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Category: Law and Crime

  • Katsina: Hisbah shuts down nightclubs over immorality concerns

    Katsina: Hisbah shuts down nightclubs over immorality concerns

    The Katsina State Hisbah Board has banned all nightclub activities across the state, citing Islamic principles and the need to uphold moral values.

    The Hisbah Commander-General, Dr Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), announced this in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday.

    He stated that nightclub owners must shut down their establishments to curb immoral practices, protect societal values, and address security concerns in the state.

    “The board warned that violators would face strict penalties. Security agencies have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the order.

    “We are committed to building a morally upright society and ensuring peace and security in Katsina State,” Usman said.

    He confirmed that the board has informed relevant security agencies, including the state Commissioner for Internal Security, to enforce the directive effectively.

    “This move aligns with Hisbah’s broader efforts to ensure residents continue their lives in line with religious and moral standards,” he stated

  • Honest Bunch Saga: Law firm condemns unauthorised leak of Ubani’s phone conversation

    Honest Bunch Saga: Law firm condemns unauthorised leak of Ubani’s phone conversation

    The law firm of Ubani & Co. has condemned the unauthorised leak of a private phone conversation involving its principal partner, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, on social media.

    The firm’s response follows uncomplimentary remarks made about one of Ubani’s clients in an episode of the Honest Bunch podcast. In reaction, Ubani contacted the host to seek clarification and demand an apology.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the firm emphasized that while there was nothing improper in the leaked conversation, it was strictly private and should never have been made public.

    It clarified that Dr. Ubani, a highly respected legal professional, would never intentionally allow his private discussions to be disseminated online. The firm also stressed that he does not, as a matter of policy, record conversations with third parties, opting instead to document matters in writing for clarity and accountability.

    The statement read: “Our principal partner, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, is a distinguished member of the Bar, known for his diligence and professionalism in handling legal matters.

    “While he is a notable public figure, he has never been in the habit of discussing or sharing his legal practice on social media.

    “We strongly condemn the unauthorised leak of his private phone conversation and call on those responsible to take it down.”

  • Banker sentenced to four years in Prison for fraud in Lagos

    Banker sentenced to four years in Prison for fraud in Lagos

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Ugenyi Kalu, a banker, who was sentenced to four years and two months in prison by the Ikeja Special Offences Court for fraud.

    In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday, the EFCC revealed that Kalu was convicted after being arraigned before Justice R.A. Oshodi on five counts of official corruption and gratification.

    One of the charges read: “That you, Ugenyi Kalu, sometime in November 2016 in Lagos, while serving in a bank, received a monetary benefit of ₦4,000,000 from one Obi Ogoh in connection with a loan granted to an Agro Mills by your Bank. This act is contrary to Section 8(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and is punishable under Section 8(1)(b)ii of the same law.”

    Despite pleading not guilty, the case proceeded to a full trial. The prosecution, led by G.C. Ofulue, presented six witnesses, including two former colleagues of Kalu from his bank, who testified against him.

    On February 12, Justice Oshodi ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, convicting Kalu on four counts.

    “The defendant is convicted on four of the charges and sentenced to four years and two months imprisonment or a fine of ₦20,850,000,” Justice Oshodi declared.

    This conviction adds to the EFCC’s recent successes in prosecuting financial crimes. In 2019, the commission secured the conviction of Anayo Nwosu and Olajide Oshodi, from another bank, who were sentenced to five years in prison for their role in an ₦855 million fraud—a verdict upheld by the Court of Appeal in April 2024.

  • Police dismiss Portable’s ‘madman’ claims, insist singer remains wanted

    Police dismiss Portable’s ‘madman’ claims, insist singer remains wanted

    The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed claims by controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, that he is undergoing psychiatric treatment.

    The police insist the singer remains wanted in connection with an alleged assault on government officials.

    In a video posted on Tuesday, Portable declared that he is a “madman” receiving treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta.

    He made the statement while pleading with Nigerians and the Ogun State Government following the police’s declaration of him as a wanted individual.

    However, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Omolola Odutola, maintained that Portable must surrender himself for investigation.

    “Portable will come and submit himself. He cannot be in the psychiatric hospital in Aro. Everybody knows he is a wanted person. If he is in any facility, the police must be informed. He is a wanted man,” Odutola said.

    The police declared Portable wanted after an alleged violent confrontation with three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office. The affected officials—TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi—were reportedly attacked during an enforcement exercise at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota, Ogun State.

