₦airaland Forum

Former Solicitor-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN has faulted plans by Federal Government to establish courtrooms within prison premises as a way of decongesting the prisons.

President Muhammadu Buhari had recently said that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation was considering building courtrooms within prison premises across the country.

Speaking on a radio programme Factfile on Raypower, Pedro stated that putting courtrooms inside prison premises will only amount to an expensive adhoc exercise that will not solve the perennial problem of prison congestion.

He suggested that other approaches such as putting all criminal trials on fast-track mode and devolution of powers to allow state build and manage prisons should be urgently considered.

“Building a courtroom inside the prison will not solve the problem of prison congestion. It will simply amount to an adhoc exercise. What happens thereafter? Rather than do that, the judiciary should put all criminal trials on a fast-track mode.”

“With due respect to Mr. President, prison congestion been a scandal is no longer news to anyone. My take on this matter is that the role of the judiciary is secondary. The other arms of government has the primary responsibility in decongesting the prisons.

“Take the National Assembly for example. Since the National Assembly have been working against devolution of power to the state in the ongoing constitutional amendment, by which issues such as Prison and the congestion of the prisons will come under the concurrent legislative list in the Constitution

I suggest that the National Assembly consider delegation of duties to the State in the Constitutional amendment However pending when that happens, it should consider amendment of the Prison Act to make conceded some powers to the States to establish and maintain state prisons particularly for offenders of state offences.

“Pending when constitutional amendment comes, that will go a long way in the management of the prisons. The same thing should also goes for the Police Act. If the Police Act can be amended, to ensure that the commissioner of police or even AIG in a state is subject to the control of the Attorney General of the State as far as the administration of criminal justice is concerned.

"Imagine a matter pending in court and you are told that the Investigating Police Officer, IPO has been transferred to somewhere in the North while the officer is to testify in a matter in Lagos. How does that officer get to Lagos? So before any police officer involved in an ongoing matter is posted out of the state, the Attorney-General of that state must give a clearance that he has no pending matter in court before the officer is posted out because this is another factor responsible for delays in the administration of justice."

“The idea of adjournment of criminal trial for more than a week or one month while the defendant is in custody should be outlawed. If after 30 days of arraignment and the prosecution is not ready to proceed with the trial, the court should be allowed to set the defendant free with the exception of cases for murder, treason and other heinous crimes. .

On the issue of introducing parole into the Nigerian Prisons system, Pedro noted that it is indeed an ideal thing but that Nigeria lacks the necessary database to effectively run a parole system.

“I am sorry but in Nigeria where we lack data, that cannot work. In all other countries where parole system operates, they have the right data of all their citizens. As at now, we don’t even know our real population figures. So imagine if someone is given parole in Lagos and he runs to Sokoto and change his name, how do you trace him? What we should do is to harmonise all the data collected by various agencies in the country. If we have the right data, then parole can be consider as a way of decongesting the prisons,’ he said.

The management of Nigeria’s first app based tricycle taxi, Matatu says it is planning to inject an additional 10,000 high-tech tricycles into its operation in Lagos State.


Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Matatu, Engr. Samuel Ajiboyede made the disclosure earlier this week during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between his firm and Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria, TOOAN.

Speaking at the event, Ajiboyede noted that Matatu which is already operational in some parts of the state, will revolutionized last mile transportation system in the state.

” We have already started operation in some parts of Lagos. In next few months we plan to inject about 10,000 Matattu into our operation.

What we are bringing in with Matatu is efficiency, affordability and convenience. Matatu will create more jobs and opportunities for the growing number of unemployed youths.

“For the customers, it is affordable and convenient. We are already in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corp, FRSC for the training of all our drivers.


“The beauty of Matatu is that it allows people to do more than one job. With our ride sharing plan, someone can work for Matattu on part time bases. So they can do their regular jobs and still use their spare periods to work as Matattu drivers.

“Our investment plan also gives opportunity to people to buy any quantity of Tricycle and put them into our system.”

Alleged billionaire kidnapper Chukwudi Onwuamadike a.k.a. Evans has changed his guilty plea to not guilty.

Read more details here: http://theheatnigeria.com/evans-makes-u-turn-pleads-not-guilty-kidnapping/

A Lagos lawyer, Mr. Kayode Fasetire has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris Kpotum to call to order, some of his officers who are been used to frustrate a court order in Lagos.

Kayode who is counsel to Redorn Realtors Ltd said his client obtained a court order for the possession of a property located at 31a & b Gafar Animashaun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos but that since they took possession, some mobile policemen has been trying to illegally reinstate the former owner into the property..

Kayode said that his client bought the said property from Sterling Bank Plc in 2015 but that all their effort to gain entry into the property has been continuously frustrated by mobile police officers on the orders of someone with the top echelons of the police force.

Narrating the circumstance surrounding the ownership of the building, Kayode said the former owners of the property Tonique Oil Services Ltd lost it ownership after failing to pay back a N2billion loan facility it secured from Sterling Bank Plc.

He said his client subsequently decided to buy the said property which was on sale from Sterling Bank Plc at a cost agreed by both parties.

Kayode further noted that his client duly obtained a court order from a Lagos Magistrate Court for possession of the property which was served on the occupant.

"On 18 August 2017 we took possession of the property only for the Managing Director of Tonique Oil Service Ltd, Tony Adejuigbe to storm the property three days after with some policemen and some thugs.

"We reported the matter to Maroko Police station and he was subsequently arrested but later released on bail.


"We were shocked when on Friday another set of Mobile police officers again storm the property. We have been unable to who sent them and what their mission is on the property. We believe someone high up in the police is using them to undermine the court orders.

He appealed to the IG to urgently look into the matter to aviod break down of law and order.

The Chief Executive Officer of Workclick, Mr. Samuel Ajiboyede has commended the founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma for inspiring young Africa entrepreneurs during his recent visit to Kenya.

Mr Ajiboyede who was one of the top CEOs that attended the East Africa forum where Ma shared his business experience said Ma’s experiences was a great encouragement to young entrepreneurs in Africa.

“His story of rags to riches is a great motivation to young people, pushing them to pursue entrepreneurship with the confidence of building big businesses in future,” he said.

“I’m proud to be part of the audiences to learn from his insights.”

Ajiboyede added the Alibaba’s model of empowering people instead of focusing purely on income generation was a great challenge to him, and said he looked forward to emulating it in efforts to grow his company.

At the forum, Ma highlighted how he overcame failures and rejection to build a multi-billion business, opened up a new chapter in the attendees thinking and perception on business challenges.

He met and shared his experience with young entrepreneurs, business people and university students.

Ma also spoke about starting and building a successful venture, and challenged entrepreneurs to see every challenge as an opportunity and encouraged them to take advantage of it, instead of complaining.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode will next week Monday, September 25, 2017 swear-in Justice Opeyemi Oke as the Acting Chief Judge of the State.

