News
Apprentice gets life jail for setting boss ablaze in Ekiti
Justice Jubril Aladejana of Ekiti State High Court has sentenced one Olasunkanmi Kareem to life imprisonment for attempted murder.
The 41-year-old convict was arraigned on 18th November 2024 on a count charge bordering on attempt to murder, contrary to section 241 of the criminal law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The charge reads that the defendant on 11th of August, 2024 at Ifaki Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did attempt to murder one Omoboriwo Bashiru by setting him ablaze.
In his evidence before the court, the victim said, “The defendant was formerly my apprentice at my mechanic workshop, I always assisted him whenever he had issues with his customers while repairing their cars even after graduation.
“On a fateful day, he called around 8:00pm and asked me about a carburetor I helped him repair, I told him I didn’t see it, he was abusing and threatened me that he would set me ablaze wherever he saw me.
“I thought he was joking, I called him and he described where he was for me, we met at a vulcanizer workshop where an argument ensued between us, I did not know he held a gallon of petrol in his hand because it was dark, he poured the content on my body.
“When I discovered it was petrol I tried to run but there was fire all over my body, I fell into a drainage where some passersby put off the fire, I have burnt wounds all over my body and I was later taken to the hospital, he concluded.”
After leading the victim in evidence, the prosecutor Kunle-Shina Adeyemo called four other witnesses and tendered the defendant’s statements, pictures of the victim, and medical report among others as exhibits.
The defendant spoke in his own defense through his lawyer and called no witnesses.
In his judgment, Justice Aladejana said, “The facts before the court is that the defendant understudied the victim for over ten years and set up his own workshop as a mechanic.
“The defendant lured the victim to his shop, stood in ambush behind an electric pole, and armed with petrol which he poured on him and ignited but for the intervention of the passersby, the victim would have been killed.
“This intentional act of causing grievous bodily harm is an attempt to murder, in my view the defendant does not deserve leniency, rather the defendant should face the full wrath of the law.
“In the circumstance, the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment.”
The chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has given Fulani herdsmen a 48-hour notice to leave all agricultural lands.
This announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.
The meeting included traditional leaders, representatives from the Fulani community, youth leaders, and security personnel to discuss the increasing concerns regarding herders’ activities on farmland as the planting season nears.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, Obochi Solomon, reported that Ejeh highlighted the importance of safeguarding agricultural activities in Agatu in light of the upcoming planting season.
He remarked that agriculture is essential to the local economy and that farmers should have unhindered access to their lands.
Ejeh also acknowledged the current peace in the region but reiterated that maintaining uninterrupted farming activities is of utmost importance.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.
The statement further disclosed that during the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week extension to allow the herders to prepare for their relocation, a request that the council approved.
The CPS noted that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Oloche Silas, committed on behalf of the Agatu youth to support the peaceful evacuation process and to avoid any acts of violence.
Security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were reported to have praised the peaceful resolution of the issue and promised to offer necessary assistance during the relocation.
Additionally, representing the Och’Agatu, Chief John Agidani, spoke at the meeting, commending the leadership of the Council Chairman and urging all parties to adhere to the agreement.
Five alleged kidnappers have reportedly died after a fierce gun battle with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team.
The suspects were confirmed dead in a hospital they were rushed to for medical attention.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the development in a statement, stated that the incident occurred on 21st April 2025.
The police image maker disclosed that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment team, acting on intelligence relating to kidnapping in Ubuluku, Isseluku, Issele-Asagba, and environs by one Bello Abubakar and his gang members, stormed one of their hideouts in Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State.
SP Edafe pointed out that during the raid of the suspects hideout in the forest, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and one hundred and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition.
He further said the investigation was extended to another of their hideouts in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, where the said Bello Abubakar and his gang members were waiting in ambush.
According to the police image maker, the suspected kidnappers attacked the policemen in a fierce gun battle, but the team, who were aware of the battle ahead, reciprocated in like manner.
SP Edafe added that the manhunt for other injured fleeing suspects is ongoing.
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