    According to the officials, they first encountered Portable’s father at Odogwu Bar, who claimed the singer was unavailable. Shortly after, Portable allegedly arrived with a firearm and, along with nine thugs, attacked the unarmed officials. The officials sustained injuries but managed to escape and report the incident to the Ota Area Command, which later transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

    While nine of Portable’s associates were arrested, the singer reportedly fled the scene and has been in hiding since.

    The police revealed that multiple invitations were sent to Portable, requesting his appearance at the command’s headquarters, but he repeatedly ignored them without providing any legal representation.

    “Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted,” Odutola added.

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    Police declare Portable wanted over alleged violent attack on Ogun state officials
    Ogun condemns Portable for attacking state officials

    Reacting on Instagram, Portable claimed he was being framed due to his association with Senator Adeola Solomon, popularly known as Yayi, who represents Ogun West. He also reiterated that he has a mental health condition and receives treatment at the psychiatric hospital.

    “I fear government. I am a Federal Government liability. I am a madman and take medications regularly. You can confirm from Aro Hospital—I have a patient card. I am not a thief; I help people,” Portable insisted.

    In response, Damilare Oloyede, the Special Assistant on New Media to Senator Adeola, distanced the lawmaker from Portable’s legal troubles.

    “Portable should be responsible for once. Senator Yayi won’t help him in this predicament—it is purely a result of his irresponsibility, lack of decorum, and display of lunacy (as he himself admitted). Name-dropping won’t help him evade justice,” Oloyede said.

    He emphasized that Senator Yayi is a law-abiding public servant who does not tolerate irresponsible behavior.

    “For the umpteenth time, Senator Yayi is a responsible leader and will never tolerate irresponsible acts around him,” Oloyede concluded

  • TI rating: Do not be discouraged, EFCC tells anti-corruption agencies

    TI rating: Do not be discouraged, EFCC tells anti-corruption agencies

    Despite Nigeria’s low ranking on the international corruption index, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has called on anti-corruption agencies to remain resolute in their efforts to enhance government processes in the country.

    The Corruption Perceptions Index, released last month by Transparency International, ranked Nigeria 140th out of 180 countries in 2024, with a score of 26 out of a possible 100. This marks a slight improvement from 2023, when the country scored 25 points and was ranked 145th.

    Speaking in Abuja at the unveiling of the report Facts Behind the Corruption Perception Index, commissioned by the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms, TUGAR, Olukoyede emphasized the need for continued commitment to the fight against corruption.

    The report which reviewed six years (2019-2024) of Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (TI-CPI) assessment on Nigeria, concluded that in the past six years the country has recorded no overall change in its CPI score.

    According to the report, Nigeria scored 26 points and was rated 146 in 2019; 25 points and 149 in 2020; 24 points and 154 in 2021; 24 points and 150 in 2022; 25 points and 145 in 2023; and 26 points and 140 in 2024.

    But despite the apparent lack of progress in the fight against corruption, EFCC Chairman, Olukoyede said the focus of anti-corruption agencies should be on value addition.

    According to him, “We can say that it is a slight improvement in relation to our efforts. But again, I have said it before and I will say it again. For us as Nigerians, we must be more interested in adding value to our economic and social lives than getting discouraged by any international rating. If we don’t appreciate that, it will be a major problem for us.

    “Whatever we are going to do, the priority should be to improve on our processes, to add value to our lives as Nigerians. Now, if we do the right thing, the international community will come here and copy what we are doing and borrow it from us. There is no gainsaying the fact that in the last one year, the major stakeholders, the anti-corruption department, including the legislature, including the executive and the judiciary, have made some tangible progress in our fight against corruption”.

    He pointed at the recent grant of autonomy to local governments, the recovery of over 700 apartments and the arrest of 794 suspects as major achievements in the past year.

    Earlier, the Head, TUGAR, Mrs. Jane Onwumere stated that it is the “expectation this report would create awareness and prepare the anti-corruption community and relevant stakeholders for better and stronger engagement with the TI -CPI annual reports”.

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    Also speaking, the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu noted that though Nigeria’s ranking improved marginally, a lot of progress has been made.

    Aliyu who was represented by ICPC Board Secretary, Barrister Clifford Oparaodu said: “We have to judge ourselves. We cannot allow others to judge us. We at the ICPC are very much aware that an anti-corruption crusade is a huge stakeholder responsibility that requires collective commitment, vigilance, and critical self-assessment.

    “It is in this spirit of collective faith in anti-corruption that the Commission supports the efforts of TUGAR to undertake the analysis of the TI-CPI 2019-2024 report with logical recommendations for public consumption. Every year, Transparency International and the Global Coalition Against Corruption run surveys according to the perception of their performance on corruption. Most times, by their assessment, Nigerians perform poorly on the Corruption Perception Index. These kinds of reports, each time it is released, tend to send messages of discouragement to the government, particularly to anti-corruption agencies, who put in their best, which is not really good”, he added.

