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  • Ishaya Bako’s ‘4th republic’ premieres April 12

    4th republic, the highly anticipated political thriller is scheduled to hit the cinemas across the nation from 12 April, 2019.

    The movie, which stars Kate Henshaw as ‘Confluence state’ governorship candidate named Mabel King, follows a hotly contested gubernatorial election and one woman’s quest to take back the seat she believes she rightfully wins against all odds.

    Directed by the prolific director of Road to Yesterday and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Ishaya Bako said that 4th Republic explores the dynamics of politics in Nigeria today.

    “There are a multitude of factors at play; the violence that mars our polls, the new trend of fighting for justice at the tribunals and the roles we as a society assign to women who aspire to powerful positions,” he said.

    Kate Henshaw’s character (Mabel King) at the set of 4th republic

    A glimpse from the makers of the movie briefed that after the gruesome murder of a campaign manager Sikiru (Jide Attah), gubernatorial aspirant, Mabel King (Henshaw) challenges the victory of the incumbent, Idris Sani (Sani Mu’azu) for her mandate.

    While governor Sani’s associate, St. James (Bimbo Manuel) and Ike’s Law School rival, Danladi (Yakubu Mohammed) attempt to subvert the course of justice by eliminating witnesses, King is supported by her loyal aide Ike (Eyinna Nwigwe), and Sikiru’s daughter Bukky (Linda Ejiofor).

    4th republic features Nollywood best, Bimbo Manuel, Sani Muazu, Eyinna Nwigwe, Linda Ejiofor, and Yakubu Mohammed among others.

    READ ALSO: Kate Henshaw becomes governor in new 4th republic

    The movie is written by

    It is co-produced by Griot Studios Ltd. and Amateur Heads Productions with Bem Pever, Ishaya Bako, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju and Ummi A. Yakubu serving as Producers.

    The film is funded by grants from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA).

    4th Republic is set for release in cinemas across Nigeria from April 12th 2019.

     It will be distributed by Film One Distribution.

    Media partners include WildFlower PR and Company, BellaNaija, Cable Lifestyle, Plus TV, African Movie Channel (AMC), Goldmyne TV, Nigerian Women Diaries, FabMum NG, YNaija.

    The Film is sponsored by Bima Shelter, Polaris Bank, GSCL and Dunes Continental.

  • Plea bargain must promote justice, serve public interest – Judge

    Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos State Judiciary on Monday urged that application of plea bargain concept in criminal jurisprudence must promote justice and serve public interest.

    Adesanya also said that plea bargain could apply to all offences and be initiated by the prosecution or defendant.

    The judge spoke at a media workshop on plea bargain organised in Lagos by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant, whereby the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offence or to one of multiple charges, in exchange for some concession by prosecution.

    This is usually in exchange for a more lenient sentence or dismissal of the other charges.

    Adesanya said that Section 75 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2011, was the first legislation to import and localize plea bargain into Nigeria’s criminal jurisprudence.

    Read Also: Judge’s absence stalls SAN’s trial

    She also noted that Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, set out elaborate provisions for the plea bargain procedure in the federal courts.

    According to her, the courts must ensure that both public interest and the course of justice are served in the process leading to plea bargain agreement.

    The judge advised that service to public interest and course of justice should be reflected in plea bargain terms.

    She said this would be achieved through the plea bargain protocol, plea bargain agreement checklist, considerations for authenticating and approving the agreement, application of the sentencing guidelines and the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Practice Direction) 2019.

    “After arraignment, the court shall inform parties and counsel, in general terms, of the plea bargain provisions as contained under the law.

    “The presiding judge or magistrate shall adjourn the case for not more than 30 days to enable the parties to consider same and report their decision with respect to the plea bargain option,” she said.

    Adesanya said that the rationale for putting this immediately after arraignment in the proposed practice direction was to draw the attention of the parties, at the earliest possible opportunity, to the options available, whether to opt for trial or plea bargain.

    She added that the agreement should be entered into with due regards to the nature and circumstances relating to the offence, the defendant and the interest of the community.

    “Where a plea bargain agreement is reached by the prosecution and defence, the prosecution would usually file an amended information or charge; the plea of the defendant is taken and, typically, he would plead guilty to the amended charge.

    “The prosecution shall inform the court that parties have reached an agreement; the court will then confirm from the defendant.

    “The court will inquire if the defendant admits the allegations to which he had pleaded guilty and whether he entered into the agreement voluntarily and without undue influence,” she said.

    According to her, the Lagos State Judiciary has put together a plea bargain agreement checklist essentially for the protection of defendants who have taken the plea bargain option.

    Adesanya said that plea bargain is a veritable tool in the administration of criminal justice in most developed jurisprudence such as UK U.S., Canada, and Nigeria.

    NAN

     

  • Itsekiri RDC inaugurates Agric Farm, 52 housing projects

    The Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC), a major community -driven development council, under the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, has inaugurated an integrated Agriculture farm at Tisun community, Town Hall at Eghoro and 52 housing projects spread across about 20 communities in Warri North and Warri South-West council areas in Delta state.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the projects over the weekend, Chairman of the IRDC, Amb. Austine Oniyesan, noted the committee had been providing scholarships to students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions, providing job opportunities to a large number of persons and creating wealth through skills acquisition programmes as well as other forms of capacity building initiatives.

    Oniyesan, who commended the NNPC/Chevron J.V. for solely providing funds for the projects, disclosed that the next project cycle of the IRDC will commence very soon after necessary project needs assessment with the (23) Itsekiri communities under the IRDC.

    Read Also: Itsekiri group gives scholarships to 14 indigent students

    General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, (PGPA) at Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, noted the housing projects are in alignment with the 2030  target of United Nation’s (UN)  Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which says everyone should have access to adequate, safe and affordable housing as well as basic services.

    The Chevron PGPA boss, who was represented by the Area Manager, PGPA, Mr. Sam Daibo and PGPA Superintendent, Mr. Tony Emegere, stated CNL is working with the RDCs on the GMoU plus model, with a view to facilitating continuous development in the communities, by focusing on sustainable economic empowerment programmes and employment generation.

    According to Brikinn, between 2005 and 2018, the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture invested more than N20. 6 billion on about 600 programmes that have provided scholarships, built new schools, medical facilities, housing, agricultural development and infrastructures in communities where Chevron operates.

    He stressed the NNPC/Chevron JV has a robust partnership with the Delta state government as well as the communities around CNL’s areas of operations.

    Delta state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, commended the IRDC and NNPC / Chevron Joint Venture for executing the projects and enjoined multi- national oil companies to continually invest in the communities where they do business.

    Okowa, who was represented by Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Freeman Fregene, admonished IRDC communities in Warri South, Warri South -West and Warri North council areas to make good use of the projects executed by IRDC and provide the necessary environment for international oil companies (IOCs) to operate.

    Various community leaders, including the Olare-Aja( Oldest Man) of Tebu community, Pa. Jackson Edemayibo Tuoyo, thanked IRDC and the NFP/Chevron JV for the projects, assuring that Itsekiri host communities will continually provide the enabling environment for genuine investors.

    Some of the IRDC communities where the housing projects were commissioned are Aja-Amita, Gbokoda, Ajudaibo, Madangho, Ijaghala,Ogidigben and Ode-Ugborodo.

     

     

  • Delta Central senatorial battle: Omo-Agege in self-denial – Emerhor

    The leader of the Mainstream Delta All Progressives Congress (APC), Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has expressed confidence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would soon withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and re-issue it in his (Emerhor’s) name.

    Emerhor, in a statement by his media aide, Aghogho Orotomah, referred to a recent judgement by the Federal High Court in Asaba, upheld the Cyril Ogodo-led executives as the lawful APC executive council in Delta state.

    The judgment also recognised the primaries held by the council, making Emerhor to declare INEC was already in the process of correcting errors made along the way to the elections in the state.

    The party leader, who emerged as the party’s flag-bearer for Delta Central Senatorial District in the primaries held by the Ogodo-led executive council, said the INEC, while issuing certificate of return to winners of the election in the state, refused to issue the certificates for three APC House of Assembly candidates in obedience to the Federal High Court judgement.

    Read Also: Appeal Court has not voided my election, says Omo-Agege

    He added the ones already issued to Senator Omo-Agege and Rev. Francis Waive would soon be withdrawn to be re-issued to the authentic candidates of the primaries conducted by the Ogodo-led executive council.

    “The Federal High Court, Asaba, made a specific order, order no 4 in the court enrolled orders, nullifying the full plate of NASS, Governorship and House of Assembly candidates list of Delta APC submitted to INEC through the Prophet Jones Erue Exco, which contained the following names as APC  senatorial candidates to wit:

    Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for Delta South; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for Delta Central and Hon Doris Uboh for Delta North.

    “Then order 5 went on to identify exhibit S and T as containing the list of the valid and authentic APC NASS, Governorship, and House of Assembly candidates for the 2019 general elections. The senatorial candidates contained in the court certified exhibits are as follows:

    Chief Micheal Johnny for Delta South; Olorogun O’tega Emerhor for Delta Central; and Chief Mrs Marian Ali for Delta North.

    “These enrolled orders have been served by the court bailiffs on INEC and INEC has begun the process of obedience to the order by refusing to give out the Certificate of Return to three affected candidates of the Prophet Jones Erue annulled list in Asaba on Wednesday March 27th 2019.

    “It is therefore obvious that the Certificate of Return already issued to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is in error and it is only a matter of time for it to be withdrawn by INEC and together with those INEC already withheld, re-issue same to Olorogun O’tega Emerhor and others.

