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Court remands alleged drug kingpin Temo
A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday, remanded an alleged Lagos-based drug baron, Jimoh Sulaimon, popularly called Temo, in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), after he was arraignment by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Jimoh, also known as Olowoidigede, Godfather and 001, was arraigned before Justice Deinde Dipeolu on an amended six-count charge for being a member of a Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO): import, trafficking and dealing in 704 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa (Ghana Loud); concealment of illicit funds.
The prosecutor, Lambert Nor, Deputy Command and Head of Legal Department, Lagos Command of NDLEA, told the court the Temo and four others namely, Ojo Emmanuel; Wasiu Olayinka saliu; Taofeek Noah and one Kazeem, all said to be at large, belong to the Drug Trafficking Organisation, which they run between Nigeria and Ghana.
He also told the court that the accused disguised the true source of proceeds of illicit dealing in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
He told the court that the defendant’s alleged criminal acts contravene sections 20(1)(g); 14(b); 18(a); 20(i); 11(b) and 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Temo also known as Olowoidigede and Godfather denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Based on his plea, the prosecutor, Mr. Lambert informed the court that he has four witnesses in court to testify against the drug kingpin.
He also asked the court to remand the defendant till the determination of the charges against him.
However, the drug kingpin lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara, a former staff member of NDLEA, accused the anti-narcotic agency of media trial even before charging his client.
He informed the court that the defendant’s bail application had been filed but would be moved at a later date.
The defence counsel in his further submission, while admitting being served with proof of evidence, said in line with Section 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, he would be asking for daily trial.
Consequently, the prosecutor was ordered to call in his witnesses.
At the resumption of trial yesterday, Nor called four prosecution witnesses, who are mainly exhibits keepers and forensic experts with each of them giving evidence on the role they played in the case and also tendered several exhibits which were admitted in evidence without objection from the defence counsel.
The exhibits tendered and admitted at the sitting included 19 jute bags all weighing 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa, a Camry car, two phones,a fiat truck among others.
The first prosecution witness, Mr Moses Dogo Eldah, an exhibit keeper with the NDLEA Central Exhibits Unit, narrated how on October 13, 2020 another exhibit keeper attached to the agency’s Directorate of General Investigation Unit, J.E Jakyang, transferred some exhibits with substances suspected to be weed (cannabis Sativa) weighing 704 kilograms to him.
He also stated that a fiat truck, Siena car, a Toyota Camry car and two phones were also transferred to him.
According to the witness, the bulk of the exhibits were also transferred to him which he kept in the agency strong room.
The prosecutor then tendered the exhibits and all were admitted.
Cross examining the witness, counsel to the defendant, Chief Benson Ndakara asked if the witness know how the 19 bags containing the bulk of the marijuana were recovered, and the witness said no.
The witness also admitted that he did not know how the truck and cars were recovered and that this would be the second time he would see the defendant.
Other three witnesses also narrated the role they played in the case.
Consequently, Justice Dipeolu adjourned till October 2 and 4 for continuation of trial.
The judge also ordered that the drug kingpin be remanded in the NCoS’ custody till next adjourned date.
The Amended charge against the defendant reads: “That you Jimoh Sulaimon Olowoogede, a.k.a “Godfather” “001°, “Temo” (m) adult (being the Kingpin) and Ojo Emmanuel (M), Wasiu Olayinka saliu (M), Taofeek , Noah (M) and Kazeem (M) (all at large) being members of a Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO) between 2020 and 2024 without lawful authority and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court engaged in financing Drug Trafficking and thereby committed an offence as provided for in section 20 (1) (g) of the NDLEA Act Cap N 30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 20(2) (b) of the same Act.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.k.a “Godfather” “001”, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) between 2020 and 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired with Ojo Emmanuel (M), Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M), Taofeek Noah (M) And Kazeem (M) (all at large) to import, process, traffick and otherwise deal in Cannabis Sativa (Ghana Loud) a drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin & LSD using Managers, Couriers and Associates and thereby committed an offence as provided for and punishable under section 14 (b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.k.a “Godfather” “001”, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) conspired with Ojo Emmanuel (M) Adult, Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M) adult, Taofeek Noah (M) adult And Kazeem (M) ADULT (all at large) between 2020 and 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court to convert proceeds of illicit’ trafficking im Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances into ostensible legitimate enterprises end thereby committed an offence as provided under section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under section 18(3) and (7) of the same Act.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.ka. “Godfather” “001°, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) and Ojo Emmanuel (M), Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M), Taofeek Noah (M) and Kazeem (M) (all at large) between 2020 and 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court without lawful authority engaged in the concealment and disguise of the true source of proceeds of illicit dealing in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances to wit: Cannabis Sativa (Ghana Loud) and you thereby committed an offence as provided for and punishable under section 20(ii) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.k.a “GODFATHER” “001”, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) and Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M), now at large on or about the Ilm day of November, 2020 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and without lawful authority trafficked in 704 Kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa (“Ghana Loud”) a drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin and LSD from Ghana to Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence as provided for and punishable under section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.k.a. “Godfather”, “001”, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) and Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M), now at large on or about the in day of November, 2020 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and without lawful authority dealt in 704 Kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa (“Ghana Loud”) a drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin and LSD from Ghana to Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence as provided for and punishable under section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
By Mario Deepromoter
*** She was apillar of support to the Eno – Sanwo-Olu
***As PDP suspends LG campaign in Akwa Ibom
By Francesca Hangeior
Mrs Patience Umo Eno, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is dead.
