TrendscopeNews

Justice Abubakar Mahmud Talba of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division on Friday, 31st March 2023 convicted and sentenced two Chinese nationals, Meng Wei Kun and Mr. Xu Kuai, to three years imprisonment for each of the two count charge for offences of Conspiracy, Money Laundering and attempted Bribery to the tune of N50 Million (Fifty Million Naira) brought against them by the Sokoto Zonal Command of the EFCC. The judgement is sequel to EFCC's appeal brought against the judgment of the Federal High Court Sokoto, which discharged and acquitted the accused persons on all the three three count charge. Delivering the unanimous judgment, Justice Talba berated the respondents that tried to frustrate the appeal through maneuverings stating that, "gone are the days of technicalities in law". He further emphasized that going forward, courts must allow cases to be heard on its merits. Justice Talba further explained that the EFCC had proven counts one and two of the three count char

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Command on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 arraigned the owner of Ibadan-based Club, De Rock Club, Adepoju Olawale Sunday alias SSG before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State on two separate charges for his alleged involvement in cybercrime and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N31, 821, 000.00 (Thirty One Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty One Thousand Naira). The first charge, containing eight counts, bordering on identity theft, obtaining COVID – 19 and unemployment benefits from the United States of America Government, while the other 19- count charge is premised on transfer of proceeds of crime to one Owoade Emmanuel David. Investigations revealed that Adepoju, 36, who claimed to be a graduate of Industrial Chemistry of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Osun State had, during the COVID – 19 pandemic swindled American government and unsuspecting American citi

Immediately it was announced that former Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya had passed on, his younger brother, Hon. Wole and one of the sons of first wife began to struggle for who to represent the family in decision making and other important burial processes. In all of this, the two people fighting have not brought the first child of the family and the first son, Simi Diya into their decisions. Unfortunately, Simi at this period is fighting the battle of his life as he is awaiting a life-saving procedure in the UK, making it a bit slower for him to come down and take his rightful place in the scheme of things.  The warring family members are taking advantage of Simi's illness to usurp him in the scheme of things. They have gone ahead to meet with the Governor of Ogun State in taking decisions towards the burial, leaving Simi in the dark at to discussions. They have started searching documents in t bedroom of the deceased and doing so many things against the principles of

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, March 27, 2023, convicted one Adanu Blessing Ajumi, who was prosecuted for N47m fraud. Adanu, who is accused of trading under the name and style of Emerald Multipurpose Cooperative Society to defraud her victims in a purported agribusiness scheme, was charged with two counts bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 1(1) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, and stealing, contrary to Section 278 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011. She pleaded "not guilty" to the charges when she was arraigned on December 19, 2019, thereby leading to her trial that commenced on September 14, 2020. In the course of the trial, the prosecution counsel, S.O. Daji, called three witnesses through whom several documentary evidence were tendered and admitted by the court against her. The defence counsel, Peter Ola, called four witnesses, includ

To mark his 71st birthday, President-elect Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that special prayers and thanksgiving service be held on Wednesday March 29, 2023, instead of the yearly birthday colloquium.  The special prayers will be held in Lagos and in other parts of the country.  A statement from his office on Monday indicated that for the main event in Lagos special prayers will be offered at the Central Mosque in each of the five divisions in the state including the Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja. During the prayer sessions, special prayers will be offered for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria. Also to receive prayers among others are President Muhammadu Buhari and First Lady Aisha Buhari, President-elect Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President-elect Senator Kashim Shettima and Hajia Nana Shettima, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, other state governors as well as members of National and State Houses of Assembly.  According to an announcement by the organis

Former first lady of Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Yinka Ladoja has revealed the reasons behind her cordial relationship with the governor of the state, Engr. Seyi Makinde. The Maye Iyalode of Ibadanland and wife of the former governor Rashidi Ladoja, Yinka Ladoja made these revelations while featuring on a radio programme in Ibadan. Few days to the just concluded gubernatorial and house of assembly elections in the state, the former first lady was on Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan. Where she was able to address some partinent issues, especially the governor's purported 'hostile' body language towards the Islamic faith. She wondered where the wild notion of governor Makinde's being anti Islam emanated from. Saying that she has known Makinde to be organizing Ramadan Lectures and sending people to Hajj for the past ten years. Even long before he became governor of Oyo State. "How can a man who has been consistently organizing Ramadan Lectures at NTA in the last ten years be ant

