The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lawyer

  • ‘Why I dumped legal practice to become a PILOT

    ‘Why I dumped legal practice to become a PILOT

    Twenty-nine-year-old Olamide Oyindamola Akinfolarin is one of the few female pilots in the country and the first to be produced in Ondo State. She became a pilot after she had trained as a lawyer; the profession her parents actually desired for her. The young and vibrant pilot, who was awarded the best private pilot progress trophy in South Africa, spoke with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI on her passion and the challenges she faces in a male-dominated profession, among other issues.

    What does it feel like to be the first lady pilot from Ondo State?

    To be honest, I had no idea until I was told a few weeks ago. But it feels really good to achieve such a feat. And I don’t plan to stop here. There are many more to come, God willing.

    Has the government in your state accorded you any recognition for this achievement?

    No they haven’t. But I’m sure it’s no fault of theirs. They’re probably not aware of the achievement. I’m sure they would want to be a part of this success story.

    Why did you have to relocate to South Africa?

    To be honest, aviation schools in Nigeria are too expensive. The payment plan is not flexible enough. They have stringent requirements which can discourage the faint-hearted. Lastly, I can’t vouch for their national, much less international, recognition.

    What was the feeling the first time you flew an aeroplane?

    Flying as pilot-in-command for the first time was exhilarating, to say the least. It was all I ever dreamt it would be and more. It met and surpassed my expectations.

    Did you feel you would achieve more being a pilot than being a lawyer?

    Well, if I had pursued a career as a pilot rather than a lawyer, I would definitely be way ahead in my career by now. But I don’t for one second regret pursuing Law first. It might not have been my first love, but I also grew to love it. I’ve always believed in the importance of education and I’m eternally grateful to my mother for making me graduate from the university before going to aviation school.

    My experience as a lawyer has made me grow and mature in a special way, and I still intend to acquire an LLM in Aviation Law in order to merge both fields of study and make it one. My goal is to one day be in a position to make great change in the aviation sector through, for example, implementation of laws. And my law degree will go a long way in helping me to achieve that.

    Since you are based in South Africa, what are you doing at present?

    I have just acquired my private pilot licence, so I’m currently working on my commercial pilot licence.

    You look very young. Does this in anyway undermine your strength in the midst of male colleagues?

    Wow! Thanks for the compliments. Well, looking young and being a woman always puts me at a disadvantage anywhere I go as would most women, particularly in such a male-dominated profession. It however does not slow me down or intimidate me. Rather, it fuels the motivation I need to prove my worth.

    I came to South Africa with no formal or informal aviation background, but I was able to excel exceedingly in both theoretical and practical aspects. My exams were way above average, and I finished my practical in a record time. I was also awarded the best private pilot progress trophy. So I dare say I earned their respect.

    What motivated or inspired you to take this path after your law degrees?

    To be succinct, passion for aviation. Aviation has and will always be my first love. Before law was aviation. Even my final year project at the University where I bagged my Diploma in Law and Bachelor of Law degree was centered on the Fly Nigeria Bill. Information is power. Without it, we are lost. I was, unfortunately, ill-informed on the requirements for pursuing aviation and it slowly took the back burner while I pursued my law degree, which I do not regret for one second. I always felt a vacuum which my law degree could not fill.Everyone thought well, after Law School, she’ll probably get a job and let it go. That was however not the case. I drew up a plan with set goals and timelines, did proper research on all that was required and started saving up for the execution of my plan.

    When I informed my mother, she was initially against it. I can’t say that I blame her though. I’m her only child. That is why I’ll be eternally grateful to Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) who succeeded in getting her on board. When the time for executing my plan came, I did, and the rest is history.

    What barriers did you encounter and how did you break them?

    First barrier: aviation is a very expensive dream, so funding posed and still poses a threat to my passion. But I didn’t and won’t let that stop me. I’m however lucky to have the most supportive mother who puts my needs before hers. After I had saved up to sort out things like the initial deposit required by the school, visa application processing fees and air ticket, my sweet mother parted with her valuables in order to raise funds for my private pilot training. I also got some financial help and support from well-wishers like Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), His Excellency Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala, Her Excellency Dame Bimbo Fashola, Uncle Adeleke Adefala, my sweet Aunty Magdalene Lasode, Aunty Fanni Aisien Osana and my surest Uncle Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome aka Alibaba.

