Connect with us

news

SYNAGOGUE CHURCH’S BUILDING COLLAPSE, APPEAL COURT RESERVES JUDGMENT ON ‘NO CASE SUBMISSION’                           

Published

on

A Lagos division of the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the defendants appellants in the case of the collapsed Synagogue of All Church Nations building, which killed about 116 persons.
Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, of a Lagos State High Court had on March 9, 2018 dismissed the no case submission filed by the defendants appellants.
The Judge, in his ruling said that the state had established a prima facie case against the defendants appellants to warrant them being called upon to defend themselves.
Dissatisfied with the ruling of the lower court, the defendants appellants: Ms. Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun charged alongside their companies – Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Ltd , approached the appellate court asking the appellate court to upturn the ruling.
Four Senior Advocates of Nigeria who represented the defendants appellants: Efe Akpofure, Titilola Akinlawon, Akeem Afolabi and Olalekan Ojo, canvassed vigorously, their arguments against that of the Director of Public Prosecution, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta – Bey.
The defendants appellants lawyers, argued before a three man panel headed by the presiding Justice, Mr. Justice Abraham Georgewill, that there’s no prima facie evidence linking the defendants appellants with the charges filed against them.
Besides, they contended that the state has not been able to establish the necessary ingredients of the offences against the defendants appellants.
Specifically, Olalekan Ojo SAN,  told the appellate court that his client was charged for committing manslaughter in respect of certain named persons.
“My Lord, no name of any of the deceased person was given. Furthermore, no documentary evidence, no death certificate issued to show cause of death, as well as identity of those who died and we filed a no case submission. In the absence of these vital pieces of evidence, there cannot be any case against them”, he argued.
On her part, Mrs. Titilola Akinlawon SAN, told the three man panel that the prosecution presented not an iota of evidence and up till now the prosecution has not pointed to any offense committed by the defendants appellants.
” We argued before the lower court that the prosecution had no scintilla of evidence that is credible and we made a no case submission but, the court overruled us that is why we are here.”
But, responding, the DPP, Ms. Titilayo Shitta – Bey, urged the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the ruling of the lower court.
According to her:”the pathologist examined the deceased and he was also in court to give evidence. “
The Lagos State government had sued the church over the guesthouse that collapsed on September 12, 2014.
The defendants appellants are facing 110-count charge of involuntary manslaughter while the Registered Trustees of SCOAN were charged with one count of building without approval.
The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions accused the defendants of violating Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning Law of Lagos State 2010 as well as Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
They were arraigned on April 19, 2016, but they pleaded ‘not guilty’.
The prosecution subsequently opened its case, called witnesses and tendered documents to prove the allegations against the defendants.
However, upon the close of the prosecution’s case in October 2017, the defendants, rather than enter their defence, filed a ‘no-case’ submission, contending that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them.
The defence insisted there was nothing in the evidence by the prosecution to warrant their client to proceed into any defence.

news

Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadri Momoh, and Council Endorse Balogun ATM for Senate 2027

Published

on

His Royal Majesty, Oba Akadri Momoh, The Olukare of Ikare Land, alongside his Oba-in-Council of chiefs and elders, has endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), the Balogun of Ikare, for the Ondo North Senatorial seat in 2027.

The endorsement was announced on Monday at the Olukare’s Palace during Chief ATM’s courtesy visit. Oba Akadri Momoh described ATM as “a true son of Ikare” with the character and competence to represent Ondo North. “He respects tradition and has never turned his back on our people. He has our royal blessing,” the Olukare said.

Chiefs present echoed the monarch, citing ATM’s consistent support for education, healthcare, and empowerment in Akoko land as proof of his readiness.

Chief ATM thanked the Olukare and Council for the “sacred mandate,” pledging to make the welfare of Ikare and Ondo North his priority in the Senate. “In Abuja, the voice of Ikare will be loud, clear, and respected,” he said.