Mother of the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, Chief Mrs Justina Iyabo Ogundoyin is dead. She was said to have died Sunday afternoon, after a brief illness. Tina Ogundoyin was the fourth wife of the late Eruwa-born business mogul and philanthropist, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin. Queen of Sheba, as she was popularly known in the social circle, in her lifetime, was a businesswoman. She was into property and oil & gas business. Chief Mrs Justina Iyabo Ogundoyin is survived by four children, Adesoji, Adebo (Oyo State Speaker), Adetoye and Aderemi. The deceased was until her death the Iyaloja General of Ibarapa land. Meanwhile, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin has described the death of his mother as devasting and shocking. ”My mum just bid farewell to this sinful world. This is really painful and nothing can be more painful than this to me and my entire family. She was a good mum to everyone of us and she was a good person to so many pe

A former Chief of General Staff of the Nigerian Army, Lt-General Oladipo Diya is dead. Diya, according to a statement signed by Prince Oyesinmilola Diya on behalf of the family, died in the early hours of Sunday (26 March, 2023). He was aged 79. The statement reads: "On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; We announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband,Father, Grandfather,brother, Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.  Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course." Born in 3rd of April, 1944 Diya was military Governor of Ogun State after the Buhidiagbon coup of December 31st, 1983. Diya joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War. He later attended the US Army School of Infantry, the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1980–

Tinubu/Southwest Media Veterans Support Group has described the Chairman, Council of Elders of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu's comments on Yorubas as irresponsible and a deliberate attempt to create sociopolitical crisis. The Group, in a statement tagged 'CHIEF IWUANYANWU'S PROVOCATIVE AND IRRESPONSIBLE OUTBURST' and signed by its Spokesperson, Femi Odere, urged the Yorubas to resist any attempt to be provoked because of what it described as a game plan to truncate democracy. "Our attention has been drawn to the comments made by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the Chairman, Council of Elders of Ohaneze Ndigbo in a video clip that has gone viral. Chief Iwuanyanwu made these comments on Saturday, March 25th at a ceremony in Anambra State where he was a special guest of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s one-year commemoration in office. In the video, Chief Iwuanyanwu said, "I want our people in Lagos to know that on Wednesday, I called a meeting of the Ohaneze Co

If you are unlucky not to have a representative in the judicial council, even if you are innocent, you can be found guilty – B’eyan o l’eni ni’gbimo, bo ro’jo are, ebi lo mi a je.” This very profound saying of the Yoruba, translated into a pithy musical line in one of the tracks of Alhaji Ayinla Omowura, late Yoruba Apala musician, point unmistakably to the fact that corruption and favouritism predate colonialism in Africa. When you jointly read this line and D. O. Olagoke’s 1962-written play entitled The Incorruptible Judge, you will understand why it is almost an impossibility for Nigeria to operate an impartial and corrupt-free system. Nigeria’s latest narration on corruption is the allegation that the 2023 election, especially the presidential election, was corruption-ridden. Three major Nigerian politicians, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu jostled for the presidency in the February 25 election. At the end of the exercise, the Independent National Electoral Commission (IN

Death is  been announced of a popular Ibadan chief, Alhaji Rasheed Adeniyi Mofolorun Akangbe Adesokan.  The retired captain of the Nigerian Army, according to Kunle Sanni, chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, MUSCOYS, died Saturday, 3rd of Ramadan at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan. He was Baale of Bodija and a close ally of the late former Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola Alao. Adesokan, who is the last surviving child of his parents, was also the Balogun Mumini of Yorubaland. Source: oyoinsight  

A gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of Labour Party (LP) in Imo State, Barr. Humphrey is dead. Anumudu was reportedly found dead in his bedroom in the early hours of Saturday. His death, according to a source, has been described by family members as 'spiritual attack'. Chief Humphrey, from Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state, was one of the aspirants who battled Basil Maduka for Labour Party'd guber ticket ahead of the November 11 2023 election.  Details shortly......

