The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oyo state

  • “440,000 candidates write JAMB exams in two days”

    “440,000 candidates write JAMB exams in two days”

    No fewer than 440,000 candidates have sat for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations within two days across the country.

    The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is’haq Oloyede made this known in Abuja on Monday during a tour of the examination centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Oloyede said that the exams would end in Bauchi, Abia, Niger states and some other states on May 15 while the UTME would continue in Kebbi state, Lagos state, Oyo and some other states.

    He also said that some centres in Delta state were underutilised, adding that the Board would fully involved the centres in future exams.

    He called on candidates to avoid being exploited by unscrupulous persons in the name of getting exam questions for them.

    He said that a case of a person who attacked JAMB officials in Abia state had been reported to the security personnel.

    “I believe everything is going on well. We are monitoring the situation except for a person that was said to have attacked our staff in Abia state this morning.

    “Candidates should be careful because some of these people go about telling the candidates they can give them questions.

    “We are therefore appealing to people to do everything according to the law and avoid cutting corners with JAMB,” he said.

    On the recent industrial action at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Oloyede said there was preparation to move the candidates to the University of Ilorin for their exams.

    “We understand that there is a sort of strike by either staff or students in Lautech and two of our centres are in that school.

    “However, arrangement is being made already to transfer the students because there are no private CBT centres in Ogbomosho and the closest place is Ilorin because of the proximity.

    “So we believe it is better than taking them to Ibadan or any other place in Oyo state.”

    Oloyede also condemned the incessant strike in Nigerian Universities, saying that the acts could destroy the future of the country and citizens.

    He added that unions were free to disagree with the government but not at the detriment of students.

    “Anybody who loves this country and education will be against incessant strike.

    “I don’t mean government should take academic staff or non-academic staff for granted but it means we should find a way of solving our crisis not at the expense of the innocent ones,” Oloyede said.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, who was also on exams monitoring, applauded the board for smooth conduct of the exams.

    Anwukah, however, urged candidates to put more effort in order to succeed in the examination.

    “Based on what I have seen today, the exercise is excellent and if we can fathom this into what we are doing, I think it will be excellent from now on.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that centres visited within the territory are Digital Bridge Institute, Global Learning Institute, Sascon International School and the JAMB headquarters centre.

     

  • Man bags  seven years in jail for raping a 12-year-old

    Justice Maruf Adegbola of an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, on Friday sentenced one Gafar Asimiyu to seven years in prison for raping a 12- year- old girl.

    Adegbola said evidence before him showed that the accused was guilty of the charge of rape preferred against him.

    “The medical report from Adeoyo Hospital indicated that there was forceful penetration in the private part of the victim,” he said.

    He also said the statement of the accused did not contradict that of the victim, adding that instead, it helped to strengthen the case against him.

    The judge further said the testimony of the accused in the court was an after taught.

    “The earlier statement made by the accused with the investigating police officer indicated that the accused had sexual intercourse with the victim without her consent.

    “The prosecution was able to prove the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.”

    Adegbola said though Section 259 of the Criminal Code of Oyo State provides a life sentence for offenders; he sentenced Asimiyu to seven years imprisonment.

    “Base on the plea made by counsel to the accused, the court hereby sentence Asimiyu to seven years imprisonment.”

    The judge said that the sentence should start from May 5.

    The prosecutor, Mr Olayiwola Oloso, had told the court that the accused committed the crime on Feb.18, 2013 in Yemetu area of Ibadan.

     

  • Legal Aid Council completes 316 criminal cases in Oyo

    The Legal Aid Council in Oyo State says it successfully completed 316 criminal and civil cases in 2016.

    The State Coordinator, Mrs Olufunmi Eyitayo, said this on Friday in Ibadan while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Eyitayo said that the council received a total of 388 and 73 criminal and civil cases applications respectively in the year under review.

    “Inspite of a shortage of staff and financial constraint majorly due to the recession, the council was able to successfully complete 280 criminal cases and 36 civil cases respectively out of the applications received in the previous year.

    “The council was established in 1978 and since its inception, 5,276 out of almost 6,000 criminal cases that were received have been duly processed and completed,” she said.

    The state coordinator, however, revealed that only seven lawyers were attached to the Oyo State Office to cater for all the 33 local government areas in the entire state.

    “Inspite of the shortage of staff, we do not relent in our efforts to ensure that those that cannot afford the services of a private lawyer have access to justice, due process and legal representation.

    “Each legal aid officer handles at least 60 cases per year to ensure that free, qualitative and timely legal aid services are provided for the indigent,” she said.

    She said the council also encourages mediation and out of court settlements whenever possible to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

  • Supreme Court resolves jurisdiction issue against Oyo Rep member

    Supreme Court resolves jurisdiction issue against Oyo Rep member

    The Supreme Court has resolved that the Federal High Court has the jurisdiction to determine a case challenging the election of a member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, Hon. Sumbo Olugbemi.

