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Why Maina Should Be Granted Bail in Liberal Terms – Angela Okafor

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Before I commence this expository, it is instructive to disabuse your mind that the former Pension boss, Dr. Abdurasheed Maina Jumped the initial bail granted him by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

He did not violate the terms of his bail at any one time, but only sought for medical attention or risked his knee being amputated.

Is it profitable to watch Maina die before his trial? Or allow justice take its natural cause?

Remember It is only a healthy person that can stand trial. Life is sacred and should be treated as such at all material times no matter what.

The above postulations stand tall and unwavering especially when looked at holistically and objectively with the lens of natural justice and good conscience.

As a Public Affairs Analyst of international repute, I have observed that if Dr. Maina wanted to jump bail and abandon his trial, Niger Republic would not be his destination. He would have eloped to the United States of America where he is a bonafide citizen without criminal records.

Therefore, it is a beer parlour argument to say a brainy personality like Maina wanted to jump bail. It does not hold a single drop of water at all.

By way of bringing you closer to true facts, Maina was arraigned sometime in October 2019 on politically motivated money laundering charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, after he insisted that the Magu led EFCC should account for the over 237 properties recovered by the Pension Regorm Task Team, to which EFCC was a member.

Shortly after arraignment, he was granted bail by the honorable court on haculean terms, which has never been given even to terrorists and or those with treasonable offences. That bail would scare anyone to death. It was done in such a way that which would be difficult for any normal human being to meet, but Maina eventually perfected the worst ever bail conditions in Nigeria after he had spent more than 9 calender months in unnecessary custody.

However, as a result of the period spent in custody, his fragile health took a turn for the worse and he urgently sought medical attention upon his release on bail.

In October 2020, he was absent during his trial because he had to undergo a medical procedure on his knee, this was communicated to the honorable court, attaching his medical report.

Since the court declined to honour the said medical report, his counsel informed him on the 29th of October 2020 at about 4pm in his hospital bed at Maitama General Hospital, that the honorable court discountenanced his medical report and instead revoked his bail and ordered for his arrest.

If you were in Maina’s Shoe, what would you do at this crossroad hour? Would your instinct not tell you that the judge who failed to honour your medical report would do more hurting things to you? Let that be in your mind.

As a result of the order for his arrest, he decided to seek for a better medical facility for the treatment of his knee, and was eventually referred to the Military Hospital in Chad and Niger Republic. His family opted for Niger due to the insurgency along the Chad axis, where the knee surgery was successfully carried out.

He was recuperating from the surgery at the Military Hospital in Niamey when his Doctor informed him of presence of Authorities making enquires about him, and offered to take him to a secure place through a route, but he refused to run. He thereafter placed several calls to his larger Family where a decision was made to allow the Authorities see him, where they discussed at length and he subsequently agreed to follow them back to Abuja then taken into custody.

His detention in Kuje Correctional Center has worsened his medical condition which continues to deteriorate to a point where death is very near. “This man did not kill anyone, nor did he rob anyone or any institution”. “Why do we keep hearing Maina Maina instead of all the other members of the Pension Reform Task Team”?

What shall we gain if we lose this amazon to the cold hands of death before his trial is successfully completed?

For the avoidance of doubt, Maina’s lawyer, Anayo Adibe some time ago made a disclosure at a press briefing in Abuja that Maina has been taken to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada after his serious medical complications had failed to respond to treatment at the Kuje Correctional facility.

In his exact words, he said: “I have gone to see him. He is having serious health challenges. From my findings Maina suffered partial stroke as a result of hitting his head on the floor when he collapsed in front of Justice Abang and Lawyers in the open court. The Doctor at the Federal High Court had checked his blood pressure after the collapse which had a reading of 242/150 and that also caused the slight bleeding in the brain. His hypertension is life-threatening.”

“He has been stooling uncontrollably for six weeks now and they have administered all the drugs available to them but he is still stooling today, and can hardly move his legs and other parts of his body.”

“I can confirm that he is now being attended to at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada but I learnt they have taken him back to the correctional facility two days ago to continue his treatment.”

