The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Imprisonment

  • Fake prophet bags 25 months’ imprisonment for stealing, impersonation

    Fake prophet bags 25 months’ imprisonment for stealing, impersonation

    A 32-year-old man, Lukman Yaya, who claimed to be a prophet, was on Monday sentenced to 25 months’ imprisonment by an Ota Magistrates ‘Court in Ogun.

    The senior magistrate, Mr S. O.Banwo, in his ruling did not give the convict any option of fine.

    Yaya, whose address was not disclosed in court, pleaded guilty to the two-count charge of impersonation and stealing.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Chudu Gbesi, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb. 8 at about 11.30a.m.at Joju Area of Ota, Ogun.

    Gbesi said that the accused who pretended to be a prophet unlawfully obtained N17, 500 from one Aderibigbe Toyosi, with the intention to assist her to solve some of her spiritually problems, an agreement he did not fulfill.

    He also said that the accused stole a mobile phone valued at N22, 500 from the complainant in the process of helping her to solve her problems.

    Gbesi said that the offences contravened Sections 249(d) and 419 of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

     

  • Nigerian Army jails soldier for battering actress

    Nigerian Army jails soldier for battering actress

    The Nigerian Army has sentenced one Sulaiman Olamilekun, a soldier to 28 days imprisonment with hard labour for battering Nollywood Actress Jewel Infiinity whose real name is Ebere Ohakwe.

    Jewel was alleged to have been battered by Olamilekun in January in Port Harcourt.

    A statement by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Bori camp, Port Harcourt, said the decision was taken after a thorough investigation.

    Extracts from the statement reads:

    “In accordance with the Nigerian Army’s policy of zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct as well as its uncompromising stance on discipline and commitment to the rule of law, 6 Division Nigerian Army has charged, tried and found Private Suleiman Olamilekan of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt guilty of the maltreatment of Miss Ebere Ohakwe.

    “He was accordingly sentenced to 28 days Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) and the forfeiture of his salary for same number of days to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “It would be recalled that there was a report in the social media that the soldier maltreated one Miss Ebere Ohakwe at Omagwa Checkpoint along Port Harcourt – Onitsha Road on 30th January 2017.

    “This prompted the decision of the authorities of the Headquarters 6 Division to thoroughly investigate the matter with the view to serving justice adequately as required by the laws of the Nigerian Army.

    “Consequently, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Okon Udoh ordered the immediate arrest of the soldier and his Guard Commander for investigation and disciplinary action.

    “He also invited the victim to his office and assured her that the matter would not be treated lightly.

    “We wish to assure the general public that proactive measures have been put in place to forestall a reoccurrence of such misconduct in the future.”

  • Court jails man three months for stealing N3,500

    A Grade 1 Area Court, Karmo, Abuja, on Thursday sentenced a 28-year-old man, Abdul Mohammed, to three months in prison for theft.

    The judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, however, gave him an option to pay N10, 000 as fine, and warned him to desist from crimes.

    Sadiq said that the sentence would serve as deterrent to other would be offenders.

    Mohammed, who resides at Kado Village, Abuja, was arraigned and convicted on a one-count charge.

    The convict begged the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that hunger pushed him to do it.

    The Prosecutor, Florence Auhioboh, had told the court that Glory Kelechukwu of Karmo Village, reported the matter at the Karmo Police Station on Feb. 17.

    Auhioboh said that the convict entered the complainant shop at Karmo and stole N3, 500.

    During police investigation, he confessed to the crime and N2, 400 was recovered from him but he was unable to account for the rest.

    The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 288 of the Penal Code. 

  • Man jailed for fraud in Edo

    Man jailed for fraud in Edo

    A 33-year old man identified as Musa Baba has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for defrauding one Moses Achebe.

     

    The convict, who was jailed by an Oredo Magistrate Court, was said to have defrauded his victim the sum of N140,000.

     

    Police Prosecutor, A.O. Enababor, informed the Court that the accused committed the crime between August 18 and 31, 2015 by presenting himself as an employee of the Nigerian Army to sign army guarantor form.

     

    Enababor said defrauded his victim by obtaining the sum of N140, 000 under the pretence that he would help him secure employment into the Nigeria Army.

     

    He said the offence contravened section 108 and 419 of the criminal Code.

     

    Presiding Magistrates, Mrs M.C. Ojobo, found the accused guilty on both the two count charges preferred against him. 

     

    Ojobo convicted Musa to 12 months imprisonment of an option of N100, 000 fine in each of the count.

     

  • Secretary gets five months’ imprisonment

    Secretary gets five months’ imprisonment

    Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, has sentenced the Executive Secretary of the Teaching Service Board (TSB), James Pine, to five years imprisonment with an option of N10,000 fine.

