The Nation Newspaper

Tag: siblings

  • 16 Ibru siblings in property, paternity battle

    16 Ibru siblings in property, paternity battle

    Five months after the death of frontline businessman Chief Olorogun Michael Ibru, 16 of his children are in a legal tussle over their paternity and his multi-billion naira assets.

    One of his sons, Oboden Ibru, has approached the Igbosere High Court, Lagos, for a declaration, among others, that he and his 15 other siblings are entitled to the estate of their father.

    In a counter-claim, one of the late Chief Ibru’s daughters, Janet Ibru, urged the court to declare that only persons whose paternity are confirmed by a diagnostics centre in the United States are entitled to an equal share of the estate.

    Oboden’s suit was filed February 8 by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) but has not been assigned to a Judge.

    The defendants are Oskar Ibru, Peter Ibru, Emmanuel Ibru, Gloria Ibru, Elaine Ibru-Mukoro, Elvina Ibru, Mamemo Ibru, Janet Ibru, Obaro Ibru, Vivi Ibru-Stankov, Edesiri Ibru, Christiana Ibru, Jero Ibru, Vikwesiri Ibru, Gabriel Ibru and the Probate Registrar, High Court of Lagos State.

    The claimant is seeking an order declaring that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of January 2, 2001 is valid as to the distribution by way of gift of the late Ibru’s assets to both “Ovuone” and “Ivetu”.

    He asked the court to declare that the properties listed in the MOU belong in their entirety to “Ovuone” being gifted jointly and several times to “Ovuone” in the lifetime of the late Chief Ibru.

    Such properties include No. 1, Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos; 47, Marine Road, Apapa; 49, Marine Road, Apapa; 52, Marine Road, Apapa; 5,7,9 Emotan Road, Apapa; 3,5,7 Ladipo Oluwole, Apapa; Daska House; Blomfield Court; 33, Michael Ibru Boulevard; 6, Louis Solomon Close, Victoria Island, Lagos and 5/7, Queens Barracks Road, Lagos.

    Others are No. 20, Queens Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos; 6, Kensington Park Gardens, London; Starcross Farm; Hillcrest Apartment; Zabadne Plot, Abuja; Maitama Plots, Abuja; Maroko Plots, Lagos; 7, Randle Close, Apapa, Lagos; all shares in Oceanic Bank; Oteri Holdings Limited’s shares in Minet Nigeria Limited; Oteri’s shares in Ibachem and the portion of Ibafon land occupied by Ibachem and Ovwian land.

    The claimant is also seeking a declaration that the judgment delivered by Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Lagos on April 17, 2014 remains valid and subsisting, having not been set aside by any court of competent jurisdiction.

    Oboden also asked for an order appointing himself, seventh defendant, Christiana, first defendant, Oskar and eighth defendant, Jero, as administrators of the Ibru estate and an order directing them to apply to the 16th defendant for the grant of letters of administration for the estate.

    An order of the court appointing Messrs. PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited to conduct a forensic audit of the shareholdings and assets, whether real or personal, belonging to the estate of the late Ibru in Oteri Holdings and any other company in Nigeria or anywhere such may be located, discovered or found in the world and submit such report to the Registrar of the court within 90 days of the order and the cost of such exercise be paid by the administrators so appointed herein.

    The claimant is seeking an order directing the administrators to divide the assets into 16 equal shares and that same be given to all the 16 surviving children of the late Ibru.

    But in a counter-claim, eighth defendant Janet urged the court to declare that all matters pertaining to the estate be adjudicated in Nigeria as well as a declaration that she is entitled to a refund of all expenses, including the $48,000 incurred by her in defending the law suits of the second defendant.

    Furthermore, she is seeking an order of the court directing the administrators of the estate of the late Ibru to refund to her, the expenses incurred in taking care of the late Ibru during the final year of his life.

  • Siblings beat up elder brother over father’s estate

    Two siblings, who allegedly beat their elder brother to a pulp, were yesterday arraigned at an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on a two-count charge of conspiracy and assault.