    There was discouragement from people I thought could help with funding. Someone actually told me not to think of aviation but rather live a simple life and become a secondary school teacher, which I thought was hilarious. For the records, I have absolutely nothing against teachers, but it is just not my passion. Notwithstanding, I persevered and didn’t lose hope or faith in God. God’s favour has been endless and I cannot praise Him enough.

    What is the most important lesson you have learnt so far?

    With God, hard work and perseverance, the word ‘impossible’ does not exist.

    Any plans to settle down soon?

    If I had a penny for every time I’ve been asked this question, I’d be wealthy right now. Hopefully, sometime in the future.

    You have only been referring to your mother. What about your father?

    He is alive and well. Thank God.

    Tell us about your background?

    I am 29 years old, daughter of Mr. Collins Funsho and Mrs Gladys Nwabuaku Akinfolarin. I am from Ondo town, Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State. My mother is originally from Arondizuogu, Ide-Ato North Local Government Area, Imo State. I have a Diploma in Law, LLB, BL, private pilot licence and commercial pilot licence in the works. I love driving, swimming, playing tennis and watching movies. I’m passionate about Aviation and Law.

  • UGONWA OBIAYO: MY LAW STUDY SUFFERED BECAUSE OF DANCE

    UGONWA OBIAYO: MY LAW STUDY SUFFERED BECAUSE OF DANCE

    Trained as a mass communicator and lawyer, Ugonwa Obiayo found her passion as a dancer. The entertainment lawyer who recently was elected as Chairman, Lagos State Guild of Nigerian Dancers, in this interview with JOE AGBRO JR, talks about her dance journey and what she hopes to achieve during her term. Excerpts 

    OW did a lawyer become a dancer?

    First, I was dancer before I became a lawyer. I started dancing while I was doing my OND in IMT (Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu) under the watchful eye of Klint Da Drunk. His name is Afamefuna Igwemba and through the club he formed at the time, I became a dancer and used that means to support my siblings through school too while waiting for pocket money from daddy and mummy before I went into ESUT, Enugu State University of Science and Technology for Law.

    That was how a dancer became a lawyer. And then when I graduated, went to Law school. The law kind of suffered along the way because for me, that creativity thing is life and I needed to explore myself in depth. So, I groomed myself as an artiste growing through the dance classes. I started with hip hop, then traditional dance, came to Lagos, worked with Ijodee on contemporary dance, worked with Society For Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), Spirit of David (SOD), others while at the same time still trying to hone my skills as a lawyer.

    What motivated you to go into dancing?

    What motivated me was the freedom that comes with dancing. It helps me relieve my mind. I find solace in dancing. I could tell a story with dance. And it makes people happy. And when I was discovered in those days through Klint, was when Missy Elliot used to reign. The name ‘Missy’, I was baptised with that name because her music, ‘I can’t stand the rain’ was one of the song I used to perform with. And when I dance, people love me. I’ve even performed for the president’s wife, Mrs Stella Obasanjo. And it was able to take me far and wide.

    So, what’s your favourite style of dance?

    That’s quite a tricky question. I love traditional dances. I’m very versatile, yes, but with the traditional dances, it expresses who we really are as Nigerians. In Enugu State alone, there are so many dance styles of Igbo dances, not to talk of the over 250 (ethnic groups). And they are wonderful dances, colourful, the interpretation of movement, the instrumentation, the beats. You need to listen to the Ikorodo beats from Nsukka. Ikorodo is a maiden dance.

    There’s Nkwa Umuagbogho from Ebonyi State, Achikolo from Enugu State. I had to do all these dances as a young girl. And most of them are not being practised today, except you go to the villages. But they freed my soul. Apart from the hip hop and contemporary which I did not decry, traditional dances are tops.

    But contemporary dance has become the glamour side of dance in Nigeria, beating traditional dance to the background. How do you see this development?

    Well, contemporary dance is a genre on its own, same as traditional. But as a blend, they can both work together to fit into a beautiful dance. There is no one that is superseding the other. The only difference is how they are projected because if we promote our traditional dances as much as the contemporary dances are being promoted, they would still be at par.

