BOZIMO HARPS ON BENEFITS OF CONTINUOUS TRAINING OF STATE COUNSELS.

Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice , Mr. Isaiah Bozimo has harped on the need for staff and state counsels in the State Ministry of Justice to be equipped with the needed skills to discharge their duties effectively in prosecution of cases.

Mr. Bozimo stated this in Unity Hall Government House Asaba during a continuous training series practical session on cross examination.

He said that state counsels should be very professional in their approach in court and shun aggressiveness tendencies in court, adding that being in such mood would alienate the judge on decision making.

Mr. Bozimo, who was the resource person, noted that the training was to ensure that staff and state counsels in the Ministry were exposed to relevant tips that could enable them serve the government and people of Delta State well.

He said that the function of the Ministry was to play two key roles  such as public prosecutor and government's legal adviser , adding that the Ministry would perform optimally only if the state counsels were aware of what they needed to know.

Mr. Bozimo stated that the Ministry under his watch had identified series of  key areas that they should be trained on, stressing that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had made it mandatory for lawyers to receive legal education at all times.

The Delta AG said that  the administration of criminal justice law, administration of civil Justice law and arbitration law had provided the needed framework for legal officers to perform effectively and efficiently.

In an interview with some of the participants including a deputy director in the Department of Public Prosecution, Mr. Ogheneovo Anthony Orhororho  and Mrs. Okeh Enyosu said that the training was timely,   noting that it would assist them carrying out their assignments effectively.

While commending the Attorney-General for equipping them with skills and knowledge to deliver their job in line with the expectations of the State Government and the general public, Mr. Orhororho described Mr. Bozimo as a pragmatic,  dynamic  and well equipped legal expert.

BOZIMO AFFIRMS COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO ENSURE CORRECT IMPLEMENTATION OF ACJL.

Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Isaiah Bozimo has reiterated the determination of the State Government to always interface and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that the custodial elements of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law are correctly implemented in the state.

Mr. Bozimo stated this in his office in Asaba when the newly posted Controller of Corrections Centre, Delta State Command,  Mr. Babafemi Jaiyeoba paid him a courtesy call .

He said that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 had introduced several reforms and measures to ensure that the efficient conduct of the trials regarding criminal justice sector. 

Mr. Bozimo stated that the administration of criminal justice law had made it possible for the decongestion of the custodial centres across the state, adding that it was the reason there was significant emphasis on reforming the administration of criminal justice law.

The Delta Attorney-General lauded key stakeholders in the custodial centres for the domestication of the act for the benefits of the people of the state, stressing that the implementation of the law which was first domesticated in 2016 was not working as envisioned.

He said that the 2022 law of administration of criminal justice was aimed at moving the criminal justice from impunity to reformative , noting that the law had given Judges and Magistrates the option of imposing none custodial measures.

He stated that awareness was being created on the new provisions of the law, adding that the Ministry had earmarked the correctional services as key stakeholders.

Mr. Bozimo,who recalled that the Ministry was reforming the ACJL 2016, they wrote to the correctional services for their memorandum on areas they felt that the ACJL should incorporate.

While pledging robust working relationship with the new controller, Mr. Bozimo said that measures had been introduced to track the success of the law through the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee.

He said that the Ministry would leverage on data collection and analysis to ensure that  the measures had direct impact on the operations of the custodial centres.

Earlier, the  Controller of Corrections, Delta Command, Mr. Babafemi Jaiyeoba appreciated the Attorney-General for his numerous impacts in the justice system,  explaining that he was in the Commissioner's office to familiarise with him  as the new controller of corrections in the state.

He stressed the need to strengthen the cordial working relationship with the Commissioner and Ministry of Justice, describing the quality of legal advice and tempo at which they received the legal advice from the Ministry as commendable.

Tricyclist Stoned To Death For Stabbing Customer Over #50 In Bayelsa.

A tricyclist has been stone to death for stabbing his customer to jdeath over an argument that ensue over N50, in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

The incident took place in the evening of Wednesday 19 April in Yenezue- Epie town.

An eye witness account had it that the trycyclist stabbed the victim identified as Thank God Doglass on the lower abdomen when he alighted the tricycle and gave the trycyclist N100 instead of N150.