See more details http://theheatnigeria.com/lagos-gets-new-acting-chief-judge/

A Lagos based female journalist, Princess Olubukola Fajuyi has declared her undying love for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi

Princess Bukola who is also a cultural ambassador declared on her facebook page on Wednesday that if accepted, she is hoping to fill the void left in the heart of the Ooni following the recent crash of his marriage.

Princess Adubi Oluwabukola Fasuyi is a quintessential Nigerian lady with a long history of philanthropic deeds through the Lady of Africa Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation that has empowered and assisted a large number of indigent Nigerians.

Read more of this article on www.theheatnigeria.com

A businessman Chinedu Mbakwe has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni over the execution of a court judgment allegedly obtained through fraudulent process.

In the petition dated August 15, 2017, Mr Mbakwe through his legal representative, Ubani and Co. stated the he was shocked when some men from the Sheriff section of the Lagos court accompanied by Policemen on Monday stormed his property located at 18 Awolowo Road, opposite Ikeja Club, Ikeja Lagos with the purpose of executing a strange court judgment.

Mbakwe noted that the said property was leased to him for a period of 10 years by the rightful owner, Mrs Risikatu Gbose Adegbule and that at no time was he informed or served with any court process of a pending litigation on the property.

The businessman further stated that a day after the purported illegal judgment was executed, he found out that one Kolawole Ajayi Moses had instituted a court action against Mrs Adegbule before Justice Femi Adeniyi.

According to him, throughout the duration of the suit until judgment was delivered, neither him nor Mrs Adegbule was served with any court process.

Acting on the purported judgment, Mbakwe said that area boys on the instructions of Mr Kolawole have taken over the property paralysing business activities in the building complex.

Stating that appropriate legal steps have been taken to address the judgment delivered without hearing from all parties, Mbakwe appealed to the Police Chief to assist in removing the hoodlums who have already halted business activities within the property.

He further noted that since the illegal execution of the said judgment, all tenants within the property has been locked out with properties worth millions of naira either destroyed or stolen.

Mbakwe stated that as at now the hoodlums are carrying out destruction and stealing of the tenants' monies and properties.

" I humbly appeal to your office to investigate this matter and duly despatch officers to remove the hooligans from the property in question to prevent further breach of peace," he added.

In furtherance of its goal to bring succor to the less privileged, Rotary Club of Igbobi Central, District 9110 has donated wheelchairs, Smart Canes and Writing Frames to people with disabilities in Lagos.

The items were donated recently during the installation of 31st President of the club,   Rotarian Lucky Gbabi and award to some notable members of the society who have contributed immensely to the improvement of the lives of the less privileged.

The items donated includes, six Wheelchairs, ten Smart Canes and writing frames.

While the wheelchairs were donated to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Yaba, the Smart Canes and Writing Frames were donated to the School for the Blind, Oshodi.

Making the presentation to two bodies, the new district President, Rotarian Gbabi said the items donated were part of numerous items which the district intend to donate to various homes of people with disabilities across the state.

“ What we are giving out today is just the beginning of a larger plan to reach out to the less privileged people within our community. Within the period of my leadership, you will see more of this as my team is putting up a project that will positively impact the lives of people around us,” he said.

Those who were given awards at the occasion for their positive contributions to the development of the society includes, 2ND Vice President of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Barr. Monday Ubani, Honorable Justice Dele Peters, Rtd; Dr. Olurotimi Odunubi; Chief Abu Inu Umoru; Engr. Patrick Anegbe; Dr. Magaret Ladipo and Pharm. Virginia Gini Major.

Gbagi also used the occasion to appreciate IDL, makers of Veleta wine, and its other brands for the numerous contributions made towards the success of the occasion.

Family Seeks Police Protection Over Threat to Life

The family of late industrialist, Chief Ezeife Amadi has appealed to the police for protection over persistent threat to life on members of the family.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, one of the sons of Chief Amadi, Chinedu said his family has been living in fear of the unknown in the past two years following several threats on the lives.

" Some people are after our lives and we are appealing to the police to come to our aide before it is too late," he said.

Chinedu noted that the threats started back in 2015 when an attempted to kill his younger brother, Joseph Amadi by some unknown assailant failed.

He stated that though the incident was reported then to the police, his brother Joseph and another member of his family has been on the run for their lives.

Chinedu further noted that recently, those threatening his family members have renewed their antics by sending threatening messages to them.

"We are compelled to raise this alarm because we believe it is the right thing to do in the present circumstance. In the last three months, two members of our family have received threats messages on their lives. We have again written to the police on this matter and we hope that a thorough investigation will be conducted to unmask those behind this threats."

"We are not politicians, neither are we in any know conflict with anybody. We are peace loving people and have tried to leave at peace with people within our community. We are seriously using this medium to appeal to the police to look into this matter, he said.

By Kate Onyema


 Thursday July 13, 2017, a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye struck out frivolous fraud charges brought against two British nationals, Deepak Khilnani and Sushil Chandra by the Attorney- General of Lagos State. The decision of the court was sequel to a Notice of Discontinuance filed by the State Director of PublicProsecutions, Mrs. Titi Shitta-Bey praying the court to strike out the case in the light of a review of the case by the State Attorney General, Mr. Kazeem Adeniji.
 
It had been alleged by the Attorney General through the State prosecution team led by the then Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. E.I. Alakija (now a serving judge of Lagos High Court) in a four count criminal charge  that Deepak Khilnani and Sushil Chandra sometimes in 2008 defrauded a Nigerian company Green Fuels Ltd of about $8.8M,  however there was apparently no evidence to support such an allegation
When the case started in 2015, the media was awashed with sensational headlines of how these British nationals had allegedly defrauded their Nigerian business partners. The truth was that the allegations against the defendants were baseless and unsustainable before any law court in the country. Although the presiding judge during the early stages of the trial dismissed a motion seeking to quash the charges, the State prosecution team still could not make meaningful progress in the matter because there was simply no evidence to prove the allegation against the Defendants.  This was evident at the proceedings of 22nd October 2015 when the then DPP urged the Court to adjourn the proceedings indefinitely to enable her amend the Proof of Evidence. The fact was simply that a non-existence criminal implication was being imported into a purely business disagreement between Deepak Khilnani and his Nigerian partners.
 
The background to this civil dispute is that Ola Rosiji and Anil Ahluwalia who had formed a Company called Green Fuels Limited approached Mr. Khilnani’s Company in 2009 to join them in building a CNG gas distribution company – clearly this is a very technical businessand Mr. Khilnani’s company held experience and expertise in this area.
 
