Author: oduduwanews

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has congratulated the leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 97th birthday, describing him as a reference point for quality leadership.

Governor Akeredolu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Thursday, said Pa Fasoranti is a committed and patriotic Nigerian whose passion and dedication to nation-building and national development is undisputable.

According to the Governor, despite his old age, the nonagenarian statesman is still committed to the nation’s democratic development and gains.

“Pa Fasoranti is our pride in Yorubaland. He is a leader and father of our race. We embrace his tenets and steadfastness. His passion for the development and progress of the country is commendable.

“Despite old age, Pa Fasoranti has continued to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our land and the country. He is not just a Yoruba leader; his foresight, commitment, and unwavering faith in humanity are unrivalled.

“Baba’s experience and advice are most desirable. He has navigated, over the years, the political terrain of our country. His wisdom, high moral value, and beliefs are essential guides for desired development. “ the statement reads.

The Governor also rejoiced with Pa Fasonrati for witnessing the return of the nation’s Presidency to the Southwest, praying God to give him good health and peace of mind to partake in the joy of ‘Renewed Hope’ that accompanies the new regime.

The Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate in Lagos, Frederick  Nwajagu, has been arraigned by Lagos state government for alleged terrorism.

Nwajagu was arrested on April 1 following a viral video in which he threatened to invite members of the  Indigenous People of Biafra to Lagos to secure properties of Igbo people living in the state.

Nwajagu was arraigned before the state high court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square on nine counts. He was accused of “attempt to do acts of terrorism, participation in terrorism, meeting to support a proscribed entity, attempt to finance an act of terrorism and preparation to commit an act of terrorism, preferred against him by the state government.”

A Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, Jonathan Ogunsanya, who represented the Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, told the court that the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate violated the provision of sections 403(2) and 12(c), 18, 21, 29 & 12(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022.

After the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges, the case was adjourned till July 4 for commencement of trial.

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Owoseni Gabriel, who posed as a woman to evade arrest, and 32 others for their alleged involvement in computer-related fraud.

Gabriel was arrested alongside Salaudeen Hammed, Akinsanya Olamilekan, Olamofe Joshua, Akindele Saheed, Damilare Micheal, Patoki Ayomiku, Olakunle Ismail, Babalola Ayomide, Afolabi Olaibola, Abiodun Olayinka, Samuel Ogunyemi, Adebayo Olarewaju, Abdul-Fatai Olawale and Hassan Ayofe.

Others are: Samson Jeremiah, Kolawole Afeez, Owoseni Gabriel, Makinde Oluwasegun, Daniel Seun, Adefolahan Isreal, Olusegun Emmanuel, Olawore Micheal, Hammed Raheem, Micheal Tunde, Francis Chibundu, Jesse Oluwatobiloba, Adenekan Ayotunde, Qudus Adeyi, Sulaimon Oladimeji, Kayode Sunday, Daniel Owosine, and Boluwatife Gbolahan.

They were arrested on May 2, 2023 at the Iyana Ipaja axis of Lagos State, following credible intelligence received by the Commission on the activities of some young boys involved in computer-related fraud.

During the sting operation, Gabriel, particularly, wore a female dress and a wig to evade arrest.

Items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota Camry 2005 model, a Toyota Camry 2009 model, mobile phones and laptop computers.

The suspects will be charged to court after investigations have been concluded.

Oyo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commiserated with its Osun state counterpart over the death of the National Vice Chairman of the party, Hon. Adagunodo

The Chairman of PDP in Oyo state, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro in a press statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday through the Publicity Secretary of the party, Akeem Olatunji, described the death of Hon Clement Soji Adagunodo as shocking, painful, and irreplaceable loss to the entire PDP family in the south west, Nigeria.

Adagunodo, who hailed from Osun state was until his death the National vice chairman of PDP.

“The death of Adagunodo came to us a rude shock that really terrified us, especially in the south west zone because his wealth of experience is more than ever needed in the party now that we’re on the verge of forging ahead after the 2023 general elections.

