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LAGOS ARRAIGNS PROPERTY DEVELOPER, ADERINOKUN OVER 2678.068 SQUARE METRES LAND FRAUD …Defendants Remanded In Kirikiri Prison

Published

7 years ago

December 20, 2017

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday arraigned a brother of late founder of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and property developer, David Olumide Aderinokun and a staff of the New Town Development Authority (NTDA), Balogun Adeniyi Abdul-Wakil before an Igbosere Magistrate Court over alleged conspiracy, forgery, stealing and property fraud on parcels of land in Lekki Peninsula estimated at 2678.068 square metres.

Aderinokun, who is the husband of media personality, Stephanie Coker, was arraigned separately on an eight-count charge bordering on the offence before Chief Magistrate Olufolake Oshin, and alongside Abdul-Wakil on another eight-count charge before the same court.

Aderinokun, trading under the name and style of Davade Properties, was alleged to have conspired with others now at large sometime in February 2016 to commit felony to wit stealing, forgery and obtaining money under false pretense.

According to the charge, Aderinokun criminally “converted a piece of land measuring approximately 1764.44 square metres situate at Plot 7B, Block CBD.1, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, property of Ocean Trust Limited for your own use and to the use of others, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 287 of the Criminal Law Cap C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”

He was said to have forged a Deed of Assignment with file number DLS/GC/110323 with the intention of using same to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

Also, Aderinokun was alleged to have fraudulently obtained N18million from one Mrs Jumoke Fola-Alade on the pretense that he was the owner of the said property contrary to and punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Law Cap C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State.

In the other charge, Aderinokun and Abdul-Wakil were said to have conspired with others now at large to fraudulently convert a piece of land measuring approximately 913.628 square metres situated at Plot 44, Block 77, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1 in Eti Osa for their use.

The property in question, which was registered as Number 96 at page 96 in Volume 1993p, belonged to Mr Ben Adebisi Oyekunle and Mrs Bukola Taiwo Oyekunle.

In one of the counts, Aderinokun and Abdul-Wakil and others now at large were said to have “On or about the 3^rd of March, 2012 at Lekki Area of Lagos State in the Lagos Magisterial District, possessed a fraudulent document (Deed of Assignment registered as No 91 at page 91 in Volume 2399) knowing fully well that the document was false and presented same at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja for registration and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 of the Criminal Law Cap C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”

Specifically, Abdul-Wakil was said to have used official information at his disposal to fraudulently convert the said land for his own use contrary to the law.

After the charges were to them, the defendants pleaded not guilty, while their lawyers – Stanley Imhanruor and Sunny Ogoh urged the court to grant them bail on liberal terms.

The lawyers hinged the bail application on the grounds that the defendants had no criminal records and were appearing in court for the first time, adding that the offences for which they were charged were bailable.

On his part, the prosecutor from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Dr Babajide Martins applied that the defendants be remanded in custody, as well as a date for trial.

He said the application for remand was necessitated by the fact that the defendants were allegedly involved in a well-orchestrated land fraud coupled with the fact that others connected with the crime were still at large, and that releasing them on bail may jeopardize the case.

In her ruling, Magistrate Oshin admitted Aderinokun and Abdul-Wakil to bail in the sum of N10million and two responsible sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a civil servant not below grade level 16 in the State Public Service and must get approval of the Head of Service to stand as surety.

Oshin also ruled that the other surety must be a staff not below managerial level in a reputable organization and if self employed must show evidence of company registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with a minimum balance of N1million and tax clearance.

“The defendants are to deposit their valid international passports to the court, while the official and residential addresses of the sureties are to be verified by the prosecutor,” Magistrate Oshin held.

The defendants were also ordered to be remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to February 2, 2018 for trial

Education

Girau International School Extends Warm Wishes for Peace, Prosperity, and Safety This Festive Season

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Girau International School Extends Warm Wishes for Peace, Prosperity, and Safety This Festive Season

As the festive season approaches, Girau International School sends heartfelt wishes of peace and prosperity to its students, parents, and staff. The school emphasizes the value of unity and joy during this special time, while encouraging families to prioritize safety and well-being.

In a statement, the School Director highlighted the importance of parental guidance during the holidays, urging families to maintain open communication and ensure children’s activities are monitored responsibly.

“The holidays are a time for creating cherished memories,” the School Director said. “However, they also require vigilance. Parents play a key role in ensuring their children remain safe and make responsible choices during this period.”

Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and character development, Girau International School offers a robust curriculum that equips students with critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills. As the new year nears, the school remains steadfast in its mission to nurture well-rounded individuals ready to excel in a dynamic world.