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, Friday evening, dismissed an appeal by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeking the disqualification of Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his deputy, Kassim Shettima, in the 25 February election. A three-member panel headed by Justice James Abundaga, in a unanimous judgment, held that the PDP failed to establish that it had a legal basis (locus standi) to institute the case. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP, in an appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CV/108/2023, had asked the appellate court to reverse the 13 January judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja which dismissed its suit on the grounds that the PDP lacked the legal basis to have instituted the suit. While the PDP was the appellant, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, Messrs Tinubu and Shettima were respondents in the appeal. The PDP had, in the suit filed on 28 July 2022, challenged the v

A popular Ibadan based Islamic leader, the Turaki Adini of Oyo state and Wakil Faido Tijaniya of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Engr Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem Mogaji Adanla has appealed to governor Seyi Makinde to forgive and forget about political events that preceded the just concluded governorship election in the state and embrace all. The Turaki also stated that a man who is already vindicated by God has nothing to prove to men, also said Makinde only needs to continue on the path of equity, fairness and justice to all regardless of tribe or religion which has endeared him to the common man on the street and has translated to unprecedented and overwhelming electoral victory. Mogaji Adanla made the disclosure in a press statement made available to journalists on Saturday morning in Ibadan, urging people in position of leadership to be well guided in their utterances so and teachings as their conducts and expressions carry weight that could impact on their followers negatively or posit

Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, the former governor of Osun State, on Friday, said he and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) may appeal the decision of the Appeal Court at the Supreme Court. Saying hat his faith in the judiciary was likewise unshaken in response to the Appeal Court ruling that reversed the Tribunal’s verdict that first resulted in the removal of Governor Ademola Adeleke. A statement by the former governor's media aide, Ismail Omipidan, quoted Oyetola to have said that based on the judgment’s brief summary, there are good reasons to ask the Supreme Court for more relief. He appealed to members and supporters of the APC to remain calm and not to be discouraged over the outcome of Friday’s appeal, saying his abiding faith in God to reclaim his mandate remains undoubted. “We have heard the judgement of the Appeal Court, but we are yet to receive a copy of the judgement. “However, from the snippets we are getting, we believe we have a potential ground to approach

Chief Bola Ige, former governor of old Oyo state, despite his tremendous achievements and popularity, could not be reelected in 1983, as a result of the negative impact of the 'frontbone' activities. But, many have alluded the victory of the present Governor Seyi Makinde to his good service delivery! All that Bola Ige and Seyi Makinde went through, at different  times, few months, weeks or days to their reelection bids, and  the failure or success, thereafter, despite their pragmatic approaches to good governance, were reflections of the duality of the natural/residual powers of the people, as the backbone and 'frontbone' of human successes and failures in this tumultuous world! Anything that happens to human being, in life, is neither negative nor a curse- to the discerning minds- its always either a blessing or a lesson for the future. Hence, Governor Makinde's electoral victory was a blessing to the people of Oyo state, and a lesson to Governor Makinde on the nee

A yet-to-be identified man who travelled to Los Angeles from South Carolina  and showed up at Pop star Rihanna's Beverly Hills home to propose to the singer was detained by Los Angeles police on Thursday. According to DailyMail,  the man arrived at the singer's house and informed her security he was there to ask for her hand in marriage. Rihanna's security team alerted the police, who arrived, handcuffed the man, put him in a car, and had a serious talk with him about his intentions. It is unknown whether the singer, who is expecting her second child with rapper A$AP Rocky, was at home at the time, but the man was eventually released and told never to return. Source: punch

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Friday, set aside the judgement of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered on January 27, 2023, which had sacked Governor Ademola Adeleke from office. The appeallate court gave the judgement in a 31-grounds of appeal filed by Adeleke. Senator Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party had won the said election held on 16 July, 2022, but the result was nullified by the tribunal on the grounds of over-voting. Consequently, a 3-man panel of the tribunal ordered Adeleke’s sack, and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw the certificate of return issued to him and issue a fresh one to Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress as the duly elected governor of Osun. The tribunal held that Adeleke did not score the majority of lawful votes during the July 16 governorship election in the state. Adeleke was declared the winner of the governorship poll held on July 16. But not satisfied with the outco