    On his part, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji stated that as an agency at the forefront of promoting transparency in the extractive industries, NEITI remains resolute in the fight against corruption.

  • NBTI, EFCC unite to combat corruption with technology

    NBTI, EFCC unite to combat corruption with technology

    ABUJA – The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has partnered with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat corruption in Nigeria through innovative technological solutions.

    This collaboration aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and economic integrity, addressing one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.

    During a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, NBTI Director General and CEO Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji commended the EFCC’s recent successes, which include the recovery of over N200 billion and the prosecution of approximately 3,000 cases within a year. These achievements have significantly bolstered global confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

    A statement issued by Olajumoke David, Chief Information Officer of NBTI, outlined the strategic partnership’s focus areas. These include deploying technology-driven anti-corruption tools for real-time financial monitoring, strengthening accountability in funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and developing AI and data analytics solutions to track illicit financial activities. Additionally, the initiative will provide capacity-building programmes to promote ethical business practices and offer entrepreneurial training for rehabilitated offenders.

    Dr. Raji emphasised that corruption remains a major obstacle to Nigeria’s economic progress, asserting that as the leading technology incubation agency in the country, NBTI is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship while ensuring transparency in SME funding and preventing financial mismanagement through digital tools.

    He also highlighted NBTI’s recent achievements, including global recognition for an incubatee who won the $1 million Zayed Sustainability Prize and a significant memorandum of understanding with the Kwara State Government to establish a world-class technology incubation hub.

    Dr. Raji stated, “Corruption remains one of Nigeria’s greatest obstacles to economic progress.

    “This collaboration is a game-changer—a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to rebuild trust, attract investment, and create a thriving, corruption-free economy.

    “With the EFCC’s enforcement strength and NBTI’s innovation-driven economic agenda, we are laying the foundation for a Nigeria where transparency, accountability, and enterprise thrive. Technology and integrity must go hand in hand to drive sustainable national development.”

    Meanwhile, this partnership is viewed as a transformative step, signalling Nigeria’s commitment to rebuilding trust, attracting investment, and creating a thriving economy free from corruption.

  • Abuja protesters demand justice in 15-Year murder case

    Abuja protesters demand justice in 15-Year murder case

    ABUJA – A civil society organisation, the Justice and Equality For All Movement, staged a peaceful protest outside the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the release of a probe report concerning the death of Mrs. Shitua Aso, a pregnant woman who died in 2010.

    The protest aimed to highlight the ongoing quest for justice for Aso’s family, who have been seeking accountability for over 15 years.

    Led by Barrister Moses Aham Akano, the movement emphasised that the incident constitutes a criminal matter and should not be subject to statutes of limitations. They highlighted the importance of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, making the investigative report public, as it could provide crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding Aso’s death.

    The protesters asserted that the prolonged delay in processing the case represents a significant injustice, not only to Aso’s family but also to society at large. In addition to the protest, the organisation has taken legal steps, asking the court to mandate the police to release the investigative report from 2011, which they believe is essential for ensuring justice.

    Akano stated, “We are here to call on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to release an investigative report regarding the murder allegedly committed in 2011.

    “We have long requested that the court order the IGP to release the police report on this matter.

    “We want the court to ensure that the law takes its course and to secure justice for the late pregnant woman, Shitua Aso. We seek to follow the legal route to compel the police to release its investigative report from 15 years ago.

    “Nigerians are crying, the world is crying, and all we want is justice. The case is not statute-barred; we are pleading for justice for the late pregnant woman.”

    The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) also joined the call for transparency, urging the IGP to release the report and warning of potential legal action if the investigation continues to be overlooked.

  • Ondo lawyer docked for alleged assault, defamation of Gov Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo lawyer docked for alleged assault, defamation of Gov Aiyedatiwa

    Akure—A 53-year-old lawyer, Wale Odusola, has been docked before an Akure Magistrate’s Court, Ondo State, for alleged verballing and psychologically abusing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on social media.

    Odusola was accused of using his Facebook page to criticise the governor, alleging that he had failed to act in a parochial manner and had neglected his constituency.

    According to the charge sheet, the lawyer also accused the governor of engaging in an extramarital affair with the state’s Finance Commissioner, Mrs. Wunmi Isaac.

    The Police prosecutor, Ayodeji Aderintoye, argued that Odusola’s actions were capable of inciting public unrest and defaming the governor’s reputation, contravening several laws, including the Cybercrime (Prohibition, etc.) Act.

