An Ebute‑Meta Chief magistrate’s court in Lagos, yesterday , remanded a man, Yusuf Akinbiyi, 41, at the Ikoyi Prisons for allegedly killing his father, Agboola Akinbiyi, 86.
The accused, who resides at Madon village, Ijede Ikorodu, Lagos, is facing a one‑count charge of murder.
The magistrate, Miss A.O. Komolafe, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.
The court did not take the plea of the accused.
The prosecutor, Inspector Frank Inah, said the crime was committed on May 21 at about 11.05 p.m. at the deceased’s residence.
Inah said the deceased and the accused lived together, adding that the deceased had provided for the accused as he was jobless.
He said: “The accused wanted to sell his father’s land to enable him travel out of the country, but his father held on to the documents.
“The accused and the deceased had an argument during which the accused beat the deceased with his hands and covered his mouth and nostrils with pillow.”
He said this made the accused to suffocate to death, adding that the accused was later arrested by the Police.
Inah said the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Makoko boils: Three feared dead as Police, hoodlums clash
Commercial activities were brought to an abrupt end in Makoko area of Lagos, yesterday, as protesting youths allegedly attacked policemen who were in the area to execute a court order on demolition of parts of the area.
fight Three persons were reportedly feared dead in the fight that extended to Herbert Macaulay Street and the Adekunle end of Third Mainland Bridge. But the Police said no lives were lost.
Seven policemen, as gathered, sustained bullet wounds while others reportedly fled the scene when it became apparent that the youths may overpower them.
The demolition
The state government, two years ago, began demolition of the coastal community occupied mainly by fishermen, claiming that the structures did not observe the mandatory 100 meters setback from a power-line installed on the lagoon.
The demolition was, however, extended beyond the lagoon, thereby displacing over 3,000 families .
The action which was kicked against by a team of human rights activists on the ground that the residents were only given just 72-hour quit notice, resulted in a peaceful protest by the residents during which one of the traditional rulers, identified as Timothy Hunpoyanwa, was shot dead by a Police Corporal, one Pepple Boma, attached to the Marine Police, Oworonshoki .
His death sparked off another protest during which there was a call for the prosecution of the killer policeman as well as urging the Lagos State Government to compensate the family of the murdered community leader.
However, acting on a purported court order yesterday, a team of policemen were said to have stormed the area at about 8 am to provide security for officials that would carry out the demolition exercise, only to be taken unawares by the residents.
Eye witnesses said dangerous weapons were used. An unconfirmed report alleged that the policemen fired some shots at the rampaging youths.
Hoodlums were said to have hijacked the moment, as they reportedly vandalised vehicles plying the route and also looted shops in the area.
Eye-witness accounts
An eye witness, who identified himself simply as Wemimo, described the demolition as a trespass on Federal Government land.
He said: “The Policemen were not attacked by youths residing in the area that is to be demolished. Nobody knew where the attackers came from.
“We were only attracted by gun shots and in the process we all took to our heels. We were later told that the gunshots were from policemen.
“The demolition started in 2012, after we were given just 72‑hour quit notice. They pasted the notice at Makoko on Friday, July 20, 2012 to prevent the owners from seeking redress in court. Before the expiration of the illegal ejection, the Lagos State Government took the law into its hand by engaging in the demolition of houses without a court order.
“Today (yesterday), they came again wanting to continue from where they stopped two years ago.”
Hoodlums on rampage
Another eye witness, who gave his name as Kunle Kolawole, said: “We were going about our daily activities when the fracas started. We waved it off at first because something similar occurred two weeks back but it was contained.
“Then all of a sudden these hoodlums went on rampage, even when a team of policemen came and tried to restore peace, they fought back.
“It was a full blown war between them and the police and we all ran to safety because they were shooting indiscriminately. Soon, the hoodlums started vandalising cars and shops.
However, the Police later reinforced and subdued them but the harm had been done. It was after peace had been restored that we saw some corpses around. I don’t know if they were that of the hoodlums or bystanders. The corpses were later taken away by the Police.”