    “Senator Omo-Agege has to be in self- denial to continue to grandstand that the Asaba FHC judgement does not affect his candidacy.

    “He did the right thing by attempting to seek leave of court to appeal the judgment as an impacted person but the Court of Appeal in Benin shut the door on him for sleeping on his right for the last six months and awarded cost against him.

    “Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, the valid candidate and Senator-elect for Delta Central awaits calmly his Certificate of Return from INEC.”

     

  • Spiritual cleansing: Two prophets remanded in Kirikiri prisons

    An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court Monday remanded a prophet and prophetess in Kirikiri Medium and Female Prisons respectively for  allegedly forcing  a 16-year-old domestic staff (name withheld) to swallow an iron cross for spiritual cleansing.

    The defendants, Kehinde Salami, 25, and Yetunde Akinola, 42, of No 20 Adeyemi Street, Ifako-Ijaiye, Agege are facing a four count charge bordering on conspiracy, breach of peace, false pretenses and attempted murder before Chief Magistrate, Mrs T.A. Ojo.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Kenrich Nomayo told the court the defendants committed the offence on March 24 at about 4 p.m., at their Ifako-Ijaye residence.

    Nomayo told the court that Salami and Akinola allegedly attempted to kill their victim by forcing her to swallow an iron cross against her wish.

    Nomayo alleged that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace when they claimed to see a vision in which the complainant was alleged to be a witch.

    READ ALSO: Prophetess duped me of N134m, lawyer tells court

    He claimed that the defendants gave the complainant an iron cross to swallow on the pretext that they were delivering her from witchcraft, a representation, he said, they knew to be false.

    He further informed the court that the state of the health of the complainant was not known as she was reportedly said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

    The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

    Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ojo, ordered that they be remanded in Kirikiri Prison, pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions.

    Ojo granted them bail in the sum of N200, 000 each.

    She also ordered that the case file be duplicated and sent to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), for advice.

    She adjourned the case till April 30.

  • I’m surprised by judgment of Supreme Court, says Jerry Gana

    Presidential aspirant under the platform of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prof. Jerry Gana, has said he was disappointed by the Supreme Court’s judgment that declared a former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, the authentic presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party.

    While Duke emerged the candidate of the party, a lower court nullified his nomination and declared a former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana, as the candidate.

    Not satisfied with the judgement, Duke approached the Court of Appeal which upturned the lower court’s judgement and declared him the candidate.

    Also not satisfied, Gana approached the Supreme Court.

    The apex court, however, on Friday upheld the appellate court’s decision and declared Duke the party’s candidate.

    The Director-General of Gana’s campaign team, Dr Ike Neliaku, in a statement on Sunday titled “Before the Curtain Draws” said the apex court was not supreme because it was infallible but only because it was the final court in the country.

    Read Also: I’ll not tolerate stealing as President – Jerry Gana

    According to him, time would reveal the consequences of the judgment.

    He said members of the team would continue to uphold their collective principles for the emergence of a new and credible political order in Nigeria.

    He said although the beginning might have been tough, victory was assured.

    The statement read, “As disappointed as we may all feel, it is important to remind ourselves of the saying that the Supreme Court is not supreme because it is infallible but only because it is the final court of the land.

    “It is only time that will reveal the grave consequences and implications of that judgment.

    “We wish to most sincerely acknowledge the support, solidarity, goodwill and faithfulness demonstrated by numerous party members, friends and associates across the nation, for standing with us throughout this journey. It is deeply encouraging to find many men and women committed to the ideals of integrity in politics and governance.

    “We salute the courage and bravery of these distinguished compatriots. We will continue to invest in these virtues, insisting that, contrary to the majority opinion of today’s men, the end does not necessarily, and must not, justify the means.

    “By God’s grace, within this period, we have grown and bonded into one big and formidable political family, with structures across the country. We shall continue to march on and flourish, under the leadership of Prof Jerry Gana, CON.

    “Together, we will continue to resolutely uphold our collective principles and vision for the emergence of a new and credible political order in Nigeria. The beginning may have been tough, but with tenacity of heart and sincerity of purpose, victory is assured.

    “We are grateful to God for giving us the strength, grace and courage to have come this far. As in the proverbial saying, ‘weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.’

    “We hope to soon convene a consultative meeting to jointly review and decide our collective future.”

  • Customs seize 1,942 bags of foreign rice, other goods in Katsina

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, has seized no fewer than 1,942 bags of foreign rice and other goods in Katsina State in two months.

    The Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mustapha Sarkin-Kebbi, made this known on Monday during a news conference.

    He said that the unit also seized 350 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 400 cartons of spaghetti, 160 bags of foreign sugar and six fairly-used vehicles.

    According to him, the customs also seized 39 vehicles which the smugglers used in conveying the prohibited items into the country.