    Adetola Sobowale, 36, andhis brother Adeleye, 29 of Jakande Housing Estate, Isolo, Lagos, allegedly committed the offence on January 24 at 19, Rhoda Crescent, Apapa.

    Prosecuting Inspector Tony Elibeh, told Chief Magistrate Titus Abolarinwa that the accused conspired and assaulted their elder brother, Adetoyese.

    “The two brothers beat the man to a pulp. Their deceased father had put them in charge of all his estate.

    “Since Adetoyese is the most senior, he took charge of the property.

    “The accused, who were not pleased with the way their brother was managing their father’s estate, decided to stand up to him by beating him up.

    “The complainant said he was at a tenant’s house when his brothers suddenly came around and pounced on him. He reported the case to the police and the duo was arrested for further questioning,” Elibeh said.

    The accused pleaded not guilty.

    The offence contravened Sections 171 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, according to the prosecutor.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 171 prescribes three years imprisonment for an assault occasioning harm, while Section 409 provides two years for conspiracy.

    Chief Magistrate Titus Abolarinwa granted the accused N50,000 bail with one surety each in the like sum.

    Further hearing in the case has been fixed for March 8.

  • Driver ‘steals’ ex-boss car to fund siblings Xmas expenses

    Driver ‘steals’ ex-boss car to fund siblings Xmas expenses

    A 24–year old driver Abass Ope accused of stealing his ex-boss’ car, Television (TV) sets and a pet dog, has confessed that Christmas needs of his siblings pushed him into the stealing.

    Ope was arrested at Ojuelegba by the Decoy Team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Boxing Day.

    He was picked up by the police while trying to sell off his ex-boss’s Toyota Avensis 2013 model with marked AGL 734 AR for N2 million.

    Arrested along with him were three of his friends, Balogun Oluwaseun, 23, Sanni Azeez, 23 and Stephen Ewiele, 22.

    Ope had during  Christmas period stormed his ex-boss Magodo home while he and his family were holidaying in Delta State, with a conspirator to move a 100 inches LCD TV, another 42 inches LCD TV, a dog, a suitcase, two DSTV decoders and a Toyota Avensis, from the home.

    The suspect went to the house after learning that he ex-boss had travelled and that the gatekeeper had also gone to church.

    Te suspect, it was learnt, was aware of where the man usually kept keys to his rooms.

    It was revealed that his ex–boss, Ifoghale Ekinodo on getting report of missing vehicle and property called the suspect on more than two occasions to intimate him of the development but he denied knowledge of the incidence.

    Ekinodo had to cut short his holiday in Delta with his family to report the incident at Magodo Police Station.

    An RRS official later called him to notify him of the recovery of his vehicle.

    RRS quoted Abass as saying: “I took the car because I had no money to take care of myself and younger ones. They had no clothes, no shoes and this is Yuletide season. They looked up to me to take care of these expenses.

    “It was about three months now that I left Mr Ekinodo. I had worked for him for four years before leaving him in August. I left because he had a little challenge and things were pretty tough for him. I left so that he could have himself sorted out.

    “He was a very nice boss to work with. He enrolled me into university but I couldn’t continue the education when I left him. While he had this challenge, he owed me eight months salary; this prompted me to take his property and the vehicle.

    “The auto dealer wanted to pay N2 million for the car but I insisted on N4 Million because I know it is worth more than that. He offered me N1million instantly and that the balance would be ready in about few minutes time, but I decided to ignore the offer hoping that the dealer would call me back for a re-negotiation.

    “I went back to Ojuelegba few hours later in company of three of my friends, that was when RRS operatives arrested us.”

    Ekinodo said: “I am in shock. This is a guy I treated like a son. Apart from my wife, he was the closest person to me. This is a guy that did my shopping for me. Even, before I buy anything for myself, I bought for him first. How can I owe him eight– month salary when he never worked for me in those periods? Did he inform me that I owed him? He was never in my house in the periods he claimed. I called him more than twice when I got the report of the break in. He told me he knew nothing about it. If he had told me he needed money, I would have given him because we were still very close despite the fact that he was no longer working for me.”

