ADAMAWA CP DRAGS MAN TO COURT FOR DEFRAUDING 325 PEOPLE OF #2.4 M

 

Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, has dragged a 35 year old Ugo Chinedu to Chief Magistrate Court II Yola for allegedly defrauding over 325 people of #2.4million.

Already, the Chief Magistrate Court presided by Honourable Ibrahim Ulenda, has remanded the accused in a prison custody upon his arraignment before the court on Monday.

The suspect was apprehended by the operatives of the command attached to Girei Division for allegedly extorting people through fake and untraceable website thus: "www. highbet. com.ng".

Upon his arrest by the operatives, the accused gave his name as Kelvin Madu of Ika Local Government Area, Delta state, but after investigation, his real name was found to be Ugo Chinedu, of Wukari street, Demsawo ward in Jimeta Yola.

 

Investigation further reveals that the man had  defrauded over 325 innocent people via E- Business transaction such as cash deposit to generate higher interest, and that over #2.4million was recovered from him.

More so, the suspect was said to have been committing the crime since early February, 2021, and was using unregistered GSM Mobile Phone number 09137885655, based on the statement made available to NEWS PLATFORM by the Spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje.

But when he was charged before the court by the state police command via First Information Report which was read to him as applied by the prosecutor, Inspector Zakka Musa, the accused denied committing the crime.

Thereafter, counsel to the defendant, A. O. Ogundepo, prayed the court to admit his client to bail, and assured the court that he will be available to stand his trial, and that he will neither jump bail nor interfere with the ongoing investigation into the matter. 

He told the court that all that the prosecution had said were speculations, and urged the court to discountenance what he described as speculative arguments and suggestions.

But the prosecutor, Inspector Zakka Musa vehemently objected to the bail application filed by the defence counsel where he told the court the case involved over 400 people, adding that many people are trooping to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police headquarters to lodge their complaints.

Inspector Zakka informed the court that granting bail to the defendant at this material time will jeopardise their investigation, assuring that all their hands are on deck to see to the conclusion of their investigation on time.

After hearing the plea of the defendant and the submissions by the defence counsel and the prosecution, the court presided by Chief Magistrate Ibrahim Ulenda adjourned the matter to 1st April, 2021 for ruling, and ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody till then.

YOLA APPEAL COURT NULLIFIES DEATH SENTENCE ON 5 CONVICTED FOR ROBBERY, ORDERS FOR RETRIAL

 

Yola Appeal Court in Adamawa state has invalidated the judgement of a Yola High on 5 out of 9 youngmen convicted and sentenced to death by hanging for conspiracy and armed robbery.

The Appeal Court faulted the proceedings which led to the conviction of the defendants, and consequently ordered the Chief Justice of the state, Ishaya K. Banu to assign another judge of a High Court other than the trial judge for retrial.

It could be recalled that Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri of the state High Court had on the 16th January, 2019 convicted and sentenced Aliyu Ardo, 25, Sadiq Mijinyawa, 22, Shuaibu Abubakar, 20, Sani Musa, 22, Kabiru Abdullahi, 22, Saidu Abubakar, 22, Umar Mohammed, 22, Sanisu Ibrahim Emmason,32, and Abdu Ojulu(at large) to death by hanging.

Justice Waziri in a case no. ADSY/9c/ 2017, convicted and sentenced all the defendants including the 9th defendant (Abdu Ojulu) to death by hanging in absentia.

Aliyu Ardo and 8 others hail from Luggere ward, Wauru Jabbe, Wuro Kuturu and Nassarawo Borehole in Yola South and Yola North LGAs respectively, were charged before Justice Waziri, for conspiracy and armed robbery while with offensive weapons contrary to section 6(b) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R11 of the Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under section 1(2)(a) of the same Act. 

According to the prosecution, Aliyu Ardo and others had on the 22nd November, 2015, between 7 to 8pm at Wauru Jabbe ward in Yola south LGA, committed robbery while armed with offensive weapons such as cutlasses, guns, bows and arrows and sticks and robbed Iliyasu Mu'azu, Abdullahi Gidigo, Sadiq Bello, Amina Ismail, Hamman Adama Suleiman, Samson Nicanor, Yuguda Ethan and Haruna Alkassim of their money, handsets, wrappers among others. 

But when arraigned in court on 9 count charges, the then convicts pleaded not guilty to the offences, and in an effort to prove their guilt, the prosecution lined up 13 witnesses who testified in court and tendered documents marked as exhibits.

After evaluating all the evidences tendered, the lower court in its judgement, slammed death sentence on the defendants after they were found guilty to the offences as charged.

Peeved by the decision of the trial court, the then convicts through their counsels, L. D. Nzadon and I. A. Galadima filed notice of appeal on the 11th April, 2019, on five (5) grounds, and urged the Court of Appeal to allow their appeals.

L. D. Nzadon and I. A. Galadima prayed the court to set aside the conviction and sentence of the lower court, and further urged it to discharge and acquit their clients.

In his appeal, Nzadon, told the Appeal Court that the lower court was unreasonable, unwarranted and cannot be supported having regard to the evidence, arguing that the court had erred in law when it held that the confessional statement was sufficient for conviction without more notwithstanding the retraction.

According to him, the trial judge placed heavy reliance on the confessional statement of the appellants who retracted same, and that the trial court failed to properly evaluate the retracted confessional statement together with the totality of the evidence.

He further informed the court that that the trial judge also erred in law when he held that identification of the appellants was not necessary, and when he held that failure to tender items of robbery which were recovered is not fatal.

At the Appeal Court, the leading judgement was delivered by Justice Jamilu Y. Tukur, where he set aside all the proceedings which led to the conviction of the defendants, and remitted the case to the CJ for him to order for retrial by another judge.

Reacting on the judgement, Counsels to the appellants, L. D. Nzadon and I. A. Galadima and that of the respondent, I. A Jada of the DPP, Z. Y. Usman, and M. A. Umar appreciated the court for judgement.  

  

YOLA APPEAL COURT NULLIFIES DEATH SENTENCE ON 5 CONVICTED FOR ROBBERY, ORDERS FOR RETRIAL

 

Yola Appeal Court in Adamawa state has invalidated the judgement of a Yola High on 5 out of 9 youngmen convicted and sentenced to death by hanging for conspiracy and armed robbery.

The Appeal Court faulted the proceedings which led to the conviction of the defendants, and consequently ordered the Chief Justice of the state, Ishaya K. Banu to assign another judge of a High Court other than the trial judge for retrial.

It could be recalled that Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri of the state High Court had on the 16th January, 2019 convicted and sentenced Aliyu Ardo, 25, Sadiq Mijinyawa, 22, Shuaibu Abubakar, 20, Sani Musa, 22, Kabiru Abdullahi, 22, Saidu Abubakar, 22, Umar Mohammed, 22, Sanisu Ibrahim Emmason,32, and Abdu Ojulu(at large) to death by hanging.

Justice Waziri in a case no. ADSY/9c/ 2017, convicted and sentenced all the defendants including the 9th defendant (Abdu Ojulu) to death by hanging in absentia.

Aliyu Ardo and 8 others hail from Luggere ward, Wauru Jabbe, Wuro Kuturu and Nassarawo Borehole in Yola South and Yola North LGAs respectively, were charged before Justice Waziri, for conspiracy and armed robbery while with offensive weapons contrary to section 6(b) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R11 of the Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under section 1(2)(a) of the same Act. 

