Court Sentences Former Bank PHB Boss, Francis Atuche To Over 6 Years In Prison

A Lagos High Court sitting in the Ikeja area has sentenced former managing director of defunct Bank PHB, Francis Atuche to over 6 years in prison.

In a judgment that lasted over 10 hours, Justice Lateefat Okunnu convicted Atuche alongside a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu.

The two were convicted on at least 6 of a 27-count amended charge of conspiracy to commit a felony and stealing brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While Atuche who was found guilty on counts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 23 of the charge would serve a 6-year term for each count,  Anyanwu will serve a 4-year jail term for counts 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 22 and 24 of the amended charge.

They are to serve their jail term consecutively. This sentence is coming after a trial that lasted over 12 years.

In delivering her sentence, Justice Okunnu held that the EFCC successfully proved its case against the convicts beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge rejected claims by the defendants suggesting that they were merely professionally negligent.

She specifically held that Atuche and Anyanwu abused their powers, ignored established rules and regulations thereby putting the bank and depositors’ funds in danger.

The court also came to the conclusion that the convicts corruptly took advantage of their positions to confer on themselves undue financial benefits without regard to the health of the bank.

“The convict stole from the bank and depositors and because of their action, taxpayers money was used to bail out the bank”.

Justice Okunnu held that she had considered the plea of the convicts, but there must be consequences for wrongdoing, adding that sentences are not just for punishment but also for deterrence.

She also ruled that the defendant should make restitution of the amount stolen from the bank. They are to pay back the sum of N25.7billion to the Federal government to replace the funds stolen from the public to bail out the bank.

According to the Judge, they are to serve their jail terms at the Kirikiri maximum correctional facility in Lagos.

Atuche’s wife cleared

Justice Okunnu however, cleared Atuche’s wife on the charge of conspiracy and stealing.

According to the judge, the EFCC failed to link her to the crime and insisted that suspicion no matter how strong can not take the place of fact.

The judge held that it was not proven that she was aware of the source of the funds she received into her account from her husband and she had no powers to take any decision to influence the transaction.

Charges

The EFCC had alleged that between November 2007 and April 2008, the accused persons stole about N25.7bn belonging to the bank.

The anti-graft agency had also claimed that of the total N25.7bn, they stole about N14.7bn by fraudulently describing it as a loan to some companies and subsequently converted the said sum to personal use.

The Commission had listed the companies as Future View Securities, Extra Oil Limited, Resolution Trust and Investment Limited, and Tradjek Nigeria Ltd.

The EFCC also alleged that another N11bn stolen by the defendants was used to purchase about 984,375,000 units of Bank PHB shares for themselves.

According to the commission, the sum used for purchasing the shares was described as a loan to some companies including, Guesstrade Services, Sentron Trading, Montrax Investico, Claremount Management Ltd., Trenton Trade, and others.

In proof of its case against the accused persons, the EFCC called 12 witnesses who gave oral evidence. It also subpoenaed 6 others to present some documents which were admitted as exhibits by the court.

JUST IN: Gunmen Abduct Students From Federal Government College In Kebbi

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have stormed Federal Government College, Birnin-Yauri in Kebbi State and abducted an unspecified number of students.

The police in Kebbi confirmed the attack to Channels Television.

The abduction is the latest in a series of school kidnappings that have rocked the country in recent times.

In late May, about 200 students of an Islamiyya school in Niger state were abducted by gunmen.

The abductors usually demand a ransom before students are released.

Some 14 students and staff of Greenfield University in Kaduna were released in May after parents reportedly paid over N150 million ransom and bought eight motorcycles for the bandits.

The Federal Government has denied ever paying ransom to release kidnapped persons and has discouraged the idea.

The government has also repeatedly promised to end the abduction of students across the country.

The school kidnappings have persisted as the country continues to battle several security challenges, including but not limited to an insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, secessionist agitations in the South-East and Fulani-Herdsmen crises across the Middle-Belt and several South-West states.

 

More to follow . . . 

Twitter Suspension: Ubani Drags FG, Others To Court, Says Action Unlawful

 

Former Second Vice President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Monday Ubani, has dragged the Federal Government of Nigeria, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State, over the indefinite suspension of microblogging app, Twitter, describing the suspension as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental right to freedom of expression.