After protracted negotiations and discussions Green Fuels entered into a contract with Mr. Khilnani’s Company Gentec Energy, a UK PLC company to build theplant, train their personnel and provide technical management support to the business. The contract was signed by Mr. Anil Ahluwalia on behalf of Green Fuels Limitedandthe funds for the project were initially provided by Ola Rosiji’s Company Nigerian Distillers Ltd.
 
 
 
 
 
Mr. Khilnani was well known to Mr. Ahluwalia since 1997 and in fact Mr. Anil Ahluwalia’s son Arjun worked for Gentec Energy in the UK. Both Mr. Ola Rosiji and Mr. Anil Ahluwalia visited Mr. Khilnani at Gentec offices in the UK a number of times and at all times knew of his involvement in the Gentec UK business.
 
Gentec executed its contract with Green Fuels in full and created a very successful business in Green Fuels – further Mr. Khilnani facilitated an inward investment into Green Fuels which enabled it to grow its business to become the leading company in its field in Nigeria. The overseas investor Industrial Energy Africa Limited in fact invested and took a 75% investment inthe Company providing the necessary capital to establish and grow the business. After this investment Ola Rosiji’s shares were a mere 25% with 75% being held by Industrial Energy. Mr. Ahluwalia relinquished his shareholding in the company. This investment and the subsequent changes in the shareholdingwere approved by the Board of Green Fuels and duly filed at the CAC.  Whilst these matters were approved by the board Mr. Ola Rosiji and Mr. Ahluwalia were both present and participated in implementing these decisions at the Board.Green Fuels continued to operate successfully with high profit turn over until 2012 when a management dispute led to a Court action instituted by Ola Rosiji and Anil Ahluwalia before a Federal High Court challenging the shareholding structure of the company. Rosiji and Ahluwalia in the suit number FHC/L/IKJ/CS/269/2012 are asking the Court for rectification of the Register of Shareholding of GFL in such a way that would give Rosiji, 87% shareholdings in Green Fuels. The matter is presently at the Court of Appeal, Lagos.
In all of this time, Industrial Energy, the majority Shareholder had been excluded from participation of the Company.
In 2014, Green Fuels under the chairmanship of Rosiji again filed another suit before the Federal High Court, Lagos claiming refund from Gentec for an alleged over invoicing of equipment supplied in pursuant of the agreement of 2008. Green Fuels also asked for damages against Deepak for breach of his fiduciary duty as a director in GFL. The matter is also still pending before the Federal High Court, Lagos.
While these two matters were pending in Court, a petition by Ola Rosiji was forwarded to the Nigeria Police, Zone 2 Lagos to investigate the allegation of over invoicing and forgery against Deepak in respect of the supply of equipment by Gentec Energy Plc.  At the commencement of the investigation, Deepak was interrogated by the Police in relation to his involvement in the transactions that culminated to the complaint. 
The Police team led by ACP Onaade S. Awoniyi (now a DCP) began its investigation in 2014 and after months of examining the company’s records of Green Fuels, invited parties in the matter for Arbitration. An audit firm, KPMG was also engaged by the Police to look into the company’s activities. Deepak did not participate in this Audit exercise because of a pending Ruling before the Federal High Court, Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/IKJ/269/12 where upon the application of Green Fuels and on the objection of Deepak and Industrial Energy solely against the nomination of KPMG on the ground of an earlier biased briefing given to it by a personal staff of Rosiji. The court had heard arguments and adjourned the matter for Ruling to let it determine the appropriate firm to conduct the forensic audit on Green Fuels. Indeed, in deference to the pending matter and the Ruling before the Court, Delloitte had turned down the request by the Police to conduct the audit exercise.
 
It is now clear that the audit exercise was flawed from the start and in fact the report issued by KPMG confirms that the only information they relied on to generate the report was provided by Ola Rosiji and his associates.
 
At some point during the police investigation, Deepak's lawyers sensing foul play challenged the move by the police to initiate an arbitration process which was outrightly one-sided and skewed in favour Ola Rosiji, who, being assured of Police full solidarity, proposed some egregious conditions as the basis for agreeing to a truce with Deepak.Consequently, an application to enforce Deepak’s Fundamental Human Right was initiated on behalf of Deepak at the High Court of Lagos state. Irked by the pre-emptive action of Deepak's lawyers, the police hurriedly filed a charge before the Magistrates Court against Deepak and Sushil Chandra.  However the Magistrate, Mrs. Omotosho after seeing the information had no option but to adjourn the matter since there was no proof that the defendants and their lawyers had been duly served with the charges.
 
While this was on, Deepak's lawyers, Chris O.Okunowo& Co through a petition drew the attention of the then Inspector General of Police(IGP) to the perceived bias of his officers at Zone 2, Lagos. This prompted the IGP to set up another investigative team headed by DSP Yusufu Data and under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police in charge of SFU, Milverton, Lagos.
An intrigue was introduced into the scene at this point when Lawyers representing Ola Rosiji petitioned the then Lagos Attorney General, Mr. Ade Ipaye asking that the matter before the Magistrate Court be taken over by the State Directorate of Public Prosecution. Notwithstanding the ongoing investigation by the new team appointed by the IGP, the Lagos State Government took over the matter and subsequently filed Charges against  Deepak and Sushil before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye.
 
After a detailed investigation the IGP’s Investigation team issued a report dated May 4th, 2015 asking parties involved in the case, that is Deepak, Ola Rosiji and Green Fuels Ltd officials to pursue their civil matter which is already at the Federal High Court, Lagos. An excerpt from the letter reads:  “I refer to the Deputy Inspector General of Police Intelligence and Investigation Department letter No. CR: 3000/FHQ/ ABJ/VOL. 182/ 137 dated 21st April, 2015. He directed this office to inform all the parties to pursue their civil matter that is already in the Federal High Court of Lagos.”
 
With this letter, Deepak's legal team wrote to the Attorney General asking for the review of his trial insisting that the issues which erroneously led to the charges being filed in the first place were contractual disputes which parties have already taken to the appropriate civil court for resolution. They also pointed out to the DPP that the allegation of filing wrong statement at the CAC lacked any basis on the ground that the Company Secretary of Green Fuels had in its statement to the Police admitted to filing and making all entries on behalf of the company at the CAC. The then DPP however remained adamant and continued with the shoddy prosecutionwhich even attracted some uncomplimentary remarks from the trial judge. 
 
At some point in the trial, the court was erroneously misled into issuing a bench warrant against Deepak and his co-defendant despite the fact that their counsel on record, Kayode Ajekigbe was not served with the Hearing Notice of the proceedings where the warrant was purportedly issued. Although, there was a pending application by Deepak's lawyers challenging the warrant on the grounds that the requisite hearing notices were not served on them, some persons with vested interest continued to sponsor media reports which portrayed the defendants as fugitives of the law. Even when the motion challenging the warrant was still pending, newspaper advertisements were used to publish the warrants by persons who were not parties to the case but with less than noble intentions.
 
