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Murder: Complainant Opposes Attorney General’s Approved Plea Bargain

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By Adenike Lawal

In a significant turn of events in a murder case, Oluwatosin Onamade, the complainant, has strongly opposed a plea bargain agreement approved by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

The agreement involves five defendants accused of murdering Onamade’s assistant in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The case, which has attracted widespread attention due to its violent nature, raises concerns about the fairness of legal processes in the region.

During a court session on Monday, Onamade voiced his dissatisfaction with the plea bargain negotiations, which he claims took place without his involvement.

Speaking before Justice Hakeem Oshodi at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja, Onamade expressed his frustration at not being consulted during discussions between the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and the defendants.

His objections underscore concerns about transparency and the perceived lack of fairness in the handling of the case.

The five defendants—Atunrase Sodiq Omolabi, Shittu Michael Olawale, Olaide Opeifa, Olanrewaju Adebiyi (also known as Maja), and Jamiu Omosanya (known as Orobo)—are facing serious charges, including murder and attempted murder, in relation to the death of Ifeanyi Etunmuse at Western Funeral Home, owned by Onamade.

It is also alleged that the defendants caused severe injuries to Femi Onamade, Oluwatosin’s brother.

When the defendants were first arraigned, they all pleaded not guilty to a comprehensive seven-count indictment, which includes charges of murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, willful damage to property, unlawful society (cultism), breach of peace, and conspiracy to commit a felony.

At the recent hearing, prosecutor Michael Adewoye informed Justice Oshodi that he had received an application for a plea bargain from the defense counsel representing four of the defendants.

This application, Adewoye said, had already been approved by the Attorney-General.

He also noted that a formal letter confirming the approval had been sent to the defense counsel, but the specific terms of the agreement would be discussed at a later date.

Defense attorney Olanrewaju Ajanaku confirmed receipt of the plea bargain application, adding that terms of the agreement would be negotiated with the prosecution.

Meanwhile, Mahmood Adesina (SAN), representing one defendant, requested that the trial continue without delay.

Justice Oshodi acknowledged Onamade’s commitment to seeking justice but pointed out that his authority as a judge did not extend to overturning an approved plea bargain.

He explained that such decisions are beyond his jurisdiction. As a result, the judge adjourned the proceedings until January 25, 2025, allowing both parties time to consult on the plea bargain terms while ensuring that trial preparations continue.

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Judiciary

Nigeria Ranked 36th in 2024 Global Corruption Index

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By Gabriella Ogbu

Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks Nigeria as the 36th most corrupt country, with a score of 26, alongside Uganda, Iraq, Mexico, Madagascar, and Cameroon.

The CPI, which assesses corruption perceptions in 180 countries, scores them from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Denmark leads with a score of 90, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84).

Cape Verde is the least corrupt African nation, ranking 35th with a score of 62. South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela are the most corrupt, occupying the lowest positions.

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Judiciary

Supreme Court Rejects Fubara’s Appeal, Imposes ₦2 Million Fine

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By Gabriella Ogbu 

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara challenging the leadership of the State House of Assembly.

A five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji ruled on Monday that Fubara must pay N2 million in damages to the Assembly and its Speaker, Martins Amaewhule.

The case was struck out after Fubara’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali, withdrew the suit.

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Judiciary

Court Acquits Fani-Kayode of Forgery Charges

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By Adenike Lawal

The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has acquitted former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode of forgery charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case, upholding a no-case submission by Fani-Kayode’s counsel, Norrison Quakers (SAN).

The EFCC had accused Fani-Kayode of forging medical reports to evade trial in a separate N4.9 billion fraud case. Witnesses, including officials from Kubwa General Hospital, testified that the hospital never issued the documents.

Despite prosecution claims that Fani-Kayode paid for the reports, the court found no sufficient evidence linking him to the alleged forgery.

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