When the trycyclist noticed that the victim had died, he tried to escape but was apprehended by an angry crowd he beat him to death and set his body and the tricycle ablaze. 

The report sparked an outburst of violence in the region and several Tricycles were set ablaze.

Former Arsenal Academy Player Left Tetraplegic After Drink "Spike" On Night Out.

A former Arsenal Academy Player, Daniel Cane was left Tetraplegic after Drink "Spike" on night out.

Daniel was a fit and healthy footballer and a qualified electrician, but after a drink "Spike" at a night out with friends, the  23 year old was hit with a life changing "travesty" as a cardiac arrest starved his brain of Oxygen. 

On the night out on 9 June 2020, Daniel friends noticed he looked a " funny colour" and was not waking up, so his friends attempted to perform CPR on him while the ambulance was called. 

When the ambulance came, they worked 24 minutes on him to get his heart beating again but his brain and spinal cord was starved of Oxygen, causing serious damage. 

Doctors told Daniels family that if he wakes up, he will be in a vegetative state but after spending 25 days in a coma,  defy the odds and "woke up" and gradually his cognitive function began to return in what his Mother described as a " Miracle".

His short term memories was significantly destroyed by the injuries but his long term memory was  intact.

After two and half years "bouncing around" different hospitals and care homes, he was eventually able to come home but now l

uses a wheelchair and needs around- the- clock care.

Ticket Boys Caused Multiple Vehicle Accident In Sapele.

Ticket Boys popularly called "Agberos" caused multiple accident in Sapele on Wednesday and ran away.

Eye witness accounted that a mini van that carried goods, coming from Lagos was flagged down by the ticket Boys  at Amukpe roundabout but the van refused to stop.

The ticket Boys there after entered another vehicle and gave the van a good chase.

In the process, the van diverted into the other lane of the ever busy Sapele/ Warri road and almost had a head on collision with a tanker filled with fuel and a Tipper van carrying sand but managed to run into a nearby bush.

The tanker in attempt to avoid the mini van ran into the bush on his right and fell down.

The Tipper van also avoided the accident and ran into the bush too.

The three vehicles were damaged but no live was lost.

On sighting the mini van heading into collision with a Tanker and a Tipper van, the "Agberos" took to their heels and left the scene before anyone could apprehend them as the cause of the Accident.

Road users wonder why ticket Boys are still on the highway in Delta State despite the recent ban by His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Mr. Igho Aghrewe, a transporter speaking on the incident said after banding the activities of these "Agberos,"  government should have put in place measures to ensure the ban is sustained because without such measures, these "Agberos" will not leave the highway.

Other road users interviewed called on the government of the day to do the needful to avoid unnecessary  loss of lives and properties on our highways.

Fire Raze Down Hausa Market In Sapele

Fire Raze down Hausa Market, close to former NTA Station in Sapele on Friday 21 April.

Goods worth millions of Naira was burnt down as traders could hardly retrieve their wares from the inferno.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertain and the market was completely razed down before fire service could get to the scene.

A visit to the scene shows traders counting their loss and looking dejected.

Mr. Sanni Abubakar, one of the traders said he came from travel this week, where he went to get goods for sale for the Eld fitre celebration only to loss them in this inferno.

Others interviewed gave similar tale.

Concern persons are calling on the local and state government to come to their aid inorder to lessen their stress as a result of this incident.

Public And Private Schools In Sapele To Resume Academic Activities For Third Term On Tuesday 25 April.

Public and Private schools in Sapele are to resume academic activities for 3rd term 2022/2023 academic year on Tuesday 25 April, 2023.

The resumption date that was formerly slated for Monday 24 April had to be shifted to Tuesday because of the  Muslim Eld -Fitre celebration holiday that was declared by the Federal government to be Friday 21 April and Monday 24 April.

Most Private Schools in town have started making preparation for resumption as teachers and other non--Academic staff have resumed work since Monday this week to get ready their lesson notes, other learning materials and to keep the environment clean to welcome pupils and students back to school come next week.

Mrs. Eweto Patricia, Principal in one of the private schools visited commented that the 2nd term holiday was very short( barely about 3 weeks for students but 2 weeks for teachers).

Eweto said in these two weeks, teachers only had one week to rest as the first week was utilize in preparing 2nd term result scores for pupils and students/ giving out same to guardians.

Eweto opined that, despite the short holiday, her staff are ready and happy to commence the 3rd term with all zest noting that it is in this term that the JSS 3 examination and the Senior Secondary School examination will take place.

Sapele Residents Calls On NURTW To Reduce Transport Fare.

 

Sapele residents has called on executives and members of the National Union of Road Transport workers, Sapele chapter to reduce cost of transportation in Sapele as crush on fuel and cash is easing off.

It would be recalled that as a result of the cash crush and fuel scarcity/ price hike, the cost of transportation was affected as it equally went up with the hope that when things normalizes, it will come back to its previous price before the crisis.

Mr. Monday Omoregbe, the spokes person for concerned  Sapele residents on this issue said despite the obvious fact that the pump price of fuel has come down and cash is gradually being available unlike before, the hiked price of transportation refused to come down.

According to him, Sapele to Warri was hiked to N1000.

Sapele to Benin was hike to N1, 500 same with Sapele to Abraka and these prices still remain same after the reduction of pump price of fuel and the ease in getting cash in town.

The concern group called on NURTW to be reasonable and work in line with the economic realities in order not to over burden Sapele residents unnecessarily.

Omoregbe noted that other towns in Delta State are not as outrageous as the NURTW in Sapele noting that transport Fare from Warri to Sapele is N800, a journey of same distance.

Benin to Sapele is N1000 while that of Sapele to Benin is N1, 500.

Sapele Residents Calls On BEDC To Review Time Of Electricity Supply To Sapele Town.

Sapele Electricity Consumers Calls On BEDC To Review Time Of Electricity Supply To Sapele Residents.



Electricity Consumers in Sapele has called on BEDC to review the time if electricity supply to Sapele residents as the present situation do not favour/ benefit Sapele consumers.

Presently, BEDC supply electricity in some areas by 10.00am and 2.00pm for the whole day and each if these instances, the light do not last for more than Two(2) hours.

At Gana and Ugberikoko area, they hardly have up to 72hours light in a week and they have come to observe too that in a month, they do not have power for up to a week giving the hours electricity is supplied to them on a daily basis.

To compound this issue, at the end of the month, BEDC will come up with outrageous estimated bills that must be paid.

Sapele Electricity Consumers hereby came up with a proposal to BEDC that will benefit them as follows:

Electricity should be provided in the mornings, in the hours of 9.00am to 3.00pm when all businesses in town will have need of power.

In the evening, electricity should be provided between the hours of 7.00pm to 12.00am for sake of security, and for students to have access to power to study .

In the early mornings, they propose power to be available between the hours of 2.00am to 6.00am for sake of security, for comfort especially during hot seasons and for residents to have access to light to see and prepare for work and children for school.

In all, they demand 16 hours of electricity daily out of the 24 hours in a day.

The proposed time is for all Sapele consumers to benefit from what they pay as electricity bill monthly and BEDC should stop rationing of light as the whole town needs the light at the proposed hours for the reasons aforementioned.

In view of the above, Sapele residents and some civil society organisation have stated that should this appeal to BEDC be ignore, there shall be a massive protest in Sapele town to drive home their demand.

AN OPEN LETTER TO INEC ON APGA CHAIRMANSHIP 

By 

BARR.JESUTEGA ONOKPASA

Nothing can be clearer than the judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the decision in Chief Jude Okeke Vs APGA and Ors & Edozie Njoku (as an interested person).

Indeed, Edozie Njoku, the interested person, ended up winning the case hands down.

This is actually a rather quite rare feat in law, and, for an interested party to end up being the winner of a case usually signposts the due diligence a court has invested in a matter before it.

It is therefore most unconscionable, indeed totally unacceptable, that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should up till now have refused to accord recognition to Mr Njoku as the authentic Chairman of APGA.

Indeed, it is simply too shameful that at a time at which losers of elections are flying completely off the handle and tarnishing the reputation of the commission after it conducted what is by far the most credible elections since June 12, 1993, that the same INEC would be so rascally as to defy no less than a judgement of the highest court in the land.

It is even more disgraceful that this is happening with senior and indisputably knowledgeable lawyers like Barrister Festus Okoye there to give the Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, appropriate advice on the right thing to do.