Mr. Khilnani has been a frequent visitor to Nigeria throughout this period and has never shied away from his legal obligations and has never at any time been a fugitive.  In fact throughout these years his Companies have continued to bring substantial overseas investments into the Nigerian power sector, an area of critical important to the development of Nigeria. Deepakn is on record as stating that he has full faith in the Nigerian economy and her Judicial system and will abide by the decision of its Court which he has submitted himself to without reservation.
 
Knowing that the trial was a pure waste of the precious time of the Court and the resources of the State, formal requests were forwarded to the new Attorney-General for a proper review of the case and the basis upon which the Charges were predicated. The State on June 29, 2017 filed a Notice of Intention to discontinue the case. But those adamant on persecuting the innocent investors continued their intrigues by mobilising over 23 junior lawyers and rented crowds to protest and challenge the statutory powers of the Attorney General to institute and withdraw criminal proceedings. Surprised by the request of the lawyers, the presiding judge simply asked them to look elsewhere as they cannot compel her to review the lawful powers of the Attorney General to initiate and withdraw criminal matters before any court in Lagos State. She promptly struck out the matter and vacated the warrants initially issued against Deepak and Shushil.
 
It is pertinent to note that several attempts were made through newspaper publications to portray Deepak as a fraudulent foreign investor. As a Chief Executive Officer of a leading company with interest in the Nigeria Energy sector, Deepak could not have made so much significant impacts on the Nigerian economy for so many years through fraudulent means. The records of the impacts of his companies are there for everyone to see. 
 
Portraying Deepak as a fraudster in Nigeria is therefore a cheap blackmail and an act undeserving of the huge investments and contributions he and his companies have made in this country.
That the present Attorney-General of Lagos State took a firm position against using the instrumentality of the Government through Ministry of Justice, Lagos to settle private causes and ensuring that persecution is not perpetrated in the name of prosecution, is an act that should be publicly applauded by all men of goodwill.  This I believe is another most welcoming development in the administration of justice in Lagos State.
 
Kate Onyema is a Legal Practitioner based in Lagos

Court Strikes Out $8.8m Fraud Charge Against British Nationals

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja Thursday struck out a $8.8m fraud charge brought against two British nationals, Deepak Khilani and Sushil Chandra by the Lagos State Government.

The fraud allegation was struck out by Justice Atinuke Ipaye following a notice of discontinuance filed by Y.G Oshoala, Director of Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP on behalf of Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State.

Khilani and Chandra were charge in 2015 for allegedly defrauding their Nigerian business partners Green Fuels Limited of $8.8 million in 2008.

The trial had been protracted since 2015 until recently when the state notified the court of its plan to review the case.

During Thursday proceeding ,Prosecution Team led by Akin George informed the court that the state had filed a notice of discontinuance dated June 29, 2017.

George told the court that after reviewing the charges against the defendants, the state Attorney General is of the view that there was no need to pursue the trial.

"My Lord, we did informed this court at the last adjourned date that the Attorney General is reviewing this matter. The outcome of this review is that the state has filed a notice of discontinuance of this trial. We pray the court to strike out this matter," he said.

Following the submission of the state prosecuting lawyer, counsel to the defendants, George Oguntade, SAN, prayed the court to strike out the charges against his clients.

Oguntade also urged the court to strike out an earlier arrest warrant issued against his clients.

A twist was however added to the proceedings when a group of lawyers led by one Ola Olayinka protested against the decision of the Attorney General to discontinue the trial.

Olayinka told the court that the matter was of public interest and that the Attorney General ought not to discontinue such matter without giving any reason to the court.

However in a short ruling, Justice Ipaye held that the statutory powers to initiate and discontinue a criminal proceeding in Lagos State lies with the Attorney General.

"The state represented by the Attorney General has the absolute powers to initiate and discontinue a criminal proceeding. It is not for this court to mitigate or investigate the exercise of this legitimate powers. I see no reason why this charge should not be struck out. This charge is hereby struck out,"

The judge also struck out the warrant it had earlier issued for the arrest of the two defendants.

" An order of arrest made by this court for the arrest of the defendants dated April 3, 2017 is hereby vacated. This matter is adjourned sine die," she held.

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has upheld the dissolution a 15 year-old marriage between a businessman, Kingsley Onyenobi and his wife Chioma.

An Agege Grade A Customary Court, presided over by Mr. Phillip Williams, had in 2016 dissolved the marriage between the couple on grounds of irreconcilable differences. 

In his judgment at the lower court, William held that the allegation of infidelity brought against Chioma by her husband Kingsley was enough ground to dissolve the marriage. 

The Court President also held that two marriage certificates tendered by the respondent to prove that her marriage was contracted under the Marriage Act were discovered to be fake.

The court, however, asked both parties to maintain status quo on the custody of the children since it had no jurisdiction to make any pronouncement in that regards.

Not satisfied with the decision of the customary court, Chioma approached the Lagos High Court for an order to reverse the judgment.

In a motion filed before the High Court, Chioma contended that Agege Customary Court lacked the power to dissolve her marriage, which she insisted was contracted under the marriage act.

She also asked the court to reverse the  order made by the customary court with regards to her children's custody.

Onyenobi, however, countered his wife's averments, insisting that their marriage was contracted under traditional laws and that the Agege Customary Court had the power to dissolve their marriage.

In his judgment, Justice Kazeem Alogba upheld the earlier decision of the customary court, which dissolved the marriage between the couple.

Alogba stated that although the appellant had claimed that her marriage was contracted under the marriage act, there was no evidence before him to prove the claims.

The judge  noted that the mere fact that a marriage was conducted in a church and marriage certificate issued does not prove that such marriage was conducted under the Marriage Act.

Justice Alogba further held that the Agege Customary Court acted within the law by assuming jurisdiction and delivering its judgment.

The judge, however, held that the lower court overreached its powers by making a pronouncement with regards to children's custody. 
‎
Alogba maintained that since the lower court rightfully observed that it had no powers to adjudicate on custody of children in a marriage, it ought not to have made any pronouncement in that regards.

The judge consequently over-ruled the status quo pronouncement of the lower court and directed that the custody issue be referred to the family court.‎

Muslim Cleric jailed for Robbery: http://theheatnigeria.com/muslim-cleric-jailed-14-years-robbery/

A Lagos High Court judge, Justice T.A.O Oyekan-Abdulalahi has ordered Property Mart Real Estate Investment Ltd to stop further construction work on its Grenadine Homes project located at Sangotedo, Lagos.

Justice Oyekan-Abdullahhi gave the restraining order following a motion on notice filed by Complete Leisure Estate Nigeria Ltd alleging that Property Mart Ltd had trespassed on its parcel of the land where the Grenadines Home project is located.