     

    Olugbemi is representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in the lower legislative chamber on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

     

    But his candidature is being challenged by Hon. Olujide Adewale, who is claiming that he defeated Olugbemi in the primary of the party for the post in 2014.

     

    Adewale dragged Olugbemi, the APC and its chairman in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Federal High Court, Ibadan, seeking the nullification of Olugbemi’s candidature and declaration that he was the duly elected candidate of the party for the 2015 House of Representatives election. He filed the case on October 24, 2014.

     

    But Olugbemi challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain Adewale’s claims in November, 2015. The court dismissed the application but the lawmaker appealed against the order.

     

    The Court of Appeal also upheld the decision of the Federal High Court, affirming that it had jurisdiction over the matter.

     

    Still dissatisfied, Hon. Olugbemi approached the Supreme Court over the order. But the apex court also upheld the decision of the lower courts in its judgment on Friday.

     

    In the copy of the judgment obtained by The Nation, Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, who read the lead judgment, affirmed: “Indeed, the matter herein is laid to rest as the two courts below were right in holding that the Federal High Court was seised with jurisdiction to hear the pre-election matter before the Federal High Court pursuant to Section 87 (9) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended). The controversy on the issue of main or principal or ancillary relief does not arise and this appeal definitely lacks merit as the concurrent findings and conclusion of the two courts below are not to be tampered with, the exceptions that would have empowered this Apex Court to so interfere , upset, disturb those findings and conclusion do not exist. This appeal is therefore dismissed.”

  • Court dissolves 10-year-old marriage over infidelity

    Mr. Ademola Odunade, the President of Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday dissolved a 10-year-old marriage between one Adenike Tirimisiyu and her husband, Rashid Tirimisiyu, over his unfaithfulness and irresponsibility.

    Odunade said he dissolved the union so that there could be peace between the estranged couple.

    “There is no need continuing with a relationship characterised by unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

    “You are both free to go your separate ways,” Odunade said.

    The petitioner, Adenike, had, earlier, told the court that her husband had been unfaithful, insincere and acts irresponsibly toward her.

    “For a number of years now, Rashid has not given me rest of mind through his insincerity and trouble making every now and then.

    “I have caught him many times with different women thus being unfaithful to me and to our union.

    “My lord, it is like he is capitalising on the fact that I have not been able to conceive since we got married.

    “Worst still, Rashid has not lived up to his responsibility of caring for me as I live in abject poverty,” the trader said.

    The respondent, Rashid, a commercial driver, who did not deny his wife’s accusations, told the court that he was in agreement with the divorce.

    Rashid, however, said his wife had equally been unfaithful to him.

    “My lord, Adenike comes home very late at the night and I have reported the matter to her relatives several times; still she refused to change.

    “In fact, Adenike was rough-handled and robbed one night and she failed to inform me. I heard about it from a neighbour.

    “I am equally no more interested in continuing with her,” he said.

     

  • Ajimobi promises to clear workers’ salary arrears

    Ajimobi promises to clear workers’ salary arrears

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has promised to spare no effort in ensuring that the state clears the four months outstanding salaries of workers in the state.

    He made the disclosure in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka on Sunday, ahead of the commemoration  of  2017 Workers’ Day celebration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state owes the workers four months salaries, having cleared the backlog till December 2016.

    Ajimobi urged the workers to continue to put in their best and key into the state government’s reform agenda aimed at enhancing productivity.

    “I congratulate the entire workforce in the state, including those in the private and informal sectors.

    “This year’s workers day has provided another opportunity for you all to take stock and assess your performance.

    “I can say without any equivocation that workers in the state are among the very best you can find anywhere in the country.

    “But, for the few yet to embrace the new order of hard work, accountability, dedication and commitment, I urge you join the trend,” he said.

    He said that the government was exploring many opportunities to enhance the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state, promising that no effort would be spared to clear the four months salary arrears.

    “No doubt, times are hard because of the pervading poor state of the economy.

    “I feel your pains and I’m optimistic that we shall soon sing a new song of prosperity and abundance. May none of you be missing by that time,.” he said.

    Ajimobi prayed for a hazard-free 2017 for workers in the state as the year enters the second quarter, and that God would give them good health to celebrate more workers’ days to come.

  • Ajimobi mourns Olumide Bakare

    Ajimobi mourns Olumide Bakare

    Gov Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state has described the death of the late veteran actor, Olumide Bakare, as very unfortunate.

    The governor, in a statement signed by Mr Yomi Layinka, his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy in Ibadan on Monday, commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the late actor on his death.

    “Although the late actor had been on admission at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan for a heart-related disease, we regret that he died at a time he considerably recuperated and was expected back in his favourite love of acting,” he said.

    Ajimobi described Bakare, who had featured in several films, as a versatile actor whose contributions to the development of the performing arts industry were immeasurable and long lasting.

    The governor said that Bakare was an artiste whose unmistakable voice and persona would be sorely missed by his fans worldwide.