“Series of scans were run on him including MRI, CT SCAN , ECG, KIDNEY, LIVER TESTS and others to determine the true state of his health.” “ The result is alarming.

He said “Although the Leadership of the Correctional Service have tried very well, to keep Maina’s health under control, it is unfortunate the facility is not equipped enough to give him adequate medical attention, hence an urgent need for the court to grant Maina bail so that he can attend to his health problem.”

In a recent Phone Conversation, Mainas Lawyer Barr Anayo had told journalists that Maina’s health worsened very badly, when he heard that his only son cannot be accounted for by the EFCC and or police, even after his car was recently recovered from the Sokoto State Police Command, without any information about his whereabout.

To track what Maina’s lawyer said about his client’s health condition, I discovered that Maina made several visits to the said hospital, following life-threatening ailments. In fact

Let me posit further that except the honorable Court grants Maina a fresh bail on health grounds in the most liberal terms, for the purpose of receiving urgent medical attention, where his family can offer their assistance to him in a well equipped Hospital of their choice, I fear for his precious life.

Nothing stops the court from placing him on surveillance which may include regular phone calls to the Court Registrar, or visit to the Court once a week to sign a standing register , and registering with court whatever health facility he will be admitted to, anywhere in Nigeria.

To avoid miscarriage of Justice, I implore Justice Okon Abang to handle Maina’s case with uthmost wisdom and caution, and grant him bail in favourable terms, which are achievable in few days, in view of his deteriorating health condition because the case against him is even politically inclined, which is a public knowledge..

How can a person who worked hard to recover N1.3TR for the Buhari administration, as confirmed by the Authorities with an agreement to be paid N65b. Being 5% whistle blowers fees, be humiliated in this Government of anti corruption, instead of being rewarded? Posterity will surely judge us and show the world the truth behind these seemingly retinue of politically motivated trumped up charges being meted against innocent and patriotic Nigerian. The Almighty shall also judge us.

The enemies of this administration are the ones behind Maina’s travails because they do not want President Buhari to succeed, and do not want Maina to reveal where other such funds are being hidden. Am very sure hundreds of Millions of Naira has been spent by the powers that be in using the Media to destroy a hard earned image by a patriotic Nigerian in the person of Abdulrashid Maina.

I have done my findings which took me to some parts of this country and I have also been opportuned to meet responsible public officers and Senior Security agents who worked with Maina, where I concluded that Maina has the brains and technical expertise to recover the much needed funds to run this administration instead of borrowing money up and down.

Truth is bitter but it is a universal commodity valued by people of integrity. I am not a Northerner and haven’t met Maina, but the truth is sacrosanct and need to be told.

Dr, Mrs Angela Okafor,
Public Affairs Analyst,
Writes From Obodo Ukpa, Enugu State.

Crime

“ Life Has Been Hard For Us” – Widow Of Murdered LCDA Staff, Idowu Keshinro Cries Out

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The widow of Idowu Keshinro, the murdered Ota Ikosi Ejinrin LCDA staff has cried out for justice following the gruesome killing of her husband whom she had three children with.

The widow, Funke Keshinro stated that since her husband was killed, life has not been the same for her and the children because the deceased was the breadwinner of the family.

She revealed that she had to change the schools of the children because it’s been difficult to afford the private schools their father had enrolled them in before he died.

‘’Since my husband died, life has not been easy at all because when he was alive, he never joked with his children but now, it’s just me alone and it’s not easy. Since he died, I had to change the schools of the children to government-owned schools from private schools because I can’t continue all he used to do.’’

While speaking on what she wants from the government, Funke asserted that she wants justice for deceased husband. She mentioned that she doesn’t want the person that killed her husband to live because there are rumours that the arrested suspect would be released at the next court sitting slated for November 26.

Some of the suspects involved in this murder include Mukaila Salau, Tiamiyu Ahmed, Waliu Suleimon, Ibrahim Ekemode, Akande Ahmed Omogbemi, Abubakar Suleiman Mayaki, and others who are currently at large.

