The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ikoyi prisons

  • 24 inmates to write UTME at Ikoyi prisons

    The Controller of Prisons, Lagos Command, Tunde Ladipo, says 24 inmates of the Ikoyi Prisons will participate in the forthcoming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    He disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos.

    NAN reports that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had fixed April 1 for its mock examination, which would be optional for its candidates.

    It had scheduled April 11 for the commencement of the UTME proper across the country.

    The board had also said that no fewer than 1.8 million candidates had registered for the all Computer Based Test (CBT) under the UTME.

    Ladipo said preparations have been concluded by the board to ensure a hitch- free examination for the inmates in its facility.

    He noted that the inmates, who had been undergoing intensive coaching at the facility’s school, had demonstrated a great zeal and a high level of commitment in readiness for the examination

    The prisons’ boss said with the current state of facilities in the prisons’ school, he was expecting nothing but excellent performances from the inmates.

    “I want to say that we are very prepared and ready for this examination.

    “A lot of work has already been done as part of our efforts to ensure that these inmates are well tutored and exposed to the use of ICT for the coming examination.

    “We have prepared them on how to use the computer during the examination as it is on this mode that all the candidates will be tested.

    “Thankfully, the organisers of this UTME have assisted the facility with  60 computers and other accessories.

    “Ever since this supply was made, we have been using them to train these inmates at the prisons’  school and their responses have  been amazing.

    “We expect that they will all come out in flying colours; as apart from the computers, we can also boast of a well-stocked library, coupled with some teachers who have been coming to take them on various subjects,” Ladipo said.

  • Officials bust drug gang at Ikoyi Prisons

    Officials of the Nigerian Prisons Services (NPS) have smashed a three-man drug syndicate at Ikoyi Prisons.

    Two members of the gang were arrested; the third escaped. Those arrested are Ikuomola Abolade, 22, and an inmate Sodeeq Yunusa, who is standing trial for alleged robbery.

    The gang, it was learnt, was attemping to sell Indian hemp to some inmates when it ran out of luck on Sunday.

    A 10-year-old boy was said to have seen some people throwing some parcels into the prison from the adjoining officials’ quarters and raised the alarm.

    The boy was said to have been prepared for such task with the formation of an Intelligence and Monitoring Committee comprising some prison officials, their wives, the drug unit and the police by the Head of the Prisons, Deputy Controller of Prisons (DCP) Tolu Ogunshakin, to monitor the activities of ‘intruders’.

    A source told The Nation:  “But before the boy’s father could come out of their house, the suspects ran away and boarded a tricycle heading for Obalende.”

    It was learnt that the boy’s father alerted his colleagues and together they chased the suspects in their vehicle and caught them at Obalende.

    Abolade was arrested in a commercial bus, but his colleague escaped.

    The prison’s Closed-circuit Television (CCTV) was said to have captured Yunusa, the inmate, as he attempted to “catch the thrown parcels”.

    The parcels were said to  contain Indian hemp, with a street value of  over N150,000.

    Abolade, it was learnt, confessed that the parcels were  meant for Yunusa.

    Abolade is in the custody  of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja pending completion of investigation.

    Lagos State Controller of Prisons (CP) Tunde Ladipo told The Nation that the suspects would not go unpunished.

    Yunusa, he said, had committed another offence, addind that the inmate will be punished according to the law.

    Ladipo said a formal report would be made against Yunusa at the next hearing of his case in court.

    He said investigation showed that Abolade became acquainted with Yunusa during his visits to the prisons to see his brother, Idris Kolawole, an awaiting robbery trial inmate.

    Ladipo said the authority would not spare those found culpable, stressing that “the CCTV has proved to be very useful and is there to help fish out criminals, whether they are inmates or officials.”

  • Officials bust drug gang at Ikoyi Prisons

    Officials of the Nigerian Prisons Services (NPS) have smashed a three-man drug gang attempting to circulate and sell Indian hemp, also known as cannabis, to inmates of the Ikoyi Prisons facility.

    Two of them were arrested by NPS officials, including Ikuomola Abolade, 22, who was arrested while trying to escape from the scene, and an inmate of the prison, Sodeeq Yunusa, presently standing trial for alleged robbery offences. The third person who escaped, it was learnt on Tuesday, is still at large.