The Lagos-based lawyer in his application asked the court to set aside the indefinite suspension, ban, sanction or other punishment whatsoever imposed on Twitter, him (the Applicant) and other Nigerians and any social networking service by the Respondents and their agents.

He also asked the court to direct the Federal Government to immediately revoke, withdraw and rescind their indefinite suspension or ban of Twitter or any other social networking.

It would be recalled that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed had announced the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria. The government has also threatened to arrest and prosecute anyone using Twitter in the country, while the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has asked all broadcast stations to suspend the patronage of Twitter.

Joined in the suit alongside the Federal government (1st Respondent) are; the Attorney General of the Federation, The Minister Of Information and Culture and the Nigerian Communication Commission as 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents respectively.

Ubani, in the application filed before the court on Wednesday, is seeking “A declaration that the indefinite suspension of Twitter by the 1st, Respondent (FG) without an order of a competent court of jurisdiction is unlawful and violates the fundamental right of the Applicant to freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions and receive and impart ideas and information without interference as guaranteed by section 39(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Article 9(1) and (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP 10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.

“A declaration that the instruction given to the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) by the 4th Respondent to stop Nigerians (including the Applicant) from getting access to Twitter violates the fundamental right of the Applicant to freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions and receive and impact ideas and information without interference as guaranteed by section 39(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Article 9(1) and (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP 10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.

“A declaration that the directive given to the security operatives and the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPP) by the 3rd Respondent to arrest and immediately prosecute users of Twitter in Nigeria (including the Applicant) infringes on the fundamental right of the Applicant to freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions and receive and impact ideas and information without interference as guaranteed by section 39(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Article 9(1) and (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP 10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, and a gross violation of Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which forbids any act or omission to be referred to as a crime unless a written law says so.

“An order by the Court setting aside the indefinite suspension, ban, sanction or other punishment whatsoever imposed on twitter, the Applicant and other Nigerians and any social media service provider by the Respondents and their agents.

“An order directing the 1st Respondent to immediately revoke, withdraw and rescind their suspension or ban of Twitter or any other social media service providers in Nigeria as same violates sections 39(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Article 9(1) and (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP 10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.

“An order directing the 4th Respondent to immediately revoke, withdraw and rescind the formal instruction given to ALTON to suspend access to Twitter in Nigeria as same violates sections 39(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Article 9(1) and (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP 10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Respondents and their agents from unlawfully imposing sanctions and other punishment, including criminal prosecution or doing anything whatsoever to harass, the Applicant, Nigerians, Twitter and any social media service provider in Nigeria.

Man Dies During Sex With Friend's Ex-wife In Delta

The deceased went to the lady's house for s*x, but died in the act.

A popular bush meat seller in Ogharefe Mr. Victor, popularly known as Pay Cash has reportedly died while having sex with his friend's ex wife identified as Julie in Oghara, Delta State. 

According to Warri Aproko Special, the deceased went to the lady's house for sex, but died in the process. 

A source revealed that Julie is a divorcee and her former husband is a good friend of the deceased.

It was learnt that Julie's former husband had solicited the assistance of Victor to help him beg his wife in order to settle the rift between them, which had led to their divorce. 

"Julie and Victor's wife fought sometime ago when she discovered that her husband was dating Julie," The source added.  

JUST IN: Hoodlums burn houses of ex-Imo AG, Assembly member

Unidentified hoodlums who reportedly disguised themselves as local vigilante groups in the early hours of Wednesday stormed the private residence of the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Imo State, Chief Cyprian Akaolisa and set the building ablaze.

The Nation gathered that the multi-million naira and ultra-mordern building which is situated at Ebenato ward in Orsu Council Area of the State in the ancestral home of the ex Attorney General was completely reduced to rubbles with explosives.

It was learnt that the faceless hoodlums later vanished into thin air after pepertrating the dastardly act.

Akaolisa, who confirmed the sad incident in a telephone chat with newsmen said “I am shocked that some criminal elements could be so callous to commit such atrocity which is man’s inhumanity to man.”

In the same vein, the member for the Orsu state constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Ekene Nnodumele is equally counting his losses over a similar recent fire disaster that gutted his private building in his community.