“This was a man who was very active and beaming with life last week. We therefore, can not argue with or question God almighty, who gives and take as He pleases.

“We deeply empathize and commiserate the PDP government of Osun state under the leadership of Senator Ademola Adeleke as well as the entire PDP family in the state for the passing of one of our finest party man.

“We also commiserate with the leadership of PDP at the national level, the south west zone, and the entire PDP family in Osun state over the passing of a grassroots politician, a nationalist, and a core party man. Indeed, he will be sorely missed.

“We also condole the family of the deceased, most particularly the immediate family; the wife and children and it is our earnest prayer that God gives them the fortitude to bear the pain of the passing of their beloved and repose the deceased.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the family and the entire PDP family in Osun state during this very trying time within our political family.” Ogungbenro said.

A 35-year-old woman, Aderonke Makinde, was on Tuesday arraigned at the Ogba Magistrates’ Court sitting in the Ikeja area of Lagos State for allegedly flogging a nine-year-old girl, Oyinkansola Kayode, with a cane at her school, Westgate Land Emperial Creche, Nursery and Primary School in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

Makinde, who was arraigned before Magistrate E. Kubenje, is facing one count of assault.

The police prosecutor, Ajayi Kehinde, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 28, 2023.

The charge read, “That you, Aderonke Makinde, on March 28, 2023, at Westgate Land Emperial Creche, Nursery and Primary School at No. 1 Okesanya Street, Papa-Ajao, Mushin, Lagos State in the Lagos Magisterial District did assault one Oyinkansola Kayode, nine-year-old by flogging her with a cane and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

The Magistrate, E. Kubenje, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned till June 7, 2023

A Young Man, Ogunleye Gbenga Moses, who recently graduated from the Department of Philosophy, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, (AAUA), has been found dead inside his room in an off campus hostel.

Gbenga, popularly known as Pablo allegedly died of suspected food poisoning on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

The deceased was said to be waiting for the National Youths Service Corp (NYSC) call-up letter.

Sources told the publication that Gbenga and his girlfriend complained of food poisoning after eating at an undisclosed restaurant in Akungba on Friday, May 5. They were treated at Aduloju Hospital in Iwaro and discharged.

“Gbenga and his girlfriend complained of food poisoning after returning from an unknown restaurant. They went to the hospital where they were both treated for typhoid. After the deceased was discharged yesterday, we were made to understand that his girlfriend’s health was critical, and was just discharged this morning (Saturday),” a source narrated.

The source said Gbenga was found dead inside his room after they broke into his room when he was not seen in the morning.

“The moment we noticed he was not responding to calls and knocked on his door, we barged into his room through his window around 11:00am, when we noticed he did not open his door. He is a lovely and entertaining person. Yesterday, we were made to understand that his girlfriend’s health was critical, and was just discharged,” the source added.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, informed that Gbenga was not the first person to complain about food poisoning, adding that a few weeks ago, it took God’s intervention to save a student who ate poison in an undisclosed restaurant.

Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Olusegun Akanbi, who confirmed Gbenga’s death, said;

“The Head of the Department of Philosophy just called me and it was discovered that he passed on this morning, and his parents had already come.” Akanbi said.

Spokesman for the institution, Victor Akinpelumi, said an investigative team has been set up by the institution to unravel true situation about the incident.

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on May 9, 2023, arraigned one Sennaike Opeoluwa before Justice O.A. Okunuga of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and possession of false documents.

Opeoluwa was arraigned alongside his firm, Sennaike Consulting Limited for allegedly fraudulently obtaining the sums of $5 million and N800 million from unsuspecting members of the public.

He pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ahmed Yerima, prayed the court for a trial date and for the remand of the defendant.

The defence counsel, Akeem Akinroye, made an oral application for the bail of his client, arguing that “he doesn’t constitute a flight-risk”.

Justice Okunuga, however, noted that the court was a court of records.

The defendant was ordered to be remanded at the Correctional Centre, pending when a formal bail application would be brought before the court.

The case was adjourned till June 28, 2023 for trial.