Funke tearfully noted that the children can’t recognize their father because they are still small, explaining how it’s been difficult raising them alone because their father’s life was cut short.

“I want the government to please fast-track justice; the person that killed him should also die. I want justice and nothing more. We have heard that they have arrested some people but we are waiting for judgement. I want a judgment that would be good for the three children and me. These children cannot even recognize their father because they are still young and I have also heard they want to release some of those who were arrested. Please, the government should help me, everyone that knows about my husband’s death should be judged accordingly.”

Meanwhile, in a petition dated October 18th 2024 written to the attorney general of Lagos state, it was noted that the suspects that have been arrested are currently boasting that they will be released at the next court sitting. They had been arraigned at Ogba Magistrate court on two occasions for their involvement in the murder of Idowun Keshinro.

The family of the deceased however, in the petition, called on the Lagos state government and Ministry of justice to ensure justice isn’t perverted for the sake of the deceased family and the peace of the community.

‘’It is our further brief that; other persons who are still at large with their syndicate are now intensifying efforts to ensure that they and the aforementioned persons escape justice by way of perversion of the cause of justice in respect of the subject matter.’’

‘’Furthermore, we have the brief of our client that the said persons and one KABIRU ABUBAKAR SULAIMON who is a brother to one of the defendants in the said charge continue to boast that the defendants would be released unconditionally as they claim to have connection to few politicians who would lead them to the office of the Attorney General and or have enough money to access same so as to ensure the Attorney General exercises his prerogative powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to release the Defendants in the above charge unconditionally’’

‘’We believe that the office of the Attorney General is dignifiedly sacred and clothed with Honour and same deserves utmost respect or regard from all and sundry as the case maybe. The noise cum brag of the aforementioned persons to pervert cause of justice at all cost in the above mentioned charge has now become deafening in the circumstance of our client thereof Our client and members of his family are hapless and continue to live in perpetual despair and would suffer untoward agony in the event the above mentioned persons make do of their boast and intention to escape justice in respect of the said charge’’, the petition reads in part.

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Crime

Family Appeals To Governor Sanwo-Olu For Justice Over Murder of LCDA Staff, Idowu Keshinro

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The family of late Idowu Keshinro, a former staff member of the Agbowa Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ota Ikosi Ejinrin, has made an urgent appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following fears that justice may not be served.

Although, suspects including popular land grabber, Abubakar Suleiman Miyaki, Mukaila Salau, Tiyamiyu Ahmed, Waltu Suleimon, Ibrahim Ekemode, and others have been arrested and arraigned before Ogba Magistrate court, the family of the deceased have claimed that there are ‘secret’ moves to free them unconditionally even though there is evidence that confirms the direct involvement of the suspects in the murder of Idowu Keshinro.

In a petition written to Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, the deceased’s elder brother, Akeem Keshinro explained that other suspects that are at large have been making boast of having connections with the attorney general of Lagos whom they claim will assist in releasing the arrested suspects unconditionally at the next court sitting slated for November 26.

‘’It is our further brief that; other persons who are still at large with their syndicate are now intensifying efforts to ensure that they and the aforementioned persons escape justice by way of perversion of the cause of justice in respect of the subject matter.’’

‘’Furthermore, we have the brief of our client that the said persons and one KABIRU ABUBAKAR SULAIMON who is a brother to one of the defendants in the said charge continue to boast that the defendants would be released unconditionally as they claim to have connection to few politicians who would lead them to the office of the Attorney General and or have enough money to access same so as to ensure the Attorney General exercises his prerogative powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to release the Defendants in the above charge unconditionally’’

‘’We believe that the office of the Attorney General is dignifiedly sacred and clothed with Honour and same deserves utmost respect or regard from all and sundry as the case maybe. The noise cum brag of the aforementioned persons to pervert cause of justice at all cost in the above mentioned charge has now become deafening in the circumstance of our client thereof Our client and members of his family are hapless and continue to live in perpetual despair and would suffer untoward agony in the event the above mentioned persons make do of their boast and intention to escape justice in respect of the said charge’’, the petition reads in part.