According to the prosecution, Aliyu Ardo and others had on the 22nd November, 2015, between 7 to 8pm at Wauru Jabbe ward in Yola south LGA, committed robbery while armed with offensive weapons such as cutlasses, guns, bows and arrows and sticks and robbed Iliyasu Mu'azu, Abdullahi Gidigo, Sadiq Bello, Amina Ismail, Hamman Adama Suleiman, Samson Nicanor, Yuguda Ethan and Haruna Alkassim of their money, handsets, wrappers among others. 

But when arraigned in court on 9 count charges, the then convicts pleaded not guilty to the offences, and in an effort to prove their guilt, the prosecution lined up 13 witnesses who testified in court and tendered documents marked as exhibits.

After evaluating all the evidences tendered, the lower court in its judgement, slammed death sentence on the defendants after they were found guilty to the offences as charged.

Peeved by the decision of the trial court, the then convicts through their counsels, L. D. Nzadon and I. A. Galadima filed notice of appeal on the 11th April, 2019, on five (5) grounds, and urged the Court of Appeal to allow their appeals.

L. D. Nzadon and I. A. Galadima prayed the court to set aside the conviction and sentence of the lower court, and further urged it to discharge and acquit their clients.

In his appeal, Nzadon, told the Appeal Court that the lower court was unreasonable, unwarranted and cannot be supported having regard to the evidence, arguing that the court had erred in law when it held that the confessional statement was sufficient for conviction without more notwithstanding the retraction.

According to him, the trial judge placed heavy reliance on the confessional statement of the appellants who retracted same, and that the trial court failed to properly evaluate the retracted confessional statement together with the totality of the evidence.

He further informed the court that that the trial judge also erred in law when he held that identification of the appellants was not necessary, and when he held that failure to tender items of robbery which were recovered is not fatal.

At the Appeal Court, the leading judgement was delivered by Justice Jamilu Y. Tukur, where he set aside all the proceedings which led to the conviction of the defendants, and remitted the case to the CJ for him to order for retrial by another judge.

Reacting on the judgement, Counsels to the appellants, L. D. Nzadon and I. A. Galadima and that of the respondent, I. A Jada of the DPP, Z. Y. Usman, and M. A. Umar appreciated the court for judgement.  

  

MAN, 47, ARRESTED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING NEIGHBOUR'S DAUGHTER IN ADAMAWA

 

Again, the Adamawa State police command has arrested a 47 year old Alphosus Peter for allegedly assaulting a 9 year old girl sexually.

A statement by the Spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Tuesday, said that the suspect was arrested on the 29th March, 2021 for assaulting the minor.

According to the statement, the suspect and resident of Demsawo ward in Yola North Local Government Area, took advantage of his neighbour's absent and lured their 9 year old daughter into his room where he sexually assaulted her.

It added that the cry of the minor attracted the attention of neighbours who rushed into the room and intervened which resulted to his arrest by the Police attached to Doubeli Division.

DSP Nguroje said that investigation so far revealed that the suspect is a father of six and a neighbor to the victim's parents, and urged parents to closely monitor the movement of their children.

The statement extended the Commissioner Police, Aliyu Adamu Alhaji's commendation to the DPO of Doubeli Division and the neighbours for exposing and making it impossible for the accused to escape arrest, and directed for further investigation into the case.

MAN, 47, ARRESTED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING NEIGHBOUR'S DAUGHTER IN ADAMAWA

Again, the Adamawa State police command has arrested a 47 year old Alphosus Peter for allegedly assaulting a 9 year old girl sexually.

A statement by the Spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Tuesday, said that the suspect was arrested on the 29th March, 2021 for assaulting the minor.

According to the statement, the suspect and resident of Demsawo ward in Yola North Local Government Area, took advantage of his neighbour's absent and lured their 9 year old daughter into his room where he sexually assaulted her.

It added that the cry of the minor attracted the attention of neighbours who rushed into the room and intervened which resulted to his arrest by the Police attached to Doubeli Division.

DSP Nguroje said that investigation so far revealed that the suspect is a father of six and a neighbor to the victim's parents, and urged parents to closely monitor the movement of their children.

The statement extended the Commissioner Police, Aliyu Adamu Alhaji's commendation to the DPO of Doubeli Division and the neighbours for exposing and making it impossible for the accused to escape arrest, and directed for further investigation into the case.

 

POLLS: BLAME LAMURDE STAKEHOLDERS FOR HUMILIATING DEFEAT OF PDP..YOUTHS TELL FINTIRI

 

Following an embarrassing defeat of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the All Progressives Congress(APC) at the just concluded councillorship election in Lamurde Ward, Lamurde Local Government Area, Adamawa state, the Youth in the area have apologised to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for loosing the seat to APC.

However, the Youth have told the Governor to blame PDP Stakeholders and those he entrusted with positions in his government for disconnecting themselves from their electorate, saying that the attitude of the Stakeholders gave ample chance to APC; hence the defeat of the ruling party.

It is against this backdrop that the Youth have called for immediate constitution of a committee to unravel the circumstances behind the action of the stakeholders in disconnecting themselves from the electorate.

The Youth who made the apology during a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre on Monday, attributed the loss to internal wrangling among the major stakeholders in the area, stating that if the Stakeholders have put their house in order, they would not have suffered such a defeat.

Addressing the press on behalf of the Youth, the Spokespersons, Kurdiyale Makanto and Danladi John, said that it has become necessary for them as Youth who form bloc vote to apologise to the Governor for the defeat.

According to them, PDP was in full control of Lamurde but the attitude of the Stakeholders has frustrated the chances of the party, adding that even the monthly PDP stakeholders meeting has not been conducted in the LGA even as directed by the Governor.

They commended Governor Fintiri for allocating some developmental projects to the area particularly the cottage hospital and other Social amenities.

MURDER TRIAL: YOLA SECURITY GUARD WHO STABS COLLEAGUE 9 TIMES PLEADS GUILTY

A 24 year Naziru Umar of Maza Security Guard, a Yola based private security outfit in Adamawa state who severally stabbed his colleague, Votapwa Tehman, to death has admitted committing the heinous crime.

Naziru was said to have fatally stabbed Votapwa with a knife about 9 times at different places over his body which led to his untimely death.

The gruesome murder of the security guard followed a heated argument which ensued between the duo as to why the accused reported on duty very late.

The suspect and the deceased as well as Dogara Zira, all of Maza Security Guard were deployed to safeguard the residence of one Alhaji Bala Yau, in Yola the state capital where the ugly incident occurred.

NEWS PLATFORM gathered that the accused who had formed the habit of reporting on duty very late, came to the residence on the 21st January, 2021 so as to take over from the victim and Dogara who had spent night together on duty. 

Upon his arrival, the accused was said to have met Votapwa on duty as Dogara had since took permission and left for his lectures at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Yola. 

The accused engaged Votapwa in an argument which resulted to a very serious fight where Naziru was reported to have violently attacked his victim with a cutlass and stabbed him 9 times with a knife and left him lifeless with blood guzzling out.

He later carried the death body of his colleague and dumped it inside the booth of a Mercedes Benz packed in the compound.

It was learnt that neighbours who had heard shouting and screaming from the house, came to intervene, but discovered that the main gate was locked from the inside, until when they called Dogara who reported the matter to the police.

It was the police who broke the gate before having access into house where they apprehended the suspect who led them to where he hid the death body.

But upon his arraignment before Chief Magistrate Court 5 in Yola, the suspect admitted killing Votapwa.

Thereafter, the prosecutor, Inspector Iliya Akawu, told the court that the case is still under investigation, and that since the offence of which the defendant is charged to court is capital in nature of which the court has no jurisdiction to entertain, the matter be adjourned to enable them duplicate the case file and forward to the ministry of justice through DPP for legal advice.

