Crime
‘You have seriously committed serial professional misconducts’ – HURIWA blasts Lai Mohammed over looters’ list, calls for his disbarment
Published
7 years agoon
Believing that the recent releases in batches of what it calls looters’ lists violates constitutional tenets of fair hearing, due process of the law and impugns the constitutional integrity of the Court system in Nigeria in accordance with section 6 of the Nigerian constitution, the prominent Civil rights body – HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has resolved to petition the Nigerian Bar Association to begin the process of disbarring the duo of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the information minister and Alhaji Abubakar Malami (SAN) the federal Attorney General from practicing as lawyers in Nigeria.
Rising from its emergency executive committee’s meeting in Owerri, Imo State, HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA in a media statement by its National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Director of Media Miss Zainab Yusuf stated that the action of listing persons whose cases are in courts as if they are already convicted does not just violate section 36 (5) which is the constitutional plank of fair hearing but has rubbished the credibility and integrity of the judicial arm of government and graphically depicted Nigeria to the rest of the civilized world as a “banana Republic”.
HURIWA affirmed that the systematic undermining of the integrity of the judicial institution which the releases of the looters’ lists constitute, becomes even more disturbing when it is clear that both the number one law officer and Attorney General of the federation and the minister of information being lawyers have seriously committed serial professional misconducts which are even frowned against by the extant professional ethical codes of conduct which is a statutory law of the federation of Nigeria just as the Rights group said it has already drafted a petition to the hierarchy of the Nigerian Bar Association asking it to professionally disbar the duo.
“We are of the firm beliefs that the duo of Lai Mohammed and Malami who have decidedly rubbished the legal profession and lampooned the constitution should be barred from ever practicing unless and except the Nigerian Bar Association has become an all comers’ affair whereby professional rascality is tolerated. We believe that the duo as cabinet ministers who are both lawyers ought to have known the weight of allowing such outrageous violation of naming as criminals, persons who in the eyes of the Law are deemed innocent until contrary proofs are adopted and determined by competent courts of the law must be sanctioned in the severest of ways in line with extant professional codes”.
Section 6 (1) of the constitution states as follows: “The judicial powers of the federation shall be vested in the courts to which this section relates, being courts established for the federation.”
Section 36 (5) of the constitution which guarantees fair hearing to all litigants states as follows: “Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until he is proved guilty, provided that nothing in this section shall invalidate any law by reason only that the law imposes upon any such person the burden of proving particular facts.”
“It is our firm belief that the minister of information who directly published the damaging lists of looters and the justice minister who kept calm in the face of this professional misconduct by the information minister of the same government are guilty of professional misconducts covered under the legal practitioners’ Act.”
HURIWA argued that by rushing to persecute certain persons as looters even when the federal government being the prosecutor has not successfully obtained conviction violates Article 3 (a) and (d) of the legal practitioners Act; chapter 207, laws of the federation of Nigeria which states thus: “(a) during the trial, the lawyer should always display a dignified and respectful attitude towards the judge presiding, not for the sake of his person, but for maintenance of respect for and confidence in the judicial office. It is both the right and duty of the lawyer fully and properly to present his client’s case and to insist on an opportunity to do so. He should vigorously present all proper arguments against any ruling he deems erroneous and should see to it that a complete and accurate case record is made. In this regard, he should not be deterred by any fear of judicial displeasure or even punishment. In no circumstances should the lawyer reveal the confidences of his client; (d) a lawyer ought not to engage in the exchange of banter personalities, argument or controversy with opposing counsel. His objections, requests and observations should in every case be addressed to the judge presiding.”
The Rights group said the disclosure by information minister approved by the Justice minister listing out litigants as looters also violates Article 4 (b) of the legal practitioners Act which states as follows: “It is not candid or fair for the lawyer knowingly to misquote the contents of a paper, the testimony of a witness, the language or the argument of opposing counsel, or the language of a decision or a textbook; or with knowledge of its invalidity, to cite as authority a decision that has been over-ruled, or a statute that has been repealed; or in argument to assert as a fact that which has not been proved, or in those jurisdictions where a side has the opening and closing arguments, to mislead his opponent by concealing or withholding in his opening argument positions upon which his side intends to rely.”
HURIWA also pointed out that the duo in publishing the lists of looters are in breach of Article 27 of the legal practitioners Act which averred that: “Newspaper comment by a lawyer on pending or anticipated litigation may interfere with a fair trial in the Courts and otherwise prejudice the due administration of justice. It is to be avoided save in exceptional circumstances. A particular case may possibly justify a statement to the public, but it is unprofessional to make it anonymously. An ex parte reference to the facts should not go beyond quotation from the records and papers on file in the court, and is better avoided entirely.”
Related
Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]
You may like
Crime
“ Life Has Been Hard For Us” – Widow Of Murdered LCDA Staff, Idowu Keshinro Cries Out
Published
2 months agoon
October 31, 2024
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.
Related
Crime
Family Appeals To Governor Sanwo-Olu For Justice Over Murder of LCDA Staff, Idowu Keshinro
Published
2 months agoon
October 23, 2024
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.’’
Related
Crime
Update on Amen Estate Ownership: More of Babatunde Gbadamosi’s Lies Expose, all the dirty details
Published
3 months agoon
September 22, 2024Claims 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”
“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.
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.
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.
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!
Related
Cover Of The Week
- Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia: Pastoral message for Advent, December 2024 December 22, 2024
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Applauds Egypt’s Milestone Achievement in Medicines and Vaccine Regulation December 22, 2024
- Viewing of State House Christmas Decorations Attracts Record Crowd December 22, 2024
- Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan hold 4th Tripartite Technical Boundary Committee Meeting in Kampala December 22, 2024
- Eritrea: Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare Activity Assessment Meeting December 22, 2024
- Africa Financial Industry Summit (AFIS) 2024: Building African Unicorns (and Gazelles) for Continental Economic Growth (By Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede) December 22, 2024
- Eritrea: President Isaias Holds Talks with Special Chinese Delegation December 21, 2024
- United States of America (US) Government and Ethiopia: Sustaining Gains and Accelerating Progress Toward Ending the HIV Epidemic December 21, 2024
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) Condemns Car Ramming Attack at Market in Germany December 21, 2024
- His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Meets President of South Africa December 21, 2024
- Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia: Pastoral message for Advent, December 2024 December 22, 2024
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Applauds Egypt’s Milestone Achievement in Medicines and Vaccine Regulation December 22, 2024
- Viewing of State House Christmas Decorations Attracts Record Crowd December 22, 2024
- Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan hold 4th Tripartite Technical Boundary Committee Meeting in Kampala December 22, 2024
- Eritrea: Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare Activity Assessment Meeting December 22, 2024
- Africa Financial Industry Summit (AFIS) 2024: Building African Unicorns (and Gazelles) for Continental Economic Growth (By Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede) December 22, 2024
- Eritrea: President Isaias Holds Talks with Special Chinese Delegation December 21, 2024
Trending
-
Entertainment6 months ago
Akanke Amororo: The New Yoruba Movie Everyone Is Talking About + Why People Are Rushing To YouTube To See It
-
Politics7 months ago
Gov Fubara And One Year of His Signature in Rivers By Nath Odili
-
Business7 months ago
FIRSTBANK WINS 2024 BEST SME BANK IN NIGERIA AND BEST SME BANK IN AFRICA BY ASIAN BANKER AWARDS
-
Business5 months ago
PROFILE: JESSICA AMARACHI OKU BY CHINEDU NSOFOR
You must be logged in to post a comment Login