Furthermore, while speaking with journalists, Akeem Keshinro revealed that he can no longer sleep in his home again due to the different threats he has received for seeking justice over his brother’s death. He stated that he only stays in his house during the day but flees his home at night.

Also, Aslam Ibrahim, the youth leader in the community narrated that they were celebrating Easter at the palace when the incident happened. He made it known that they are after his life and can’t conduct his daily business freely over his involvement in seeking justice.

‘’We were celebrating Easter when the incident happened. We suddenly saw people with guns and we all ran from the palace. On the fateful day, Idowu passed by us on his way to the farm before we heard he was killed. They have been calling their family members and they have gone to the attorney general’s office to release them. I can’t work freely in the community because cultists have been all over me, I am begging the government to please help us.’’

Likewise, another victim of the suspects’ gruesome acts, Saula Lateef, an elderly man, narrated how he was beaten to a pulp by the miscreants who were confirmed to be Miyaki’s boys/

‘’I went to my site on Easter Day before deciding to go to the palace. On my way to the palace, I saw everywhere scattered and unfortunately for me, I walked into the midst of Miyaki’s boys who came to cause mayhem. I was held and beaten so much that till now, I am still unable to walk. It was a MOPO who was among them that asked them to leave me. It was few hours later that I was told that they killed Idowu Keshinro who was well known to us. Among those I saw was Mukaila, Hakeem Lawal, Jamiu Adeleja, Ahmed Tiamiyi, Ibrahim Ekemode, Walia Ojoge, Fowomeye, and others that are agents of Miyaki. We want to appeal to Governor Sanwoolu to ensure that justice is served because we are not safe here. They still have boys around and they are only waiting for those in prison to be released before they strike again.’’

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Crime

Update on Amen Estate Ownership: More of Babatunde Gbadamosi’s Lies Expose, all the dirty details

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Claims made by Lagos politician, Babatunde Gbadamosi over ownership of Amen Estate and it’s holding company has been debunked by inside sources.

An insider disclosed: “Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi is a vocal but a deceptive social media activist and politician whose writings and posts often attack the establishment. It is rather contemptuous that a person who consistently calls for justice for his political party is full of lies and fakery.

“Mr. Gbadamosi’s inability to let go of Redbrick Homes demonstrates how unhinged he has become.”

“While Redbrick Homes’ lawyers have issued a press release disclaiming Mr. Gbadamosi and his claim of ownership over Amen Estate, Phases 1 and 2, and Ashlead Homes, it is crucial to inform the public that Gbadamosi has resigned as a director and left the company, since July 2021, said the source”

Letter from the lawyers

“As stated by Redbrick Homes in 2022, Gbadamosi was never an active director. He was a passive participant who left the company of his own free will.

“At the time, Gbadamosi was married to Sade Balogun, the true owner of Redbrick Homes and Amen Estate. He made his choices and followed them.

Gbadamosi’s Resignation letter

According to the insider, “when Gbadamosi left, he signed a document in which some of his demands for spousal settlement were met. He asked for four cars and some money in dollars. He was paid the 1st instalment and given some acres of land in Epe. However, after receiving the initial deposit, Gbadamosi almost immediately greedily breached the terms of the agreement.”

“Perhaps Gbadamosi, who fancies himself an important politician, has forgotten that there are documents bearing his signature and evidence of his settlement.” She noted.

According to our source: “Ms. Balogun, then, Mrs Gbadamosi may be the only woman in Nigeria who has paid such a large spousal settlement just to protect her children, company, and clients from potential embarrassment, knowing what a character like Mr. Gbadamosi is capable of.”

“It might surprise you to know that Gbadamosi even discredited the companies on their own websites. How can someone discredit something he claims to own? It got to the point where he responded to his daughter’s comment on Amen Estate’s Google page with a scathing tone, saying nasty things about the estate he now claims as his. What kind of father does that, and how more devious and delusional can a person get?”

