*Council Helmsman, Dare Alebiosu Extends Palliative Work On LG Roads In Ijebu Ode*

 

Hon. Dare Alebiosu led Administration of Ijebu-ode Local Government has commenced palliative work at Arigbabu Roundabout road in Ijebu ode.

 

It was reported that the road which has been in a state of disrepair for some time, has caused significant discomfort for commuters and residents alike.

 

Report has it that, the initiative is part of a broader effort to improve road infrastructure across the local government area. The palliative measures are expected to provide temporary relief.

 

Areas that have been given a face-lift so far includes; Oyingbo roundabout, Arigbabu roundabout and the entire stretch of Folagbade to Ibadan garage.

 

Other Roads to receive palliative measures include;

TAM BALOGUN IGBEBA GRA

SABO TO ITANRIN ROAD

OLOJA BARA IMORU

OKENLA IMORU

NEW ROAD

ARIGBABU TO ABEOKUTA ROAD ITALAPO ROUNDABOUT

Four Suspended Police Officers to Stand Trial for N43m Theft

 

The Nigeria Police Force has suspended four officers accused of stealing N43.16 million from a total of N74.95 million seized during an unauthorised operation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The police also refuted allegations that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun was shielding a cartel involved in smuggling questionable new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The suspended officers, DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, were attached to the Zone 7 Headquarters. They allegedly arrested Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, in August 2023 while he was transporting cash on behalf of clients.

Investigations revealed that while the officers reported recovering N31.79 million, they concealed N43.16 million. After the money’s owners filed a petition, the case was transferred to the IGP Monitoring Unit for further investigation.

Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that the officers attempted to cover up their actions by manipulating evidence and spreading false claims.

“Upon being contacted by the money’s alleged owners, the officers claimed they had recovered only N31,790,000 and demanded a percentage of the money to suppress the investigation. Outraged by their actions, the owners petitioned the Force Headquarters, leading to the recovery of N31,790,000 from the officers, who insisted it was the total amount seized from Ejah,” Adejobi stated.

Further investigations uncovered that the officers had taken photos of the suspect and the seized cash during the arrest but later claimed the phone used for the documentation was damaged and lost. Forensic evidence revealed that they conspired to steal N43.16 million, which was hidden outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Adejobi added, “These officers resorted to spreading false narratives and misinformation to divert attention from their misconduct. The officers have been found guilty of serious offences, including tampering with evidence, abuse of office, corrupt practices, and engaging in unauthorised duties. They are suspended pending prosecution following legal and administrative procedures.”

He also condemned attempts to implicate the IGP in the scandal, describing the claims as “sponsored misinformation.”

“The false narrative being circulated is a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to divert attention from the officers’ crimes and tarnish the IGP’s reputation. We urge the public and media to refrain from spreading such unfounded allegations, which undermine public trust and detract from ongoing police reforms aimed at eradicating unprofessional conduct,” Adejobi concluded.

The case highlights the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to rooting out corruption within its ranks while maintaining accountability.

Couple Sentenced to 16 Years for Fraud

 

A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced a couple, Harry Uyanwanne and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa (also known as Kristein Uyanwanne), alongside Temple International Church, for fraud. The ruling was handed down on Wednesday by Justice Mojisola Dada, who found the defendants guilty of multiple charges.

In addition to the prison sentences, the court ordered that Temple International Church be deregistered and shut down for using the church and the name of God to deceive and defraud people.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed seven charges against the accused, including theft, fraudulent conversion, false representation, and other related offences.

When the couple was arraigned by the EFCC on February 25, 2020, they pleaded not guilty, prompting the start of a trial. The prosecution, led by Mr. Babatunde Sonoiki, presented five witnesses, while the defence called two witnesses.

Justice Dada concluded that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the couple’s conviction.

Harry Uyanwanne was sentenced to three years in prison on count one, while he received a seven-year sentence on counts two to six. Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa (a.k.a. Kristein Uyanwanne) was sentenced to three years on count one. Both were acquitted on the seventh count.

Uyanwanne received an additional 10-year sentence, while Odemuyiwa was handed a six-year term. The court ordered that both sentences be served concurrently.

In addition to their sentences, the judge mandated the couple to return N31 million to the complainant within 60 days.

The EFCC had accused the defendants of unlawfully converting N10 million in March 2016, which belonged to the late Mrs. Janet Adeola Odemuyiwa. The couple allegedly sold a property—Plot 32, Block 9, Magodo Residential Scheme 1, Ikeja Local Government—worth N42 million to Mr. Kingsley Atere, falsely claiming that Uyanwanne was authorized by the legitimate owner to sell the property.

The charges against the couple contravened Section 1(2) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006, as well as Sections 278 and 285(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria No. 11, 2011.