News
Human trafficking: Court slams 5 years jail term on Benedicta Usen
By Francesca Hangeior
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has convicted and sentenced a woman, identified as Benedicta Usen, also known as Mrs Carol Omomoh, to a five-year imprisonment without option of fine for trafficking a lady for prostitution.
Justice Ekwo, in a judgment, said he found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt with respect to each and every allegation in the eight-count charge.
Justice Ekwo consequently sentenced Omomoh to two years and six months imprisonment each in counts one, three, five and seven without an option of fine.
The judge also sentenced her in counts two, four, six and eight to five years imprisonment each without an option of fine.
He ordered that all the jail terms must run concurrently with effect from Feb 3.
Justice Ekwo observed that Omomoh’s denials in the face of her evidence-in-chief as 1st defence witness (DW1) only exposed her “as a barefaced liar, a crooked and dishonest human being.”
According to the judge, to even have the audacity to stand in court and deny the statement she made voluntarily to the police shows how depraved she is.
“The evidence also exposes her as being in the business of procuring young vulnerable women like Miss Cynthia Omoieke for prostitution abroad.
“People like the defendant must be taken out of the society for good.
“I therefore make an order convicting the defendant of the charge In counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 as charged.
“This is the order of this court,” the judge ruled.
The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/121/2019, named Omomoh as sole defendant.
In the eight-count amended charge dated Oct 24, 2022, the I-G alleged that the defendant Omomoh and Mrs Oyomiya Lamidi ‘f’ (now at large), sometime in year 2011 in Lagos, conspired between themselves to commit the offence by recruiting and transporting Miss Cynthia Loveth Ese Omoieke to Italy through the United Kingdom (UK) by means of deception and abuse of position of vulnerability.
The offence is punishable under Section 27 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration (TPPEA) Act, 2015.
In count five, she and Mrs Oyomiya Mama Lamidi ‘f’ (now at large), sometime in 2011 in Lagos, did conspired to commit an offence by organising and facilitating the foreign travel of Omoieke to Italy through the UK which travel promoted prostitution and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 27 of the TPPEA Act, 2015.
Omomoh, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts and the prosecution called two witnesses to establish its case against her.
News
Tinubu Snubs Suit Seeking His Removal, Says Court Has No Authority
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Tinubu has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit seeking to compel the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against him over alleged rights violations.
The suit, filed by a legal practitioner, Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje, alleged that President Tinubu’s administration had suppressed peaceful protests, which amounts to an impeachable offense.
However, President Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, have challenged the suit, questioning the plaintiff’s legal right to institute the action. They argued that the plaintiff failed to disclose any reasonable cause of action and that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter.
In a joint preliminary objection, the defendants listed 18 reasons why the case should be terminated. They claimed that the plaintiff filed the action on behalf of “faceless citizens” without disclosing the persons whose rights were allegedly violated.
According to the defendants, only the person whose right was breached has the right to file an action before the court to seek redress, as provided by Section 46 of the 1999 Constitution.
The defendants also argued that the plaintiff’s questions for determination were based on an alleged breach of the 1999 Constitution by President Tinubu, but failed to disclose any of his rights that were breached.
In a counter affidavit, a principal state counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Gbemga Oladimeji, averred that President Tinubu’s administration has been a promoter of democratic tenets, allowing people to air their grievances and conduct peaceful protests.
“I know for a fact that the protest conducted between 1st August 2024 and 10th August 2024 was peaceful, as there was a court order limiting the protesters to demonstrate within a confined location,” he said.
Justice James Omotosho has adjourned the case till March 4 to enable the counsel representing the plaintiff to respond to the preliminary objection by President Tinubu and the AGF.
News
Social Media On Fire As Cubana Chief Priest Mocks Burna Boy’s Grammy Loss
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The ongoing feud between Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest and Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy has taken another turn after the singer’s recent Grammy loss.
In a post on his social media, Cubana Chief Priest threw a sarcastic jab at Burna Boy, who was nominated for a Grammy but ultimately did not win the prestigious award.
The socialite, who has had a long-standing back-and-forth with Burna Boy, commented, “If Diddy was outside this year, the Grammy wouldn’t have slipped from Burna’s hand.” This remark quickly stirred a storm of reactions from followers and fans alike.
The comment seems to reference a recent incident involving Burna Boy and an alleged controversy regarding his Grammy chances. Cubana Chief Priest, known for his vocal and sometimes controversial opinions, hinted at the possibility that things could have turned out differently if other prominent figures like Sean “Diddy” Combs had been involved.
This indirect shade comes on the back of a heated public exchange between the two, which began months ago with various criticisms and insults being exchanged online.
The reaction from fans was swift. Many took to social media to express their thoughts on Cubana Chief Priest’s comment, with some supporting his opinion and others defending Burna Boy. A user, Gabriel Onifade, asked, “Why does he always refer to Burna Boy as Diddy? Can someone explain?”
Others, like Joe, added humorously, “But na true, Bolna for don bend collect again. Even the other guy fit don bend too.”
On the other hand, Femi Peters reminded Cubana Chief Priest, saying, “Na Burna wey don collect Grammy you dey shade, but your own bestie too was nominated and lost, no Grammy, nothing. This dude is never serious.” While some fans were calling for peace and urging people to focus on the positive sides of the music industry, others seemed to enjoy the drama.
One fan, Blessedpeter, voiced their personal opinion about Burna Boy’s recent behavior, saying, “For Once I’m Happy The Way Cubana Chief Priest Is Shading Burna Cos Of Recent Burna Has Been Acting and Talking With So Much Arrogance… I Lost all Respect For Him When He Kicked That Poor Fan Who Jumped On His Stage.”
However, some defended Burna Boy, arguing that the Grammy should not be the focal point of the conversation. Lord_nigga retorted, “It’s very obvious that you all are jealous of Burna’s Grammy win. Nigerians have lost interest in Grammy for so many years now, until Burna Boy stepped in and got his first nomination. Put some respect on Burna’s name!”
Cubana Chief Priest’s comment has only reignited the flames of an already heated rivalry. The constant jabs between him and Burna Boy seem to have become a regular spectacle for social media users, who are either entertained by the drama or frustrated by the ongoing tensions.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that the relationship between Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest is far from friendly, and the Grammy snub seems to have added another layer to their already complicated history. Whether the feud will escalate further remains to be seen, but for now, it continues to fuel online conversations and reactions.
News
House Pays Tribute to Late Deputy Whip, Onanuga, Adjourns Plenary
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has adjourned its plenary session to Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in honour of Honourable Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, who passed away on January 15, 2025.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the House had earlier adjourned its plenary in January to allow for the 2024 budget defence and discussions on the 2025 proposals for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Upon resumption, in line with parliamentary tradition, the House paid tribute to Hon. Onanuga, who represented the Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo Federal Constituency of Ogun State until her demise.
Hon. Onanuga served as the Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th House and was previously the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly (2019–2023).
As a mark of respect, her seat was draped in white, symbolizing her absence. The Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, led a moment of silence in her honour. Additionally, Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Madaki, offered Islamic prayers, while Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, led Christian prayers for the repose of her soul.
Kalu encouraged members to sign the condolence register, emphasizing that the late Deputy Whip’s family would cherish messages from colleagues.
Following the tributes, House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonbvere, moved for the plenary to be adjourned until Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
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