News
Alleged gang-rape: Court orders Babcock varsity dropouts to open defence
Justice Abiola Soladoye of an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday, ordered two dropouts of Babcock University, accused of drugging and gang-raping a woman in a hotel in Lekki, Lagos to open their defence.
The Don-Chima George, and Segun Razak, sons of Chief Lanre Razak, are charged two counts of conspiracy and rape.
They are alleged to have drugged and gang-raped the complainant (name withheld) on Feb. 3, 2019, from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. at De-Lankaster Hotels, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, a hotel.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr Adebambo Adesanya,SAN, had a filed a no-case submission, stating that the prosecution has not brought a prima facie case against the defendants.
Adesanya had urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendants based on insufficient evidence.
The prosecution led by Mr Shola Soneye, had however opposed the application of the defence.
The prosecution argued that it is the court’s discretion to evaluate the evidence only when the evidence of the prosecution and defence witnesses are before it.
Soladoye, in a ruling on Thursday said that she had considered the arguments of counsel in the no-case submission vis-a-vis the evidence before the court.
“I am satisfied that based on the evidence before the court, it is required that there has to be some form of explanation from each of the two defendants on the allegations proffered against them.
“The defendants are therefore called upon to open their defence. I so hold,” she said.
NAN reports that on May 15, 2019, the 24-year-old complainant had testified that she had gone with the defendants to Kabaal nightclub located in Ikoyi, Lagos to celebrate the birthday of George who was her friend.
While at a nightclub, the defendants allegedly mixed the her drink with a substance which had after some moments, rendered her unconscious.
She alleged that she was taken to a room at George’s father’s hotel where the defendants took turns to rape her and record their actions on a mobile phone.
The complainant has so far been the sole witness presented by the prosecution in the case.
The offence, the prosecution said, contravened the provisions of sections 258 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
NAN
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has congratulated Alhassan Yahya on his election as National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Yahaya, in a congratulatory message issued to newsmen on Thursday in Gombe, expressed joy over Yahya’s ‘resounding victory’ at the just-concluded 8th Triennial Delegates’ Conference in Owerri, Imo.
The governor, in the statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, described Alhassan’s victory as a remarkable achievement and source of immense pride for the state and the entire journalism community.
He praised Alhassan’s journey and impressive rise in the NUJ leadership.
“From your humble beginning at the chapel level, to the state, zonal and now the national level, you have showed consistency, demonstrated unmatched courage, integrity and passion for journalism and the welfare of journalists.
“Your election as the national president of NUJ is a reflection of the trust journalists across Nigeria have in your capacity to lead.
“Your commitment, integrity and vision have made you a shining example of what it means to be a leader in the field of journalism and I commend you for these sterling attributes,” he said.
Yahaya, while expressing confidence in Alhassan’s ability to unite and lead the union toward progress and professionalism, assured him of the support, solidarity and goodwill of the government and people of the state.
“We are confident that under your leadership, NUJ will witness a new era of progress, unity and professionalism that will further elevate the role of journalism in promoting national development,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the vital role of a united and committed press in advancing democratic ideals and national development.
He also praised journalists for the peaceful conduct of the election, while wishing the new NUJ leadership a successful and impactful tenure.
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has congratulated Alhassan Yahya on his election as National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Yahaya, in a congratulatory message issued to newsmen on Thursday in Gombe, expressed joy over Yahya’s ‘resounding victory’ at the just-concluded 8th Triennial Delegates’ Conference in Owerri, Imo.
The governor, in the statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, described Alhassan’s victory as a remarkable achievement and source of immense pride for the state and the entire journalism community.
He praised Alhassan’s journey and impressive rise in the NUJ leadership.
“From your humble beginning at the chapel level, to the state, zonal and now the national level, you have showed consistency, demonstrated unmatched courage, integrity and passion for journalism and the welfare of journalists.
“Your election as the national president of NUJ is a reflection of the trust journalists across Nigeria have in your capacity to lead.
“Your commitment, integrity and vision have made you a shining example of what it means to be a leader in the field of journalism and I commend you for these sterling attributes,” he said.
Yahaya, while expressing confidence in Alhassan’s ability to unite and lead the union toward progress and professionalism, assured him of the support, solidarity and goodwill of the government and people of the state.
“We are confident that under your leadership, NUJ will witness a new era of progress, unity and professionalism that will further elevate the role of journalism in promoting national development,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the vital role of a united and committed press in advancing democratic ideals and national development.
He also praised journalists for the peaceful conduct of the election, while wishing the new NUJ leadership a successful and impactful tenure.
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday ordered the remand of a 52-year-old man, Taiwo Olaniyan, in Agodi correctional facility for allegedly causing the death of his unborn child.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the defendant’s plea for lack of jurisdiction, ordered his remand in Agodi correctional facility, Ibadan.
Ogunkanmi held that the defendant would remain in custody pending receipt of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
She, thereafter, adjourned the matter till Dec. 12 for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, had arraigned the defendant, who resides at Apata area of Ibadan, on a three-count charge bordering on assault and causing death of an unborn child.
Akinloye told the court that the defendant had, on May 2018, assaulted his wife, Rukayat Babajide, by inflicting injury on her.
He said that the defendant caused the death of the foetus due to his assault on his wife during pregnancy.
The prosecutor said that the couple had been married for 14 years, with two children.
According to him, the offences contravene Section 316 and punishable under Sections 319, 328 and 355 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
NAN reports that if found guilty of the charges, the defendant maybe sentenced to three years imprisonment under section 355, while section 328 stipulates life imprisonment and section 319 death sentence for any convicted offender.
Gombe gov. congratulates new NUJ National President
Gombe gov. congratulates new NUJ National President
Court remands man for allegedly causing death of his unborn child
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