The state Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, announced the First Lady’s death in a press statement issued in the early hours of Friday.
According to the commissioner, the First Lady died at a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members
The statement titled “Unexpected Sunset” read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his heartfelt condolence with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, over the passing of his wife, Patience Eno.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Friday, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described the deceased as a “pillar of support” to the governor, as he lauded her leadership and humanitarian work in the state.
The statement read partly, “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke and family, the government and people of Lagos State, it is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with my brother Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his beloved wife, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno.
“I also express my deepest condolences to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the entire Eno family, as well as wives of all the state governors in Nigeria over the demise of the Akwa Ibom First Lady.
“Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno was not just a wife and mother, but a soulmate and pillar of support to our brother, Governor Eno. She supported thousands of people in Akwa Ibom State through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation that focused on providing shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom.
“The First Lady, fondly referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, meaning “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom,” was widely loved for her compassionate leadership and humanitarian work in Akwa Ibom during her lifetime.”
Sanwo-Olu prayed for the repose of the deceased, saying, “I pray that the Almighty God will grant the deceased eternal rest and Governor Umo Eno, the entire family, and the people of Akwa Ibom the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
In the meantime, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has put its political campaign for local elections in the state on hold following the death of the Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Eno.
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
Announcing the suspension of campaigns in a statement on Friday, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Edwin Ebiese, said “This devastating news has left our party, and indeed the entire state, in a state of mourning.
“As we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, we are compelled to pause our campaign activities as a mark of respect for the departed First Lady.
“We regret any inconvenience this suspension may cause and appreciate the understanding of our supporters and the general public during this difficult time.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his immediate family, the government, and people of Akwa Ibom State. May God grant the family of the deceased and our state the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
By Mario Deepromoter
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has described the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David. O. Oyedepo is an exceptional servant in God’s vineyard.
In a congratulatory message to the Bishop on his 70th Birthday anniversary today, Obi said the cleric exemplifies the true purpose of God’s creation.
Writing on his X handle, the former Anambra State Governor said Bishop Oyedepo has remained “A remarkable figure in faith, a dedicated servant in God’s vineyard, and a leader who exemplifies the true purpose of God’s creation.
“Your life continues to be a source of blessing, reflecting dedication, tireless work, and a commitment to God’s mission.
“Through your ministry, countless lives have been touched, embodying faith, hope, and love. Outstanding Institutions such as Living Faith Church, Covenant University, and Kingdom Heritage Model School stand as lasting testimonies to your pursuit of excellence.
“Today, we honor your enduring legacy, your compassionate outreach, and your immense contribution to humanity. May God continue to strengthen, guide, and bless you in all your endeavors.
“Thank you for being a beacon of God’s grace. Your remarkable journey will inspire generations to embrace faith, integrity, and purposeful living.
“May your continued intervention through prayer in the affairs of our country help us to find direction for a new Nigeria.
By Mario Deepromoter
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has put its political campaign for local elections in the state on hold following the death of the Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Eno.
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
Mrs Eno died on Thursday in a hospital following an undisclosed illness, according to a statement issued on Friday morning by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Akwa Ibom, Ini Emembong.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
Announcing the suspension of campaigns in a statement on Friday, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Edwin Ebiese, said “This devastating news has left our party, and indeed the entire state, in a state of mourning.”
“As we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, we are compelled to pause our campaign activities as a mark of respect for the departed First Lady.
“We regret any inconvenience this suspension may cause and appreciate the understanding of our supporters and the general public during this difficult time.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his immediate family, the government, and people of Akwa Ibom State. May God grant the family of the deceased and our state the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Condolence pour in as Akwa Ibom gov Umo Eno loses wife
Bishop Oyedepo @70: He is a dedicated servant in the Lord’s Vineyard -Obi
PDP Halts LG Campaign In Akwa Ibom Over Death Of Gov Eno’s Wife
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