Crime

Lagos: Man rapes two-year-old

Published

1 year ago

January 11, 2023

NewsDirect

A teacher (name withheld), on Tuesday told an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court how her neighbour, Jubril Zakari, allegedly defiled her two-year-old child in his room.

The witness, a resident of Ojo in Lagos, said she met the defendant naked in his room with his penis erect while her child was also naked on the bed.

She was led in evidence by Lagos State counsel, Ms Inumidun Solaarin.

According to her, she found blood dripping from the baby’s vagina.

The mother of three said that one of her neighbours told her of the whereabouts of the child after she (neighbour) heard her cry in the compound.

She said: “The survivor is my daughter and she is three years old but was two years old at the time the incident happened.

“I was inside the room with my children. watching a movie, when outage occurred. The children told me they wanted to go out, and I allowed them in order to put the house in order.

“It was not up to 10 minutes when one of my neighbours asked if my my little baby was with me in the room, and I said, ‘No.’

“My neighbour told me she heard the cry of my baby, and I ran outside and started knocking on the door of the defendant which was locked.

“I saw my baby crying on the bed with blood in her private part and met the defendant also naked when I finally opened the door.”

The witness further told the court that the defendant wanted to escape by pulling his window burglary, following her outcry to alert passersby.

She added that her neighbour and some youths in the neighbourhood assisted in apprehending the defendant.

“He was taken to the police station in Ojo Barracks, where I wrote a statement after he was caught, and I was told to take my girl to Mirabel Centre for medical examination,” the witness said.

Defence counsel, Mr Samuel Okani, urged the court for an adjournment to enable him to tidy up somethings but Justice Ramon Oshodi overruled his plea.

The judge ruled that defence had more than three months to prepare itself.

The witness, under cross-examination, said the alleged incident happened about 3. 00 p.m.

According to her, she allowed her children outside because they usually played in front of the house.

She added that her husband was at home the day the alleged incident happened.

“My husband heard when I was shouting and he came around.

“There was no fight between my husband and the defendant though the defendant’s mother came to me for settlement but I said, ‘No’ because I want justice for my baby,” the witness said.

Another witness, the Investigative Police Officer, (IPO), Insp Abosede Badmus attached to Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, testified that she received a case from Onireke Police Division on Dec. 29, 2021.

The court conducted trial within trial after defence objected the the prosecution tendering the statement of the defendant.

Defence argued that the defendant was not the maker of the statement, adding that he was forced to sign the statement.

The IPO, in trial within trial, told the court that she was with her team leader in the charge room when the statement was obtained from the defendant.

She added that the defendant told her he could not write, saying that his lawyer or relative was not present when the defendant signed the statement.

While being examined in the trial within trial, the defendant said he was locked up for four days, adding that he told the IPO that he could not make any statement because he was not himself.

The defendant maintained that what he signed was not his statement.

While under cross-examination by prosecution, the defendant said he was a trailer repairer and had not seen the IPO prior to his arrest.

Oshodi adjourned the case until Feb. 7 for continuation of trial and ruling on the trial within trial.

Crime

EFCC arraigns Kwara ex-finance commissioner for N1.22bn fraud

Published

25 mins ago

May 1, 2024

NewsDirect

By Adeyanju Esther

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), on Monday arraigned a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Ademola Banu, before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Ilorin for corruption allegations.

Banu is facing charges of alleged money laundering and misappropriation of state funds totaling N1.22 billion during his tenure as commissioner for finance under the administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, between May 2011 and May 2019.

The former commissioner was absent during his initial arraignment on February 23, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant against him. However, on the recent court date, both Banu and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed were present.

During the court proceedings, Banu pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him. His legal counsel, Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, moved a motion for bail, citing Banu’s medical condition. The court granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties in like sum, who must possess landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, Banu was required to deposit N5million as a bond into the litigation account of the Federal High Court.

Furthermore, the judge ordered Banu to surrender his international passport to the court and remain in the custody of the EFCC pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

The case has been adjourned to June 25 and 26, for trial, signifying a significant step forward in the fight against corruption in Kwara State.

Crime

Kaduna: Four Shiite members killed in confrontation with Police

Published

31 mins ago

May 1, 2024

NewsDirect

In a tragic turn of events, a clash between members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shiites, and the police in Kaduna State has resulted in the loss of lives and injuries.

The confrontation occurred as Shiite members gathered to observe the International Quds Day, a significant event in their calendar.

According to reports, tensions escalated when the police attempted to disperse the Shiite procession near the Katsina roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way. The attempt to control the situation led to shots being fired, causing chaos and unrest among citizens and businesses in the area.

Professor Dauda Nalado, a member of the Islamic Movement, confirmed the death of at least four Shiite members and an unspecified number of injuries. He alleged that the police opened fire on the peaceful procession, triggering the violent clash.

The International Quds Day, established by the late global Islamic leader Imam Ruhullah Al-Musawi Al-Khomeini, aims to show solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine and condemn the actions of the Israeli government. The Shiite community, under the leadership of Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky, has been observing this day for decades in Nigeria.

This incident reignites tensions surrounding the Shiite movement’s support for the Palestinian cause, which has previously led to clashes and the infamous Zaria massacre in 2015.

Crime

EFCC apprehends 13 alleged internet fraudsters in Abuja raid

Published

36 mins ago

May 1, 2024

NewsDirect

By Adeyanju Esther

In a concerted effort to combat cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja Zonal Command, has made significant strides with the arrest of 13 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud.

The arrests took place in the Kubwa area of Abuja following actionable intelligence received by EFCC operatives.

According to reports, the suspects, consisting of 12 males and one female, were apprehended as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on cybercriminal activities in the region.

The operation, which was meticulously planned and executed, targeted individuals believed to be involved in various forms of online-related crimes. During the raid, authorities seized a cache of electronic devices, including 12 phones and laptops, which are suspected to have been used in perpetrating fraudulent schemes.

The recovery of these items serves as crucial evidence in the investigation process, shedding light on the extent of the suspects alleged involvement in internet fraud.

Speaking on the operation, a spokesperson for the EFCC emphasised the agency’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s digital space.

The spokesperson reiterated the EFCC’s resolve to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice and accountability for those involved in online-related offences. As investigations into the matter continue, the EFCC has announced its intention to charge the suspects to court upon the conclusion of inquiry.

This development underscores the agency’s proactive stance in combating cybercrime and sending a strong message to potential offenders that such illicit activities will not be tolerated.The EFCC has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities to the appropriate authorities.

By working together with law enforcement agencies, the public can play a pivotal role in curbing cybercrime and ensuring a safer digital environment for all.