Seven Policemen
injured
Contacted, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said: “Policemen at Makoko at about 8am today (yesterday) went to execute a court order on demolition of certain area of Makoko.
“Youths of that area on sighting the policemen mobilised and launched an attack on them. They were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons like cutlasses, bottles, daggers, rods and sticks. Seven policemen sustained pellet injuries and are receiving treatment now.
“At this juncture, Police decided to withdraw to avoid innocent casualties. Security is heightened in the area and normalcy has returned, but no life was lost.”
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FG bows to health workers’ demand
After series of negotiations lasting several months, the Federal Government has accepted to demands of the Joint Health Sector Unions & Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, JOHESU/AHPA, for better remuneration and conditions of service.
Top among the demands is the skipping of CONHESS 10, restoration of consultancy status, abolition of the deputy chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, and promotion of officers from CONHESS 14 to 15 as Directors, among others.
In a statement, JOHESU/AHPA, umbrella body for nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, radiologists, among others, issued a 30-day ultimatum for government to implement the demands so as to avert industrial unrest.
Government had reached an agreement with the workers after a meeting on June 5. The agreement was confirmed in a statement by heads of the joint unions.
According to the communiqué, “JOHESU/AHPA expressed satisfaction over the circular number MH/PM/138/VoI.111/79 of May 16, 2014 released by government formally restoring consultancy status to other healthcare professionals and approving the payment of specialist allowance to deserving officers.
“In furtherance to this, JOHESU/AHPA has therefore directed that all members who are due and satisfy the existing criteria, as upheld by the court judgment for consultancy position apply for the payment of the allowance with its accrued arrears with effect from January 1, 2010 in line with the CONHESS circular reference SWC/S/04/S.410/VoI.II/349 dated December 8, 2009.”
Top among the demands is the skipping of CONHESS 10, restoration of consultancy status, abolition of the deputy chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, and promotion of officers from CONHESS 14 to 15 as Directors, among others.
In a statement, JOHESU/AHPA, umbrella body for nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, radiologists, among others, issued a 30-day ultimatum for government to implement the demands so as to avert industrial unrest.
Government had reached an agreement with the workers after a meeting on June 5. The agreement was confirmed in a statement by heads of the joint unions.
According to the communiqué, “JOHESU/AHPA expressed satisfaction over the circular number MH/PM/138/VoI.111/79 of May 16, 2014 released by government formally restoring consultancy status to other healthcare professionals and approving the payment of specialist allowance to deserving officers.
“In furtherance to this, JOHESU/AHPA has therefore directed that all members who are due and satisfy the existing criteria, as upheld by the court judgment for consultancy position apply for the payment of the allowance with its accrued arrears with effect from January 1, 2010 in line with the CONHESS circular reference SWC/S/04/S.410/VoI.II/349 dated December 8, 2009.”
Ending Higher Education Fees Crises
LAST month, students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, protested hike in fees. Last week, Lagos State University, LASU, students started picketing the Governor’s Office and disrupting traffic in parts of Lagos. University of Port Harcourt students, this week, protested hike in fees. There are other muted cases.
Tuition fees in Ile-Ife were increased from N17, 000 to N100, 000, excluding an acceptance fee of N20, 000 for new students. In LASU, the hike was from N25, 000 to N348,750. Students and their guardians have managed the burden, which is comparable to fees in some private universities. Lagos State Government argues that LASU must be upgraded to an excellent centre of learning. It explained government spent more than N50 billion on LASU in the last five years.
Number of students admitted into LASU is dropping, a reaction to the fees and perennial crisis that engulfs the university. Enrollment dropped 5,917 (2009) to 4,311 (2010). After the 2011 hike in fees, only 1,951 (39.79 per cent) of the 4,903 candidates offered admission enrolled. The figure shrank to 1,119 in 2013.
The university was shut down twice in three years, following students and staff protests over different issues.
A government committee recommended that the fees be reduced to N65, 500 for new students and N46, 500 for existing students. Government has, however, agreed to reduce the fees by as much as 60 percent.