    They were alleged to have committed the offence at about 8.30 a.m. on Sunday within the perimeter of the prison facility.

    The Nation gathered that a ten-yearold boy, had on Sunday, seen boys throwing some packages into the Ikoyi Prisons facility from the adjoining officials barracks.

    The boy, who has been prepared for the task ahead with the formation of an Intelligence and Monitoring Committee comprising of selected officials of the prison, their wives, the drug unit and the Police set up by the head of the Prisons, Deputy Controller of Prisons (DCP) Tolu Ogunshakin to monitor the activities of ‘intruders’ in the area,  quickly alerted his parents of what took place.

    But before his father could come out of their house, the suspects, sensing trouble ran from the place and quickly boarded a tricycle heading to Obalende.

    It was gathered that the father of the boy alerted his colleagues and together, chased the suspects in their vehicle and caught up with them at Obalende.

    Abolade was arrested by the prison officials from a commercial bus while his colleague escaped.

    The Prison inmate, Yunusa, on the other hand was caught on the Circuit Camera Television (CCTV) recently installed by DCP Ogunshakin  and as approved by the Controller General of Prisons, Mr Ahmed Ja’afaru.

    Read Also: Akeredolu pardons 12 prisoners

    It was gathered that prison officials swooped on Yunusa as he made to collect the packages that were thrown inside the prison facility from outside.

    It was gathered that the CCTV was installed to secure the prison and monitor  visitors trooping to the area of recent, especially in the morning and at night, most of whom were being suspected to be behind ‘prohibited  articles’ which have found their way into the prison facility lately.

    It was gathered that when the parcels thrown into the prison facility were cut open, they contained Indian hemp which street value was put at over N150,000 conservatively by a source at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    During interrogation, Abolade, it was learnt allegedly confessed that the package was meant for Yunusa.

    Abolade is presently in the custody of the NDLEA at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja pending completion of investigation.

    Lagos State Controller of Prisons (CP) Tunde Ladipo who confirmed the development further told The Nation that the prison authorities would take all necessary measures to ensure that the suspects does not escape justice in order to serve as deterrent to others.

    CP Ladipo said Yunusa has allegedly committed another offence with the latest development, in addition to that of robbery for which he is presently standing trial and would have to be punished according to the dictates of the law.

    He said that a formal report will be made against Yunusa before the court at the next hearing of the present charges of alleged robbery against him.

    He disclosed that investigation, so far, has revealed that Abolade became acquainted with  Yunusa, during one of his numerous visits to Ikoyi Prisons to see his brother, Idris Kolawole, also an inmate standing trial for alleged robbery related offences.

    Ladipo said the authority is not taking the matter lying low and would not spare anybody found culpable in the course of the on-going investigation of the suspect stressing “the CCTV has proved to be very useful and is there to help fish out the bad ones, whether he is an inmate or staff. We are not relenting in our efforts to secure the prison”.

    The State’s Controller of Prisons also assured that the present development would not affect the process of the three Rs, Reformation, Rehabilitation and Re-integration for the inmates, for which the prison is noted.

  • Eko DisCo donates relief items to Ikoyi Prisons

    The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC) has donated food items and other relief materials to Ikoyi Prison inmates as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Adeoye Fadeyibi, said the gesture was geared toward identifying with the inmates and also contributing to its business environment.

    Fadeyibi, represented by the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr Joseph Esenwa, said the company would continue to support Ikoyi Prison’s initiatives to ensure conducive atmosphere for the inmates.

    According to him, the company,  known for its humanitarian initiative, empowers and provides succour to the less privileged and the vulnerable.

    “In line with our vision, I have come here to let the inmates know that we are not giving up on them, and that they have a bright future ahead outside of this place.

    “Whatever happens, they are still Nigerians, and needed to know that EKEDC cares for them and being made happy.

    “They still have a lot to contribute to the society irrespective of their present circumstances,” he said.

    Fadeyibi assured that the company would assist the prison in renovating some of the buildings and also ensure prompt support to the inmates in terms of medicine and other needs.

    He urged the authority of Ikoyi Prisons to reach out to the company in case of their needs that could help the inmates’ wellbeing and development.

