncovered a connection between these accounts and individuals exploiting virtual cryptocurrency exchange platforms to manipulate the value of the naira and launder proceeds from illegal activities.

Recognising the need to safeguard the funds in question during the investigation and potential prosecution, the judge emphasised the importance of preserving the identified bank accounts.

In light of these developments, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to July 23, 2024, for further proceedings.

The freezing order affects a wide range of companies across various sectors, including agro-businesses, logistics and haulage, microfinance banks, and engineering, among others.

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, widely known as Baba Ijesha, challenging his conviction by a State High Court over the sexual assault of a minor.

A three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Folasade Ojo, reserved the appeal for judgment today after hearing arguments from both sides.

Baba Ijesha, in his notice of appeal, sought to overturn the judgment of the lower court, which on July 14, 2022, sentenced him to five years imprisonment for sexual assault on a minor.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (rtd) of the Lagos Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court convicted Baba Ijesha after finding him guilty of four out of six counts brought against him by the Lagos State government.

The counts included indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault, among others. However, he was acquitted of sexual assault by penetration.

In response to the conviction, Baba Ijesha’s counsel, Kayode Olabiran, argued that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations and claimed his client was set up, citing circumstances surrounding the incident.

Olabiran emphasized that Baba Ijesha’s confession was made under duress and urged the appellate court to set aside the lower court’s judgment.

On the other hand, the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, urged the court to dismiss the appeal, asserting that the conviction was valid and supported by evidence.

Dr. Martins also reiterated the victim’s age at the time of the incident, emphasizing her status as a minor under the law.

Following the arguments presented, the Court of Appeal reserved its judgment for a later date, leaving both parties awaiting the final decision on Baba Ijesha’s appeal.