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Man Bags Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor

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A 36-year-old man, Laminu Ahmed has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for raping a seven-year-old girl.

Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi found the defendant guilty based on an eight-count charge the Federal Government entered against him through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

The trial judge held that the prosecutor from the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice headed by Mrs Yewande Awopetu, successfully proved the case.

According to the charge, the convict had on January 3, 2023 asked the victim (name withheld) to bring him a plate of food from the food her mother was selling at the Zuba Fruit Market, Abuja, and thereafter, lured her to follow him with the food to a public bathroom in the market.

The prosecutor told the court that the convict locked the door as soon as the victim entered and proceeded to sexually abuse and rape her by forcefully kissing her and later inserting his fore finger and penis into her private part.

“He clamped his hands over her mouth when she attempted to scream and threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone.

“Nevertheless, the little girl was brave enough to tell her mother about the rape on her return. The mother had gone out to attend a friend’s naming ceremony when the incident occurred.

“The parents had immediately reported the matter to the local vigilante who arrested the defendant and handed him over to the Police

The defendant confessed to the crime at the Police Station in Zuba and at the FCT Command where the matter was later transferred,” the court was told.

The charge against the defendant bordered on offences of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child and sexual abuse under the Child Rights Act; Rape, Intimidation and Infliction of bodily injury under the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) 2015; and Criminal force under the Penal Code.

However, the defendant upon his arraignment in June 2023, pleaded not guilty to all eight counts.

To prove the case, the prosecution called witness and tendered evidences that included the defendant’s confessional statement and confessional video, medical report and report of investigation as well as the statements of the victim and her mother to the police.

Despite Laminu’s futile attempts to deny making the confessional statement and his claim that he was forced to confess, the prosecution succeeded in proving its case against him and he was convicted and sentenced by the court which found him guilty.

Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel, Awopetu, described the judgement as a win for the justice sector, particularly the SGBV Response Unit in conjunction with the Gender Unit of the FCT Police Command.

“It is also a warning to would be perpetrators that the long arm of the law will definitely catch up with them. A key lesson for parents in this case is never to leave their kids untended in a public place,” Awopetu said.

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Abuja Reports

Tinubu Reshuffles Leadership at Federal Universities, Renames UNIABUJA

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By Patrick Idowu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced leadership changes at several federal universities, including renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.

The president dissolved the governing council of the newly named university and removed Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi, appointing Prof. Lar Patricia Manko as acting VC for six months, though she is ineligible for the permanent position.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso takes over as Pro-Chancellor.

At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Tinubu sacked Acting VC Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, replacing him with Prof. Oguejiofu T. Ujam. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu was moved from UNN to the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo is now UNN’s Pro-Chancellor.

Other key changes include Senator Joy Emordi moving from Alvan Ikoku University of Education to the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, while Senator Sani Stores takes her previous role.

Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi is now Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

President Tinubu said the overhaul reflects his commitment to revitalizing higher education and ensuring stronger governance and accountability in Nigerian universities.

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Abuja Reports

Residents Demand Relocation of Karu Dump Site

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By Patrick Idowu & Gbenga Adeniyi

Residents of Jikwoyi and Karu communities on the outskirts of Abuja are calling for the urgent relocation of the Karu dump site, citing severe environmental and health risks.

Appealing to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the residents warned of a potential epidemic if the site remains in its current location.

They highlighted the growing waste accumulation, which frequently obstructs the Karu-Orozo road, causing persistent traffic congestion.

Gabriel Idoko, a resident, expressed frustration over the situation.

“It’s shameful that such a hazardous site exists in Abuja. This is an eyesore that poses serious health risks,” he lamented.

A local community chief, who spoke anonymously, condemned the site’s proximity to a cemetery.

“How can refuse be dumped on graves? It’s unacceptable. The FCT administration must act swiftly,” he stated.

Residents are urging authorities to address the issue urgently by relocating the dump site to a more suitable location.

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Abuja Reports

AEPB Engages 40 Contractors to Enhance Cleanliness in Abuja

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By Abaire Olanlesi

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has engaged 40 contractors to manage waste and maintain sanitation across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

AEPB Director, Mr. Osilama Braimah, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stating that all contractors have been fully paid with no outstanding debts. He emphasized the Board’s role in waste management, sewage maintenance, and environmental sanitation across key districts, including Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, and Wuse.

Braimah noted that while contractors are responsible for waste evacuation, the AEPB intervenes when necessary, deducting costs from contractors’ payments. He also addressed noise pollution, stating that the Board takes action against noise from nightclubs and public buildings but has no jurisdiction over vehicle or motorcycle noise.

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