The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State

  • Three docked for obtaining bank loan with forged documents

    Three bank customers, who allegedly tendered forged documents to obtain N1.3 million loan, on Friday appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in  Lagos on a five-count charge.

    The accused are John Fashina, 26; Olawale Akinboro, 35; and Alexander Onwa, 44.

    The accused, whose addresses were not provided, were charged with conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, theft, forgery and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Prosecutor, Inspector Ben Ekundayo, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 16 and Aug. 24, at Lekki, Lagos.

    Ekundayo said that Fashina and Akinboro – first and second accused – fraudulently obtained the loan from Oak Payday Solution Ltd. Loan Trust Microfinance Bank.

    He said that the third accused, Onwa, who had also applied for N3 million loan from the same bank but was denied because his documents were not authentic, orchestrated the forgery.

    He said that the accused forged Zenith Bank and Access Bank documents to obtain the loan.

    “Onwa, after his own failed attempt, told Fashina and Akinboro about it and organised how they got the forged documents which they tendered and got the loan.

    “The micro finance bank detected that the documents were not authentic when it was time to deduct money from the accounts; this led to their arrest,” he said.

    The offences contravene Sections 287, 315, 320, 363 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

    Magistrate A.M. Olumide-Fusika granted each of the accused N500,000 bail with two sureties each in like sum.

    She ordered that one of the sureties must be a relation of the accused and the other, a civil servant.

    The case was adjourned until December 21 for trial.

     

    NAN

  • Oshodi interchange ready first quarter of 2019

    The Oshodi interchange, to ease commuters’ movement, which is expected daily, will be completed in the first quarter of 2019, Lagos State Works and Infrastructure Commissioner Adebule Akinsanya said yesterday.

    In a statement on the state of the project, he said progress was being made towards its completion.

    He spoke of a comfortable, accessible and world-class transport system soon, hailing motorists and residents for their support for the project.

    The commissioner said: “At the moment, 83 per cent total work progress has been achieved, including completion of piling works on the three terminals and completion of the piling works for the skywalks.

    “Among others, we have completed works on the pile caps for the three terminals, concrete works of the buildings, ground floor works on all the loading bays for the three terminals, erection of steelworks for the skywalks and terminals and taxi park and car park areas, while road works around the terminal are at an advanced stage as well as bus holding bays around the terminals.”

    The Oshodi Transport Interchange Project (OTIP) is part of the Bus Reform Initiative of the government designed to transform the axis and enhance connectivity.

    It seeks to transform Oshodi into a world-class Central Business District (CBD) with business, travel and leisure activities conducted in a serene, secure, clean, orderly and hygienic environment.

  • Lagos APC names Hamzat as Sanwo-Olu’s running mate

    The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday officially named Dr Obafemi Hamzat as the running mate of Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, its governorship candidate for the 2019 elections.

    The Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Tunde Balogun announced Hamzat’s choice at a news conference in Ikeja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that speculations about the choice of Hamzat, a former Commissioner for Works became rife after he stepped down for Sanwoolu shortly before the primary.

    Balogun said Hamzat was selected after wide consultations by the Apex decision making body of the party with other important stakeholders.

    He described Hamzat as a competent hand, saying the party had no doubt of the complementary role he would play in helping Sanwoolu move the state forward

    “The highest decision making body of APC together with all the relevant stakeholders of APC in Lagos State have endorsed Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as the running mate to the candidate of APC in Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “After the endorsement, it is important for me to publicly and officially present Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as the running mate of our candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the 2019 gubernatorial election in Lagos State,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu, commended the choice of Hamzat as his running mate, expressing confidence that the former Commissioner would help realise a better Lagos.

    He said he had known Hamzat for years personally and professionally and that he could vouch for his competence and integrity to help deliver a better Lagos.

    “Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat and I have been players in the same political matters for many years.

    “We have been friends and brothers for close to two decades and he is a man of deep intellectual knowledge. He is a man of high level of integrity.

    “He is competent and I know he is going to help greatly to deliver the Lagos of our dream. With a technocrat like Hamzat, we will take Lagos to the next level,” he said.

    In his acceptance speech, Hamzat thanked the party for choosing him and Sanwoolu to fly its flag in the elections.