    Police spokesperson Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent (SP) urged members of the public to always do a background check of their domestic staff so as not to expose themselves to criminals.

    She said the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Yaba, for further investigation.

  • Siblings die in kerosene explosion

    Siblings die in kerosene explosion

    •Dad, two others injured

    Two siblings have died in a kerosene explosion in Akwa State.

    Three persons, including their father, were injured.

    An eyewitness said the incident occurred at Ikono Ibom in Uyo Local Government.

    The injured victim, Mr. Michael Nsikak, a tricycle operator and father of three, sustained burns. His two children died in the explosion.

    Nsikak, who also operates a poultry near his home at Ikot Enyingne Ikono, said: “I bought kerosene from a filling station on Idoro Road after closing from my tricycle (keke) business.

    “When I got home, I lit the lantern in my poultry, to keep my chicken warm. Later, when the lantern wanted to go off, following the exhaustion of kerosene, I refilled it with the product.

    “My children were with me. As I attempted to light the lantern, there was an explosion. The fire made me to become unconscious.”

    The Nation learnt that one of the children died a few hours after the incident and the second the following day at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

    The Chairman of Uyo Local Government Transition Committee, Ben Mfon and his wife, Bridget, visited the victim at the hospital.

    A woman from the same community and her three-month old baby were also hospitalised as a result of kerosene explosion.

    Mfon condoled with them and advised the public to be cautious and vigilant.

    He assured residents that the perpetrators of the unwholesome act would be arrested.

     

  • Man kills his parents, siblings

    Man kills his parents, siblings

    •Police: he’s a drug addict

    A 28-year-old man, Adamu Mai Bisco, on Monday night allegedly killed his parents and two sisters in Potiskum, Yobe State.

    Police confirmed the incident.

    Spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin said the suspect used a shovel to kill the victims while they were asleep.

    “He was not provoked before carrying out the dastardly act.”

    The police attributed the suspect’s action to hard drugs.

    Gbadegesin said: “Bisco acted under the influence of hard drugs.”

    A source, however, alleged that the suspect killed his parents and siblings because they (parents) threatened to report him to security agents for allegedly being a member of the Boko Haram.

    In an SMS to our correspondent, the police spokesman said the offence was committed under Section 221 of the Penal Code.

    The message reads: “Culpable homicide contrary to Penal Code Section 221. Offence committed by Adamu Mai Bisco, 28, of Bataiya, Potiskum in Yobe State.

    “Apparently under the influence of hard drugs (Marijuana and Tramol capsules), the suspect, without any provocation, as the victims were fast asleep, picked up a shovel and killed his father, mother and two sisters. The incident occurred about 1am.

    “Upon receipt of a distress call, police moved in and arrested the suspect. They recovered the exhibits and the suspect is still being interrogated.

    “Investigation shows that the suspect is a drug addict, as he confessed to have consumed illicit drugs.

    “The bodies were taken to hospital for medical examination. Suspect to be arraigned.”

     

  • Two siblings arraigned for alleged fraud

    •Accused granted N20m bail each

    Two brothers, Chinedu Ugochukwu and Udechukwu Ugochukwu, have been arraigned at a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for allegedly stealing N1 billion worth of shares of a company – Ugochukwu and Sons Limited – by posing as its directors.

    The two, accused of committing the offence in 2009, were arraigned before Justice Adebukola Banjoko on a nine-count of conspiracy, theft, retention of stolen shares, forgery, among others.

    They were, in count one of the charge signed by M. A. Igwe of the Legal/Prosecution Unit, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, accused of conspiring ‘’to commit felony, to wit: theft and you thereby committed an offence of criminal conspiracy punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law.”

    Udechukwu was accused, in count two, of falsely parading himself as the managing director of Ugochukwu and Sons Ltd when he was neither a director nor a shareholder in the company, and in such “false, fictitious character, you fraudulently caused the transfer of 1,635,805 shares worth N1billion, property of Ugochuku and Sons Ltd, from Biscuit Manufacturing Company Ltd to Chinedu Ugochukwu.”