The fire was reportedly set by unknown gunmen who terrorised Ebenato Ward in Awo Idemili in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Special Assistant to the lawmaker, A. Nwadikwa who confirmed the incident in a phone call said Nnodumele’s security man was also beheaded by the arsonists.

“There was heavy gunfire in Ebenato in Awo Idemili by unknown persons who also attacked the home of the lawmaker,” he said.

Contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro admitted knowledge of the incident saying he has sent his men there for on the spot assessment of the incident.

Gunmen Hit Back, Kill Alleged Military Informant Behind Death Of ESN Commander, Ikonso: See Photo

The victim, whose name had yet to be ascertained, was gunned down in a village between Imo and Anambra states.

unmen have shot dead a middle-aged man alleged to be one of the informants used by the Nigerian Army to give away the late commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s Eastern Security Network (ESN), Ikonso Don.

SaharaReporters learnt that the victim, whose name had yet to be ascertained, was gunned down in a village between Imo and Anambra states, where he was believed to be hiding.

Sahara Reporters obtained the graphic images of the corpse of the victim, who was shot dead along a footpath in the village while the gunmen escaped from the scene. 

“The victim is alleged to be the informant the military and the police used in getting Ikonso’s location and in killing him. Some said the informant was also a member of the ESN but others said he was a former IPOB member, renounced them and came to the village to hide. But he has now been killed,” a source stated.

SaharaReporters had on April 26 reported that the Nigerian Army ‘s operation against the ESN and IPOB in Awomama Village in the Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State led to Ikonso Don’s death, who was an ESN top commander.

The army and the police intelligence team had killed Ikonso, known as Vice President, and six other IPOB commanders during the raid.

The army had confirmed that an officer and three policemen were also shot dead by the ESN during the gun battle on Saturday.

The then Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Mohammed Yerima, had released a photograph of Ikonso with IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as well as of the shrine where the ESN and IPOB fighters reportedly gathered in Oru East.

The army spokesman had revealed that they had been on the trail of Ikonso and other ESN commanders for weeks before he was finally captured.

“The IRT and DSS teams along with troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have been on the trail of the terror group since the unfortunate attacks on the Imo State Police Command and the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5. 

“The said Ikonson Commander, who was the mastermind of those attacks in addition to multiple attacks in the South-East and South-South regions, was neutralised along with six of his top Commanders,” the military had said.

Sources had also told SaharaReporters that Ikonso was also given away by some of his photographs shared on the social media as well as by some of his friends, who had been in touch with security agencies for weeks, if not months.

“Ikonso Don was a well-known hardcore IPOB member. When the ESN was launched, he joined and participated in several operations, rising to later become a commander. He was going to his village in Umuoma alongside other ESN members when they were ambushed.

“He was targeted and killed after some of the Igbo he was fighting for gave out his details to the security forces,” a source had explained.

“His photographs were also shared on social media by a friend and he was given away as the ESN commander. That was the same place his photograph with Nnamdi Kanu was obtained,” another source revealed.

Panic As Dreaded Bakassi Boys Return To South-East After Years Of Redundancy

A group of vigilantes in the South-East, Bakassi Boys, after years of redundancy, has returned to some areas of Awka, Anambra State capital, Daily Trust reports.

Their members were viewed in two moving vans, singing and warning criminals, but who brought them could not be ascertained.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ikenga Tochukwu, said he was not aware of the development.

He said, “I received this as information from you. I don’t have any such details before me. Meanwhile, I will make enquires, please."

But the police spokesman quickly added, “We are ready to work with any stakeholder in security," when responding to the question as to whether the police would partner with such a group.

Meanwhile, a source said, “The boys came primarily for alleged cult groups which have taken over Awka town in recent time without any response from the police. I think they were invited by traders.”

A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some security men had stormed the state, but failed to confirm if they were sent by the government.

The source said, “That is the only thing I can tell you, for now. Let’s see how things work out in the days and weeks to come.”

The Bakassi Boys are usually armed with machetes and guns, with all manner of charms worn around their body.

Their targets are petty thieves, armed robbers, ritual killers, murderers, corrupt persons, and generally, anyone considered evil.