     

  • Man remanded for allegedly beating wife to death over N200

    For allegedly beating his wife to death over N200,  Henry Anaele, was on Wednesday remanded in prison for the next 30 days by an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr O.O. Olatunji, said the accused should be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons pending advice from the State Director of Public prosecutions (DPP).

    Anaele, 40, whose plea was not taken, had appeared on a charge for murder.

    Read Also: Man loses 10-year marriage for sleeping with maid

    Earlier, Insp. Cousin Adams told the court that the accused had committed the offence on June 15, about 11.45 p.m, at No. 72, Goodness Estate, Satellite Town, Lagos.

    Adams said that the accused had found out that someone gave his wife– Chinyere, 35, the sum of N200, which did not go down well with him.

    “This angered the accused who beat up his wife to death for collecting the money,’’ he said.

    The offence contravened Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 which prescribes a death sentence for offenders.

    The magistrate adjourned the case until Aug. 6

    NAN

     

  • Lagos CJ grants freedom to 19 inmates of Ikoyi prison

    Lagos CJ grants freedom to 19 inmates of Ikoyi prison

    The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke Wednesday granted freedom to 19 inmates of Ikoyi Prisons.

    The released inmates have been awaiting trial for between three to five years.

    Justice Oke also disclosed plans by the state judiciary to review the fines and sentencing guidelines of suspects convicted in minor offences.

    Amongst those who breathed the air of freedom Wednesday is one Damilola Joseph, a final year Computer Science student of University of Lagos who was charged for stealing but has remained in prison custody since 2016 following his inability to perfect his N250, 000 bail conditions.

    The Chief Judge told the released inmates to henceforth be of good behaviour and desist from any act that would bring them back to prison.

    “Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 1(1) of the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody) Act, 2007 as well as Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, you are hereby released from custody today, February 21, 2018.

    “I want you to henceforth be of good behaviour. Make sure you don’t breach any law again. You have to determine within yourself to be a law abiding citizen and go out there and sin no more”, she admonished the released inmates.

    Reacting to complaints by some inmates of the prison who have been unable to pay  fine imposed on them in place of imprisonment and stiff bail conditions, Justice Oke said that the state judiciary is aware of the challenges faced by such inmates and is working towards addressing it.

    “We have heard your complaints and you can be rest assured that we are working towards addressing them.

    “By next week, we are having a meeting with magistrates to address some of these issues including bail conditions.

    “Thereafter, I will be signing a new policy regarding fines and sentencing guideline on cases before our courts,” she said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Deputy Comptroller of Prisons in charge of Ikoyi Prisons, Ogunsakin Tolu expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge for her commitment to the release of deserving inmates.

    Ogunsakin however appealed to the Chief Judge to assist the prison authorities in its decongestion effort by accelerating trial and adopting community service for minor offences.

    “Your lordship, I am appealing to you on passionate ground to help us in the area of acceleration of trial, and dispensation of justice especially where minor offence can be given a community service as punishment for such offenders.

    “I also appeal for the introduction of parole as it is being done in some countries and the issue of amnesty by the state governor in order to reduce the overcrowding in our prisons,” he pleaded.

    According DCP Ogunsakin, Ikoyi Prison built in 1955 with a lockup capacity of 800 inmates presently have 2752 inmates made up of 2261awaiting trial inmates and 491 convicted inmates.

    Read Also: Lagos CJ frees 43 Ikoyi prison inmates

  • Court docks trader for killing co-tenant by smashing head against wall

    Court docks trader for killing co-tenant by smashing head against wall

    A trader, Ugochukwu Chukwuekezie, who allegedly killed his neighbour by heating his head against the wall, was on Monday remanded in Ikoyi Prisons on the orders of an Igbosere High Court on Lagos Island.

    Justice M. A. Okikiolu gave the order when the accused was re-arraigned.

    Chukwuekezie, whose residential address was not provided, is standing trial on a charge of manslaughter.

    The accused allegedly committed the offence at No. 10, Okoluwa St., Ebute Meta, Lagos Mainland, on Dec. 5, 2015, the Prosecutor, Ms. A. Oshinusi, the Deputy Director for Public Prosecutions ( DDPP ), told the court.

