Crime

Two Men Charged with Stealing N700,000 in Ibadan, Granted Bail

Published

10 months ago

June 20, 2024

Two men, Okiki Olaniyan, 18, and Hamzat Sodiq, 20, appeared before a Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, charged with stealing N700,000. The defendants, whose addresses were not provided, are facing charges of conspiracy and theft. Both pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Philip Amusan, informed the court that Olaniyan and Sodiq allegedly committed the offences on June 7 at the Ogunpa market area in Ibadan. According to Amusan, the duo stole N700,000 belonging to Esther Ayeni. He stated that the offences violated Sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Presiding over the case, Sukurat Yusuf, the President of the court, granted the defendants bail set at N500,000 each, requiring two sureties each in the same amount. She scheduled the next hearing for July 22.

During the session, the prosecution detailed the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft. Esther Ayeni, the victim, reported that she had just completed a business transaction when the incident occurred. She claimed that the defendants had been lingering around the market area, observing her movements.

Witnesses from the Ogunpa market testified that they saw Olaniyan and Sodiq acting suspiciously before the theft. Despite the defense’s plea of innocence, the prosecution emphasized the strength of the evidence against the defendants, including eyewitness accounts and security footage from nearby shops.

The defendants’ legal counsel argued for their innocence, highlighting the lack of direct evidence linking them to the theft. They contended that the prosecution’s case was based on circumstantial evidence and stressed that their clients should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

In response to the bail conditions, the defense requested leniency, citing the defendants’ young age and lack of prior criminal records. However, the court maintained the bail terms, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges.

As the hearing adjourned, the courtroom remained tense with supporters of both the defendants and the victim present. The upcoming hearing on July 22 is expected to further delve into the details of the case, with additional witnesses and evidence likely to be presented.

Crime

E-Money in Custody Over Naira Abuse Allegations

Published

21 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

Popular businessman Emeka Okonkwo, better known as E-Money, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged naira abuse and suspected money laundering.

The socialite, famed for his lavish spending and celebrity connections, was taken into custody earlier today at his Omole residence in Lagos and transferred to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for interrogation.

Sources at the commission say the arrest follows viral footage showing E-Money spraying wads of naira and foreign currency at a recent event—an act deemed a violation of Nigeria’s Central Bank Act.

Officials also hinted at a wider probe into his financial dealings.

While the EFCC has not released an official statement, the agency has recently stepped up actions against individuals who flaunt the naira in public, vowing to protect the nation’s currency and financial integrity.

E-Money remains in custody as investigations continue. His legal team is yet to respond, and formal charges have not been announced.

Crime

Soldier to Die by Hanging for Killing Lover

Published

23 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

A General Court Martial sitting at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend.

The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, was confirmed by Lt Col Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.

He said the judgment followed due process and thorough legal scrutiny.

The 11-member military panel, inaugurated on February 18, 2025, was led by Brig Gen Sadisu Buhari, who declared the sentence after finding Mohammed guilty of murder, an offence under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act.

“After carefully reviewing the facts, the soldier’s record, and plea for mercy, the court finds no room for leniency. Justice must prevail.

“He is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” Buhari ruled.

In a separate ruling, Private Abubakar Yusuf was sentenced to ten years in prison for robbery at a shopping mall in Enugu. Found guilty under Section 107(1)(b) of the Act, Yusuf avoided a stiffer sentence due to the panel’s inability to reach a unanimous decision.

The Army insisted these acts do not reflect its core values, assuring the public of its firm commitment to discipline and justice.

Crime

Taskforce Storms Lagos, Nets 52 in Night Raid

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

In a sweeping overnight crackdown, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit arrested 52 suspects in a fresh move to curb crime and restore order across key parts of the city.

Led by the Agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the operation kicked off around 12.35 a.m., targeting notorious hotspots such as Lekki, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Eko Hotel, and Ligali Ayorinde.

Acting on a flood of complaints about street urchins, hooligans, pickpockets, and other suspected criminals, the taskforce moved swiftly, rounding up 51 men and one woman in the early hours of Sunday.

Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that the operation was part of a broader strategy to conduct bi-weekly raids aimed at cleaning up the metropolis.

CSP Akerele, speaking after the raid, vowed the taskforce would not relent in its mission to keep Lagos safe.

“We will continue these enforcement drives until criminals have no hiding place. Anyone threatening the peace and security of residents should either stop or face the full force of the law,” he warned.

All suspects, he added, will be charged to court as the agency steps up efforts to safeguard law-abiding citizens and businesses.