Education is a right. University education in state-owned institutions should not be priced beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. Decision-makers tend to think everyone is in similar circumstances as they. It is ironic that governments pay N18, 000 as monthly minimum wage, but expect students to pay economic fees. Where would their parents get the money?
Public universities should not compete with private universities for fees. They are the option for those who cannot afford high fees private universities charge.
Most students are from poor homes. Some have withdrawn from school over fees. Governments neglect the role of education in lifting families out of crushing poverty. The argument of policy makers, most of who enjoyed free education, is that education is not cheap anywhere.
We agree, but the solution does not lie in increasing fees. In other climes government provides grants, bursaries and various stipends to cushion the burden on parents. It is not the same here. Also more prudent use of resources would yield results that would save our youth from a futile future.
If our governments cannot provide free education, they should at least provide affordable education to liberate society from the shackles of ignorance.
Tuition fees in Ile-Ife were increased from N17, 000 to N100, 000, excluding an acceptance fee of N20, 000 for new students. In LASU, the hike was from N25, 000 to N348,750. Students and their guardians have managed the burden, which is comparable to fees in some private universities. Lagos State Government argues that LASU must be upgraded to an excellent centre of learning. It explained government spent more than N50 billion on LASU in the last five years.
Number of students admitted into LASU is dropping, a reaction to the fees and perennial crisis that engulfs the university. Enrollment dropped 5,917 (2009) to 4,311 (2010). After the 2011 hike in fees, only 1,951 (39.79 per cent) of the 4,903 candidates offered admission enrolled. The figure shrank to 1,119 in 2013.
The university was shut down twice in three years, following students and staff protests over different issues.
A government committee recommended that the fees be reduced to N65, 500 for new students and N46, 500 for existing students. Government has, however, agreed to reduce the fees by as much as 60 percent.
Education is a right. University education in state-owned institutions should not be priced beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. Decision-makers tend to think everyone is in similar circumstances as they. It is ironic that governments pay N18, 000 as monthly minimum wage, but expect students to pay economic fees. Where would their parents get the money?
Public universities should not compete with private universities for fees. They are the option for those who cannot afford high fees private universities charge.
Most students are from poor homes. Some have withdrawn from school over fees. Governments neglect the role of education in lifting families out of crushing poverty. The argument of policy makers, most of who enjoyed free education, is that education is not cheap anywhere.
We agree, but the solution does not lie in increasing fees. In other climes government provides grants, bursaries and various stipends to cushion the burden on parents. It is not the same here. Also more prudent use of resources would yield results that would save our youth from a futile future.
If our governments cannot provide free education, they should at least provide affordable education to liberate society from the shackles of ignorance.
Man defiles girl, 13, in Jos
A middle aged man identified as Emeka, aka Baba Victor, escaped death yesterday morning as he was almost lynched by neighbours for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old primary five pupil (names withheld) in the neighbourhood.
rape-toon
The said Emeka, a resident of Chief Mailumo Sambo Close, Jos, Jarawa village, according to the victim had slept with her severally with the first incident taking place sometime last year after which he gave her N100.
The latest incident occurred at about 6.30 am yesterday when neighbours caught the man in the act. This attracted residents, mostly women, who wanted to lynch him.
One of the neighbours, Mama Blessing, told news men: “There has been rumours about Baba Victor sleeping with that girl because she is always playing in his room. No one could confirm it until today.
“I have lived here for more than 20 years. Baba Victor has five children, four in their 20s but the wicked man sent the wife and children to their village in the East and lives here alone.”
The neighbour added that the suspect was “up to something because he has older girl friends, some even come from Bukuru to see him. What does he want with this small girl?”
Though the neighbours claimed the act must have been done more than twice, but the victim said: “This is the second time he is sleeping with me. The first time was sometime last year and he gave me N100.”
rape-toon
The said Emeka, a resident of Chief Mailumo Sambo Close, Jos, Jarawa village, according to the victim had slept with her severally with the first incident taking place sometime last year after which he gave her N100.
The latest incident occurred at about 6.30 am yesterday when neighbours caught the man in the act. This attracted residents, mostly women, who wanted to lynch him.