    He noted that the seized items have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N107.2 million.

    The controller commended the Customs officers for their efforts, urging them to keep up the good efforts for the betterment of the country.

    “The Customs made about 74 seizures between February and March, 2019, in Katsina State alone.

    Read Also: Customs arrests Nigerian with N30m worth tramadol

    “Two persons were arrested in connection with the smuggling activities and will be prosecuted.

    “We have more problem in Katsina than in other states, may be due to the mentality of people involved in that illegal business.

    ‘’Everyday our officers go out for duty, they will seize smuggled items.

    “Smugglers are becoming more sophisticated. If they see there is problem here, they will turn to another place but we are also equal to the task,’’ Sarkin-Kebbi said.

    He urged the relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward enlightening the border communities on the dangers associated with smuggling activities.

    “The smugglers need to be sensitized in order to change their minds from smuggling of illicit items into the country,’’ the controller said.

    NAN

  • Motorcyclist remanded for beating man to death

    An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Monday remanded a motorcyclist, Ibrahim Awwal, in prison for allegedly beating a man to death.

    Chief Magistrate O.O Olatunji remanded Awwal, 20, in Ikoyi Prisons and ordered that the case file should be sent to the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Oladele Adebayo, told the court that Awwal committed the offences on March 12 at 8.30 p.m. at Tedi Village, Onireke in Ojo, near Lagos.

    Read Also: Man jumps to death in Ibadan

    He alleged that Awwal murdered one Titus Anaeme, 33, by beating him severely during a fight.

    According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Section 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 223 stipulates death sentence for offenders.

    The case was adjourned until May 2.

    NAN

  • Air Force repels bandit attacks in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force on Monday said five bandits have been neutralized by its special forces team when they attempted to invade some villages in Gusau local government area of Zamfara state.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement some of the bandits escaped with gunshot wounds after the encounter.

    He said two women and a child were among kidnapped victims rescued from the bandits.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces (SF) Team operating in Zamfara State has successfully repelled attacks by armed bandits who attempted to invade Hayin Mahe and Hayin Kanawa Villages in Gusau Local Government Area.

    “The operation, which took place on 31st March 2019, was conducted sequel to intelligence reports indicating that the bandits, who operate from Sububu and Kagara Forests, had attacked the villages and kidnapped some of its inhabitants.

    Read Also: Air Force strikes Boko Haram in Lake Chad

    “The timely response of the SF Team resulted in a gun duel with the bandits who eventually fled into the forest. The gallant NAF SF personnel pursued the bandits into the forest, overpowering them and neutralizing 5 bandits, while many others were observed to have run away with various gunshot wounds.

    “Three AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered in the process. Some villagers, who were kidnapped by the fleeing bandits, including 2 women and a child, were freed and handed over to the District Head of Mada Town.

    “In a follow-up operation, the NAF SF Team returned to the communities to prevent reprisal attacks by the criminals as well as reassure the populace of their safety.

    “The Team, supported by a NAF Alpha Jet and attack helicopters, tracked the fleeing armed bandits to their hideouts within Sububu Forest.

    “The Alpha Jet successfully attacked the armed bandits’ camps while the helicopters scanned the environs for fleeing elements. The local populace was seen expressing confidence by cheering at the helicopters overhead their communities.

    “The NAF, working in close coordination with sister Services and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to neutralize the armed bandits and deny them freedom of action in the area.”

  • Trader docked over alleged assault

    A 38-year-old trader, Tunde Babawande, who allegedly assaulted and threatened two of his siblings, was on Monday docked in a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Babawande, who resides in Bariga area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of threatening violence and assault occasioning harm.

    According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Modupe Olaluwoye, the defendant committed the offence on March 29, at No. 53, Opeloyeru St., Bariga, Lagos.

    She told the court that Babawande and the complainants, Mr Bright Simon and Miss Destiny Simon, are siblings and neighbours in the same building.

    Olaluwoye alleged that the defendant and the siblings had an argument over the quit notice that was served on them by their landlord.

    According to her, the defendant, in the course of the argument, assaulted Miss Simon, by breaking a bottle on her left leg.

    She further told the court that when her brother, Mr Simon, tried to intervene, the defendant threaten him with a cutlass.

    READ ALSO: Court remands bricklayer for sexual assault on an 8-year-old girl

    “My Lord that was not the first time the defendant was causing trouble in the compound.

    “The police have previously been called to settle a dispute between him and another neighbour but charges were however, dropped,’’ Olaluwoye said.

    She said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 56 and 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. (Revised)

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sections of assault occasioning harm and threatening violence stipulate three years imprisonment each if convicted.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs K.B. Ayeye, admitted the accused to a bail of N200, 000 with one surety in like sum.

    She said the surety must be gainfully employed with an evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The magistrate adjourned the case until June 5, for mention.