The public must be reminded that Redbrick Homes International Limited, Amen City Ltd, and Ashlead Estates belong to Ms. Folasade Balogun.

Anyone can verify this at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“Gbadamosi is a low-life impostor whose mischief and determination to bring down Redbrick Homes have become his life’s mission. However, he will not succeed because Redbrick Homes International Limited, Amen City Ltd, and Ashlead Estates are thriving and remain one of the leading and most credible property developers in Nigeria,” the insider source said.

Marriage certificate to new wife

Another company source questioned why Babatunde Gbadamosi “seems to have a dead conscience: This is a man who left his marriage only to impregnate and marry another woman. Did he really think he could destroy his marriage and also take possession of his wife’s properties? May God forgive him,” she said.

The source revealed that: “Gbadamosi was married to the said woman while still married to Sade. He cannot deny this because the marriage certificate is there for all to see. Infact, even me, I’ve seen the document. That man is very dubious , you know. He has the audacity to still be claiming Sade’s company assets as marital assets. Shouldn’t he be asking his current wife for upkeep or has she dumped him after discovering what a liar he is?” the source smirked.

Lawyers representing Redbrick Homes International Limited, Amen City Ltd, and Ashlead Estates, Babalakin & Co., have issued a press statement clarifying that Mr. Gbadamosi made false claims in every respect, as he had voluntarily relinquished his shareholding interests and resigned as a director in these companies since July 2021.

Babalakin & Co., representing Redbrick and Ms. Folasade Balogun, have refuted Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi’s social media claim that Amen Estate and Amen Estate Phase 2 on Eleko Beach Road, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, belong to him.

Sade Balogun: Chairman/CEO Redbrick Homes

Their statement reads:

“We are solicitors to Redbrick Homes International Limited (Redbrick), Amen City Ltd, Ashlead Estates Ltd (Ashlead), and Ms. Folasade Balogun (formerly Mrs. Folasade Gbadamosi). Our attention has been drawn to a social media post authored by Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi.

“In his post, Mr. Gbadamosi claims that Amen Estate and Amen Estate Phase 2 of Eleko Beach Road, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, are assets of Redbrick and Ashlead. He further states that these companies belong to him and Ms. Balogun. This information is entirely false, and we advise the public to ignore it.

“Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi voluntarily relinquished his entire shareholding interest in Redbrick and Ashlead and resigned as a director of these companies as far back as July 2021 under a notarized legal instrument. He has no interest whatsoever in these companies or any of their assets, including Amen Estate, Amen Estate Phase 2, TIARA, Emerald Bay, Emerald Park, and Amen City.

“His resignation and shareholding relinquishment have been duly filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission and are available for public verification. None of these assets are listed as ‘marital assets’ in the ongoing litigation between Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi and Ms. Sade Balogun.”

It is also worth recalling that on February 26, 2022, Redbrick Homes management published a notice in Punch to clarify to all investors and potential investors that Mr. Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi is no longer associated with Redbrick Homes International Ltd or its real estate projects.

“For clarity, Mr. Gbadamosi, a full-time politician, was once a passive partner and shareholder, without any financial investment, and one of the directors of Redbrick Homes International Ltd. He has since voluntarily transferred all his shares and resigned from its board as of July 1, 2021.

“The board composition, shareholding structure, and share capital of Redbrick Homes International Ltd have completely changed. Ms. Folasade Balogun remains the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position she has held since the company’s inception. Under her leadership, Redbrick Homes International Ltd continues to deliver quality service to its customers without interruption.

These facts can easily be verified at the Corporate Affairs Commission,” the public notice concluded.

Meanwhile customer said “Babatunde Gbadamosi keeps nagging us non stop privately via WhatsApp chats. This is a ridiculous invasion of privacy. At first, it was trying to get us to buy some land he claimed to own at Sangotedo. And now it’s to keep making ludicrous allegations against his ex-wife who has moved on. Why can’t he leave us alone? Why can’t he also move on and leave us out of all these? I thought he remarried and just had a new baby!” An exasperated staff exclaimed!

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