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

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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.

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APC Ondo North Primary: Reports Show ATM in Early Lead

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Reports from the field in Ondo North Senatorial District indicate that voters, officers, and agents at the voting centers across the wards have put Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) in the lead.

According to the current figures collated from the centers, ATM is polling with wider margins of votes

Going by these figures, ATM is poised to win all the six Local Government in the Senatorial Districtt.

We urge all party members and supporters to remain peaceful as collation continues.

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Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele Hosts Ondo North Aspirant Abdul Tunji Mohammed, Backs Grassroots Development Agenda

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Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele recently hosted Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), a prominent aspirant for the Ondo North senatorial seat.

The meeting highlighted a strategic alignment between progressive forces, with both leaders emphasizing a shared vision for grassroots development and legislative excellence.

Senator Bamidele, a respected figure in Nigerian politics, is recognized for his contributions to national cohesion and impactful policymaking, drawing on his experience as a legal luminary and human rights activist.

Chief Mohammed, an astute businessman and dedicated grassroots mobilizer, has made a notable impact on Ondo North through his philanthropic work and commitment to constituents’ welfare. His approach blends corporate discipline, economic ingenuity, and a deep concern for people—qualities that have reshaped the region’s political narrative.

The two leaders discussed the district’s critical needs, exploring avenues for socioeconomic growth, legislative reform, and stronger community integration. Senator Bamidele stressed the importance of supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a sentiment echoed by Chief Mohammed.

The convergence of Chief Mohammed’s vision with Senator Bamidele’s legislative experience offers hope for Ondo North. This synergy between grassroots ambition and seasoned mentorship points to a promising future for the district’s representation in the Senate. With ATM’s drive and the guidance of leaders like Senator Bamidele, Ondo North is positioned for progress and transformative governance.

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2027 Ondo North Senate: ATM secures Backing of Monarchs, Chiefs

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APC Senatorial aspirant for Ondo North, Abdul Tunji Mohammed, popularly known as ATM, received a resounding endorsement on Thursday during a high-profile visit to Ikare-Akoko.

The endorsement came from the Olukare of Ikare, His Royal Majesty Oba Akadiri Momoh IV, the Owa Ale of Ikare, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeleke Adedoyin, and the Ikare Council of Chiefs, who described ATM as a credible son of the soil with the capacity to represent Ondo North effectively at the Senate.

Speaking at the palace, the Olukare commended ATM for his consistent engagement with the people and his track record in business and community development. “We have watched your contributions to Ondo North over the years. You are one of us, and we believe you have the experience and character to speak for our people in Abuja,” the monarch said.

The Owa Ale, in his remarks, stressed the need for unity and quality representation. He urge him to continue the help to the people at home that he’s doing. He urged other stakeholders to support aspirants with proven commitment to the district’s progress, noting that Ikare and Akoko land require strong voices at the National Assembly.

In his response, Abdul Tunji Mohammed thanked the monarchs and chiefs for their blessings and trust. He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritize infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and agricultural development if elected.

“Ikare is central to Ondo North, and your support strengthens my resolve to serve with integrity and results. I will not betray this trust. My campaign will remain issue-based, and my representation will reflect the hopes of our people,” ATM stated.

The visit was marked by prayers, cultural displays, and solidarity from party leaders, youth, and women groups across Ikare-Akoko.

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