    However, you have different markets appreciating different styles. But the traditional dances have been watered down for now because there have been not much push to get them out there. We do African contemporary as they call it, Western contemporary dance. It’s all about interpretation now. It’s not been explored. So, we need to explore our traditional dances to get to that level where contemporary dance, hip hop, salsa and other styles are being celebrated today.

    Artistes including dancers in Nigeria have been seen to be ‘never-do-wells.’ How would you react to that?

    In as much as we would like to embrace everybody coming into the industry, you also have to embrace the fact that there is a level of professionalism that should be attached to what you do with dance. However, looking yourself as a professional has to come from within first. Until we start to see ourselves as professional, the world will continue to see us as unprofessional. The industry is a professional industry and that is what we are looking at fixing.

    Are you still practicing law or have you relegated it for dance?

    I’ve been called to Bar which automatically makes me a lawyer. Practice depends on how you say it. Like right now, I have my certificate so, anybody coming to me would still have a viable lawyer to deal with. So that I don’t go to court does not make me less of a lawyer. I still listen to briefs. I have clients that I handle one or two matters for, be it contracts, be it administrative matters.

    How has combining dance and law practice been?

    It’s been wonderful. First and foremost, I learnt the act of administration in dance and my legal training has also helped imbibe the rules and regulation of administration. Keeping documents, keeping records in my dance act.

    So, both are intertwined. And even registration of companies and stuff like that. It has been very smooth and easy. Right now, colleagues from the dance industry have started calling with regards to creating documents for them, with regards to helping them register one or two documents, their companies, their business names and even landlord/tenant situation. So, yes I am practicing.

    You recently were elected as chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Guild of Nigerian Dancers. What motivated you to vie for that position?

    I served the Guild (as secretary) about five years ago, 2010 to 2012 dispensation under the chairmanship of Isioma Williams. I remember he (Isioma Williams) asked me then, ‘madam, as the secretary then, would you like to come in as the chairman in the second dispensation.’

    And I told him then I wasn’t ready for the industry and the industry wasn’t ready for me. I still needed to go and groom myself in certain things. The motivation now is trying to restructure the industry, create systems that will work for the dancers and the dance business and dance practitioners as a whole.

    What are the missing structures in the dance business?

    We lack structures, a system that will go in line with the practice of dance. How should we practice dance in Nigeria? Not copying from any other country. This is Nigeria. This is Lagos. How would it favour us in order to say we’re practicing dance, these are the rules and regulations with regard to the practice of dance in Lagos State and probably Nigeria as a whole.

    The Ambode administration now is using the arts as part of its machinery. The visual artists are there, the other kinds of art genres are there. Why is dance industry not there? Because we do not have a proper system that will align us. A lot of organisations don’t know us. They just know that there are dancers in Lagos.

    Compared to the western world, how would you describe level of dance in the country?

    Well, the level of dance in Nigeria has really grown tremendously. We see their dances as unique. They see ours as unique. We have been able to generate different styles of dances which they are also copying today. So, yes, as a platform, we are at par with them. But we could actually be better in our genre that can be marketable.

    Are you single or married?

    I am very happily married.

    Children?

    The whole members of the Guild right now are my children but not from biological yet.

    Does dance in anyway impede on your marriage?

    No, I have the most wonderful man. God personally selected him because of what I am. He’s in the arts too. Even if I had married a doctor, he would be in love with the arts and push me. So, my husband believes in what I do and he is solidly behind me.

    Dance is very physical, how do you relax?

    I relax by doing yoga and I do stretch exercises too.  And I listen to music. I watch movies a lot as much as I can. And then another part is playing with the kids I work with from time to time. I love being surrounded by them. They just make you relax.

  • Fake lawyer jailed two and a half years

    A man, Emmanuel Ojo, has been sentenced to two and a half years for parading himself as a lawyer.

    He was not given an option of fine.

    The 52-year old man, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Oyo State branch and arraigned at the Magistrates’ Court 2, Iyaganku, Ibadan on March 27, was caught while appearing as a lawyer in the court.

    He pleaded guilty to the two-count charge.

    Ojo was arraigned for conspiracy, impersonation and announcing himself as a lawyer.

    Delivering judgement, the Magistrate, Mrs. Abiola Richard, sentenced the accused to 30 months imprisonment without an option of fine.