    He said he and Sanwoolu knew what was required to deliver a better Lagos, promising to do his best if the party gets the mandate.

    “Lagos is dear to all of us and If Nigeria will be great, Lagos must be great. And as such the party decided to look for somebody who has the experience to run the state, in the person of Mr Sanwoolu.

    “We are now a global village and what we do in Lagos affects everywhere in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

    “So, I am very happy. I feel very happy and I feel a sense of responsibility that the party after sitting together, have selected me to be his running mate so that we can work together with our experience.

    “We have known each other for over 15 years professionally and personally. So, we have the chemistry and I dare say that we understand the geography of Lagos.

    “Mr Sanwo-Olu and I understand what it requires to cook what Lagosians desire. So, we promise to do our best to deliver the Lagos of our dream,” he said. (NAN)

  • Lagos empowers NGOs for optimal performance

    In its bid to provide an update on various programmes , laws, norms and regulations which are to guide and enhance their activities in the state, Lagos state government has organized an Interactive forum with registered Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the state.

    The programme which was held at Alusa, Ikeja, Lagos which was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation had over 300 registered NGOs in attendance.

    Speaking on the theme: Lagos State Government; Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through viable partnership/collaboration with NGOs”, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Lola Akande said it point clearly to the strategic direction of the State government to touching the lives of Lagosians, especially women through interface with organization, such as NGOs.

    “This meeting will serve and catalyst to the complementary roles of the Ministry and relevant NGOs in fulfilling her collective dream of a society where women are socially and economically empowered and well positioned to take their rightful place in the scheme of things”, said Akande.

    According to Akande, the increasing trend of poverty in families and the society has become a major concern for well meaning individual in the country. “This has consequently created the need for concerted efforts among stakeholders through platforms as this in the spirit of sharing ideas and pulling resources together for the betterment of millions indigent women out there”, she said.

    Rather than waiting tirelessly for grants which is not forthcoming, one of the facilitators, and Executive Director, Creed Initiative, Mrs. Kehinde Omojola, enjoined participants to organize events, go into buying and selling so as to generate income to continually organize programmes thereby remaining relevant in the society. Her words “Look inward and think of how best you can source for funds” said Omojola.

  • Surveyor in court over alleged N8.2m fraud

    A 32-year-old surveyor, Oluwadamilare Mustapha, was on Thursday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly defrauding a man of N8.2million.

    Mustapha, who resides at No. 46, Kokorabu St., Ikorodu, Lagos State, was charged with obtaining money under false pretences and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Inspector Victor Eruada, told the court that Mustapha committed the alleged offences between January and June , 2014, in Ikorodu.

    He alleged that Mustapha obtained N8.2 million from the complainant, Mr Ajibade Adesanya, on the pretext of assisting him to acquire 23 plots of land at Ijede, Ikorodu.

    “Mustapha collected N8.2 million from the complainant on the pretext of selling the land to him, which he never did,” the prosecutor said.

    Eruada said that when the complainant demanded for refund, Mustapha failed to refund the money.

    Read Also: Man in court over alleged house breaking, stealing

    The offences contravened the provisions of Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    Mustapha denied committing the offences.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Section 314 prescribes 15 years jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.

    The Magistrate, Mrs M.I. Dan-Oni, granted Mustapha bail in the sum of N1million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until November 20 for mention.

  • Nigerians urged to support Buhari

    Nigerians have been advised to vote massively for President Muhammadu Buhari as he is the best candidate to take the country to greater heights.

    This was the submission of the Buhari/Osinbajo Mandate Group (BOMG), Lagos State Chapter, at the Lagos State Service Club, Ikeja, on Thursday.

    According to the coordinator, BOMG Lagos State, Honorable Engr. Yomi Oyedeko, it is important to re-elect Buhari into power, as “continuity begets productivity”

    “As a team, we are convinced about our candidates. We wish to express that we have resolved to mobilize all registered voters in Lagos State and Nigeria to support the laudable aspiration of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.”

    “The administration since its assumption on 29th May 2015 has implemented many social economic and welfare programmes to the advantage and benefits of downtrodden, one of which is social welfare and school feeding programmes. More importantly is the impact that the ten thousand naira trader money loans has created in the lives of the beneficiaries.