According to the Judge
" An order of interim injunction be and same is hereby granted to the claimant/ applicant restraining the defendant, s agents, privies, workmen and or servants from entering or further entering, occupying, developing and from further constructing any structure on any part or portion of the claimants 53.9 hectares of land covered by CofO dated May 6, 2015 and registered as no. 76/76/2015 lying and situated at Sangotedo, Eti Osa local government pending the final determination of this suit",
The judge made the order after hearing counsel for both parties Lawal Pedro, SAN for Complete Leisure Estate and Mr. Oshodi from Banwo & Igodalo for Property Mart on the motion on notice of the claimant.

Although Property Mart filed an appeal the same day the restraining order was granted, while Complete Leisure Estate has commenced contempt proceeding against the Managing Director of Property Mart for continuing with construction work at location.

In the substantive suit, Complete Leisure Estate Nigeria Ltd claimed that the ongoing Grenadines Homes project was a trespass on its property as it had at no time sold or leased any of part of the land where the project is located to Property Mart.


The firm claimed that in 2006, Lagos State Government took over its land located at Okota but later compensated it with a 103 hectares of land at Sangotedo.

The firm however stated that it later dragged Lagos State Government to court when its CofO for the Sangotedo 103 hectares was revoked on two occasions.

According to the firm, Justice Abiru and Justice Kazeem Alogba both of the Lagos High Court in two separate judgments against the state government handed back the land to it.

It further stated that an appeal was however filed against both judgment by Ajah Community Developers Association whom the Lagos State Government had allocated part of the 103hectares to during the pendency of the suit to reclaim its land.

The firm also stated in the court papers, that during the pendency of the legal action against Lagos State Government, it entered agreement with some companies to sell unspecified portions of the 103 hectares if judgment is given in its favour.

The firm however averred that as part of measures to resolve the protracted litigation, it eventually settled the case with Lagos State government and accepted a settlement offer of 53 hectares out of the 103 hectares of the disputed land and another 65 hectares at Ibeju Lekki.

Based on this development, the firm said it subsequently invited all the companies it had earlier entered purchase and lease agreement for adjustment since its C of O for the 103 Hectares have been withdrawn by Lagos State Government in replacement of a new C of O for the 53 Hectares.

Property Mart according to the firm, was not one of the companies it previously entered purchase agreement with or renegotiated with.

However, in its counter claim, Property Mart stated that it legally acquired the location for its ongoing Grenadines Home from Saglons Beverages Ventures Ltd who has a deed of assignment from Complete Leisure

The firm claims that the suit filed against it is an attempt to frustrate it's project since Saglons Beverages Ventures Ltd has dragged Complete Leisure Estate Nigeria Ltd before another
court over the disputed property.

Complete Leisure however alleged in its statement of claim that the deed of assignment referred to is
a forgery and that in the earlier case referred to by Property mart another judge of the Lagos High Court Hon Justice Kasali had in a bench ruling restrained Saglons Beverages Ventures Ltd from further doing any work on the same site.

Meanwhile the substantive suit between Complete Leisure Estate Nigeria Ltd and Property Mart at the Lagos High Court has been adjourned to October 31, 2017 for hearing.

A Lagos High Court judge, Justice T.A.O Oyekan-Abdulalahi has ordered Property Mart Real Estate Investment Ltd to stop further construction work on its Grenadine Homes project located at Sangotedo, Lagos.

Justice Oyekan-Abdullahhi gave the restraining order following a motion on notice filed by Complete Leisure Estate Nigeria Ltd alleging that Property Mart Ltd had trespassed on its parcel of the land where the Grenadines Home project is located.

According to the Judge
" An order of interim injunction be and same is hereby granted to the claimant/ applicant restraining the defendant, s agents, privies, workmen and or servants from entering or further entering, occupying, developing and from further constructing any structure on any part or portion of the claimants 53.9 hectares of land covered by CofO dated May 6, 2015 and registered as no. 76/76/2015 lying and situated at Sangotedo, Eti Osa local government pending the final determination of this suit",
The judge made the order after hearing counsel for both parties Lawal Pedro, SAN for Complete Leisure Estate and Mr. Oshodi from Banwo & Igodalo for Property Mart on the motion on notice of the claimant.

Although Property Mart filed an appeal the same day the restraining order was granted, while Complete Leisure Estate has commenced contempt proceeding against the Managing Director of Property Mart for continuing with construction work at location.

In the substantive suit, Complete Leisure Estate Nigeria Ltd claimed that the ongoing Grenadines Homes project was a trespass on its property as it had at no time sold or leased any of part of the land where the project is located to Property Mart.


The firm claimed that in 2006, Lagos State Government took over its land located at Okota but later compensated it with a 103 hectares of land at Sangotedo.

The firm however stated that it later dragged Lagos State Government to court when its CofO for the Sangotedo 103 hectares was revoked on two occasions.

According to the firm, Justice Abiru and Justice Kazeem Alogba both of the Lagos High Court in two separate judgments against the state government handed back the land to it.

It further stated that an appeal was however filed against both judgment by Ajah Community Developers Association whom the Lagos State Government had allocated part of the 103hectares to during the pendency of the suit to reclaim its land.

The firm also stated in the court papers, that during the pendency of the legal action against Lagos State Government, it entered agreement with some companies to sell unspecified portions of the 103 hectares if judgment is given in its favour.

The firm however averred that as part of measures to resolve the protracted litigation, it eventually settled the case with Lagos State government and accepted a settlement offer of 53 hectares out of the 103 hectares of the disputed land and another 65 hectares at Ibeju Lekki.

Based on this development, the firm said it subsequently invited all the companies it had earlier entered purchase and lease agreement for adjustment since its C of O for the 103 Hectares have been withdrawn by Lagos State Government in replacement of a new C of O for the 53 Hectares.

Property Mart according to the firm, was not one of the companies it previously entered purchase agreement with or renegotiated with.

However, in its counter claim, Property Mart stated that it legally acquired the location for its ongoing Grenadines Home from Saglons Beverages Ventures Ltd who has a deed of assignment from Complete Leisure

The firm claims that the suit filed against it is an attempt to frustrate it's project since Saglons Beverages Ventures Ltd has dragged Complete Leisure Estate Nigeria Ltd before another
court over the disputed property.

Complete Leisure however alleged in its statement of claim that the deed of assignment referred to is
a forgery and that in the earlier case referred to by Property mart another judge of the Lagos High Court Hon Justice Kasali had in a bench ruling restrained Saglons Beverages Ventures Ltd from further doing any work on the same site.

Meanwhile the substantive suit between Complete Leisure Estate Nigeria Ltd and Property Mart at the Lagos High Court has been adjourned to October 31, 2017 for hearing.