*Signed:*
ATM Campaign Media Team

Continue Reading

news

Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA) Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Senate, Cites Youth Capacity to Lead

Published

on

The Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA), under the leadership of its President, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe, has formally endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) as its consensus candidate for the Ondo North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

The endorsement was announced at the Alliance’s expanded executive meeting held in Ikare-Akoko, with youth leaders drawn from all six Local Government Areas of Ondo North in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe declared that the decision was driven by ATM’s clear vision for youth empowerment and economic transformation. “Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed is not just another politician. He understands that the youth are not leaders of tomorrow – we are leaders today. He has the capacity, the network, and the will to convert our energy into productivity,” Eniafe said.

*Youth Capacity to Lead, Not Just to Clap*

ONYA praised ATM’s blueprint for tackling youth unemployment and rural-urban migration. Central to his agenda is the establishment of *skill acquisition and ICT training centers* across Akoko land, Owo and Ose to equip young people with 21st-century skills in tech, agriculture, fashion, welding, and digital enterprise.

The Alliance also highlighted ATM’s plan to *attract and facilitate factories and agro-processing zones* in Ondo North. “For too long, our brothers from the North have moved to Lagos and other states in search of jobs that don’t exist. With factories here, we keep our youth here. We build our economy here,” Comrade Eniafe stated. “ATM’s background in Finance, Real Estate, and Infrastructure Development gives us confidence that this is not empty talk.”

ONYA further noted that ATM’s track record of quietly supporting student groups, artisans, and young entrepreneurs proves he is youth-friendly and results-oriented. “He doesn’t wait for elections to show up. He has been doing the work,” the President added.

In his response, Chief ATM expressed deep appreciation to ONYA, describing the endorsement as “a call to greater service.” He pledged to sponsor bills and attract federal interventions that will prioritize youth employment, technical education, and industrial growth. “We will build the training centers. We will bring the factories. We will stop the forced migration of our youth. Ondo North will work, and our young people will lead that transformation,” ATM assured.

The Ondo North Youth Alliance called on all youth groups, student unions, and first-time voters across the senatorial district to unite behind ATM, describing him as “the candidate with the brain, the heart, and the blueprint for the youth.”

*Signed:*
Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe
President, Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA)

*For ATM Campaign:*
[08038554184]

Continue Reading

news

Former Ondo Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Ondo North Senate

Published

on

*Akure, Ondo State* — In a major boost to his senatorial ambition, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed, popularly known as ATM, has received the endorsement of His Excellency, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

The elder statesman formally adopted ATM’s bid to represent Ondo North Senatorial District during a courtesy visit to his Akure residence last week. The meeting, described by attendees as “warm and strategic,” saw Olanusi throw his political weight behind ATM ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Alhaji Olanusi is a towering figure in Ondo politics and a respected APC chieftain from Akoko, Ondo North. His political résumé spans decades: former Member of the House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees. His voice carries weight across party lines and within grassroots structures in Ondo North.

Speaking during the visit, Olanusi commended ATM’s character, capacity, and commitment to the people. He also paid glowing tribute to the legacy of ATM’s late father, Alhaji Kunle Abdul, whose philanthropy and community development efforts remain reference points in Akoko land and Ondo State.

“The good work of your late father is still speaking well for you,” Olanusi said. “You have shown the same heart for service. Ondo North needs a Senator who understands the people and has the competence to deliver. I believe you are that person.”

Responding, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing Olanusi as “a father, a leader, and a compass for many of us in Ondo politics.”

“This endorsement is humbling. It strengthens our resolve to offer Ondo North a new model of representation — one that is accessible, developmental, and people-driven,” ATM said. “We will not betray this trust.”

Political observers say Olanusi’s endorsement is significant. As a bridge between the old guard and the new generation, his backing is expected to galvanize support across Akoko, Owo, and Ose — the key blocs in Ondo North.

With endorsements now coming from traditional leaders, youth groups, and elder statesmen, ATM’s senatorial ambition continues to gather momentum as the 2027 political calendar draws closer.

Signed
ATM Media Team

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending