News
Drug Dealing: Court Sends ‘Widow’ To 6 Months Community Service With N2m Fine
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday sentenced a middle age woman, Isioma Ogaonye to six months community service, having been found guilty of dealing in cannabis and Methamphetamine.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu also ordered Isioma to pay the sum of two million in addition to the six months community service.
Isioma, a mother of one, who also claimed to be widow, was ordered to perform the community service under the supervision of the officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the agency that prosecuted her for drug related offences.
In addition to the community service, Justice Dipeolu also ordered the convict to pay the sum of N2 million, in lieu of two years of custodian sentence.
The court gave the above verdicts of the convict, after she pleaded guilty to the offences slammed on her by the anti-narcotic agency.
The convicted ‘widow’, according to the prosecutor, Juliana Negedu, was arrested on January 31, 2024, at Ogombo, Ajah area of Lagos State, with 766 grams of cannabis sativa, popularly called marijuana and 15 grams of Methamphetamine, a narcotic similar to Cocaine and heroin.
She told the court that the convict’s acts are punishable under sections 11 (c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The convict admitted commiting the offences, after the charges were read to her.
Consequently, the prosecutor urged the court to convict and sentence her in accordance to Sections of the law she was charged with.
But her counsel, Oke Ojakovo, in his allucutor, pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy, saying that the convict is a first time offender, who did not have any record of previous conviction.
Ojakovo, particularly pleaded with the court to give his client a fine option or community service in lieu of the custodian sentence.
Justice Dipeolu in his judgment, sentenced the convict to six months community service and to pay the sum of N2 million, in default to 2 years imprisonment.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence
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