But, I would rather say we all know the problem with INEC.

It is fast decomposing into an old boys club where the arcane rules of such aggregations now predominate over the laws of our country, even to the extent of a creation of the law like INEC most contemptuously ignoring a judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

There is absolutely no controversy about the judgement in this case.

It is as clear as daylight.

Chief Edozie Njoku, who came in as an interested party, ended up winning the case.

That is the long and short of the matter.

The law is what it is and as it stands Edozie Njoku is the one and only legal Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, the oldest of the progressive political parties in the words of Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo.

Deployment of bribery and corruption to induce officers of INEC into so insolently defying the Supreme Court is not an end game that anyone can sustainably rely on.

Rather than resisting the inevitable, Soludo, being the only governor in the party, should find a means of coming to terms with Edozie Njoku and forging a way forward.

As it is, Mr. Njoku is Mr. Soludo's Chairman, even as Mr. Soludo is his leader.

There is absolutely nothing Soludo can do about that other than to find common ground with Njoku.

It is utterly disgraceful that it is an intellectual of Soludo's standing that should be associated with such suspicion of heinous bribery to the extent of sabotaging an agency of government unto insulting the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Is this how he plans to become the first Ibo President of Nigeria?

While Edozie Njoku seems to be quite prepared to wait for INEC to do the needful, it is neither up to Njoku or INEC to determine the timeline for obedience to a decision of court - the court issues a decision and everybody obeys or civilization gradually decomposes into a state of nature.

INEC has been most condemnable in its regulation of political parties.

There are people who have been Chairmen of their parties since the parties were founded.

Some political parties seem to exist for nothing higher than buying and selling of endorsements of the candidates of other political parties.

The job of INEC does not stop with just conducting elections - it is the obligation of INEC to deepen democracy, including by building up the political parties, even as it is its mandate to preserve democratic culture.

It cannot do either by undermining the courts and should realize so unless it has completely gone rogue.

This madness cannot be tolerated any longer.

It is not up to INEC to pick and choose which court judgements to obey.

It is not the prerogative of INEC to decide whether to obey the courts or not and it is especially shameful for a man of Mahmoud Yakubu's standing, training and professional orientation to be the one playing hide and seek with a straightforward judgement of no less than the Supreme Court.

The judgement obtained by Chief Edozie Njoku is as rare and profound as judgements come.

It is not every day you hear that the Supreme Court, of all fora, has varied or corrected its own judgement.

This is what Mr. Njoku has managed to achieve, thus further deepening Nigerian jurisprudence.

Chief Edozie Njoku is the authentic Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, according to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and that's the end of the matter.

Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, be law abiding and obey the Supreme Court right now.

ATUWATSE II CFR, COMMISSIONS STANDARD SPORT INFRASTRUCTURES AT HUSSEY COLLEGE, WARRI.

As far as nation building and development is concerned, education and good infrastructure are two of the major pillars upon which advancement is predicated. The story of our building the nation, Nigeria, will not be complete if told without the appreciable part sports has played. In sports, the depth of human limits are tested, character is formed, team spirit is cultivated, emotions are mastered, and healthy rivalry through competition is experienced.

Hussey College Warri, one of the foremost secondary schools in Delta State, has in its 75 year history, produced students who went ahead to climb up the sporting, corporate and business ladder, to do Nigeria proud. And so it is not surprising that today alumni of the college seek to give back through investments in sports which easily serves as a convergence of both the educational and infrastructural foundations of development. 

Yesterday, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, The Olu of Warri was at hand to commission standard basketball and volleyball courts donated by the Brownhill Foundation to Hussey College. Amaju Pinnick, a former Nigeria Football Federation president and current member of the FIFA Council, who is a product of Hussey college, has through the Brownhill Foundation which he chairs, continued to give back to society through educational scholarships, and other such interventions.

 While speaking, His Majesty lauded the efforts of Mr Pinnick and called on other alumni of the college to follow suit. It is noteworthy that Olu Atuwatse II, the 19th Olu of Warri attended Hussey college and was a notable athlete in the time he spent in college. Just like his father, His Majesty Olu Atuwatse III also plays a number of sports and was treated to a short presentation game by the students. It is hoped that in the near future, National sporting stars will be made as a result of this seed that is today sown.