    “Rather than mourning the deceased, the Ibadan-based actor should be celebrated for living a memorable life, both as an artiste and a family man,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bakare was a former staff of the NTA, Ibadan.

    He was fondly called “Chief Koko” following his role in a TV series, ‘Koko Close’.

    Bakare reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 65, after battling ill-health since 2013.

  • Adeleke’s death shocking, sad – Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State  has described the death of the first civilian governor of Osun  and serving senator, Isiaka Adeleke, as shocking, disheartening and sad.

    In a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr  Yomi Layinka, the governor said he received the news of Adeleke’s sudden death with shock and disbelief.

    Adeleke  died in the early hours of Sunday at a private hospital in Osogbo after succumbing to a protracted ailment.

    The governor described the late senator as a celebrated and committed politician, distinguished senator, grassroots mobiliser, socialite and great philanthropist.

    Ajimobi said:  “When the news filtered in that Sen.  Adeleke was dead, l was extremely shocked and amazed.

    “  I found it very difficult to believe, because he was bubbling with life when l saw him last.

    “Sen.  Adeleke was one person l admired for being a fine politician who committed his life to the service of humanity and his native Ede land.

    “Right from his days as the first elected governor of Osun State up till his death, he never wavered in stretching his helping hands to the poor and the needy.

    “His role in the dominance of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, from when he decided to team up with the progressives, till death, is noteworthy.

    “ Sen.  Adeleke was an asset to our party. He will be greatly missed.”

    Ajimobi also commended the late senator’s contributions to debates on the floor of the Upper Chamber, which, he said, contributed immensely to quality legislation by the National Assembly.

    The governor expressed the regret that Adeleke died  at a time  when  his wealth of experience was needed to salvage the country from its current socio-political challenges.

    “His sudden death is even more regrettable because the people of Osun State, members of the APC nationwide and indeed all Nigerians will henceforth miss his gregarious personality, his zeal for development as well as his great mobilisation skills,’’ he said.

    Ajimobi also prayed God to grant the soul of the late senator Aljanah firdous and the bereaved family and  friends the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • NDLEA arrests 51 suspects, seize drugs in Oyo

    NDLEA arrests 51 suspects, seize drugs in Oyo

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo state command, said it arrested 51 suspected drug traffickers and addicts from January to date.

    A statement by the state command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs Mutiat Okuwobi, on Sunday in Ibadan, disclosed that 1,933.28 kg of drugs were also seized during the period.

    The PRO added that the agency also got the conviction of 17 drug traffickers with jail terms ranging from six months to five years in the period under review.

    She said interventions were also given to some drug dependants persons through counselling after which they were reintegrated into the society.

    The PRO said some drug users were still undergoing rehabilitation.

    She said that the command would continue to do its best to frustrate the activities of drug peddlers in the state.

     

  • Court remands three in prison for murder, armed robbery

    Court remands three in prison for murder, armed robbery

    Three men; Tunde Jimoh, 37, Gbenga Babalade , 40, and Olatunji Hammed were on Wednesday  remanded at Agodi Prison by an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, for alleged murder of Akinteye Oyeyemi for money ritual.

    They were also alleged to have been involved in robbing the deceased of N100,000 cash.

    The chief magistrate, Mrs Abiona Richard, in her ruling said the accused should be remanded in Agodi Prison pending the outcome of the case file at the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPPs).

    The pleas by Jimoh of Yide Area, Babalade of Ijagbo Village, and Hammed, an Alfa from Mascut Tofans Area, Ijagbo, all in Offa in Kwara State, were not taken by the court.

    The chief magistrate adjourned the case until May 8, for mention.

    The trio, were in court on a five-count charge of conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, unlawful possession of a gun and concealing of information.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Ogunremi, told the court that Jimoh and Babalade allegedly conspired to commit felony to wit murder.

    “Between 3 p.m. of Feb. 24, and 1a.m. of Feb.25, between Atiba-Oyo Area in Oyo state and Igbo-Nla Area of Kwara , they allegedly killed one Akinteye Oyeyemi.

    “The duo allegedly killed Akinteye with the intent to use his heart for money ritual, while armed with single barrel cut-to-size gun, a cutlass and a knife, and also robbed him of N100, 000 cash they found on him.

    `Jimoh and Babalade on March14 were alleged to have unlawfully had in their possession one cut-to-size gun with two life cartridges.

    “The third accused person, Olatunji was alleged to have assisted Jimoh and Babalade, whom to his knowledge have committed a criminal offence of murder, intentionally concealed the information.

    “Olatunji was alleged to have failed to report the offence to the police thereby becoming accessory to the fact of murder,’’ Ogunremi said.

    He said that the crime was reported to the police by the deceased wife, Mrs Bukola Akinteye of Oyo town, after she could not locate her husband’s movement again through the phone.

    Ogunremi said the offence contravened Sections 319, 322 and 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    The offence also contravened Sections 1 (2) (a) & (b) and 3 (1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004.