    Read Also: I’ll campaign for Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, says Ambode

    The chairman of the South East forum of the All Progressive Congress, Chief Anslem Njoku said that it is important for the south east to massively support Buhari, so that it will be realistic for the south east to attain power in 2023.

    “The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and President Buhari is the straight point Ndigbo needs to get to the office of the president. Politics is truly about interest.If Buhari gets power in 2019, it becomes easy for Ndigbo to negotiate their way to power at the end of his tenure. Any other way apart from this makes the journey longer.”

    Njoku further called on all interest groups in the South East to give the present administration the opportunity to complete projects it has commenced in Igboland.

    The leader, Arewa Group, Sherif Abubakar Mohammed said that the Arewa group is strongly behind the President, as it is crystal clear to all Nigerians that the current administration is transparent in its governance.

    “All Nigerians have seen what the current administration has done. It is a transparent administration and we are grateful to them. I am very sure that the Arewa group is strongly behind the President.

    All we need do now is support, encourage, and pray for our leaders as they continue governance after 2019.

  • Ambode approves re-constitution of board of sport federation

    The Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the appointments into the Boards of 40 State Sports Associations.
    This was announced by the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Adedayo Tandoh who stated that the appointments take immediate effect and will be for a 4-year tenure, in line with the stipulations contained in the Enabling Law of the Lagos State Sports Commission.
    It will be recalled that some months ago, the former Boards were dissolved as they had long exceeded their tenures. According to Dr. Tandoh, the new appointees were painstakingly selected to ensure that men and women with passion, knowledge and commitment for sports are brought on board.
    “We are certain that with the new Boards in place, the pace of sports development in the state, particularly grassroots sports development will be very much accelerated”, Tandoh said.
    Some of the 40 Sports Associations are Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, and Swimming. Others include Scrabble, Para-Athletics, Deaf Sports, Basketball, Judo etc
    The Boards are expected to swing into action immediately especially in view of the forthcoming 19th National Sports Festival holding in Abuja in December 2018.

  • Evans thought he’d never be arrested, says witness

    The Lagos State High Court in Igbosere on Wednesday heard that suspected multi-millionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (alias Evans) considered himself invincible.

    Testifying in his trial, Police Inspector Idowu Haruna said Evans never believed he could be arrested.

    According to him, Evans exclaimed during his arrest: ‘Oh God! I never knew this day will come!’

    He said Evans promised to cooperate with the Police by confessing to his alleged crime.

    Read Also: I paid $1m ransom to Evans, says witness

    Evans is facing two separate charges bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder before Justice Adedayo Akintoye.

    Haruna said Evans made his statement to the Police voluntarily and without duress or torture.

    Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Dr Jide Martin, the witness said Evans’ statement was recorded on June 26, 2017 at 2 pm at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office in Ikeja.

    He said Evans narrated how he and his accomplices kidnapped Godwin Okorafor.

    A consultant radiologist from the Paramount Life Care Diagnosis Center, Samuel Oyemakinde, in the first charge, tendered a medical report and an X-RAY result showing that a kidnap victim, James Uduji, sustained a gunshot wound.

    Oyemakinde, who was subpoenaed to give evidence, said there was a linear foreign body lodged in the victim’s upper left lung zone.

    Justice Akintoye adjourned until November 2 for continuation of trial.

  • Ambode promises to campaign for Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

     As he receives, accompanies Buhari to Seme

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has assured that he would lead a strong campaign to ensure victory for President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in the State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2019 general elections.

    Ambode spoke to journalists at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport shortly after receiving and accompaning Buhari to perform the official commissioning of the new Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Border Posts at Seme-Krake joint border post in Badagry.

    The governor said it was important for the APC to retain its leadership positions both at the federal and the State levels.

    “I have just accompanied Mr. President to the Nigerian-Benin border post. So what we have commissioned today is a joint Border Patrol post between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin and it is called Seme-Krake border post.

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly denies plan to impeach Ambode

    “But again, just to also use this opportunity to let Lagosians know that we are heavily committed to the re-election of Mr. President and you can see that his continuous visit to Lagos reiterates the fact that he is actually a lover of Lagos State and I am committed to ensuring his re-election.