DAVIDO LAUNCH A MODEL FOOTBALL TALENT HUNT PROGRAM.

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Davido has partnered up with Abu Salami Media and 1XBet to launch a model football talent hunt program, called the "Davido Dream Football Show." According to the Chief Executive Officer of Abu Salami Media, Abu Salami, DDFS is an initiative for advancing youth football, especially at the grassroots level, through a designed curriculum that has potential to develop fundamental technical skills and tactical awareness in young players who are committed to competing at the highest levels. The program is aimed at empowering and supporting young male football talents between the ages of 18 and 22 within Nigeria and around Africa.

ASSAULT ON PUBLIC: POLICE DERANKS ONE, ANOTHER SEVERELY REPRIMANDED

As IGP Tasks Officers on Professionalism, Respect for Fundamental Rights

Subsequent to complaints and findings on video evidence widely circulated on Sunday 9th April, 2023, on social media of assault, discreditable conduct, and incivility to members of the public, at Emouha, Rivers State, and a follow-up orderly room trial of the affected policemen by the Force Provost Marshal, one Adejoh Siaka has been reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant. Similarly, one Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari who was also present at the scene but took no steps to discourage such inappropriate and shameful act was severely reprimanded. 

However, one Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene of the skirmish was discharged unconditionally at the conclusion of the proceedings. In all, the three Policemen will be posted out of Rivers State to other Commands and Formations to continue their police duties.

The Inspector General of Police has therefore tasked officers and men of the Force to be diligent and uphold the lofty tenets of professional policing in the discharge of their duties with respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

CSP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra,

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA

Kwale Correction Centre:  Inmate Gets Bail On Health Ground.



Delta State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Theresa Diai  has granted one Mr David Olori an alleged Murder inmate with charge no. Mcz/300c/2022   bail at the Kwale Correction Centre to enable him go back home for an urgent medical attention on his failing health.

The Inmate who was among the 292 persons whose warrants were reviewed by the Chief Judge of Delta State was carried into the court room at the Kwale Correction Centre by two men  having been earlier diagnosed by a medical personnel of a  kidney and liver failure.

A staff Nurse at the correction Centre had pleaded with the Chief Judge during proceedings to grant the Inmate bail to enable him go back home to treat himself properly alleging that she had  spent all she had in taking care of the sick Mr David without success owing to the magnitude of his ailments.

Justice Diai before the commencement of the sitting of the day had commended all the stake holders in the prison visit for the successes they have recorded in previous exercises.

She assured the Kwale Controller of Prisons that their request would be channelled to the appropriate quarter.

Justice Diai told the people that the purpose of the visit was to ensure that the inmates at the correction Centre were the legitimate occupants of the place and that no one had to spend more time than he or she ought to  spend should such a person been convicted.

She explained further that sometimes they look at medical issues of inmates and do what they can to address such situations, explaining that even though correction Centres were owned by federal government, yet they will do all they could by reporting their plights back to the state government for possible intervention.

Earlier in his speech, the Controller of Kwale Correction Centre Mr Udoka Nwokoma Chinaka, told the Chief Judge that the current lock-up is 307 inmates, majority of whom are awaiting trails which they convey to various courts.

He pointed out that the facility covers about 32 courts, situated in four local government areas of the state which had just one functional vehicle to transport the inmates to courts.

Mr Chinaka appealed to the Chief Judge to present their request before the Delta State government so that they could  come to their rescue.

Staff of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, led by the State Director of Public Prosecution Mrs Efe Jesin Odogu were also in attendance during the visit.

STRESS MANAGEMENT: Time off Fitness Centre Sapele, Sensitized Members On Things That Can Cause Stress. 

Time off Fitness Centre on Saturday 15 April, Sensitized her members on things that can cause stress in both male and female. 

Speaking at the occasion, Bar. Alero Ayu, who spoke on stress in females  defined stress as a feeling of tension and said the females folks are very fragile and things such as not being appreciated, not meeting their needs, even if they can afford it, change of body after birth, menstrual pains, pregnancy, emotional disorder among others, are things that can cause stress in females.