Girau International School reaffirms its dedication to fostering a safe, supportive environment where students thrive academically and personally. The school also encourages families to embrace the spirit of the season while staying mindful of the challenges it may bring.

For more information about Girau International School’s programs and initiatives, please contact the administration.

Education

Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Arch. Sunday Silver Echono, will on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 deliver the 36th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri.

The lecture titled “Impact of Leadership Selection on Governance in Public Universities in Nigeria” will hold at Prof. C.O.E. Onwuliri Conference Hall, FUTO main campus, Owerri.

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs). Nnenna Oti, will be the Chief Host at the lecture, which is expected to attract participants from within and outside the university community, especially the academia.

FUTO is the oldest university of technology in Nigeria, established in 1980 by Nigeria’s first Executive President, Shehu Shagari. It became the first of three such universities set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which sought to establish a University of Technology in each geo-political region, particularly in a state which did not have a conventional university.

Arc.Sunday Sylva Togo Echono OON is a Nigerian diplomat, and architect who serves as the ninth Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund from 2022 till-date. Previously, Echono served as the Secretary of the Admissions Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the 28th President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects from 2019 to 2021.

Sonny Echono was nominated by the Board of TETFUND in early 2022 and was subsequently appointed as the substantive 9th Executive Secretary (ES) of TETFUND on March 18, 2022, by former President Muhammad Buhari.
A former permanent secretary in federal ministries, Echono had been honoured by governmental and non-governmental bodies locally and internationally. He is a recipient of Officer of Order of Niger (OON).

Education

LAUTECH Emerges Qualifier at NOA Southwest National Values Debate

Published

4 weeks ago

November 24, 2024

Sahara Weekly

LAUTECH Emerges Qualifier at NOA Southwest National Values Debate

In a thrilling display of intellect and oratory, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has been crowned the Southwest champion at the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate and Capacity Building Conference. The event, organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and held at the Julius Berger Hall of the University of Lagos, aimed to inspire a culture of national values and civic responsibility among Nigerian youth.

The competition culminated in a gripping debate between LAUTECH, represented by Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Olushina, and the University of Ibadan, represented by Oyedijo Olarenwaju and Chineke Ugochukwu. The teams dissected the topic, “7 for 7 National Values Charter: Striking the Balance Between Government Promises and Citizens’ Responsibilities in Nation-Building,” presenting compelling arguments that explored the intricate interplay between governance and civic duty.

LAUTECH’s Adekunle Ayomide impressed with his calm yet authoritative delivery, while Oladeji Olushina’s vivid examples underscored the importance of shared responsibility. Their counterparts from the University of Ibadan countered with historical insights and pragmatic solutions, making the contest a true battle of wits.

After intense deliberations, the judges awarded LAUTECH the southwest championship title, earning them a ₦5,000,000 prize and a ticket to the grand finale, where they will compete for the ultimate ₦20,000,000 prize.

The event was more than a competition. A capacity-building segment led by distinguished facilitators offered invaluable insights to attendees. Oluseye Taiwo Adepoju, renowned as “The Oracle” and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, delivered a session on leadership and personal development, encouraging participants to harness their unique strengths for societal impact.

Dr. Leonard Okonkwo, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, engaged the audience with an exploration of human behavior and its role in national progress. Through practical exercises and anecdotes, he emphasized the need for mental and emotional resilience in achieving personal and societal goals.

Tolu Meduna, the program coordinator, articulated the essence of the initiative: “Our goal is to raise Citizen Values Brigadiers—youths who will champion the ethos of unity, accountability, and resilience. This is how we build a stronger Nigeria.” Meduna also outlined the event’s national scope, noting that the debate series will span all six geopolitical zones of the country, with the ultimate winner determined by online viewers at a live broadcast event.

The conference attracted notable dignitaries, including Hon. Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Opeyemi Alabi, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Youth Mobilization; and Izehi Semira, Founder of Shape A Child Initiative. Hon. Fatai lauded the initiative, stating, “This aligns perfectly with our collective mission to create a Nigeria where values drive progress.”

As the curtains fell, the 7 for 7 National Values Charter left an indelible mark on participants. Beyond the awards and accolades, the initiative ignited a renewed commitment to unity, accountability, and national development. All attendees received Citizen Values Brigade certificates, symbolizing their role as ambassadors of change. The National Identity Project is championed by the director general of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu.

For LAUTECH, the journey to the national grand finale promises new challenges and opportunities. For the nation, the message was clear: embracing shared values and responsibilities is the path to a brighter future.

The value train continues its journey, uniting hearts and minds in a shared vision of progress and national pride.