The application was granted by Chief Magistrate Maimuna C. Muhammad, led Honourable Court and adjourned the case to 31st March, 2021 to enable police conclude investigation, while the court awaits legal advice.

She however ordered that the defendant be remanded at Yolde Pate correctional service facility till then. 

 

 

WOMAN, 50, OTHERS IN POLICE CUSTODY OVER THREAT TO LIFE, EXTORTION

 

Adamawa State police command has recorded another breakthrough in its effort to rid the society free from crime and criminality following the arrest of a 50 year old woman and 2 others over alleged threat to life and extortion

The accused were apprehended on the 27th March, 2021 and alleged to have been threatening and extorting innocent citizens of their valuables.

 

They are; Suleiman Adamu, 34, resident of  No. 18 Alkali Street, Demsawo, Abdullahi Ayuba, 36 a resident of Ghana Crescent, Bekaji in Yola North and Zainab Ahondu 50, a female behind CBN, Jalingo,Taraba State. 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji in statement by the image maker of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM, added that the suspects were apprehended at their various hideouts in Viniklang and Doubeli in Girei and Yola North Local Government Areas respectively following a report received and intense search by the Police Detectives attached to State intelligence Bureau.

DSP Nguroje said that investigations so far revealed that the suspects always extort their victims via text messages where they threaten to kidnap them if certain amount is not paid. 

The CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji had while commending  OC SIB and his men for making it difficult for those criminals to escape arrest, directed for further investigations into the case so as to gather more human and material evidences for proper prosecution.

Meanwhile, as part of efforts at tackling crime and other related offences, the CP working assiduously to deepen intelligence and strengthen security in the State, and further ordered the Anti Kidnapping unit of the Command to go after hoodlums everywhere within the State, and appealed to the general on to always report any suspicious movement around their neighborhoods to police.

            

HOW MAN LURED A 10 YR Old GIRL, DEFILED HER ON TOP OF MANGO TREE IN ADAMAWA

 

Yahaya Suleiman of Sabon Layi ward in Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa has confessed before a Chief Magistrate Court I Admin in Yola that he lured a 10 year old girl (names withheld) and took her on top of a mango tree and defiled her.

The accused, a 28 year old commercial tricyclist based in Gombi, informed the court that he met the little girl while she was hawking moi-moi at Margi Motor park in Gombi town, and convinced her that he had some labourers working for him in his garden and would want to buy the moi-moi for them.

He said he picked the minor in his tricycle to his garden and pleaded with her to wait as the labourers will be coming to buy the whole moi moi.

He stated that he later told the girl to climb the Mango tree in the garden and play which she agreed, saying that he later climed the tree and met her during which he succeeded in luring her into having sexual intercurse with a promised to give her the sum of #500, but that he only gave her #300 after committing the heinous act remaining the balance of #200.

The accused  who claimed to have concluded plan to get married in April, told the court that after he took the minor back to their compound, she went and informed their neighbour that he defiled her.

According to him, the victim and their neighbour, Hassan Abubakar, trailed him to the motor park where he was arrested and taken to Gombi police station and was later arraigned before the Area Court in Gombi. 

After testifying in court, the Prosecutor, Sergeant Sawe Nicholas, urged  the court to adjourn the matter to enable the police to duplicate the case file and forward it to ministry of Justice for vating and legal advice.

In his ruling, the court presided by Chief Magistrate Aliyu Bawuro ordered that the defendant be remanded in a prison custody, while the court awaits advice from the ministry and adjourned the matter to 1st April, 2021.

20 YR OLD FAKE POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED IN ADAMAWA

 

Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command attached to Girei Division in Girei Local Government Area in the state have arrested a 20 man parading himself as police officer.

A release signed by the PPRO, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Thursday, said that the operatives while on patrol on the 23th March, 2021, apprehended one Moses James, wearing what appears to be police uniform, deceiving the general public and causing embarrassment to the force.

According to Nguroje, the 20 year old Moses, a resident of Viniklang in Girei LGA had been parading himself as a police officer since December, 2020.

While matching his words with action, the Police Boss directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police to immediately prosecute the suspect and anyone  found committing similar offence.

The release added that the Commissioner of Police Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, who talks tough on the impersonators, directed CP' s Monitoring unit, Public Complain Bureau (PCB) and Command X-squard to  go after the impersonators and checkmate extortion, corrupt practices, unprofessional conduct among Others.

The CP further directed that the matter be discreetly investigated and called on the general public to report the unprofessional conduct of men in uniform to the nearest police stations or via these numbers :-08089671313, 08107364974, 08053872326.

 

CRIME: ADAMAWA POLICE ARREST FRAUDSTER, RECOVER N2.4 M

 

One suspected cyber crime fraudster is currently cooling off in one of the cells of the Adamawa State Police Command after he was nabbed for allegedly defrauding the general public.

The suspect identified as Kelvin Madu, 32, was apprehended by the operatives of the command attached to Girei Division for allegedly extorting people through fake and untraceable website thus: *www.highbet.com.ng*.

Madu, a resident of Ika Local Government Area, Delta state, was said to have been defrauding innocent people via E- Business transaction such as cash deposit to generate higher interest. 

The operatives of the command were said to have recovered the sum of #2.4million from the suspect who is currently being interrogated in connection to the alleged crime.

A statement by the spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Wednesday, said investigation so far revealed that the suspect had been committing the crime since early February, 2021, and was using unregistered GSM number 09137885655.

DSP Nguroje, added that it was after the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, received the report from the victims of the crime that ordered for the deployment of the operatives who nabbed the accused person.

The suspect, according to the statement, will be charged to court upon the completion of investigation, and advised the general public to be cautious of such fraudsters and urged them to report any suspicious movement around them.

Meanwhile, the CP has applauded the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Girei in Girei LGA for striving hard towards curtailing crime as well as making it difficult for such criminals to go scot free.

CP Aliyu further ordered all DPOs to go after such fraudsters with a view to preventing them from perptrating crimes in order to make the society a better place for all.

CRIME: ADAMAWA POLICE ARREST FRAUDSTER, RECOVER N2.4 M

 

One suspected cyber crime fraudster is currently cooling off in one of the cells of the Adamawa State Police Command after he was nabbed for allegedly defrauding the general public.

The suspect identified as Kelvin Madu, 32, was apprehended by the operatives of the command attached to Girei Division for allegedly extorting people through fake and untraceable website thus: *www.highbet.com.ng*.

Madu, a resident of Ika Local Government Area, Delta state, was said to have been defrauding innocent people via E- Business transaction such as cash deposit to generate higher interest. 

The operatives of the command were said to have recovered the sum of #2.4million from the suspect who is currently being interrogated in connection to the alleged crime.

A statement by the spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Wednesday, said investigation so far revealed that the suspect had been committing the crime since early February, 2021, and was using unregistered GSM number 09137885655.

DSP Nguroje, added that it was after the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, received the report from the victims of the crime that ordered for the deployment of the operatives who nabbed the accused person.

The suspect, according to the statement, will be charged to court upon the completion of investigation, and advised the general public to be cautious of such fraudsters and urged them to report any suspicious movement around them.

Meanwhile, the CP has applauded the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Girei in Girei LGA for striving hard towards curtailing crime as well as making it difficult for such criminals to go scot free.

CP Aliyu further ordered all DPOs to go after such fraudsters with a view to preventing them from perptrating crimes in order to make the society a better place for all.

19 YR GIRL STABS HER COUSIN TO DEATH OVER CELLPHONE IN ADAMAWA

 

A year old girl, Zalihatu Ismail of Pella in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa state on Wednesday cried profusely when she was being taken to prison custody after she admitted stabbing her cousin with a knife to death.

 

Zalihatu who was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court I in Yola, for allegedly killing her 24 year old cousin, Kamal Yusuf during a fight over a cellphone, admitted committing the crime.

After she pleaded guilty for the offence, the court presided by Magistrate Aliyu Bawuro, ordered that she should be remanded in Yola prison custody and adjourned the case to the 14th April, 2021 for further mention.

Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Francis Audu, told the court that the matter is still being investigated, and urged the court to adjourn the case to enable the police duplicate the case file and send it to the ministry of justice for advice.

NEWS PLATFORM who was in court gathered that a fight ensued between the duo over a phone around 7:30pm on the 13th March, 2021, and in the process the suspect picked a knife and butchered her cousin which resulted to his untimely death.

It was the father of the deceased, Yusuf Ibrahim that reported the incident to the police which led to the arrest of the suspect and now standing trial for the alleged crime.

6 MEN ARRESTED WITH AK-47 RIFLES, PISTOL IN ADAMAWA RE-ARRAIGNED

 

Six youngmen arrested for allegedly dealing in firearms in Lamurde Local Government Area and some parts of Adamawa state have been re-arraigned before Federal High Court Yola Division on Tuesday.

The accused persons, Sa'adu Adamu aka Dujja, 35, Ibrahim Mohammed, 25, Musa Ahmadu, 31, Mobi Ori, 20, Hamza Isa, 35, and Kanno Dari, 30, were arrested with AK-47 rifles, 3 magazines, Pistol Barrera Italian made with 70 rounds of live ammunitions.   

The suspects who are indigenes of Guyuk, Song, Girei and Lamurde Local Government Areas were earlier arraigned before the court on the 9th Febuary, 2021, on 3 count charges bordering illegal possession of firearms.

They were also rearraigned on Tuesday before Justice A. M. Anka led Federal High Court as a result of the amended charge by the prosecution, but when it was read and interpreted to them, they all pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Earlier, the prosecution told the court that the defendants were nabbed sometimes in 2017, at Lafiya Lamurde and some parts of the state in possession of the prohibited firearms without licence and thereby committed an offence under section 3(1),4 and 8(1) of the firearms cap. 28 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under 27(1)(a)(b) (i) and (iii) of the same act.

It was at this juncture that counsel to the prosecution, Yahaya Mohammed (Zonal Legal Adviser) urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable them assembly their witnesses to prove their case against the defendants.

The court granted the prayers of the counsel since none objected to it, and adjourned the case to 25th, 26th and 27th May, 2021 for definite hearing.

Meanwhile, the court has refused to grant the application for bail filed by counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, A. Y. Abubakar. 

Abubakar had earlier asked the court to grant bail to Sa'adu Adamu aka Dujja and Ibrahim Mohammed, but the court vehemently refused granting the bail, saying it has taken note of the severity of their alleged offences, the punishment and the security challenges bedeveilling the society, and rejected the application.

  

COURT REMANDS MAU STUDENT FOR STEALING PAIR OF SHOES, OTHERS

 

A 20 year old Hyellamada Joseph of the Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, Modibbo Adams University (MAU), Yola in Adamawa state has been remanded in prison custody after he pleaded guilty for house breaking and theft.

The Chief Magistrate Court II presided by Magistrate Ibrahim Ulenda, remanded the suspect when he was arraigned before the court for the alleged offence.

The diploma student of the university admitted that he actually broke into the room of one, Tomy Wilberforce, a 500 level student of the Department of Civil Engineering (MAU) and made away with pair of shoes, one black HP Laptop valued at #45,000 and #5,800 cash.

Hyellamada informed the court that he broke into the room of Tomy on the 19th March, 2021 through the ceiling and carted away with the items, saying that he actually stole the items, and that the laptop has been recovered. 

But the nominal complainant, Tomy who was in court said that there have been complaints in recent times over missing properties, but could not arrest anybody in connection to it until this time.

According to the prosecution, the complainant reported the matter to Girei Police Station in Girei Local Government Area on the 19th March, 2021; hence the arrest of the suspect.

After admitting the commision of offence, the Prosecutor, Inspector Wamkai Ngapuro, urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable him call a witness to corroborate the plea entered by the defendant.

  

In his ruling, Magistrate Ulenda ordered that defendant be remanded in prison custody, and adjourned the case to 8th April, 2021, for hearing and possible summary trial.

MAN PETITIONS ADHA, CP, NHRC OVER ASSAULT ON WIFE BY NBA MEMBER

A Security Guard, Yusuf Manga of Nyibango, Army Barracks road Yola, Adamawa state has petitioned the state House of Assembly and National Human Right Commission (NHRC) over assault on his wife by the member of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) state branch.

Yusuf Manga is the husband to Mrs. Josephine, the 9 month pregnant housewife beaten to coma by Barrister Uche Nwigwe, his wife and a housemaid for failure to open the gate on time.

The petition dated 16th March, 2021 and addressed to the state Ministry of Justice, was copied to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Coordinator National Human Right Commission (NHRC), Commissioner of Police, Director State Security Service, Public Complaints Commission, NBA, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) among others.  

Yusuf alleged that the Legal Practitioner, his wife Joy and their housemaid, Onyekachi have assaulted his wife in the presence of co-tenants and it took the intervention of some concerned neighbours who took her to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police headquarters where she was rushed to specialist hospital for emergency treatment. 

He lamented that he does not know the health status of his wife and the baby in her worm at the moment as a result of the beating, and appealed to the affected organisations to come to his aid and that of his family so that justice can be done.

The Police Command by its spokesman, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Ngurije on Wednesday 17th March, 2021 confirmed the arrest of the lawyer and his wife and were grilled for beating the 28 year old pregnant woman to coma.

YOLA INDUSTRIAL COURT ORDERS MAU TO REINSTATE STAFF SACKED 9 YRS AGO

National Industrial Court, Yola Judicial Division on Friday nullified the dismissal of Abdullahi Sa’adu, an academic staff of the Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola.

The presiding Judge of the court, Justice Sanusi Kado further ordered the management of the university to immediately reinstate the sacked staff.

According to the court, the purported dismissal of Abdulahi based on the report of the Committee on Academic Staff Abscondment was in breach of the doctrine of natural justice.

Abdulahi was dismissed from the institution sometimes in June, 2012 due to lack of proof of resumption of duty after the expiration of his study leave and was denied all his salary and other entitlements by the institution.

He earlier told the court that he was employed by the University in 2007, and thereafter applied for study leave, and that he was unable to submit a progress report of his program to his employer due to circumstances beyond his control, and that he had intimated his Head of Department.

According to him, he was later issued with a query on the status of his study leave the same day his salary was stopped which he replied.

He said he had never stopped coming to work after he returned from studies around 2010, and that he wrote to the University about his return, but the letter was rejected by the Registrar’s office as according to them, there was no certificate attached to the letter, saying that the registrar did not ask him to go back until he brings a certificate.

He narrated that in response to his letter, he was served with a letter of dismissal from service dated 31st July, 2018, following the report of the committee that he had violated study fellowship regulations and the University conditions of service.

 But Counsel to the claimant, Mohammed Abubakar, Esq argued that the dismissal of Abdulahi based on the report of the Committee on Academic Staff Abscondment not disciplinary panel is a breach of the right to a fair hearing, and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought in the interest of justice.

 

In its defence, the University on its part insisted that Abdulahi was accorded fair hearing because he was queried and appeared before the academic committee on abscondment and the committee found him culpable and recommended for his dismissal.

According to the institution, the university management approved the dismissal with effect from 21/6/2012 and not 19/6/2018 as stated in the letter of dismissal, and urged the court to dismiss the entire claim of the claimant but grant the reliefs sought in the counterclaim.

 Delivering its judgment after careful perusal of the submissions of both counsels, the presiding Judge, Justice Sanusi Kado held that university cannot be faulted for stoppage of payment of Abdulahi salary for being absent from work or refusal to return after expiration of the period of study leave granted to him, and has also not adduced any evidence of his salary and the other entitlement.

Justice Kado held that Abdulahi never faced any disciplinary panel set up by the council that has the power under the Act to do so and no evidence that council set up a disciplinary committee to investigate Abdulahi on the allegation of refusal to resume duty after the expiration of the period of fellowship.

He declared that the action of the institution in sacking Abdulahi did not follow the provisions of the University Act, and declared same as void and unconstitutional.

 Lastly, the court dismissed the University's counterclaims for lacking merit.

 

YOLA APPEAL COURT AFFIRMS 20 YR JAIL TERM FOR GRADUATE ARRESTED WITH #5M FAKE CURRENCY

An Appeal Court sitting in Yola, Adamawa state on Thursday affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court which convicted and sentenced a graduate of Banking and Finance, University of Maiduguri to 20 years in prison.

The 37 year old convict, Mohammed Dauda along side Hadiza Adamu Bello, 48 , Aliyu Adamu, 37, and Bello Salisu, 32, were convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each by Justice A. M. Anka led Federal High Court on 6th February, 2020.

Justice Anka convicted all the defendants to 10 years imprisonment for the offence of conspiracy, and 10 years for the offence of being in possession of counterfeit currency, and that all the sentences shall run concurrently.

The convicts were earlier arraigned before the court on the 9th May, 2017 on 4 count charges involving offences of conspiracy to commit offence of and possession of counterfeit bank notes in the sum of #5.504 million of 1000 denomination.

It was the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) that instituted the action against them, but before the judgement, the 5th defendant, Hassan Bello and a herbalist died from an undisclosed ailment on the 13th December, 2019.

The convicts, Ali, Mohammed and Hadiza were arrested in March, 2017, at Girei check point along Girei -Yola road and had in possession of #5.504 million counterfeit currency of #1000 denomination in a Ghana Must Go.

All of the convicts were arrested by the Nigeria Army Corps of Military Police of the 23rd Brigade Provost, Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Yola during a routine check at a check point along Girei-Yola road and found the counterfeit currency in their possession and handed  them over to the operatives of ICPC.

It was in the course of investigation by the operatives of ICPC that Bello Salisu and Hassan Bello who were part of the syndicate, were arrested in Yola and Wamdeo in Uba LGA Borno state respectively and found counterfeit currency of #1000 denomination to the tune of #26,000.

In their separate statements admitted in evidence, the convicts had confessed that they were apprehended while returning from Wamdeo where late Hassan Bello (5th defendant) who happened to be herbalist produced fake money for them.

One of the convicts, Ali Adamu of Kofan Wambai Kano, said he first met late herbalist whom they knew each other for a long time, and plead with him to pray for him, narrating that after prayers, the herbalist told him that the spirit he consulted during prayers can produce money but fake.

Ali said that the herbalist had informed him that he had been into the business for 10 to 20 years and had been producing money for people, making them to get political power, have children and promotion at work places.

On his part, the herbalist narrated that on the 22nd March, 2017, Aliyu called him from Kano state and informed him that one Custom Officer and other people were in need of his services, prayers and spirit consultation so as to produce fake money for them.

Hassan Bello stated that he agreed and asked them to come down to Wamdeo for the business, saying that the convicts came and he accommodated them, saying that he made his consultations and the spirit agreed to produce money for them.

According to him, he met his guests and informed them that the spirit had agreed to produce the money, and asked them to bring Ghana Must Go, adding that they brought the bag and he went ahead and produced the money for them.

But the convicts, Ali, Hadiza and Mohammed, who were able to beat all the security check points with the huge sums of money, were nabbed by the military personnel at Girei check point few kilometers away from the state capital. 

But dissatisfied with the judgement of the trial court, Hadiza Adamu Bello, filed appeal against the decision, but to her utter dismay, the Appeal Court upheld the judgement of the trial which convicted for 20 years, and struck out her appeal.

Likewise, the 2nd convict, Mohammed Dauda filed his appeal number CA/YL/42CN/2020 dated 31st March, 2020 and prayed the court to determine whether the Federal High Court was right when it convicted and sentenced him for the offence.

Mohammed urged the court to allow his appeal and set aside the judgement of the lower court as well as the conviction and sentence and further asked the court to discharge and acquit him.

The appellant informed the Appeal Court that there was no proof of him being in possession of the counterfeit notes before the trial court.

But in its judgement on Thursday, the Court of Appeal presided by Justice Bitrus Gyarasama, dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit and affirmed the 20 year jail term for the university of Maiduguri graduate.

 

ADAMAWA POLICE ARREST A NOTORIOUS PICKPOCKET, RECOVER 1MILLION CFA, CAR

 

Police in Adamawa state have arrested a notorious pickpocket and recovered the sum of 1.2million CFA and Volkswagen car (Golf) from the suspect.

The 49 year old Danjuma Muhammed of Aderawo ward in Song Local Government Area in the state was apprehended on the18th March, 2021, in Mubi South LGA.

A statement by the image maker of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Thursday, said that the suspect was nabbed by the operatives of the Command attached to Mubi South Division.

DSP Nguroje explained that the accused was arrested on that fateful day by the operatives while on visibility policing along First Bank road, in Mubi South Local Government Area.

The pickpocket (Dan Sane) according to the statement, trailed his victim, Buba Bello into a tricycle from First Bank and stole the recovered sum of money from his pocket.

Investigation which led to his arrest of the suspect indicated that the suspect was the one terrorising people especially those coming out from the banks, Mubi cattle market and other Business centres.

It was also further learnt that the suspect had been committing similar offences since 2017 in places like Gombi, Song and Bank road in Yola North Local government Areas..

The statement further coveyed the appreciation of  Commissioner of police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, to officers and men of Mubi South Division for reclaiming the public space and making it difficult for criminals of such to escape arrest.

ADAMAWA POLICE ARREST A NOTORIOUS PICKPOCKET, RECOVER 1MILLION CFA, CAR

 

Police in Adamawa state have arrested a notorious pickpocket and recovered the sum of 1.2million CFA and Volkswagen car (Golf) from the suspect.

The 49 year old Danjuma Muhammed of Aderawo ward in Song Local Government Area in the state was apprehended on the18th March, 2021, in Mubi South LGA.

A statement by the image maker of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Thursday, said that the suspect was nabbed by the operatives of the Command attached to Mubi South Division.

DSP Nguroje explained that the accused was arrested on that fateful day by the operatives while on visibility policing along First Bank road, in Mubi South Local Government Area.

The pickpocket (Dan Sane) according to the statement, trailed his victim, Buba Bello into a tricycle from First Bank and stole the recovered sum of money from his pocket.

Investigation which led to his arrest of the suspect indicated that the suspect was the one terrorising people especially those coming out from the banks, Mubi cattle market and other Business centres.

It was also further learnt that the suspect had been committing similar offences since 2017 in places like Gombi, Song and Bank road in Yola North Local government Areas..

The statement further coveyed the appreciation of  Commissioner of police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, to officers and men of Mubi South Division for reclaiming the public space and making it difficult for criminals of such to escape arrest.

MAN, 47 DEFILES, INFECTED 19 YR OLD BOY WITH HIV IN ADAMAWA

A 47 year old Adamu Abdulrahaman Gwaldi of Anguwan Magaji in Yola south Local Government Area, Adamawa state on Wednesday appeared in court for allegedly defiling and infecting a 19 year old boy with the dreaded HIV/AIDs.

Abdulrahaman who appeared before Justice Nathan Musa led High Court, was alleged to have had sexual intercourse with Sani Fidelis and his friend Mathias  Cosmas of Muchalla ward, Mubi North LGA and infected them with HIV/AIDs.

The 19 year old Fidelis had while testifying in court on Wednesday, narrated that himself and his friend left Muchalla, their hometown to Yola in search of job between March and April, 2019.

The boy informed the court that upon their arrival in Yola town and the fact they had no place to sleep, they asked for the house of Magajin Gari, and upon their arrival at the residence around 7:30pm, the defendant met them and assured them that he is the real Magajin Garin Yola.

Fidelis said that Gwaldi took them to his house on that fateful night, offered them food and drugs and asked them to take it so as to reduce stress.

He stated that they ate the food, took the drugs and slept, and that the only thing he noticed during the night was like somebody was on his back and having sexual intercourse with him through anus.

He said that he woke up and had a severe pain in his anus and found blood and sperm, and that of his friend also, saying that they tried to open the door, but found out that the door was locked and Gwaldi was not inside.

He narrated that he kept them in the room and had sexual intercourse with them for one week, and that one day, Gwaldi told him that he was going to take Mathias to Muchalla and that since that day, he did not see his friend again.

Fidelis told the court that he went out of Gwaldi's house one fateful morning when he was away, but when people saw him, they started calling him Gwaldi's wife, saying that he met some people around the area and pleaded with them to rescue him.

He averred that it was one Philip Bwasa, who rescued him after he was briefed by the people, saying that he took him to Magajin Gari and later reported the matter to police which led to the arrest of the defendant.

On his part, Mr. Philip Bwasa who also testified in court, said that he actually rescued the boy when he was told about his plight, saying that at the time he was trying to rescue the boy, the defendant met him and warned him to stop interfering in his affairs.  

Also testifying, the Investigative Police Officer (IPO) Sergeant Ishaya Iliya, said that the matter was reported at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Police headquarters, Yola, saying that in the course of investigation, they took the boy to specialist hospital Yola, and that after he was diagnosed, it was discovered that the boy was actually defiled and he is HIV positive.

While in the dock during hearing, Gwaldi pleaded with the court to allow him to go and urinate, but unfortunately ended up urinating at the premises of the court as he could not be able to hold it to the toilet. 

After cross examination by the defence counsel, N. I. El-Yakub, counsel to the prosecution, D. I. Kulthu, Senior State Counsel II, tendered confessional statements of both the parties in evidence.

Thereafter, the court adjourned the matter to the 27th April, 2021 for continuation of hearing.

NBA MAN, BARR UCHE, WIFE IN POLICE NET FOR BEATING A PREGNANT WOMAN TO COMA IN YOLA

 A Member of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Adamawa state branch, Barrister Uche Nwigwe and his wife, Mrs. Joy Uche are now being grilled for allegedly beating a 9 month pregnant woman to coma.

The 28 year old victim, Josephine Yusuf Manga of Army Barracks road in Jimeta Yola, is the wife of the security guard where the Legal Practitioner and his dear wife are living as co-tenants.

Barrister Uche and his wife were alleged to have heavily descended on the heavily pregnant woman for failure to open the gate on time when her husband and a security guard was away this Sunday.

The pregnant woman was said to have been busy opening and closing the gate for other tenants on that faithful day as a result of which she was exhausted.

According to eye witness, when the Barrister and his wife were to drive out, they beckoned on the pregnant woman to open the gate, but because of tiredness, she could not respond to their directives at their speed.

At this point, the Barrister and his wife according to eye witnesses were said have rained abuses and insults on the poor pregnant woman.

The drama was said to have repeated itself the following morning (Monday) as the woman could rush to the gate and open it as expected, and just of a sudden, Barrister Uche and his wife stepped out of their car and started punching her from all directions to the extend she collapsed and went into coma.

This attracted the attention of neighbours from within and outside the compound who rushed , rescued and immediately took her to the hospital while the Barrister and his wife drove out in their car in a commando style.

Disturbed by this development, the neighbours decided to report the matter to the police which led to the arrest and interrogation of the legal practitioner and his lovely wife at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police command.

NEWS PLATFORM who was at the CID today, saw Barrister Uche, his wife and a friend pleading with the victim, her husband and his sister and promised to give them the sum of #25,000 so to withdraw the matter and forget about it.

When contacted for confirmation, the Public Relation Officer of the Command (PPRO), DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed the arrest of the suspects, and said that they are currently being investigated in connection to the crime.

DSP Nguroje told NEWS PLATFORM that when the command received the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP A. A. Alhaji, directed that the matter be investigated, and that as soon as the investigation is completed, the accused will be charged to court. 

According to him, the victim has been taken to hospital and has been receiving medical attention, saying that the command is worried and will do everything possible towards ensuring that the victim survive considering her condition being a pregnant woman.

ADAMAWA ASSEMBLY TAKES STEPS TO ESTABLISH SPORTS COMMISSION

 Adamawa state House of Assembly has taken steps towards establishing Sports Commission which shall be a body charged with the responsibility of overseeing sports related activities in the state.

The commission will also work towards promoting, developing, encouraging, managing and organising sports activities in the state as well as address myriad of challenges such as sports complex, plight of Adamawa United Football Club, other clubs/teams among others.

Sponsored by the member representing Nasarawo Binyeri constituency, Hon. Umar Nashon Gubi, the bill if finally enacted and assented to by the executive Governor of the state, will make provision for leadership, resources, facilities and services for improved sector and physical fitness in and around the state.

NEWS PLATFORM further gathered that putting the commission in place will not only boost sporting activities and businesses but will attract the intervention of FIFA, CAP and National Sport Commission by constructing sports complex, assist clubs and other sports organisations in the state. 

According to Hon. Nashon, the commission which shall have chairman and board members will coordinate, supervise, develop and host competitions in the state, saying that shifting attention to that sector will go along way in drastically reducing poverty and idlesness amongst youth. 

The legislation will equally make provision for sports education and training of citizens as coaches, instructors, organisers, managers, sport directors, technical specialists and technocrats in sports and physical fitness.

Interestingly, it will make provision for interaction between Adamawa and other states, nations, international institutions, organisations and persons with a view to developing effective synergy with both public and private institutions, stakeholders and enhance sustainable flow of resources for development of sports in Adamawa.

Already, the bill floated by Hon. Nashon who is also the Chairman House Committee on Local Government Affairs has scaled through 1st reading at a resumed plenary session on Tuesday sequel to a motion to that effect by the sponsor.

After the first reading of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, directed the Chairman Rules and Business of the House and Majority Leader, Hon. Hammantukur Yettisuri(Jada Mbulo) to schedule it for second reading at the next legislative day.

Meanwhile, some lovers of sports who bared their minds to NEWS PLATFORM noted with delight the moves towards rescuing the sector, describing the bill as a dream come true and gave a pass mark on the sponsor.

According to them, this is what they have been yearning for and appealed to the house to accord the bill accelerated deliberation and called on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to assent to the bill as soon as it is enacted.

YOLA COURT ACQUITS 2 POLICE OFFICERS OF MURDER, ORDERS IGP TO REINSTATE THEM

 

After about 8 years of trial, the Adamawa State High Court presided by the Chief Judge, I. K. Banu, has discharged and acquitted two police officers earlier accused of murder.

Justice I. K. Banu, further ordered the Inspector General of Police to reinstate the officers, insisting that the dismissal of the defendants from service was unlawful. 

The police officers, Sergeant Joseph Adamaku and Corporal Iliya Yawa, have been standing trial for culpable homicide not punishable with death contrary section 222 sub 7 and punishable under section 224 of penal code law. 

Sgt Adamaku and Cpl Yawa had while on stop and search duty along notorious Toungo-Lainde-Chitta road in Toungo Local Government Area in the state caused the death of one Jibo Maidawa on the 26 December, 2014.

The officers were said to have employed their service rifles in a manner characterised by excessive haste and without due care and shot at Jibo while trying to repel an attack from him, and that the deceased died from the injury he sustained.

But after evaluating the evidence tendered in court, the Chief of the state held that all issues raised by the defence and the prosecution were resolved in favour of the defendants.

He declared that the defendants are entitled to the defence of self defence, and that the prosecution has failed to prove its case against them as required by the law.

He however discharged and acquitted them of the 2 count charges and ordered the IGP to reinstate them back to service accordingly.

.

ADHA MEMBER DONATES BRAND NEW PEUGEOT 406 TO EX- CHAIR MICHIKA LGC

 

Member representing Michika constituency at the Adamawa state, Hon. Joseph Ayuba Kwada popularly known as Depolis has donated a brand new Peugeot 406 to the former Chairman Michika LGC, Hon. Ayuba Tari.

Hon. Kwada disclosed that he personally donated the vehicle to the former LGC boss as part of his social responsibilty to assist him in his day activities.

It could be recalled that some few months ago the Lawmaker distributed 7 vehicles to his electorate, embarked on the construction of boreholes across his constituency and promised to continue in providing needed representation to Michika constituents.

Speaking while donating the vehicle to Hon. Tari at the office of the Chairman of the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa state on Monday, Hon. Kwada said that the kind gesture is aimed at appreciating his former boss.

According to him, Hon. Tari who chaired the LGC from 1999 to 2002, appointed him as Chairman House Standing Committee on Works, Transport, Land and Survey and successfully piloted the affairs of the Committee. 

He stated that few months later, Hon. Tari appointed him as supervisory councillor for Works, Transport, Land and Survey and again supported him and became Legislative Leader in 2000.

He described him as his mentor who took his time and trained politically to become who he is today, saying that he cannot be able to reciprocate Hon. Tari's gesture, and prayed God to continue to grant him sound health and his heart desire.

In his remarks while handing over the key of the vehicle to the beneficiary, the Chairman of the PDP in the state, Barr A. T. Shehu, commended the legislator for donating the car, saying that the party is proud of such legislators. 

Barr. A. T. Shehu said that the member has done a lot for his people, and urged him not to relent in providing dividends of democracy to his electorate, calling on other lawmakers to emulate him.

Also speaking, the PDP Chairman Michika LGA, Ezekiel Kwaji, stated that the member has been doing what he was voted to do, and called on their electorate to support him so as to enable him do more for them.

Responding shortly after receiving the key of the vehicle, the former Chairman and PDP stakeholder, Ayuba Tari, said that the donation came to him as surprise, saying that he never expected such a gesture from Hon. Kwada and further wished him success in his representation.

Baring his mind, the PDP Youth Leader Michika LGA, Ibrahim Goni, passed a vote of confidence on the legislator and pledged their commitment towards supporting him in the interest of Michika and Adamawa in general.

 

"GO, TAKE COVID-19 VACCINES"...ADHA SPEAKER ADVISES CITIZENS

Speaker Adamawa state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas on Monday advised the general public to go and take the dreaded covid-19 vaccines.

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas who gave the advice while presiding over the resumed plenary session, appealed to the citizens to avail themselves for vaccination.

According to him, taking the vaccine is free of charge, insisting that the vaccine is effective and safe, but however said that it is not compulsory for people to take it.

He added that the vaccine is available and ready to protect, and encouraged general public to go and take it. 

BREAKING: 7 KILLED IN GHASTLY AUTO CRASH IN ADAMAWA

 

By Abdul’aziz Abubakar Damare

Seven persons were confirmed dead on Sunday evening in a ghastly motor accident along Jabbi-lamba Mallam Madugu road in Song local government area of Adamawa state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Adamawa State Police Command, DSP Sulaiman Yahaya Nguroje confirmed the incident in a phone interview with Sahel Reporters.

Nguroje said the accident occurred when a Toyota Corolla Starlet collided with a Toyota Sienna Bus around 4:00pm on Sunday.

He added that all the 6 passengers from the starlet died on the spot including the driver, while the driver of the Sienna bus who is alone sustained serious injury and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

DSP Sulaiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the Adamawa State Police Commissioner (CP) Aliyu Adamu Alhaji has ordered the immediate investigation on the cause of the the accident.

He called on motorist to be extra vigilant and adhere strictly to the traffic rules and regulations to avoid such incidence.

Culled from Sahel Repoters

MAN KILLS ELDER BROTHER OVER INHERITED FARMLAND IN ADAMAWA

 

A 38 year old Sanusi Usman of Jorom Mboi village in Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa state is currently standing trial for allegedly killing his elder brother over inherited farmland.

The accused and father of 5 allegedly caused the death of his bilogical brother, Idi Usman following a disagreement which ensued over the farmland they were said to have inherited from their late father.

Sanusi who appeared before Justice Fatima Ahmed Tafida, led High Court over the allegation of culpable homicide, narrated in his extra judicial confessional statement that he had abruptly terminated the life of his brother with a cutlass after the deceased hit him 3 times with a hoe.

The suspect who claimed that the disputed farmland belongs to him, said that he rented it to one Rebecca at the sum of #4000 for her to farm on it in 2018, but later on his late brother went and sprayed herbicides on the farm.

He further confessed that he met the deceased to enquire the reasons behind his action, but he told him that the piece of land belongs to all the family members of their late father, and that no single individual can claim its ownership.

According him, disagreement ensued and the deceased used a hoe and hit 3 him times, and that on his part, he pulled out his cutlass and cut him on his hand and head which led to his death on the spot.

He said he was later apprehended by local hunters at Zangra, a community in Gombi LGA, and that the hunters handed him over to Ga,anda police station.

When the matter came up for continuation of hearing before Justice Fatima Ahmed Tafida, led High Court on Thursday, Counsel to the prosecution, Bakari Adamu Senior State Counsel II, applied to tender the extra judicial confessional statement in evidence.

But Counsel to the defendant, F. A. Ogbe, of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria objected the application for the admissibility of the statement.

It was at this juncture that the court adjourned the matter to 16th March, 2021, for trial within trial, and ordered that the accused be remanded at Yola correctional service facility till then.

 

2 ADAMAWA YEDC STAFF IN POLICE NET FOR VANDALISATION, THEFT

 Police in Adamawa state have apprehended 2 auxilliary staff of Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) for allegedly vandalising and stealing armored cables of the company.

The police have also recovered one Toyota Corolla and the armored cables carted away by the suspects while on patrol along Rugange-Njoboliyo road in Yola South LGA.

The suspects, Idi Wakil, 62, and Babangida Bello, 54, residents of Madumari ward in Yola South Local Government Area arrested by the Operatives of the Command attarched to Yola Division were said to have vandalising such property since 2018. 

A statement by the spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available NEWS PLATFORM, said preliminary investigation revealed that the accused are auxiliary staff of YEDC and have been committing similar offences for 3 years.

DSP Nguroje said that the activities of the suspected vandals had affected power supply in Njoboliyo and other villages in Yola LGA; thus resulting to power outage in those areas as well as causing losses to company.

He further extended the commendation of the  Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, to the officers and men of Yola Division and the communities for making it difficult for criminals to operate.

He said that the CP had further directed that the suspects be arraigned in court upon completion of investigation, and called on the management of YEDC to report to Yola Divisional Police Headquarters and claim the cables.

YOLA HIGH COURT AUCTIONS PROPERTY OF CONVICTED FAKE DOCTOR

A Yola High Court in Adamawa state has ordered for the sell of property of Ibrahim Mustapha, a fake medical doctor convicted and sentenced to 54 years in prison.

Justice Nathan Musa, declared that the property of the convicted fake doctor be auctioned by the Registry of the court, and the money be remitted into the central treasury of the state government.

This is the first case that the provisions of a law to make comprehensive provisions for confiscation, forfeiture and management of asset derived from unlawful activities enacted by the house of assembly in 2018 that has been applied in the state.

It could be recalled that Justice Nathan of the High Court in December 2019, convicted and sentenced Mustapha following his plea of guilt when he was arraigned in court by Department of State Security (DSS).

Mustapha secured employment with fake documents and was promoted to the rank of principal medical doctor and carried out operations on dozens of patients. 

The convict who was not satisfied with the verdict, appealed the matter to the Court of Appeal in Yola and in its judgement, the court upheld the decision of the lower court.

But a motion on notice brought pursuant to section 42 (1) (a) of the state proceeds of crime law, 2018 by counsel to the state/applicant, Barr. M. A. Adamu (Senior State Counsel II), prayed the court grant forfeiture of property including Mercedes Benz, Toyota Corolla saloon, plot of land and a Samsung tablet.

An affidavit in support of the motion by Barr. D. I. Kulthu, told the court that the items being proceeds of crime were recovered and are currently in the custody of the Department of the Security Service(DSS). 

It added that the receipts of purchase which show the period of purchase between 2015 to 2019 when  the convict was employed as staff of the state government by the state Hospital Service Management Board.

It explained that the convict bought the Toyota Corolla in his wife's name in order to conceal the real ownership of the car, saying that the wife is a full time house wife that does not engage in any business or work to generate income, but only depends on her husband for her livelihood.

It further disclosed that where a person is convicted of an offence, the court is empowered by the proceeds and crimes law to make an order for forfeiture in relation to any asset derived from the proceeds of the offence.

In its ruling, the court presided by Justice Nathan Musa ordered that the property be auctioned, and the money be remitted into the central treasury of the state government.

ADHA CALLS FOR MORE EMPLOYMENT, EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

 Members of the Adamawa state House of Assembly have advocated for employment and empowernment of women in the state and around the world as they celebrate 2021 World Womens' Day.

The Legislators pledged to support women folk in the areas of employment, appointments, empowerment and their involvement in decision making in the state, saying that they will continue to advocate on the 35 percent affirmative action.

The Honourable Members further applauded the contributions of women in good governance and nation building, saying their significant role in the society cannot be overemphasized.

It is against this backdrop that the Legislators further resolved and called for more involvement of women in the scheme of things, support the achievement of 35 percent affirmative action among several other issues affecting women. 

The decision of the lawmakers followed a motion to that effect by the Chairman House Standing Committee on Women Affairs and Member representing Demsa constituency, Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno, at a resumed plenary session.

Earlier, Hon. Kate Mamuno drew the attention her colleagues on the pivotal role being played by the women, appealing to them to acknowledge the role of women in community development and nation building.

Hon. Kate urged on the governments at all levels to consider the plight of women and reach out to them so as to ameliorate their suffering, lamenting a situation whereby women are not accorded the deserved attention in the society.  

Speaking on the motion, the Member representing Verre constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Yapak, said that celebrating women is encouraging them to do more, saying that there can be no home without them and that he is 100 in percent support. 

On his part, Hon. Abubakar Isa (Shelleng) stated that the day has been declared by the United Nations and being observed world wide, and called on the general public to provide more opportunities for women in politics among others.

Hon. Isa disclosed that the house is in support of issues pertaining gender: protection of women and girl child, and lauded the house for enacted violence Against Persons Bill and amending some sections of penal code law to cater for the wellbeing of women. 

Baring his mind, the Chairman House Committee on Information, Hon. Japhet Kefas(Gombi) told his colleagues that history will not forgive them if they do not support and pave way for women to grow.

Speaking while presiding over the resumed plenary session, the Speaker of the House who is also the Vice Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, harped on more support for women.

Rt. Hon. Iya Abbas, lamented the plight of women in the society, and stressed the determination of the house towards protecting the interest of women, and described women as backbone of the society.

While extending the heartfelt felicitations of the hallowed chamber to the women in the state and at any part of the globe, the Speaker reiterated the commitment of the house towards legislating on issues affecting women and the society in general.

COURT DISMISSES AN APPLICATION FOR INJUNCTION AGAINST FINTIRI'S GOVT

A Yola High Court in Adamawa state on Friday dismissed an application seeking to stop the state government from demolishing shops at the Jimeta ultra modern market.

Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri gave the ruling on the motion exparte brought under order 10 rules 1 and 2 and order 11 rule 2 of the State High Court (Civil Procedure) rules, 2013 and section 6(6) (a) of the 1999 Constitution by Auwal Ahmed Garba through his counsel, Hassan G. Maidawa. 

The plaintiff, Garba of Damilu ward in Jimeta, Yola North LGA earlier prayed for the order to restrain the defendants jointly and severally by themselves, their privies and servants from demolishing shops at the Jimeta main market along Mahmud Mustapha way pending the determination of the substantive suit. 

Garba joined Adamawa State Government, Attorney General and Commissioner Ministry for Justice, Urban Planning and Development Authority, Yola, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Usman Daware( Chairman Taskforce Committee on Occupation of Modern Market) as 1st to 5th defendants in a suit brought before the court.

The motion exparte dated and filed on 31st January, 2020, and supported by a 22 paragraph affidavit and attached with 25 exhibits, the plaintiff's counsel, Hassan G. Maidawa, urged the court to grant the application.

While on their part, the defendants respondents upon receiving the said motion, filed a counter affidavit consisting of 18 paragraphs deposed to by Hayatu Abdulmalik, one of the counsels with the ministry of justice, on 20th March, 2020.

When the motion came up for hearing on the 9th March, 2021, the respective counsels to the parties adopted their written addresses as their oral arguments/submissions for and against granting of the application.

Ruling on the motion, Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri, held that for application to succeed for the grant of an interlocutory injunction, it must show the existence of legal rights; that there is a serious question to be tried in the substantive suit and must show the balance of convenience.

Justice Waziri further stated that the application must show that the damages cannot be adequate compensation for the damage or injury if it succeeds at the end of the day, saying that it must equally show that the conduct is not reprehensible and must establish that the injunction is necessary to preserve the rest which are in imminent danger of being destroyed unless the court intervenes with the order.

He declared that granting such an injunction is within the discretion of the court, and that the court has the duty of exercising discretion judicially and judiciously.

In this circumstance, according to him, the court is unable to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant, saying that the application has failed and is liable to be greeted with an order of dismissal.

However, the court adjourned the case to the 26th March, 2021 for commencement of trial.

Reacting on the ruling, counsels to the plaintiff and defendants respectively, Hassan G. Maidawa and I. S. Barde thanked the court for the ruling.