Mr. Mike Olajide, another resource person that spoke on the topic said stress in men can be caused by lack of Finance, illness, taking care of aging parents, surviving natural disasters, such as the recent 7 story building collapse at Banana Island, in Lagos, taunting from landlords and nagging from wife.

While answering questions from members, Mike pointed out that the recent news of Hakimi's evasion of divorce consequences,  would have been different if it was his mother who is in possession of all his wealth that he had issues with, Hakimi would have developed stress from such episode.

The CEO, Time off Fitness Centre,Mr. Emmanuel Agbowu, after the lecture, admonished members of the centre to do all within their power to manage the aforementioned factors that can cause stress in order to remain fit and healthy at all time.

HOW DOMESTIC STAFF PLOTTED TIWA SAVAGE KIDNAP --- POLICE.

The Nigerian Police criminal investigation department, Alagbon, Ikoyi in Lagos, says it has arrested some persons in connection with the alledge attempt kidnap of Tiwa Savage.

The department spokeperson CSP Oluniyi ogundeyi confirmed  this on Saturday 15 April in Lagos.

The news of the attempted kidnap broke out on Friday 14 April.

The report revealed that the musician's private security vigilance and the Nigerian Police saved her from the suspects.

It gathered that the failed plot was alledgedly plan by Savage's new domestic staff who has been entrusted with vital information about her.

The source revealed that the domestic staff has been trailling the singer as she left her home and shared the information with other members of the alledged kidnapping gang. 

" Yes, we have some suspects, they are in our custody, they are Four", the spokes man said.

PSG's MOROCAN DEFENDER, EVADE DIVORCE CONSEQUENCES:

Hakimi's Wife Demands Half Of His Property In Divorce Suit, But Player Registered Everything In Mother's Name

Footballer Achraf Hakimi's wife filed for divorce and demanded half of his property.

She was however informed by court that her "Millionaire' husband owns nothing as all his property is registered under his mother's names.

Hakimi receives €1 Million from PSG monthly but 80% of this is deposited in his mother Mrs. Fatima's account.

He has no property, cars, houses, Jewelry or even clothes in his name.

Anytime, he wants anything, he asks his mother who buys it for him

INOAGHAN INSPECTS ONGOING FACELIFT OF NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL.

Hon. Eugene Okpe Inoaghan on Tuesday inspects the ongoing face lift of Sapele Local Government Nursery and Primary School located at Crudas road, Sapele.

It was gathered that the project started few months ago when the local government Boss paid a working visit to the school and promised to do something to the state of the school that was in shambles.

Speaking with the Press, Inoaghan said he has delivered on the promise he made some months back when he visited.

Inoaghan pointed out that at his last visit, the school has only One block of Six classrooms and the school ground constantly experience flood whenever it rains, but today, Three blocks of building with classrooms has been added to the former existing block and sand filling of the school yard is ongoing to arrest the flood that has being plaguing the school compound.

"From what you can see today, I can confidently say I have delivered on my promise to the school"--- He stated.

Inoaghan was accompanied in the visit by some Councillors and other political aids.

Delt Delta Court Convits Forty-Four Year Old Man For Rape.



               The High Court of Justice Delta State, sitting at Kwale Criminal Division, has convicted and sentenced a forty-four year old man, Olawale Ayeni, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for the offence of Rape. 

The Court presided over by Honourable Justice O F. Enenmo, delivered its judgment on Tuesday 22 March, 2023.

               The Defendant was arraigned before the Court on a one count charge of Rape, punishable under section 358 of the Criminal Law Code Cap C21 Vol. 1 Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006. 

The Defendant was alleged to have had carnal knowledge of a married woman without her consent, on the 11th day of July, 2020 at Irri, in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

 The Defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. 

                The prosecution led by Mrs. Ejovwokwe Arhuere Oghorodje, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, called three witnesses, and tendered the  confessional statement of the defendant and the medical report of the  (married woman).

 The prosecution told the court that the victim was in her house feeding her baby when the defendant came and asked to see her, she told the defendant to wait, but he persisted and asked her to come out. 

The victim stated further that as soon as she stepped out from her apartment to meet the Defendant, he blew a whitish substance on her face.

 She stated that the only thing she could remembered thereafter was seeing herself seated in the Defendant’s house.

 The Defendant then cut her face and back with razor blade and proceeded to have carnal knowledge of her, without her consent.