    Odusola offences contravene Section 15 (1)(2) of the laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2021; Section 373 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006; and Section 24 (a)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

    Odusola, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyers led by Olusola Ebiseni, urged the court to grant him bail.

    Ebiseni said the alleged offence was bailable and that their client was ready to meet all conditions.
    The trail Magistrate Sunday Adedap, thereby granted Odusola bail on self-recognition and adjourned the case till May 5, 2025, for further hearing.

    lt’s misplaced priority —Lawyer

    Meanwhile, a lawyer and rights activist, Tope Temokun, has criticised the governor for taking on a lawyer and his kinsman. Temokun, describing the governor action as a misplaced priority.

    He said: “For a governor who was catapulted unexpectedly by fate to become a governor and who just got elected and awaiting inauguration this week to be so bothered about a criticism from a citizen and quickly tooling up the law to stifle freedom of expression is to me is a priority misplaced.

    “Democracy must admit dissenting voices and business of governance is too serious for any man who has not started anything we can point at to be filing criminal complaint against a citizen on facebook video, of all things. What a petty approach to governance.

    “I condemn this act of criminalization of criticism by the governor of Ondo State and advise immediately that the governor withdraw this criminal complaint and shift his focus on serious business of governance which should be his priority now and be more concerned about what legacy he is going to leave behind after his tenure expires.”

    The time is very short and the time begins to run now.

    “The governor must acknowledge that he is just the lucky one, many of us are qualified to occupy that position and so we will not put cello tape on our lips just because the person in saddle only likes songs of praises.
    “We are all stakeholders in the state and we will not leave the governor to run the business of the state by sheer wishes. We will put the governor on his toes every second for the task of good governance and for the good of our people.”

  • Commercial driver gets 15 strokes for assaulting police officer

    Commercial driver gets 15 strokes for assaulting police officer

    A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna on Thursday ordered that a 36-year-old driver Mustapha Aminu, be given 15 strokes of the cane for assaulting a police officer on duty.

    The convict, who resides in Ungwan Sanusi in Kaduna, was convicted of hitting a police officer Sgt. Adamu Maigari, on the head with a log of wood.

    Aminu pleaded guilty to the charge.

    The Magistrate, Mr Ibrahim Emmanuel who gave the order, said: “The punishment is to make you understand the gravity of the offence you committed.

    “This will also serve as a warning to others who have the mind to commit such crimes.

    “I hereby order a court official to give him 15 strokes of the cane”.

    Emmanuel warned him to desist from such crimes and face his job so that he will be useful to the society.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Chidi Leo, told the court that on Jan. 29 at about 2p.m. the driver assaulted and injured a police officer while performing his duty.

    Leo said the driver drove recklessly on the road and when he was stopped by the officer, he hit him with a log of wood.

    He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 237 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.

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  • Alleged N2.5bn Fraud: Court acquits ex-NBC boss, Modibbo

    Alleged N2.5bn Fraud: Court acquits ex-NBC boss, Modibbo

    ABUJA–The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, discharged and acquitted the former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Ishaq Kawu Modibbo, who was accused of complicity in a N2.5billion fraud.

    The court, in a judgement that was delivered by Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo-Giwa, held that the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, failed to establish the allegation.

    According to the court, aside from conflicting evidence of witnesses that testified in the matter, the ICPC, was unable to link the defendant to any crime.

    Consequently, he was discharged on the five-count amended charge the anti-corruption agency preferred against him and two others- Mr. Dipo Onifade and Pinnacle Communications Ltd.

    It will be recalled that one of the defendants in the matter, Sir Lucky Omoluwa, died while the trial was ongoing, a development that led the ICPC to amend the initial 12-count charge it brought before the court.

    The ICPC had alleged that the defendants were involved in irregularities that trailed the award of a N2.5billion Digital Switch Over (DSO) contract.

    It alleged that the former NBC boss hoodwinked the Minister of Information and Culture to approve the payment of N2.5bn to Pinnacle Communications Limited, a private company owned by his friend, Omoluwa, who was also listed as a defendant.

    According to the ICPC, Omoluwa, whose firm was not qualified for such grant, subsequently transferred the sum of N537.25million out of the N2.5bn to a Bureau De Change operator for the dollar equivalent.

    The BDC operator was said to have delivered the dollars in cash to Omoluwa at his residence in Kaduna.

    It was alleged that the defendants committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1) (c ) and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

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    However, the defendants, who were arraigned for the first time in 2019, pleaded not guilty to the charge that was eventually dismissed by the court on Thursday.