    The prosecutor, Mr. Sunday Ogunremi, said the accused and others at large, between 2010 and 2017, at Mobolaji Law Chambers, 1, Winners Way, Basorun, Ibadan, conspired to impersonate as lawyers.

    He recalled that on March 27, the accused announced himself as a counsel and held brief in a case, but was later found to be an impersonator.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 516 and 484 Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

    The accused was later moved to Agodi Prisons where he will serve his term.

  • Senior lawyer slams Senate

    Constitutional lawyer Sebastin Hon has slammed the Senate over the amendment made to the constitution, saying that they were not well intended.

    Hon yesterday qurried the Senate for wanting to preclude the President from the constitutional process of amending the constitution.

    “It is not well intended. It is a sharp break from our constitutional history of amending the constitution.

    ” The Senate needs to convince Nigerians if they have good intentions for introducing that amendment.

    “The President of Nigeria had been assenting to all constitutional amendment. There is no possible reason why that constitutional tradition should break at this point.”

  • UK-based lawyer Aneke for burial

    UK-based lawyer Aneke for burial

    Funeral rites for the late  Mr. Chukwuma Lloyd Aneke of Inner Temple, England and Wales, will begin tomorrow. Mr. Aneke died during a visit to Nigeria. He was 56.

    The body will leave Eastern Medical Centre, Uwani Enugu, tomorrow for a lying-in-state at his country home, Aneke compound, Umuma, Abia town in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    Funeral service will hold at St Lukes’ Anglican Church, Abia, followed by internment, on Saturday.

    An outing service will hold on Sunday at the same church.

    He is survived by wife Bettina, four children, grandchild, an aged mother, Mrs. Eunice Aneke, sisters and brothers.

  • Lawyer who was an obese child writes Seyi Law over daughter

    Lawyer who was an obese child writes Seyi Law over daughter

    A lawyer, Ayomide Adebayo-Oyetoro, has written to advise comedian Seyi Law to watch the weight of his little daughter, Tiwa, to prevent her from being obese.

    The lawyer who took to Instagram, revealed that she was obese as a child and is still obese.

    “Research shows about one in five school aged children are obese,” she wrote.

    “Parents close their eyes to this reality by claiming the child would outgrow it. It rarely happens.

    “Children should be fed right, properly and healthy. An obese child is open to a lot of health really risks. I know because I am speaking from experience.

    “Firstly, an obese child is prone to eating disorders. Most times, an obese child becomes an obese adult and becomes prone to eating disorders because she’d lack self-control to be able to say no to good food.

    “Another effect of child obesity is cardiac issues including but not limited to hypertension, asthma etc. I had asthma as a child and I still do as an adult. My attacks zigzag with my weight.

    “Lastly, another effect of child obesity is bone related diseases. An obese child is prone to bone ailments like arthritis, rheumatism. Tell an obese person to climb stairs and watch them thank you.

    “Sugarcoat it all you want, the effects are long lasting. From low self-esteem to depression. Watch Tiwa’s weight biko! Thank you!”

    Responding to the advice, Seyi Law said: “Your show of love and support has been amazing.

    “Thank You is all I can tell you and that God Almighty bless you all.

    “This is an assurance to everybody that my daughter is well and heavily guarded by God Almighty. Tiwaloluwa has doctors at our local Healthcare Centre and George’s Memorial Medical Centre, Lekki and if there is any issue, social media doctors won’t be the ones to inform us. I have lost one before and wouldn’t take any chance on another.

    “I want to implore my fans, family and friends to please ignore all negative comments from now. Let’s channel our energy towards more positive things and let pigs remain in the gutter.

    “I appreciate you all and assure you, you won’t stop seeing Tiwaloluwa pictures and videos until the time I have set. God bless you abundantly.”

     

     

  • Gunmen kill youth leader, lawyer in Akwa Ibom— Police

    Gunmen kill youth leader, lawyer in Akwa Ibom— Police

    Unidentified gunmen have killed a youth leader, identified as Paragi and Mr Mfon Etukudo, a lawyer, in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

    Paragi, who hailed from Nkek Village, was said to have been shot dead on Saturday at about 6pm at a barbing saloon at Nkek Urua Uko in Ukanafun.

    Etukudo, from Idung Nneke Village in Ukanafun, was murdered by unknown gunmen on Sunday.