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has fixed July 11, 2017 for ruling in a motion filed by Nigerian Bottling Ltd seeking to set aside a garnishee order granted against five banks in respect of a N96.8m judgment awarded in favour of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro

Senator Obanikoro had in 2010 dragged NBC before an Edo High over an accident along Lagos-Benin Highway where a Coca-Cola truck crashed into her daughter's car, killing the driver, a police orderly and her daughter's friend, Ibukun Adeniyi.

Obanikoro's daughter, Abidemi who was the only surviving person in the accident was subsequently flown to South Africa for life saving medical procedure.

Six years after the suit was filed, the Edo High Court sitting in Auchi delivered a judgment against NBC and awarded a cumulative cost of N96,767,737.52 in favour of the plaintiffs.

While $184,236.52 (N76,694,612) was specifically awarded as cost for medical expenses for Abidemi's treatment, R48,779.66 (N1,073,152.52) was awarded for her hotel accommodation and N10million to Mrs Agnes Akele for the death of her husband who was the driver of the car.
The court also awarded N1,500,000 to Obanikoro as expenses incurred on behalf of his late driver and police and another N10,000,000 to the daughter as general damages for her pain and suffering.

Although NBC appealed the quantum of amount awarded in favour of the plaintiffs, Obanikoro through his lawyer, Lawal Pedro, (SAN) registered the judgment before the Lagos High Court since NBC's headquarters is located in Lagos.

Obanikoro subsequently obtained a garnishee order against five banks where NBC account are domicile. NBC appealled against the Garnishee order.

Moving the application Wednesday, NBC lawyer, Ademola Isaac Olawoye asked the court to set aside the garnishee order as it lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.

He argued that since an appeal has been filed in respect of the judgment delivered by Edo High Court, no other court can adjudicate on the matter.

In his response, Lawal Pedro, SAN asked the court to disregard the argument of judgment debtor as there is no evidence before the court to show that an appeal has actually been entered against the Edo High Court judgment.

Pedro further argued that the appeal form which was exhibited before the court by the judgment debtor as proof of having filed an appeal, has no official Appeal Court stamp, no appeal number and no evidence that it has been transmitted.
Moreover Pedro insisted that the order for stay of proceeding purportedly obtained by the judgment debtor cannot prevent a garnishee proceeding.
He noted that garnishee action are a seperate proceeding and cannot be affected by stay of execution which the judgment debtor had obtained from the Edo High Court that delivered the judgment.
Pedro urged the court to disregard the argument of the judgment debtor and allow the garnishee order to persist.

Justice Kazeem Alogba adjourned the matter to July 11, 2017 for rulinng.

In recognition of his exemplary leadership, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has honoured the 2nd Vice-President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Barrister Monday Onyekachi Ubani.

NANS executives from various Universities and Polytechnic who were in Lagos to present the award said Ubani was singled out for the award due to his exemplary leadership and commitment to uplifting the oppressed and downtrodden in the society.

Speaking at the occasion, NANS Vice President, Comrade Sanni Ahmed said that the entire Nigerian students are pleased by the humanitarian works of Ubani and his struggle to enthrone justice in every aspect of human life.

Speaking further, he said: ” We are here to present this award to a man who have made several sacrifices to improve the lives of Nigerians. A man who has championed the cause for justice for the poor and the less privileged.

” We are clad to associate wth your good works. As future leaders of this country, our aspiration is emulate people like you and follow your footsteps. The hope of this nation is in people like you and we are glad to present you with this award as emissary of global justice.”

Expressing appreciation for the award, Ubani said he is delighted to be considered for such a great honour by Nigerian student.

“I am really excite that the entire Nigerian students found me worthy to receive this award. I say a big thank you.

” If there is any thing this award has done, it is to motivate me to do more. There is a leadership vacuum in this country and my pray is that this generation of Nigerian students will rise up to fill this vacuum”, he said

Abia Rejoice Organization has condemned in strong terms, the recent attempt by some individuals to tarnish the intergrity of former Abia State Governorship aspirant Dr. Uche Ogah.
The group said that recent insinuations that Ogah was settled financially before the Supreme Court decision on the Abia Governorship tussle is untrue.

Here is the statement issued by the group on the matter.


The attention of Abia Rejoice Organization has been drawn to a campaign of calumny to the intent that Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah secured financial settlement from Abia State government to tilt the Supreme Court judgment in favour of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.



We wish to make it clear that there is no iota of truth in this rumour. Dr. Uche Ogah is an honourable man who can neither soil his hands to betray the dreams of Abians, nor be a partaker in any blood-money exchange that mortgages the expectations of Abia pensioners, workers and citizens generally.

Let it be known that no such financial settlement from Dr. Ikpeazu, Abia State Govt or through any of their agent (s) was made to Dr. Ogah and never will there be any of such transaction now or in the future.

Ordinarily, this rebuttal would have been unnecessary had the rumour not targeted Retirees, Road Transport Workers and Market People, the very base of Dr. Ogah’s grassroots support.

The objective of the fifth columnist was to tarnish Dr Ogah’s towering image, water down his known principles and de-accelerate his meteoric political rise. This is a man that single handedly staked his life for the deliverance of Abia State from the Cabals and Treasury looters, and so he neither cannot capitulate to the pettiness of cash settlements, nor succumb to the cheap effort of being on collision course with the eminent jurists of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

All well-meaning Abians are hereby urged to disregard such demonic rumours and put them in the dustbin where they rightly belong.
Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah remains the darling of Abia’s teaming masses, lover of youths, comforter to mothers, beacon of hope to the hopeless, and the new found miracle word for Abia’s transformation and industrialization.

The harbingers of this wicked rumour has proved to us beyond reasonable doubt, that our Opponents knew that they were not meant to win the case at the Supreme Court going by the evidence our Counsels presented before the court and on precedents already established by the Supreme Court in a similar matters but in the wisdom of the Apex court, they ignored all the facts and even admission of interest by the respondent and ruled otherwise, against the expectations of well meaning Abians and Nigerians and tagged the case “A Storm in a Tea Cup”.

To say that we are highly disappointed with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the case is understatement, but because our principal Dr. Uche Ogah is a consummate leader with sterling pedigree he would never disparage the eminent jurists of the Supreme Court based on the outcome of the case, rather he accepted their decision in good faith and also instructed all his followers and political family to abide by the judgement and warned that nobody should in anyway cast aspersions on the members of the Supreme Court panel.

It is obvious that the cabals in Abia are apprehensive that with Dr. Ogah’s massive followership and popularity in Abia, he will resort to self help or violence like the way they stage managed violent protest and destroyed people’s properties worth millions of naira in Abia out of desperation to hang on to power.

To the glory of God, Dr. Uche Ogah is not a hungry man or a political merchant who joined politics for personal aggrandisement or fame, rather he joined politics for the service of humanity and inspiration of God to lift and deliver the masses from squalor and poverty.
“No one can stop the history of a man whose time has come”

Signed.

Abia Rejoice Organization.

Source: www.theheatnigeria.com

News coming from Television Continental, TVC, says the management might have sacked 145 staff. It also rested TVC Africa.

More detail on www.theheatnigeria.com

Some children of late Lagos socialite, Chief Olatunji Ajisomo Alabi a.k.a Lord Rumens has dragged Bank of Industry Investment and Trust Company Ltd before a Lagos court for allegedly mismanaging their father’s N5.6billion estate.

The children namely Babatunde, Oladipo, Subuola, Awojuola, Rukayat, Olukemi and Adeola Alabi in the suit filed on May 9, 2017 stated that their late father appointed  BOI Investment and Trust Company Ltd as trustees of his estate in his will dated July 30, 1996.

The children however claimed that since the demise of their father in 1998, BOI Investment and Trust Company has persistently mismanaged his estates and has refused to give proper financial account to them. 



Joined in the suit as co-defendant is the managing director of BIO Investment and Trust Company, Mrs Betty Obaseki and the company secretary, Mr. Simon Odomokwu.

In their statement of claims, the children averred that BOI trustees from the on set, cleverly applied and got the probate for their late father’s personal properties and not his real properties.

Despite this action, the children claimed that BOI Trustees continued to administer the real properties of their late father.

They further claimed that BOI trustees deliberately refused to gather their father’s estate together and only resorted to rent collection while paying mearger sums as annual allowances to beneficiaries of the estate.

According to them, the gross negligence of BOI Trustees of not gathering all their later father’s property together, led to the lost of some properties to third parties.

List of properties allegedly lost as a result of BIO Trustees negligence includes; 38 acres of land located at Mawuko, Abeokuta Ogun State; Property at 51 Majaro Street, Lagos; 23 Makoko Street, Yaba; 285 Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria island, Lagos; Property at Makoko fishing Village and John Street, Awodiora, Apapa, Lagos.

Items in the will allegedly mismanaged and unaccounted for by the trustee according to the children includes 26,604 shares with United Bank for Africa, 22,500 shares in Nigerian Bottling Company, 50,000 shares in Total Nigeria Plc, 5268 shares in UAC Plc, and 6,615 shares in Union Bank Plc.

The children also claimed that four gold bars weighing 1000kg contained in their father’s will has  been unaccounted for as the trustees insisted that it has not been able to find a local or international buyer for the gold bars.

They concluded that since the trustee has refused to allow any of them to sight the gold bars, they believe that the trustee may have sold them off and converted the proceed or is using same a security for advances for its personal benefit.

The claimants also averred that BOI  Trustees have been receiving huge rent from their father’s property at 39 Rumens Road, Ikoyi comprising eight building on eight plots of land delineated as plot 39 A-H without giving account to them.

They further contended that BOI trustees at some point claimed their late father had released three of the eight building for settlement of his indebtedness to former Intercontinental Bank but that several request by them for details of alleged debt by their father were turned down.

The children claimed that till date BOI Trustees continues to lease and collect huge rent for the building without giving account of the transactions to them.

They further claimed that some of the siblings are currently being persecuted by the trustees for demanding justice over the mismanagement of their father’s will.

According to them, one of their siblings Babatunde Alabi was recently arrested and charged before a Lagos Magistrates court for allegedly trespassing on a property where he lives with his family.

In light of the alleged mismanagement, the claimant are amongst other thing asking the court for an order removing BOI Investment and Trust Company as trustees of the Estate of late Chief Olatunji Ajisomo Alabi.

The claimant also wants the court to appoint a new trustees for their father’s estate while directing BOI trustees to give detailed financial account of late Chief Alabi’s estate from November 2009- October 2010 and from 2011 till date.

As at the time of filing this report, BOI trustees is yet to filed it’s response to the suit.

Ogah thanks his supporters

Former governorship aspirant in Abia State, Dr. Uche Ogah has appreciated his numerous supporters for standing by him throughout his struggle to claim the mandate to govern the state.

It a letter to his supporters, Ogah said that words are not enough to expressed his gratitude to those who have made immense sacrifices and endured persecution just to stand by him.

Here is the copy of the letter obtained by TheHeat Nigeria.

Dearest supporters, the bus drivers, Keke operators, Okada riders, artisans, market women, businessmen, our dear civil servants, pensioners, our beloved students and my stronghold the youths, who collectively persevered in our course to open a new Vista in Abia state. You all are indeed the burden bearers of this struggle to set our dear state on the right footing, and I'm most humbled to be associated with you.

Finding the right words may fail me to express my heart felt gratitude to you all for your sacrifices towards my cause to govern Abia state, Some of you have not met me in person before, talk more of gaining personally from me, yet you toured day and night, at the risk of your lives, sustained injuries, sleepless nights, prayers and fasting without rest, just to sell my candidature and manifesto to Abians.

From the pre-election consultation, primary campaigns and all through the legal tussle you stood by me.

I'm very much aware that some of you lost your valuables and friendship in the course of this journey, yet you stood firm.

God's plans are never late, though it may tarry but surely it must come to pass. The will of man is totally different from that of God.

Beloved, we are all aware of the Supreme Courts ruling in favour of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. In the spirit of sportsmanship, I have congratulated our governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and wished him well as he carries on with his duties as the executive governor of the state.

As good ambassadors, I urge you all to have Abia interest at heart and also pray to God to grant our governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the wisdom to govern our state and meet up with the yearnings of our people which was why we entered the governorship race.

My dear Abians, I thank you all very immensely for your support and prayers because without your magnanimous inputs we wouldn't have been this daring and impactful.

Your solidarity visits calls and messages are indeed a big moral boost to me, I understand your pains and disappointments, but I still maintain that God can NEVER be late in his plans.

I pray that God Almighty in his mercy and grace reward and bless you all.

In due course, I shall open up a channel for closer interaction with you and you will also be informed of any further political plan and programs.

I remain yours sincerely,

Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah (OON)

The All Progressives Congress, APC in Abia State, has began moves to persuade former governorship aspirant, Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah to join the party in the state.

Several prominent members of the party led by Chairman of Contact and Mobilization Committee Mr. Iheanacho Obioma, paid the Master Energy boss a courtesy visit on Sunday, May 14 at his Onuaku country home in Abia State. 

Other members who were part of the team inludes State Zonal Chairman Dr. Onyeloha Chukwumerije, Barrister K.C. Ugboaja, Chief Bawas, Zonal Women Leaders and other State Leaders. 

The visiting team expressed joy for the warm reception accorded to them by their host, Dr Uche Ogah and urged him to quickly come over from PDP to APC where he will become a veritable asset both to the State in particular and the nation generally.

In response Dr Uche Ogah expressed excitement at the visit and hinted that he will respond to the request as soon as he is through with wide consultations with his supporters and stakeholders.