One of the neighbours, Mama Blessing, told news men: “There has been rumours about Baba Victor sleeping with that girl because she is always playing in his room. No one could confirm it until today.
“I have lived here for more than 20 years. Baba Victor has five children, four in their 20s but the wicked man sent the wife and children to their village in the East and lives here alone.”
The neighbour added that the suspect was “up to something because he has older girl friends, some even come from Bukuru to see him. What does he want with this small girl?”
Though the neighbours claimed the act must have been done more than twice, but the victim said: “This is the second time he is sleeping with me. The first time was sometime last year and he gave me N100.”
LBS holds youth talent programme
Some of the nation’s brightest youths will hone their research skills and gain first-hand exposure to academic life at the forthcoming LBS Young Talents Programme.
Scheduled for 1 August 2014, the one-day programme is aimed at building a relationship with budding talents in or out of the university. It will also offer successful candidates research scholarship opportunities and build a network of future LBS faculty.
The LBS Young Talents Programme is open to second-year undergraduates and above, including M.Sc holders and corps members (not older than 30) with a first-class or second-class-upper honours degree.
“The programme will bring talented people in contact with a world-class institution where they will learn what it takes to begin an academic career,” explained Dr Uchenna Uzo, faculty lead on this programme. “It is also an institutionalised way of getting good talent who can become faculty or administrative staff now and in the future.”
As with other LBS activities, the relationship with participants will be maintained after the event so the benefits they derive will be sustained.
“We’ll invite them to programmes from time to time. They’ll be part of LBS…in the sense that they have come here and interacted with the academic community. It will be an annual programme going forward,” Uzo added.
According to Dr Franca Ovadje, member of the faculty team, Africa is on the brink of profound change and the LBS Young Talents Programme could not have come at a better time.
“LBS strives to be a world-class business school with a significant impact on the African environment. The Young Talents Programme (YTP) aims to develop strong academics who will transform society through their knowledge and research,” she said. “YTP will prepare participants for an academic career in business management.”
At the highly interactive programme, the LBS culture, history and inspiration will be discussed. Participants will be exposed to LBS career channels in management research and teaching, including the day-to-day activities of faculty, researchers and administrative staff.
Scheduled for 1 August 2014, the one-day programme is aimed at building a relationship with budding talents in or out of the university. It will also offer successful candidates research scholarship opportunities and build a network of future LBS faculty.
The LBS Young Talents Programme is open to second-year undergraduates and above, including M.Sc holders and corps members (not older than 30) with a first-class or second-class-upper honours degree.
“The programme will bring talented people in contact with a world-class institution where they will learn what it takes to begin an academic career,” explained Dr Uchenna Uzo, faculty lead on this programme. “It is also an institutionalised way of getting good talent who can become faculty or administrative staff now and in the future.”
As with other LBS activities, the relationship with participants will be maintained after the event so the benefits they derive will be sustained.
“We’ll invite them to programmes from time to time. They’ll be part of LBS…in the sense that they have come here and interacted with the academic community. It will be an annual programme going forward,” Uzo added.
According to Dr Franca Ovadje, member of the faculty team, Africa is on the brink of profound change and the LBS Young Talents Programme could not have come at a better time.
“LBS strives to be a world-class business school with a significant impact on the African environment. The Young Talents Programme (YTP) aims to develop strong academics who will transform society through their knowledge and research,” she said. “YTP will prepare participants for an academic career in business management.”
At the highly interactive programme, the LBS culture, history and inspiration will be discussed. Participants will be exposed to LBS career channels in management research and teaching, including the day-to-day activities of faculty, researchers and administrative staff.
Port-Harcourt Shooting: ECOWAS Court finds govt guilty, imposes penalty
Four years after, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Abuja has held that the refusal of the government to investigate and prosecute security operatives that killed and maimed protesters in Port-harcourt violated their right to peaceful protest.
In a judgment delivered in a suit filed before the court by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) alongside some residents of Bundu Waterfront community, Port Harcourt over attacks on them and their relatives, the court ordered the government to pay $70,000 in damages to the plaintiffs.