He warned and threatened her not to tell her husband or anybody about the incident. 

The woma then reported to her husbands’ relatives and the local vigilante. The Defendant was later arrested and handed over to the police where he made confessional statement.

              In his defence in court, the Defendant retracted his confessional statement, and told the court that he knows the victim, as someone who brings customers to him for preparation of traditional medicine. 

He stated that on the 8th of July, 2020, she came to his house and requested him to prepare medicine that she will use to defraud men.

 He stated that he charged her N28,000 which she was unable to pay. She came back on 9th of July, 2020 and requested him to use his own money to prepare the charm, but he refused. 

He denied making any incision on any part of her body or put any medicine into her mouth or had sexual intercourse with her.

               Delivering judgement, Hon Justice O. F. Enemo held that, he believed the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, and that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. He dismissed the defence put up by the Defendant. 

The Court thereafter convicted and sentenced the Defendant to ten years imprisonment with hard labour.

                  Speaking to newsman after the judgement, Mrs. P. U. Akamagwuna, Director, Sexual offences Unit of the Ministry of Justice, commended the Court for a well delivered judgement. 

She stated that the Ministry of Justice will continue to prosecute all sex offenders as the State will never tolerate such crimes within its environs. 

She said the zero tolerance posture of Mr. Isaiah Bozimo, Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, to offences of this nature, has continued to motivate prosecutors in the Ministry to put in their best.

               The convict, Olawale Ayeni, has since been registered in the Delta State Sex Offenders Register and his details uploaded to the national database. This is in line with the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020.

Drake wins $2.7million from bet on Israel Adesanya to knock out Pereira

Canadian rapper Drake has won $2.7million after Israel Adesanya knocked out Alex Pereira at UFC 287 to reclaim the middleweight title.

The award-winning rapper placed two huge bets on Adesanya to beat Pereira at UFC 287 and he pocketed a massive $2.7million as 'Stylebender' reclaimed his belt.

Adesanya won back the 185lb title just five months after he lost it to his bitter rival Pereira, who has previously beaten him twice in kickboxing. 

Drake lost $1.6million after backing Adesanya to win in that fight but he made amends for the rapper in his rematch with Pereira. 'Drizzy Drake' placed a $500,000 bet on Adesanya to win which returned $885,000 and a $400,000 bet for him to win by knockout, which returned a massive $1.8million.

MOTHER CRUSHED 11YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO DEATH IN SAPELE.

A lady in Sapele has crushed her 11 year old daughter to death with her husband's car on Wednesday 5 April.

The incident happened at Atufe road, opposite Assemblies of God Church.

It was gathered that the car was faulty and the Father of the girl has warned before leaving home that nobody should try to move the car because of the fault in it.

A eye witness that gave her name as gladys said it is a known fact in the area that the lady that drove the car was learning how to drive, so when she came out of her home to the car, those that knew her made way for her but surprisingly, instead of moving the car backward, she stepped on the accelerator, moving forward, hitting her own child of 11 and others.

The child identified as Ella, died as a result of the accident, while others sustained injuries.

Commenting on the incident, a neighbor that gave his name as David Asagba said it is really tragic for the family and those living close to them as the accident could have been avoided if the warning passed by the Father of Ella, got to her Mother.

INOAGHAN PRESENTS BUDGET 2023 OF ENHANCED DEVELOPMENT TO LEGISLATIVE ARM.

Hon. Chief Eugene Inoaghan, the executive Chairman Sapele local government Area, presented a budget of N4, 503,540,901 ( Four Billion, five hundred and three Million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand, Nine hundred and One Naira only),for the 2023 financial year to the legislative arm of the Council on Tuesday 4 April.

Hon. Inoaghan tagged the budget, a budget of " Enhanced Development" as he presented copies of the budget to the Speaker of the legislative arm of government, Sapele Local government area, rt. Hon. Churchill Ayomanor at the legislative building. 

Speaking at the presentation, Inoaghan said N3.8 Billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure while N680 Million is for capital expenditure. 

Inoaghan pointed out that the budget reflects a marginal increase of 16.6% over that of 2022, stressing that his administration hope to maintain the zeal of managing the enduring structure of progressive development for Sapele local government Council, irrespective of challenges.