Ogah however added that he will also in addition seek the face of God before his final decision on the matter.

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has made an order prohibiting the further publication of an arrest warrant issued against two British nationals Deepak khilani and Sushil Chandra being prosecuted over allegations of fraud.

Khilani and Chandra have been charged before Justice Atinuke Ipaye for allegedly defrauding their Nigerian partner, Green Fuels Limited of $8.8 million in 2008.

The Prosecution represented by Senior State Counsel, Mrs. Bola Akinsete has not been able to get the court to formally arraign the defendants due to their continuous failure to serve the originating processes and proof of evidence on them.



Following an exparte application by the prosecution on March 1, 2017 the court directed that counsel representing the defendants be served with the originating processes in the criminal case. The Defendants did not have notice of the said proceedings.

The Prosecution on April 3, 2017 after purportedly complying with the court directive applied to the court for bench warrant to be issued against the defendants when they did not appear for the proceedings of the said day. 

Justice Ipaye acceded to the request and promptly made an order issuing bench warrant against the Defendants.

However, the Defendants through their lawyer Mr Kayode Ajekigbe filed an application challenging the issuance of the bench warrant and the entire proceedings of the 3rd April 2017 on the ground that the court was misled into conducting the proceedings and issuing the order for issuance of the bench warrant.

In a motion on notice date April 11, 2017, the defendants’ lawyer contended that he, being the counsel on record to the Defendants was never served with the originating processes as required by law and as directed by the court.

Ajekigbe also stated that his law chambers never received the requisite hearing notice notifying them that the matter was to be held on April 3, 2017.

He subquently prayed the court to set aside the order issuing bench warrant against his clients and another order directing that his law firm be served with the originating processes in the matter.

While the motion was still pending, an advert of the arrested warrant was published in two national newspapers.

The matter however took a different twist on May 5, 2017 when  Ajekigbe informed the court about the publication saying that it was made in bad Faith.

Ajekigbe stated that since his clients have challenged the arrest warrant order which was allegedly  gotten through a wrong process,  it was wrong for anyone to advertise the said warrant when a motion challenging it is before the court.

After hearing the submission of defence counsel, Justice Ipaye ordered that further publication of the arrest warrant should stop.

“An order is hereby made stopping the publication of the arrest warrant issued by this court in respect of the two defendants in this matter on any platform,” she said.

Justice Ipaye subsequently fixed May 23, 2017 for the hearing of the defendants’ motion on notice challenging the bench warrant and the proceedings of the 3rd April 2017.

Earlier in the proceeding, the judge expressed displeasure over the lazy manner the prosecution team which was absent at the proceeding was handling the matter.

Ipaye expressed dismay that prosecution which failed to file response to the application challenging her arrest order, sent a ‘baby’ lawyer who knows nothing about the case to court to handle the matter.

” This is an indictment on the prosecution team which has been served but decided to send a baby lawyer to court. This court is been treated with a level of casualness. This court is displeased with the attitude of the prosecution,” she said.

‎Justice Lateefa Okunnu, this morning struck out the suit filed by wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Taiwo Obasanjo Seeking to stop the wedding of their son Olujonwo. 


See link for more details

http://theheatnigeria.com/breaking-court-strikes-suit-seeking-stop-obasanjos-son-wedding/

Organisers of Embassies and Consular Missions Conference scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State have announced the postponement of the event.

No reason was given for the postponement of the conference by the organiser, World Economic Development Agency Ltd, WEDAL.


Here is a statement issued by WEDAL on the development.

"The World Economic Development Agency Ltd, WEDAL
wishes to inform the general public, all speakers, invitees and guest to the Embassies and Consular Missions Conference (ECMC) scheduled for March 30th and 31st 2017 to be held in Abeokuta, Ogun State has been postponed.

"A new date for the event will be communicated to all participants.

"All inconveniences are highly regretted.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was slated to host the event while other dignitaries expected at the conference includes the Professor Pat Utomi, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi amongst others.

Lagos State transportation system is set to witness another revolution as an IT firm, Matatu has concluded plans to launched a Tricycle and Mini Vehicle mobile application across the state.

The App called Matatu is designed specifically to enable passengers book tricycle  popularly known as Maruwa and mini vehicles from the convenience of their mobile devices.

Speaking about the app, Chief Executive Officer of Matatu, Samuel Ajiboyede said that Matatu is an idea conceived to make life easy for passengers by allowing them to engage the services of maruwa and mini vehicle operators throw the app.

Ajiboyede who explained that the app will be available on android and ios operating devices noted all passengers need to do is download the app on their mobile devices, registered their details and begins to use.

" What we have done is to simply elevate the maruwa and minibus transportation system h an app that will usher in convenience and safety. All is needed is download the app, registered for the service and you are good to go. Through the app, you can see available maruwa and mini vehicle closest to you and book its' service. Payment can be made through the app or with cash.

" On the other end, we have thousands of well trained maruwa drivers who have subscribed to the service and are equipped with devices to locate the nearby passenger who requires their services. For safety and convenience, all maruwa owners signed to our system are duly registered and their maruwa must not be more than two years old.

"This will also apply to the mini vehicles which Lagosians are increasing patronising ," he said.

Ajiboyede further stated that his firm has held meetings with Lagos State Ministry where discussion about giving special access to Matatu to some restricted areas where Maruwa and Mini vehicles are presently not allowed to operate.

"We have had meetings with the state ministry of transportation on this technology. I can tell you that they are excited about it and have expressed readiness to work with us. ," he said.

Ajiboyede  also added that his firm is working Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the app is launched and operated successfully.

Also speaking on scheme, Matatu's  Executive Director, Business Efficiency, Kemi Ayinde said that the firm has concluded arrangement with a transportation company to inject about 12,000 tricycles into the state transportation system.

According to Ayinde, the 12,000 tricyles will be handed over to we'll trained drivers registered under the Matatu scheme.

" What we are offering is not just an app, we are also offering an opportunity for people to be empowered. The Matatu scheme also allows people to invest into the maruwa business. All you need to do is to buy some maruwa and we operate it under the Matatu scheme on your behalf. I can tell you that people are already buying into the scheme even when we have not officially launched." She said.


Mrs Ayinde also hinted that top tricycle manufacturers who have identified with the Matatu investment scheme  have agreed to sell their tricycles to subscribers at very low prices.


" Because we want more people to own maruwa through our investment scheme, we have been in talks with top manufacturers and they have assured us that once we launch, they will sell to our prospective investors at an attractive price.

Nairaland Admin take note. The date on the letter is October 17, not 'November 17'.

This matter has taken another dimension. Look at a letter sent to the Lagos State Land Registry by Oyetubo Joko-Tade Estate Resources Ltd informing the agency that the power of attorney granted to Folashade Ogundare over their land has been revoked.