The court held the rights to peaceful assembly and association are the foundation of a civilised society, while it imposed damages against the government for the violations of the plaintiffs’ human rights to peaceful assembly and association and freedom from forced evictions.
Attorney General of the Federation; Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi; Commissioner for Justice Rivers State; and the Commissioner for Urban Development, were joined as Defendants.
However, the River state government was absolved of any wrongdoing by the court, being not a party to ECOWAS protocols and agreements.
It nonetheless, stated that the government of President Goodluck Jonathan is responsible for the persistent infringement of the human rights and prolonged suffering of the residents of Bundu Waterfront community, Port Harcourt.
According to the Plaintiffs, “The planned large-scale demolitions were developed without adequate consultation with affected communities. Njemanze waterfront, a community close to Bundu Ama, was demolished in August 2009 and it is estimated between 13,800 and 19,000 people were forcibly evicted from their homes. Thousands of people, including children, women and the elderly were left homeless and vulnerable to other human rights violations.”
In its response, SERAP stated: “This judgment shows that there is punishment for the government when it allows its security forces to use excessive force against peaceful protesters, and unlawfully drive them away from their homes, with tragic consequences for citizens and communities. That was the case here.
“As the rulings of the ECOWAS court are binding, the Nigerian government will be under pressure to implement this judgment and align its policing practices with international human rights standards,” It added.
It would be recalled that Israel Okari; Joy Williams; Austin Onwe; Tamno Tonye Ama; Victor Opium; Mark Bomowe; Napoleon Tokubiye; Napoleon Tokubiye; Jonathan Bokoko; Williams Tamuno; and Linus John with the support of SERAP dragged the governments to the court in 2010.
The Suit Number ECW/CCJ/APP/10/10 dated 29 October 2010, was filed on behalf of SERAP and the residents by Femi Falana, SAN, Adetokunbo Mumuni and Sola Egbeyinka.
In a judgment delivered in a suit filed before the court by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) alongside some residents of Bundu Waterfront community, Port Harcourt over attacks on them and their relatives, the court ordered the government to pay $70,000 in damages to the plaintiffs.
The court held the rights to peaceful assembly and association are the foundation of a civilised society, while it imposed damages against the government for the violations of the plaintiffs’ human rights to peaceful assembly and association and freedom from forced evictions.
Attorney General of the Federation; Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi; Commissioner for Justice Rivers State; and the Commissioner for Urban Development, were joined as Defendants.
However, the River state government was absolved of any wrongdoing by the court, being not a party to ECOWAS protocols and agreements.
It nonetheless, stated that the government of President Goodluck Jonathan is responsible for the persistent infringement of the human rights and prolonged suffering of the residents of Bundu Waterfront community, Port Harcourt.
According to the Plaintiffs, “The planned large-scale demolitions were developed without adequate consultation with affected communities. Njemanze waterfront, a community close to Bundu Ama, was demolished in August 2009 and it is estimated between 13,800 and 19,000 people were forcibly evicted from their homes. Thousands of people, including children, women and the elderly were left homeless and vulnerable to other human rights violations.”
In its response, SERAP stated: “This judgment shows that there is punishment for the government when it allows its security forces to use excessive force against peaceful protesters, and unlawfully drive them away from their homes, with tragic consequences for citizens and communities. That was the case here.
“As the rulings of the ECOWAS court are binding, the Nigerian government will be under pressure to implement this judgment and align its policing practices with international human rights standards,” It added.
It would be recalled that Israel Okari; Joy Williams; Austin Onwe; Tamno Tonye Ama; Victor Opium; Mark Bomowe; Napoleon Tokubiye; Napoleon Tokubiye; Jonathan Bokoko; Williams Tamuno; and Linus John with the support of SERAP dragged the governments to the court in 2010.
The Suit Number ECW/CCJ/APP/10/10 dated 29 October 2010, was filed on behalf of SERAP and the residents by Femi Falana, SAN, Adetokunbo Mumuni and Sola Egbeyinka.
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