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Court Sentences Three Persons To Death By Hanging Over Murder Of Army Colonel In Oyo State
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Three persons—Agada Solomon, Taiwo Adeniyi, and Bibisoye Kehinde—were sentenced to death by hanging on Tuesday for the murder of Colonel Anthony Okeyin, commandant of the Nigeria Army Secondary School, Apata, Ibadan.
The sentencing took place at the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice Ezekiel Ajayi.
The convicts also received 14-year prison terms for conspiracy and armed robbery.
The court case, which dates back to 2016, originally involved six defendants on charges of conspiracy, murder, and armed robbery, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
However, the other three defendants—Ewere Andrew, Udobata Oruza-Uzie, and Ephraim Obi—were discharged and acquitted.
Justice Ajayi stated, “The first, second and third defendants gave confessional statements while the phone of the deceased commandant was found with the first defendant and are therefore convicted accordingly.”
He added that while Obi’s car was used to commit the crime, no evidence linked him to armed robbery, leading to his acquittal alongside Andrew and Oruza-Uzie.
The prosecution, led by Mrs. K.K. Oloso, had argued that the convicted individuals committed the crimes on December 12, 2016, at 6:15 a.m. at the Commandant’s Quarters of Nigeria Army Secondary School.
“They allegedly caused the death of Okeyin, age 52, by breaking his skull while armed with an offensive weapon and robbed him of his Samsung X4 phone and N45,000 cash,” said Oloso.
The offences were found to be in violation of Sections 316, 319, and 324 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, and Sections 1(2)(a), 1(2)(b), and 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Counsel for the convicts, Mr. F.O. Awonusi, had earlier pleaded for leniency.
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Environmental infractions: Lagos seals churches, businesses over
By Francesca Hangeior
In a bold move to tackle violations of Lagos State environmental laws, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has sealed off prayer centres and business premises across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement shared on X.com by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Wednesday.
According to a statement released by LASEPA on Wednesday, the enforcement operation is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.
The statement revealed that the establishments were found guilty of violating environmental regulations despite several warnings from the agency.
It said, “In a decisive step towards tackling noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency @LasepaOfficial today sealed off multiple establishments across various parts of Lagos State.
“The enforcement operation, which targeted locations in Ikeja, Mushin, Gbagada, and Maryland, is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.
“Among the closed establishments are Vital Products Limited, A & P Nigeria Limited, Polite Anchorage and Suites, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Terrag Inn Apartment, Evening Class Guest House, Celestial Church of God, a printing press, Charley’s Bar, and 7th Heaven Hotel & Suites.
“These establishments were found guilty of violating environmental regulations despite several warnings from LASEPA.”
The statement further revealed that the General Manager of LASEPA issued a stern warning, emphasising the agency’s stance on compliance with environmental laws.
It added, “The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi @thetundeajayi, emphasised the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance with environmental laws. ‘We will not tolerate non-compliance with our regulations.
“Dr Ajayi said all businesses must recognise their environmental responsibilities and collaborate with the state government to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun appears before Senate for screening
*** Vows to tackle corruption
By Francesca Hangeior
The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in the judiciary.
She emphasised that integrity and strictness are central to her judicial approach.
Kekere-Ekun, who appeared before the Senate for screening, assured lawmakers that, once confirmed, she would prioritise the speedy handling of petitions before the courts.
Responding to questions from the senators, the Acting CJN promised to ensure that the judiciary remains insulated from external influence. Additionally, she committed to advocating for better welfare and infrastructure for the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the need for strengthening national institutions and ensuring better behavior from the populace, especially during elections. She stressed that such improvements would help reduce the tendency to contest election results in court.
Meanwhile, the Senate has commenced the screening of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Before the screening began on Wednesday, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to reorder the legislative agenda, allowing the screening of Kekere-Ekun to be the first item on the day’s business. The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West).
Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by other Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM.
Senator Bamidele invoked Order 12 of the Senate’s Standing Orders to permit her and her entourage to enter, which was seconded by Senator Olalere.
The Acting CJN was led into the Chamber by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The President’s letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was submitted upon the Senate’s return from its annual recess, which began in July.
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