A Convicted Nigerian fugitive, Florence Enwerim Onyegbu, was on Thursday, March 23, 2023, extradited to the United States of America, USA, where she is wanted to answer to criminal charges bordering on violation of the U.S. Law involving the offer and payment of illegal remuneration in a health care matter. Her extradition was coordinated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following a request by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI,  seeking assistance for her apprehension.  Investigations by the EFCC revealed that she had changed her name from Florence E. Onyegbu to Janet Boi in an attempt to remain hidden. She, however, ran out of luck when operatives of the EFCC swooped on her at her residence in the Ojodu area of Lagos on February 21, 2022. Upon her arrest, a national identity card with the name Janet Boi as well as a Texas driver’s license with the name Florence Enwerim Onyegbu were found on her. The Commission, on March 22, 2023, handed over Onyegbu to

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has named his new daughter after Olofin Adimula of Ile-Ife, Luwo Gbagida. Luwo Gbagida was the only female Olofin Adimula of Ile-Ife and the mother of Adekola Telu who founded the ancient city of Iwo. Conducting the naming ceremony by himself in the midst of traditional rulers, religious clerics, community leaders and well-wishers, Oluwo named the child Luwo, Adewumi, Sultana, Fatimoh, Grace.  The Iwo monarch described Luwo Gbagida as a valiant, confident and visionary first female king in the universe. A statement by Oluwo through his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, reads: "Today, I'm making a great history by naming my daughter after an Amazon, Iya wa (our mother), Luwo Gbagida" "Luwo Gbagida was the only female Olofin Adimula of Ile-Ife. Her credible marks and confidence produced Iwo. He gave the crown to her only son, Adekola Telu, to found a city of truth (Ilu Ayekooto), Iwo" "Her dec

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Thursday suspended former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; former president of the Senate, Pius Anyim; Prof Dennis Ityavyar and Aslam Aliyu. The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was arrived at after an extensive review of the affairs of the party, pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017). The PDP also referred the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Debo Ologunagba. “The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our party across the country to remain united and focused at this critical time,” the statement added. Fayose, while featuring on a tv program on Thursday, blamed stakeholders and politicians for a majority of the problems currently facing the country. The former governor disclosed t

Oyo State governor, 'Seyi Makinde has stated that he will devote time to visit all zones of the state to appreciate residents for the confidence reposed in him as reflected in his unprecedented victory in 31 of the 33 local governments of the state. The governor said this on Thursday, when he hosted the Oyo North Senatorial Candidate of the Accord Party, Hon. Shina Peller, who led members of the party to the Agodi Government House, Ibadan, to congratulate him on his re-election. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor appreciated the members of the Accord Party and all residents of the state for their support in Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly election, assuring that efforts put into re-electing him would not be in vain. The governor equally charged Peller and other National Assembly candidates who lost in the election not to lose hope and that those who won should not rest on their oars, as the validity o

Oyo State governor,'Seyi Makinde, has felicitated Muslims in the state and across the country on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. The governor urged the Muslim faithful to use the opportunity of the holy month to pray relentlessly for Oyo State and Nigeria and the leadership at all levels. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor equally admonished Muslims to imbibe the teachings contained in the Holy Quran regarding the blessed month, including showing kindness and generosity. According to the governor, the month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual uplift and complete devotion to Allah, adding that Muslims should take full advantage of the holy month to strengthen their commitment to Allah and their service to humanity. He said: “I congratulate Muslim faithful in Oyo State and around the globe for witnessing yet another blessed month of Ramadan. We thank Allah (SWT), who has made this possible. “Ramadan is a period of com

Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; his wife Beatrice; and their doctor, Obinna Obeta have been found guilty of organ trafficking in the first verdict of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act. Ekweremadu, 60; his wife, Beatrice, 56; and Dr Obinna Obeta, 51, were found guilty of facilitating the travel of a young man to Britain with a view to his exploitation after a six-week trial at the Old Bailey. They criminally conspired to bring the 21-year-old Lagos street trader to London to exploit him for his kidney, the jury found, according to UK Guardian. The prosecutor Hugh Davies KC told the court the Ekweremadus and Obeta had treated the man and other potential donors as “disposable assets – spare parts for reward”. He said they entered an “emotionally cold commercial transaction” with the man. The behaviour of Ekweremadu, a successful lawyer and founder of an anti-poverty charity who helped draw up Nigeria’s laws against organ trafficking, showed “entitlement, dishonesty and