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Woman wrongfully convicted set free after 43yrs in prison
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Bu Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A 63-year-old Missouri woman, Sandra “Sandy” Hemme, who was imprisoned for more than 40 years for murder, has had her conviction overturned after spending 43 years in prison for a murder she did not commit.
According to the Foreign news outlet, The Guardian, on Sunday, Hemme was convicted in 1985 based on her incriminating statements, made while she was a psychiatric patient.
However, a judge has now ruled that there is “clear and convincing” evidence that she was innocent of the crime.
Hemme, now 63, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1980 murder of a library worker, Patricia Jeschke, in St Joseph, Missouri, after Hemme made statements to the police incriminating herself while she was a psychiatric patient.
Livingston County Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman on Friday ruled that “evidence directly” ties the murder of Jeschke to a local police officer who later went to prison for another crime and has since died.
The judge said that Hemme who has spent the last 43 years behind bars, must be freed within 30 days unless prosecutors decide to re-try her.
The judge’s decision followed a January hearing where Hemme’s legal team presented evidence linking the murder to Michael Holman, a former local police officer who has since passed away
Hemme’s conviction was the longest-known wrongful conviction of a woman in US history.
Her legal team, with the Innocence Project, argued that authorities ignored Hemme’s contradictory statements and failed to disclose evidence that would have helped her defence.
Her attorneys in a statement said, “We are grateful to the Court for acknowledging the grave injustice Ms Hemme has endured for more than four decades.”
Hemme initially pleaded guilty to capital murder to avoid the death penalty, but her conviction was later overturned on appeal.
She was retried in 1985, with the only evidence against her being her contradictory and factually impossible “confession” made while she was a psychiatric patient.
In a 147-page petition, her attorneys seeking her exoneration argued that authorities had ignored these inconsistencies.
News
Oyo 2027: Massive defections as PDP candidate, Accord aspirant, 3,000 others join APC
Ademola popularly known as Lucky, said his decision to leave the PDP was influenced by his assessment of the political situation in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I did my due diligence and realised that any ticket outside the APC is a mere tissue paper that cannot take a candidate anywhere in 2027.
We are here in our hundreds to formally join the APC, and we promise to do our best in the interest of the progressive party and our dear country, Nigeria,” Ademola said.
Ojo, who was seeking the Accord ticket in the same constituency, also announced his decision to join the APC, describing his previous political efforts with Accord as unproductive.
We thought about making Accord a credible alternative in the state, but we later realised that the APC was far ahead of other parties.
“We wasted our time, energy and resources on an unproductive exercise. We later realised it wasn’t worth it, so we decided to pitch our tent with the progressive party,” Ojo said.
The defectors were received by the Oyo State Chairman of the APC, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, who assured them that they would have equal opportunities within the party.
We thought about making Accord a credible alternative in the state, but we later realised that the APC was far ahead of other parties.
“We wasted our time, energy and resources on an unproductive exercise. We later realised it wasn’t worth it, so we decided to pitch our tent with the progressive party,” Ojo said.
The defectors were received by the Oyo State Chairman of the APC, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, who assured them that they would have equal opportunities within the party.
The event was attended by the APC deputy governorship candidate, Adesoji Adedeji, the party’s Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Aderemi Oseni and other party leaders.
News
Civil Servant Takes Ex-Wife to Court Over House, Land Ownership Documents
A civil servant, Salihu Abdulkadir, has dragged his former wife, Balkisu Yunusa, before an Upper Area Court in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, over the documentation of his house and land following the dissolution of their marriage.
Abdulkadir, who appeared before the court, said he and his former wife both reside in Mararaba, within the Karu Local Government Area of the state.
He told the court that he owned a house and a parcel of land, adding that his former wife and their children were currently occupying one of the houses.
“My former wife and our children are currently living in one of the houses. I pray the court to help me document the property,” he said.
In her response, Yunusa, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), told the court that she was not responsible for the documentation of the properties.
Following the submissions, the presiding judge, Mohammed Shomo, adjourned the case to a later date for further proceedings.
The court is expected to continue hearing the matter as the dispute over the property documentation remains unresolved.
News
Gov Kefas cries out over incessant crime, drug abuse, attacks in Taraba
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has raised alarm over rising cases of criminal activities, illicit drug consumption and unprovoked attacks across the state.
He also expressed concern over reported cases of unprovoked attacks, urging security agencies to remain vigilant and respond promptly to emerging threats.
Kefas, while speaking on security challenges associated with mining activities, described security as a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of all stakeholders.
He called for greater collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and other relevant stakeholders to effectively tackle criminal activities and prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
The governor urged heads of the various security agencies in the state to remain committed, honest and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He raised the concern on Friday at an emergency security meeting convened to address growing security challenges and other emerging threats confronting the state.
He stressed the need for the agencies to work in synergy and share relevant intelligence to enable them to respond effectively to security threats and maintain peace across the state.
Protecting lives and property remains a major responsibility of the government and security agencies,” Kefas said.
The governor also acknowledged the contributions of the military to peace and security in Taraba, expressing appreciation for their continued support and sacrifices.
Noting that residents depended on security operatives for their safety and wellbeing, he called for sustained cooperation among security agencies, government institutions, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to address emerging security threats.
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