    Pine was charged for assault and criminal use of force in a direct criminal summons pursuant to Section 143 (D) (E) of the Criminal Procedure Code and punishable under Section 268 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue State 2004.

    According to prosecution lawyers, led by Demeer Adi, on March 13, at the TSB headquarters in Makurdi, Pine assaulted James Asema, who at the time of the incident was head of maintenance at TSB, without provocation. He called three witnesses, including the complainant, to make his case.

    Pine, however, denied the charges. During cross examination, he said it was wrong for a Chief Executive Officer to slap a subordinate.

    According to his counsel, Ambrose Ikpa, the case of the complainant was a desperate attempt to prosecute Pine, having earlier prayed for a “no case submission,” which was discountenanced by the court.

    Magistrate Dan Ugo held that the witnesses testified that they were at the TSB headquarters and saw Pine slap Asema, and later pushed him to the ground; a testimony the defense failed to dislodge.

    Ugo maintained that the avalanche of evidence points to the same direction and conclusion establishing that the offense was committed.

    Ikpa refused to comment on the judgment but said they have a right to appeal.

    Adi, hwoever, thanked the court “for taking the bold step in seeing that justice is served in the matter.”

  • Man bags three years for drug peddling

    Man bags three years for drug peddling

    The Federal High Court, Lagos Thursday, sentenced a man, Rasheed Adekunle, to three years imprisonment for unlawfully selling Cannabis Sativa, also known as Marijuana and other controlled drugs.

    Justice Chika Obiozor convicted Adekunle following his plea of guilt to one count of unlawful dealing in the banned substance.

    The charge was preferred against him by the National Drugs Laws and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    Justice Obiozor pronounced judgment after listening to the convict’s leniency plea and ordered that the sentence would commence from August 17, when Adekunle was arrested.

    The court also ordered that the substances, which were presented as exhibits in court, be destroyed by the NDLEA if there was no any appeal against the judgment.

    Earlier, prosecuting counsel Jeremiah Aernan, who reviewed the facts, said Adekunle was arrested by the agency on August 17, at Two Boys House, Iba Road, Ibeju-Ajah, Lagos.

    He was found with “2.1 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic similar to cocaine, heroin and other controlled drugs which he was not permitted by law to carry,” Aernan said.

    According to the prosecutor, the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

     

  • Guard jailed six months for N122, 500 theft

    Magistrate Olanike Olagbende of an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos ‎Wednesday sentenced a security guard, Samson Dennis, to six months’ in prison for stealing N122,500 from a lawyer’s home.

    Magistrate Olagbende convicted and sentenced Dennis without an option of fine following his plea guilt to a one-count charge of breaking and entering.

    The police arraigned Dennis last July 21, for breaking and entering the home of legal practitioner, Tunrayo Akinmolayan and stealing the N122,500.

    Prosecutor Corporal Friday Mameh told the court during facts and sentencing yesterday ‎that the incident took place last June 25, at about 2pm, at Plot 13, Furo Ezimora Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

    He said Akinmolayan reported the theft at Maroko Police Station, Lekki, last June 30, at about 1:45pm.

    “The complainant reported that one Samson Dennis, a security operative at the above address, unlawfully gained access to her apartment and stole the N122, 500 that she kept in a shelf in her room.”

    “‎During investigation, the defendant admitted to committing the crime, adding that he bought a canvass shoe, wrist watch, face cap, ear phone, necklace, hand bangles, sports wears and sun glasses, with the stolen money.”

    The convict’s sentence will run from the day of arraignment.

  • NFF crisis: Jos court sentences Dikko to 14 days imprisonment

    NFF crisis: Jos court sentences Dikko to 14 days imprisonment

    Justice II Kunda of  Plateau State High Court Sitting in Bukuru has indicted the League Management Committee Chairman (LMC) Shehu Dikko to 14 days imprisonment for disobeying court order.

    The judge also issued a warrant of arrest on Shehu Dikko, for disobeying its order and absenting himself from the court sitting.

    The court has been presiding over the case instituted by Giwa Football Club (Giwa FC) who is one of the 20 clubs in Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) participating in the 2015/2016 Nigeria Premier League.

    Proprietor of Giwa Football Club, Ambassador Chris Giwa had dragged NPFL and LMC before the State High Court to address the suspension of his club from participating in the ongoing premiership league tournament.

    In one of the sittings of the court over the suit in Bukuru Jos yesterday, the court ordered that LMC chairman Shehu Dikko and chief Operation officer Salisu Abubakar be committed to Jos Federal Prison for 14 days.

    The Presiding judge, Justice Kunda in his ruling said, “The LMC officials be committed to Jos Federal Prison immediately until they obey the court order.

    In the previous sitting of the court in August, the court order immediate suspension of the ongoing professional league until Giwa FC is restored to the league.