Secondary School Boy Kill Girl For Refusing To Be His Girlfriend

The police on Tuesday charged the minor with murder.

A15-year-old boy, who allegedly beat a teenage girl to death for refusing his love advances, has been placed on remand by an Abeokuta Magistrate's Court pending legal advice by the Ogun State Department of Public Prosecution.

The police on Tuesday charged the minor with murder, News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Magistrate Dehinde Dipeolu, who did not take the minor's plea, ordered that he be remanded for 30 days in the Boaster Home Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

 Dipeolu adjourned the case until July 16 for a mention.

The prosecution counsel, Inspector Olu-Balogun Lawrence, told the Court that the minor committed the offence on February 24 at about 1:30 p.m. at Nawar ud-Deen Grammar School area in Abeokuta.

 Lawrence said the 15-year-old beat the 14-year-old girl to death.

He said the boy and the deceased were students of Reverend Kuti Memorial Grammar School and Nawar ud- Deen Grammar School.

 Lawrence said the minor accosted the victim on her way home from school and asked her to be his girlfriend, but she refused.

"As a result of the beating, the victim was taken to the General Hospital at Ijaye for treatment and was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta, where she died," he said.

 Lawrence said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 316 and, 319(1) of the Criminal Code, Law of Ogun, 2006

Pastor kidnapped by Boko Haram eight months ago freed in Borno

 

After seven months in Boko Haram captivity, a pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations, Rev Polycarp Zongo, has regained his freedom.

Zongo, who presides over a branch of the church in Jos, Plateau State, was kidnapped by the terrorists on October 19, 2020.

He was on a journey to a ministers’ conference in Gombe State when he was abducted by the insurgents.

About 12 days after the abduction, his church members and well-wishers gathered on the church premises at the Low Cost area of Jos in jubilation when the news of his release filtered in, but the information turned out to be untrue, a development which left the people and his family members traumatised.

Zongo’s abductors, according to the President of COCIN, Rev Dachollom Datiri, had demanded a “huge” ransom, which the church could not afford, and since then, the leadership of the church had been calling for his unconditional release until Monday, when the pastor eventually regained his freedom.

A peace advocate and President of the Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, Rev Gideon Para-Mallam, confirmed Zongo’s release to punch correspondent in Jos on Tuesday.

Para-Mallam, who said he had spoken to the pastor, added that he was freed in Maiduguri, Borno State, by his abductors alongside others victims.

Para-Mallam stated, “I just spoke with him. His release, this time, is true.

“He was released on Monday night by his abductors in Maiduguri and I was told that he would soon return to Jos any moment from now. We really thank God for sparing his life after several months in captivity.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Cross River State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Benedict Ukpepi, has regained his freedom 84 days after he was abducted.

The state Vice Chairman of the union, Lawrence Achuta, announced Ukpepi’s freedom in a statement on Tuesday.

Baba Ijesha to remain in custody, as court denies rejects bail application

 

A magistrate court sitting in Lagos State, on Wednesday denied the embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, bail in the ongoing trial over alleged sexual assault.

Baba Ijesha was arrested and detained by the Lagos State police after he was alleged to have sexually molested a minor since she was seven years.

He was later granted bail on May 17, after spending about 25 days in police detention by magistrates in charge of prison decongestion.

However, he has remained in police custody despite the bail.

During the trial on Wednesday, June 16, Kayode Olabiran, his counsel, desired the court to release his client, citing his deteriorating health.

Olabiran stated that the controversial nature of the case has made it difficult to secure his release despite his bail as intending sureties were scared of the likely consequences.

But in his ruling, P. E Nwaka, the judge, held that the court can not grant the actor bail because the matter is beyond its jurisdiction.

The judge also explained that the case has already been filed before the high court.

Also speaking, Yetunde Cardoso, the superintendent of police in charge of the case, said the matter is now beyond the police.

“Mr Olanrewaju was actually granted bail during the JUSUN strike and based on the conditions given, he couldn’t meet them and he was properly charged today (Wednesday).

“Just like the court stated, the case has already been filed before the high court and the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) of Lagos State Ministry of Justice has taken over the matter from the police.

“So presently, we have handed over to the DPP so the case is before them (DPP). It has nothing to do with the police anymore, it’s now left for the DPP to handle it,” she said