    She said the accused killed his neighbour, Mr Comdavies Okeke, by heating his head against the wall during a brawl.

    The offence contravened Section 227 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Counsel to the accused, Mr R. Asuquo, told the court that he had an application dated Dec. 12, 2017 which had been served on the prosecuting counsel.

    The prosecutor, however, said they were not aware of the application.

    “The application we are aware of is the one dated Dec. 9, 2016.”

    Asuquo explained that the application being referred to by the prosecutor was refused by Justice Sybil Nwaka when the case was first brought to court.

    The case was partly heard by Justice Nwaka before she was transferred.

    The case was adjourned until March 19 for what the court called“proper directions.”

    NAN

  • Court remands 12 over “Ile-Zik” kidnappers den

    Court remands 12 over “Ile-Zik” kidnappers den

    Twelve suspected kidnappers including a woman, arrested by the police in connection with a kidnappers’ den at Ile-Zik Bus Stop in Ikeja, were remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons on the orders of a Lagos magistrate.

    They include Hakeem Ogundele, 32; Noah Samuel, 25; Ayomide Olatunji, 44; Felix Matthew, 34; American Obodoyibo, 42; Shola Elemo, 32; and Adijat Mudashiru, 32.

    The rest are Tunde Akanji, 41; Adeoye Adekeye, 38; Patrick Onwubufor, 65, Samuel Iyede, 50; and Bright Amankwa, 36.

    Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias said the accused are to remain behind bars pending legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs).

    The “Ile Zik 12 men” were brought before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted kidnap and possession of arms and ammunition.

    The bus stop is named after a four-storey building built by the first President of Nigeria, the late Dr Nnamidi Azikiwe.

    Another alleged kidnappers’ hole had been discovered a few days earlier at Ijaiye on the Lagos-Abeokuta Highway.

    Sergeant Kehinde Omisakin, the police prosecutor, told the court Friday that the accused committed the offences on August  10 between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. at Ile-Zik Bus Stop near Ajayi Farm in Ikeja on the Oshodi-Sango-Abeokuta Expressway.

    According to her, the 12 accused had conspired to kidnap some students of a nearby Girls Junior High School, but they luckily escaped.

    “Some school uniforms and notebooks of the students were found in possession of the accused.”

    Omisakin said one live ammunition, nine empty shells of expended ammunition, one kitchen knife and road maps were recovered from them.

    The accused pleaded innocence of the offences which contravened Sections 22, 330 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said kidnapping and other related offences carry life imprisonment or capital punishment.

    The case was adjourned to Aug. 22.

  • Man remanded in court for train cables theft

    Man remanded in court for train cables theft

    An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Wednesday ordered the remand of Timothy Azegbe, at the Ikoyi Prisons, for allegedly damaging and stealing cables attached to a train.

    The accused, 26, had appeared before Chief Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Adejuwon, on a charge of unlawful damage.

    His plea was, however, not taken and the request of the prosecution was upheld that the case be transferred to a higher court.

    Magistrate Adejuwon ordered that the accused be remanded and the case file should be duplicated and forwarded to the Office of the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on the Marina.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Moses Uademevbo, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 23 at about 3.00 a.m., at the Iddo Railway Terminus, Iddo.

    He alleged that the accused was caught disconnecting and stealing cables that supplied electricity from the train’s main engine to the various coaches.

    The offence, he said, contravened Section 1 (9) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    The case has been adjourned until July 11, pending legal advice from the Office of the Federal DPP.

     

  • Togolese charged with beating three year-old niece to death

    An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Monday remanded a Togolese trader, Afi Koumebio, who allegedly beat her three-year-old niece to death.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Folarin-Williams, remanded in Ikoyi Prisons, 30-year-old Koumebio, who resides on Mosafejo Road, Amukoko, Lagos.

    The court could not take the plea of the accused as the magistrate said that she needed advice from the state’s director of public prosecution.

    Folarin-Williams adjourned the case until May 10 for mention.

    According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde, the accused beat the minor, hit her head on a wall and killed her on March 26 at 8.00p.m. at her residence.

    Olatunde submitted that Koumebio beat the girl because she entered her neighbour’s room.

    He noted that murder contravened Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section prescribes death sentence for convicted murderers.