Receiving the budget from the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Churchill Ayomanor, the Speaker of the legislative arm, thanked the Chairman for the cordial relationship enjoyed so far between the legislative and the executive arm of government in the Council and for the smooth presentation of the budget for the Council for the 2023 financial year.

Inoaghan was accompanied in the presentation by Hon. Vincent Ayomanor, the Vice Chairman, Sapele local government Council, rt. Hon. Felix Ayemidejor, Secretary, Sapele local government Council and others.

 Three Nigerians Arrested For Robbery In Libya

Three Nigerians have been arrested for alleged armed robbery in Libya.

This was disclosed via Migrant Rescue Watch’s Twitter handle on Monday.

The suspects allegedly robbed an expatriate workers' residence in Misrata, Libya, before being apprehended by a patrol team from the General Directorate of Security Operations and handed over to police authorities.

DELTA STATE HIGH COURT SENTENCES MAN FOR DEFILING Minor

 Delta State High Court sitting at Effurun Criminal Division, on Tuesday 28th March 2023, sentenced a 38 year old man, Godspower Ojakovo, to fifteen years imprisonment.  

The court presided over by Honourable Justice Michael Nduka Obi, convicted the Defendant for defiling a ten year old girl.

The defendant was arraigned before the High Court on a charge of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a child at Effurun, on 30th March 2020, an offence punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code Law Cap C21 Vol. 1 Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006.

 The prosecution led by Mrs. C. O. Onojovwo,  a Chief State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Delta State, called three witnesses.

The witnesses informed the court that the defendant, who was a neighbour to the child’s parents at the time of the incident, formed the habit of sleeping with her when her parents were not around. 

Godspower would often give the child fifty naira and sometimes one hundred naira after every act. 

He also  threatened to  kill the child and her parents, if the child ever reported to them. 

A vigilant neighbour who noticed the defendant’s acts, reported to the child’s parents, who in turn reported to the local vigilante. 

A trap was thereafter set for the Defendant and was subsequently caught in the act as he  was handed over to the police for investigation. 

The defendant confessed to the Police and made a written confessional statement which was tendered in court. 

However in his trial, the defendant retracted his confessional statement and denied committing the offence.

 The Defendant stated that the parents of the child had issues with him and as such framed him up for the offence. 

Delivering judgement, Honourable Justice Michael Nduka Obi held that the prosecution proved the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.  

He dismissed the denial of the Defendant as an afterthought. The court stated that persons such as the defendant needed to be kept out of circulation so as to rid our streets of paedophiles.

 He stated that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to other paedophiles, still walking freely on the streets of Delta State. 

The court stated that the actions of the Defendant was despicable as he had succeeded in taking the child’s innocence from her, which she could no longer get back.

 

Speaking to newsmen after the Judgment, the Zonal Director of the Effurun Zone of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Rosemary Orukomienor, commended the court’s Judgment. 

She stated that it showed that the zero tolerance policy of the Ministry towards all sex offenders, was on the right track. 

The Chief State counsel said all well meaning citizens of the State must condemn the increasing spate of sex related offences in the State. 

She advised parents to always watch their children so as to prevent their abuse by adults around them.

The name of Godspower Ojakovo has since been registered in the Delta State Sex Offenders Register and his details uploaded to the national database

CHURCHES IN SAPELE JOIN CHRISTIANS WORLDWIDE TO COMMEMORATE PALM SUNDAY.

Christians in Sapele town join Christians worldwide to mark Palm Sunday in joyous moods.

All Churches in Sapele today were in elated mood as they mark this year's Palm Sunday by decorating their Churches with Palm fronds and holding of palms, a symbol of the day.

Palm Sunday is commemorated by Christians worldwide to remember the triumphant  entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, a week before his crucifixion. 

The purpose of the triumphant entry is a reminder of the welcoming of Jesus into our hearts and of our willingness to follow him as Jesus is the King that loves and can die for his subjects---- Rev. Dr. Ajagbe, Speaking on the topic ".A Life of Purpose "  at the Palm Sunday service at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Ajagbe emphasised that the life that Jesus Christ lived was a life of purpose and all that claimed to be like Him( Christ-like) should endeavour to live a life of purpose.