    Chinedu was, in count four, accused of dishonestly receiving and retaining “stolen shares belonging to shareholders in Ugochukwu and Sons Ltd and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 317 of the Penal Code Law.

    Chinedu and Udechukwu pleaded not guilty. They applied for bail, which the judge granted at N20 million and one surety each in like sum.

    Justice Banjoko adjourned to May 4 for trial.

    In an affidavit supporting their bail application, the defendants denied the allegations against them, stating that the decision to arraign them was part of the plot by their other siblings to deny them their inheritance from their late father, Igwe M. Ugochukwu (OFR), the founder of the conglomerate, known as Ugochukwu and Sons Ltd.

    They stated that several cases in relation to the disputes among them and their siblings were pending before the Federal High Court, Lagos, while some have been concluded in their favour.

    Chinedu said, in the affidavit: “My late father wrote a will dated September 29, 1990, which upon his death, letters of probate was granted on the will. Every person took what was given to him in the will and the executors and trustees devised accordingly, with no complaint whatsoever.

    “I was given property at Plot 141 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos and factory at Niwal Close, Lagos – Biscuit Manufacturing Company Nigeria Limited. The second applicant (Udechukwu) was given Eagle Insurance Broker, a duplex at Plot 64b Anifowoshe Stree, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    “My other siblings were given factories at Umunze, Kaduna and Onitsha, including a house on Victoria Island, Lagos. I have been managing my factory and remodelled my property at Ahmadu Bello Way since with no harassment until 2013 when my elder brothers – Obiorah and Ihenacho – began subtle moves to annex the factory and businesses bequeathed to me, under the guise of liquidation of Ugochukwu and Sons Ltd,” Chinedu said.

  • Retired soldier, siblings lose house to fire

    Retired soldier, siblings lose house to fire

    Fire yesterday razed two buildings in Ajegunle near Ikorodu in Lagos, destroying properties worth millions of naira.

    Nineteen rooms and two shops were affected.

    One of the buildings was inherited by a retired soldier, Master Warrant Officer Moses Dadeowo, and his siblings from their parents, the late Pa and Mrs Ebenezer Dadeowo.

    The fire, which started around 1pm from House 2 on Church Street spread to House 4 and affected some shops in House 70.

    Most occupants were in church when the incident occurred.

    The timely arrival of Lagos State Fire Service men from Alausa Station saved House 70 from being razed. They battled the fire till about 3pm when it was put out. Also on the scene were Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials and Ajegunle Police Station operatives.

    Occupants of House 70 quickly evacuated their belongings to the road side as the fire ravaged the attached shops.

    A  downcast Dadeowo told The Nation that he was called from the church that his house was on fire, adding that on getting home, he promptly woke up the children and evacuated them from the house.

    He said he and others lost all their possessions to the fire.

    Dadeowo said the fire might have been caused by epileptic electricity supply.

    He pleaded with the government to come to the aid of his family and other occupants, stressing that he has nothing again except for the dress he wore to the church.

    Another victim, Mrs Blessing Oladunni whose shop was at the back of House 70, said she learnt of the fire while in the church.

    “By the time I rushed back from the church, I was lucky that my neighbours had assisted to evacuate most of my wares; I am grateful to God my goods were rescued,” she said.

    LASEMA General Manager Michael Akindele said nobody was injured, adding that the cause of the fire was electric surge.

    Akindele urged Lagosians to always switch off all appliances when not in use and also ensure that all electrical apparatus are of good standard.

  • Three male siblings die in Bayelsa fire

    Three male siblings die in Bayelsa fire

    Three male siblings have been killed in a fire incident in Elebele community, Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State.

    It was gathered that the fire gutted an apartment where the children and their mother were sleeping at about 11:30pm on Thursday.

    A source from the community said screaming from the mother of the deceased identified as Mrs. Favour Udoh, alerted residents in the area of the fire.

    “We saw a thick smoke coming from their apartment and suddenly we heard a woman screaming and we rushed down. Initially, we didn’t know some children were trapped in the inferno.