    DSP Chukwu Ikechukwu, Akwa Ibom, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the killings on Sunday in Uyo in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Donald Awunah, and Gov. Udom Emmanuel are on their way to visit the scene of the incident.

    He said that the remains of the deceased had been recovered and deposited in mortuary for autopsy.

    “The Commissioner of Police and the state governor are on their way to the place right now.

    “As soon as they are back, details will be made known.

    “Right now, policemen are on ground; they are doing everything to restore calm in the area.

    “Effort is on top gear to track the killers of the two men. We are not going to relent on our efforts to nab the assailants,” Okechuckwu pledged. (NAN)

  • Buhari’s health: Fayose under fire from Okorocha, BMSG, lawyer

    Buhari’s health: Fayose under fire from Okorocha, BMSG, lawyer

    Imo State Governor and Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum Rochas Okorocha yesterday led attacks on Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose over his comments on President Muhammadu Buhari’s health.

    Others, who flayed Fayose, include Buhari Media Support Group (BSG) and activist lawyer Morakinyo Ogele.

    Fayose, at a news conference on Wednesday, claimed that Buhari had been on life support in a hospital in the United Kingdom.

    He called for the President’sresignation over his health issues.

    But, speaking on Fayose’s call, Okorocha said: “As you are aware, we are passing through a very difficult time in our nation and we have a lot of challenges – political, economical, social, cultural and what have you. I want to advise that this is what many great nations of the world have passed through before getting to their point of greatness and Nigeria will not be an exemption.

    “We must see this time as a trying period for Nigeria and by the grace of God, we shall overcome. So, this is the time to preach love, this is the time to love one another, this is the time to embrace one another, this is the time to preach peace, especially in more of the things that unite us as a people and talk not at all the things that will divide us.

    “And this called to question the recent statement created to Governor Fayose over the health of Mr. President. I want to advise that Fayose’s statement should not be regarded. It’s baseless and there is no substance for that information. What he said is not right, it is uncalled for and that is simply hitting up the polity.

    “In our culture and tradition, we do not pray politics with people’s lives and anybody can be sick, anybody can be in the hospital. So, making such categorical statement which is unfounded that Mr. President is on life support, is to the best of my knowledge, a statement of hate.

    “That is a cheap talk and Nigerians should not regard it. What we should do right now is to pray for Mr. President, wish him well, anybody can be sick. Even as he is sick out there, many people have been sick in Nigeria. So, we should not politicise this and play politics with people’s lives and try to create hate and confusion in the system.

    “I think that has become Fasoye’s style of talk and Nigerians must never take those kind of talk serious because is capable of creating confusion in the system.

    BSG described Fayose as a serial liar and attention-seeker, who will do everything possible to remain in full public glare.

    The group, in a statement by its chairman, Austin Braimoh and secretary, Chief Cassidy Madueke, described the governor as a born agent of confusion, who was ready to spread hate speech to achieve his aim.

    The statement reads: “The attention of BMSG has been drawn to a statement credited to Ekiti Governor, where he dished a cacophony of lies on the health of President Muhammadu Buhari, claiming that he has been on life support system for 20 days.

    “The comments of Fayose did not come as a surprise because of his penchant for exhibiting the characteristics of a serial liar and a born agent of confusion over the years and who thrives in hate speeches and campaigns of calumny.

    “We believe that most Nigerians are already familiar with the infantile character of the Ekiti State accidental governor. Nigerians are already familiar with his antics.”

    Ogele accused Fayose of raising false alarm on Buhari’s health.

    He said Fayose was not competent to speak on thepresident’s health status, noting that “only Buhari’s physician is competent tocomment on the health of his client”.

    In a chat with The Nation in Ado-Ekiti, Ogele berated Fayose for “always seekingundeserved attention through the backdoor and endlessly portrayingEkiti in bad light”.

    He claimed that Ekiti is bleeding under the watch of Fayose whom heaccused of bastardising government and mismanaged the state economy, leading to several job losses and flight of investors from the state.

    The lawyer, who is also the National Coordinator of Ekiti RedemptionGroup (ERG), criticised Fayose for “always playing bad politics” in abid to get at Buhari and his government.