    “We are going to campaign heavily for him. I am also committed to ensuring that the APC wins the governorship election come 2019.  We support the candidacy of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and we would make sure that APC retains Lagos State and the centre,” Ambode said.

    Earlier, the Governor had received President Buhari at the airport before the duo proceeded to Seme where the President joined his Republic of Benin counterpart, Patrice Talon to inaugurate the Border Post.

    With the inauguration, the Seme-Krake joint border, one of the busiest boundary lines not only in West Africa but the whole continent, daily recording huge movement of persons, goods and services, is expected to enhance the free movement of persons and goods in the region and foster integration between the people of Nigeria and Benin.

  • Ambode decries delay in justice delivery

    Calls on judiciary for innovative models to prevent delays

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday decried the delay in justice delivery calling on the judiciary to come up with innovative models to overcome the menace.

    Ambode said such innovative models should vigorously tackle delay in justice delivery, adding that it was time for all stakeholders to engender speedy and efficient administration of justice system in the country.

    The governor spoke at a Special Service held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, to mark the official commencement of 2018/2019 Legal Year of Lagos State Judiciary. 

    According to him, delay in justice delivery is still a major concern, and that it was time for all hands to be on deck to enhance confidence in the legal system.

    He said Lagos, being the economic hub of Africa, must be at the vanguard of judicial reforms, adding that the State’s justice sector must be sound, fair and effective.  

    “As our State remains the cynosure of excellence and the economic hub of Africa, our judiciary must continue to be at the forefront of judicial reforms to meet the expectations of the modern day justice sector. My lords, we bear the responsibility of 24million people who look up to you and I to protect them with the law. Our justice system must remain sound, fair and effective.

    “The fact is this; the expectation of the citizens is huge and it requires all stakeholders to work continuously to enhance confidence in the legal system, promote the rule of law, and guarantee the protection of lives and property,” Ambode said.

    He said since the commencement of his administration, conscious efforts and initiatives have been put in place to enhance justice delivery, as well as respect the constitutionally roles of the three arms of government.

    “Our administration recognizes the separate but interwoven roles of the three arms of government and part of our own commitment to a lawful and orderly society is to respect the limits of those constitutional roles which we have always done.

    “One of the cardinal policies of our government has been the enthronement of law and order and today, I stand a happy man knowing we have delivered on those promises,” he said.

    Speaking on some of the initiatives of his administration in the justice sector, the Governor said due to the increased work load and number of cases in the courts, more judges and magistrates were appointed, as well as construction of more court houses and renovation of existing courts to befit the judiciary, together with improved welfare for judicial officers in the State.

    He added: “The introduction of the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre further enhanced the quality of justice delivery in the State and we have also developed policies and legislations that will aid speedy dispensation of justice.”

    Read Also: Ambode okays phase three for CodeLagos

    While congratulating members of judiciary on the commencement of the New Legal Year and wishing them fruitful deliberations, the Governor equally assured of his continued support and partnership to further enhance justice delivery in the State.

    In his sermon at the service, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt Rev Humphrey Olumakaiye commended judges for the role they have been playing in national development but admonished them to dispense justice without fear or favour and always uphold justice.

    He said judges, being distinguished and eminent people in the society, must know that it was God’s blessings that enriches, and as such, they should eschew injustice which he said could lead to chaos, disaster and maladministration, among others.

    “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach. To be successful, judges must do the right thing moment by moment and day by day. The only thing that can sustain you at the top is godly character and integrity.

    “Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to have been done. Justice must be dispensed without fear or favour. Let justice be done though heavens fall. We all must know that we shall give account of our stewardship on the day of reckoning,” Olumakaiye said.

    On 2019 elections, the clergyman prayed for God’s will to be done in Nigeria, just as he said the nation needs strong moral foundation at all levels.

    “Let us go back to the path of honesty, love, sincerity, dignity of labour, righteousness, discipline, integrity, hard work, excellence, zeal for result, among others,” he said.

    Olumakaiye commended Governor Ambode for the good work being done in the State, saying the Church was proud of the sterling performance and would continue to support and pray for him.