    The LMC, however, ignored the court order and went ahead with the league without recalling Giwa FC.

    Hence, in the court sitting yesterday, the court ordered immediate arrest of the LMC officials and be committed to prison until its orders are obeyed.

    Hon. Justice Kunda said the order remain valid.

  • CDHR protests ban on street trading to Lagos Assembly

    CDHR protests ban on street trading to Lagos Assembly

    The Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) Thursday protested to the Lagos State House of Assembly calling for urgent review of the law on street trading which put a fine of N90,000 or six months imprisonment on both the seller or buyer who contravenes the law.

    The Lagos state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode recently in a live broadcast directed total enforcement of ‘Street Trading Law and Illegal Market Law, 2003 after an incident between Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI)’s officer and a trader that led to the death of the latter.

    In a petition which was addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and signed by its chairman and secretary, Alex Omotehinse and Kushimo Olumuyiwa respectively, CDHR said there was need for immediate review of the law by a way of showing concerns for the masses.

    The protesters explained that many market men and women in the state have been subjected to hardship as a result of exorbitant rate for which renovated shops were sold.

    The statement read in part, “It is also important to state that the industrious market men and women’s shops in various markets across Lagos state were taken away from them by the Lagos state government under the disguise of market renovation only to contract such markets to their cronies who are building\property developers,” the group alleged.

    The group declared that, “The CDHR, Lagos Branch urged the Governor of Lagos State and the legislative body (House of Assembly) to be pro-masses and reflect on the economic pains and challenges of the good people of this country who have been very patient and tolerant with the federal government policies that tend to reshape Nigeria with the promises of better tomorrow and for now makes life unbearable for the common man in the country.”

    Also speaking, another member of the group, Barrister Samuel Adeola said the law on street trading in the state contravenes the constitution, saying to that effect the citizens have no other option than to disobey the law.

    According to him, section 5(a) of the street trading law is not in conformity with the constitution which stipulates that it is duty of government to provide security and welfare for its citizens.

    While addressing the group, Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade who spoke on behalf of the Speaker, Obasa, commended the protesters for being peaceful and taking appropriate step to seek for the amendment of the law.

    Agunbiade however cautioned the protesters to always be careful not to let bad eggs among them who might have ulterior motive to perpetrate evils.

    According to the Majority Leader “when you have a crowd like this, some people came with premeditated minds to foment trouble while others came with genuine reason.

    “As a legal practitioner, no matter how draconian a law is, until it is reversed, it remains a law until a court of law of competent jurisdiction declares it null and void. Nowhere in the world do we have perfect law, that is why we have mechanism for amending the law,” he said.

    Agunbiade promised that members of the House would look into CDHR’s grievances, adding that the process through which the law came into effect would also be applied if there was need to amend it.

  • Housewife jailed for cutting houseboy with razor blade

    ….As another is jailed for purchasing a baby

    Mrs. Onyekachi Okafor has been sentenced to a nine month imprisonment by  a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Kubwa, for inflicting razor cut on her ward.

    It is the first conviction under the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

    Mrs. Okafor who was arrested by officials of NAPTIP in September 2015 had used a sharp razor blade to cut the victim on various parts of his body including his abdomen, left buttocks and thigh.

    In a statement issued by Mr. Vincent Adekoye, Press and Public Relations (NAPTIP) Mrs Okafor action violated aspects of the Act.

    Mrs. Okafor who resides at Dape, along Karmo Road of Abuja was dragged to the FCT High Court by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on behalf of the Federal Government for willfully inflicting physical injury on a 10 year old boy (names withheld).

    The boy who served her and her family as a house help received severe razor blade cuttings from Mrs. Okafor, an act which is in violation of and punishable under section 2 of the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

    Section 2 subsection 1 of the VAPP Act says,’’ A person who willfully causes or inflicts physical injury on another person by means of any weapon, substance or object, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding N100,000.00 or both.”

    When the case came up on Monday, 4th July 2016, Mrs Okafor who was arraigned on a one count charge pleaded guilty of the offence. The presiding Judge, Justice N. Ogbonna therefore, found her guilty and sentenced her to 9 months imprisonment without an option of fine. No compensation was however, awarded to the victim.

    It would be recalled that the former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan signed the Violence against Person (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act 2015 on 23rd May, 2015. NAPTIP was made the implementing Agency for the new Act.

    The Act which applies only in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, prohibits all forms of violence against persons in private and public life and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders.

    in a related development, a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, River State presided over by Justice A. Liman has sentenced Mrs. Mavis Solomon to two years imprisonment for purchasing a ten months old baby.

    She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment.

    Mrs. Solomon was charged by NAPTIP to Court for purchasing a 10 Months old baby at the cost of N200, 000 from 2 others who are also under prosecution. The offence is contrary to Section 21 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.