  • Why Nigeria’s power need is peculiar, by lawyer

    • ‘It’s the only privatised sector in Africa’

    Legal adviser to the Federal Government’s Advisory Power Team (APT) Mr Dapo Akinosun, has called for a homegrown solution to Africa’s energy problems and needs. Using Nigeria as a case study, Akinosun said despite its huge challenges, Africa’s energy sector provides good business opportunities for investors. He advocated an African solution to the power problems of the continent. “My vision for Africa in the energy sector is one that is independent and interdependent, Independent by national design and perspective; and interdependent by international choice and focus”, he said.

    Akinosun spoke at the African Utility Week conference in Cape Town, South Africa. The theme of the conference is “What is the best-cost and optimal mix in Africa?”

    APT is made up of experts in various areas of the power sector, including: Gas to Power; Solar Power; Transmission; and Generation among others. The mandate of the team is to provide technical support to the Federal Government on power and to harmonize the direction of all MDAs (Ministries, Departments & Agencies) involved in the power sector.

    The team also reviews proposals from investors and foreign governments interested in participating in the power sector, with a view to advising the government. The team’s mandate makes it interface with participants in all areas of the power sector. The team  conducts physical assessment of power facilities across the country.  It is the office of the Vice President who supervises many of the Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the power sector.

    Akinosun, the principal partner of Simmon Coopers Partners, is responsible for energy and infrastructure practice at the chambers. He has advised governments and organisations who are participants at all levels of the energy sector, in ensuring optimum effectiveness in their activities, investments, and regulatory compliance.

    Akinosun believes that the power sector is on a peculiar learning curve, the realities of which are better appreciated when put in perspective. “It should be understood that Nigeria’s power sector is the only privatised power system in the continent.

    “That in itself poses management challenges as there are no Africa specific benchmarks to use in comparison.  This becomes important when we realise that all development is achieved based on comparative models which in our case we do not have. It is therefore axiomatic that for every major achievement we need to dig within to find a solution”, he said.

    He acknowledged at privatisation was not perfect, pointing out that this has lengthened the learning curve. Akinosun noted the fluctuation of the  naira vis-à-vis the major currencies of the world. “Given that most of the components of the Nigerian power sector are imported, fluctuation in the value of the Naira makes business planning a nightmare.”

    Despite all the challenges, Akinosun believes that the industry has potential for those who are ready to invest in its energy sector. “It’s not all gloom and doom. ‘The challenges in and of themselves are business opportunities. Equally important is that the liberation of the sector has shed light into a previously opaque sector;

    “The light that has come helps to itemise in verifiable terms the opportunities in the sectors. This becomes good news to entrepreneurial interests and the investor community. In  summary, the power sector is a case of half empty and half full. The way you choose to look at it will determine if you can benefit from the sector or not, he said adding: “My message will revolve around developing home grown solutions to the energy challenges. Yes, we talk about the financial demands of the industry but it is key to break these demands into piecemeal tasks  such that the financial needs can be solved with home grown remedies rather than imported ‘medications’. To this extent, what Nigeria currently obtains from Europe and the US should be obtained from countries like Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, etc;

    “Energy is the most important commodity. Period! Energy can be measured for empirical purposes in per capita terms. Nigeria and indeed the continent have some of the great potential for demand for energy. We should not misuse this opportunity. An African that is both independent and interdependent is in the enlightened self-interest of all”.

  • Lawyer accused of defrauding client N3.5m

    A 75-year-old lawyer, Joshua Awe, was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining N3.5 million from his client under the false pretence of selling him land.

    The septuagenarian was docked with an estate agent, Dickson Ofor, 65, before Magistrate O. O. Oshin.

    They are standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, and stealing.

    Prosecuting Inspector Jimoh Joseph said the defendants and others at large committed the offences sometime in June, 2012, at 11, Oke Street, Pedro, Gbagada, Lagos.

    He said they obtained N3.5m from the complainant, Mr Nnamdi Nebechi, as payment for land plot at 35, Assess Road, Gbohungbohun, Oworonsoki, Lagos, despite knowing that the plot had been sold.

    “The defendants sold the land but concealed the encumbrances over it, therefore, stole the said money belonging to the complainant,” the prosecutor said.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Oshin granted them N1millon bail each with two sureties in the like sum. The sureties must show proof of three years’ tax payment.

    The case was adjourned till April 19.