    “In fact, before the woman could tell us that her children were inside, the fire had already roasted them we brought them out dead. It was a tragedy,” he said.

    The source who spoke in confidence said the family hailed from Akwa Ibom State.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.

    He identified the deceased kids as Daniel Udoh ‘m’ Saviour Udoh ‘m’ and Joshua Udoh.

    He said: “On the 14/01/ 2016, at about 2305hrs, Policemen from Kolo Division responded to a distress call of fire outbreak, at the residence of one Mrs. Favour Udoh, at Elebele Community in Ogbia LGA. The fire was put out.

    “However, three of her children died in the inferno, namely: Daniel Udoh ‘m’ Saviour Udoh ‘m’ and Joshua Udoh.”

     

     

    “Preliminary investigation revealed the fire was caused by a candle-light. The corpses were deposited at the Federal Medical Centre Mortuary, Yenagoa, for autopsy. Investigation is ongoing.”

     

     

  • Two siblings burnt to death in early morning inferno

    Two siblings were yesterday burnt to death after an early morning fire outbreak that razed a three bedroom flat in Lagos.

    The incident occurred inside the Navy Officers’ Quarters, Camp site, Kirikiri, at about 3:30am, killing the two brothers aged six and nine years.

    It was gathered that their father, a Navy Captain, was out of town with their mother when the incident occurred.

    The Nation learnt that they left their three children with their house help, identified as Patience.

    The fire was said to have started  while the four occupants of the flat were fast asleep, Patience, it was gathered, rescued the couple’s first son, Ayomide, 13.

    Unfortunately, the younger sons did not survive the disaster allegedly caused by an electrical surge.

    The fire was said to have been put out at about 4:30am by a combined team of Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and policemen from the Kirikiri division.

    When contacted, LASEMA’s General Manager, Micheal Akindele said the remains of the deceased were taken to Navy Hospital in the area, adding that the other two occupants of the flats were treated by LASAMBUS.

    He stated that they were also taken to Navy Hospital for further examination and treatment.

    Akindele said: “Preliminary report revealed that the fire was caused by electrical spark from one of the rooms in the building and later spread to the whole  apartment.

    Prompt intervention of the fire service stopped the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings.

    I want to appeal to Lagosians that proper checks be carried out on cables and electrical installations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and properties.”

  • Siblings in court over father’s property

    A renowned professor of paediatrics and senior consultant paediatrician at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH)  Enugu, Prof. Mrs. Henrietta Okafor has taken her younger brothers to a Federal High Court in Enugu, demanding for takeover of their late father’s company and property.

    Mrs. Okafor who is also the Director of the Institute of Child Health, UNTH, is contesting that the way Uchenna Enterprises (their father’s company) is being managed is not satisfactory.

    Mrs. Okafor is the first daughter of the late Dr. Henry Curtis Chukelu Nwankwo, who was a major player in the property sector and owns several choice properties.

    In the pending Suit No: FHC/EN/CP/04/2014 at the Federal High Court Enugu, the respected medical practitioner wants the court to declare that the affairs of the business venture are being run to her detriment and to order the Probate Registry, Enugu, to steer clear of the firm’s affairs.

    She is also pleading to appoint the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Enugu or his representative, to take over the affairs of the company until all issues pertaining to it are resolved, including the appointment of a receiver/manager/liquidator to wind up the company’s affairs.

    The professor’s law-suit against her brothers over their father’s property is causing ripples, especially in the Nwankwo’s hometown, Ufuma, in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State, because of the high regard in which their late father’s name is held by his kinsmen, and because such an action is unheard of in Igbo culture.

    The professor’s mother, late Mrs. Christiana Chibuzo Nwankwo, and their sons, Hector, Christian, and Prince, were listed as Directors and Shareholders of the company but not Mrs. Okafor.

    A source within the community revealed that the Nwankwo extended family have been informed about the law-suit, and it’s members are working hard to sort out the matter inside the kindred group.

    Hearing of the matter that came up on Tuesday October 6 2015 continues.