Embattled Yoruba actor, Omiyinka Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, who was arraigned at a Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, has been granted bail.
The actor, who was being tried by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo over charges bothering on rape, sexual assault and abuse of a minor, was granted bail on the ground that it was part of his fundamental human rights.
The group said it is obvious because the cleric is fond of defending bandits and also championing their cause.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi is not only a spokesman for bandits and terrorists tormenting Nigerians but equally their main sponsor.
The group said it is obvious because the cleric is fond of defending bandits and also championing their cause.
According to a statement released to SaharaReporters by the IPOB’s media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful on Thursday, the nation’s security agents should arrest and prosecute Gumi.
IPOB, in the statement, also insisted that the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the IPOB’s militia arm was created to defend the people of the South-East from killers and criminals.
It noted that the bandits Gumi has been defending kidnap people for ransom, and also spill the blood of their victims.
The group released the statement to react to Gumi’s comparison of IPOB and bandits as groups bearing arms in Nigeria while granting an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday.
Gumi said, “IPOB is attacking the police, the army, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other government institutions; killing our men in service.
“And the herdsmen are kidnapping children not to kill them but to get money; so how can you compare somebody who is killing our gallant men directly to somebody who is kidnapping children to make money and not to kill them. Look, we need some fairness in what we are doing.”
Reacting, the Biafra separatist group said, “The attention of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the latest ranting and ridiculous claims by terrorist apologist, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, that IPOB, and Eastern Security Network, ESN, were killing Northerners. There is no iota of truth in such a mischievous and fallacious claim.
“In case the self-acclaimed Islamic cleric has forgotten, may we remind him that neither IPOB nor ESN is a terrorist organisation or killers like his bandit clients and allies. Spilling of blood is never part of our mandate.
“ESN is a child of necessity created for the defence of our ancestral land against terrorists and killer herdsmen wreaking havoc across our communities. ESN is only defending our hapless mothers and sisters who have been raped, maimed and attacked without any justification by Fulani herdsmen.
“Since December 2020 when ESN was set up by our leader, these vampires have been on the run because of the heat from our gallant operatives across Biafran forests. For Sheikh Gumi who never gave a hoot while killer herdsmen rampaged our communities to try to twist the fact now is not only mischief but an act of terror itself.”
The secessionist group also said it had not attacked any Northerners, adding that Gumi was only finding faults to blackmail IPOB.
It also said nothing would make IPOB abandon its objectives.
“No Northerner in any part of Biafra land can prove that he/she has at any time been attacked by IPOB or ESN. We are only chasing terrorists and bandits behind killings and kidnapping for ransom in our land.
“Gumi should be ashamed that an Islamic cleric as he claims has suddenly become a mouthpiece for bandits and terrorists. Why does Gumi have a special interest in bandits and terrorists is an indication that he is a terrorist but has never shown any empathy to their victims of other Nigerians (sic).
“Why is Gumi always advocating for terrorists and negotiating with them but never advanced the cause of victims of terror? What does Sheikh Gumi have in common with bandits and terrorists?
“Gumi only wants to blackmail IPOB and ESN with his fabricated propaganda he is, that we are attacking Northerners so as to provide more justification for his Fulani terrorist security agencies in Nigeria uniforms to come after innocent people as they are currently doing.
“This terror sympathiser wants to lessen the heat on his boys by instigating the security agencies against us. Can you see why Sheikh Gumi should be arrested for investigations and interrogations?
“We want to put the world on notice that Sheikh Gumi is the main sponsor of banditry and terrorism in Nigeria. He should be made to face the consequences of his actions. For holding talks with terrorists and championing their cause, he has a case to answer in the atrocities
“But we promise Gumi and his likes that no amount of distraction will make us back down on our resolve to restore Biafra, and defend our ancestral land against invasion by Fulani jihadists. We are formidable and we won’t give up on this mandate. ESN will not allow any person to occupy our forests again,” the statement added.
Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, on Thursday pleaded not guilty to charges of child molestation before an Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos.
The actor pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.
The offences contravene Sections 135, 259, 262, 263 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Following the plea, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, requested that the defendant should be remanded by the court.
In a bail application supported by a 29-paragraph affidavit, Lead defence counsel, Mr Dada Awosika (SAN), prayed the court to grant the defendant bail in liberal terms.
The bail application was brought pursuant to Section 105(2) and (3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2015, and Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“I will wish to note that the issue of bail, especially on an offence of this nature, is a constitutional right.
“This is a right the defendant has been deprived of for the past 48 days when he was unlawfully held by the police.
“We are also not unconscious of the JUSUN strike which made it difficult to bring him to court,” he said.
The counsel prayed the court to grant the defendant bail, saying that it was guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
“Imagine if this man is kept in detention for many years and is found innocent, will there be any restitution? No.
“Justice and fairness should be done,” he said.
In response, Adeyemi urged that the defendant should be denied bail.
According to her, the defendant is a flight risk and can influence witnesses, if granted bail.
“I want to bring to my lord’s attention the nature of one of the offences – sexual assault by penetration – which carries life imprisonment.
“Bail is a discretionary right, it is not a constitutional right.
“On the nature of the offence and the strength of the evidence, there is a prima facie case before your lordship.
“The court should take judicial notice of the crime which is rampant in society,” she said.
Adeyemi said that prosecution had six witnesses in the case.
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo stood-down proceedings to give ruling on the bail application.
A former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, has kicked against moves to amend the Nigeria Press Council Act.
The bill, which seeks to repeal and re-enact the NPC act, was considered at a public hearing organised by the house of representatives committee on information, national orientation, ethics and values.
If signed into law, journalists and media houses can be fined N250,000 and N10m respectively by the NPC for infractions.
Media stakeholders had subsequently kicked against the proposed amendment over some provisions they described as unconstitutional.
Reacting in an interview with The PUNCH, Osoba described it as a terrible draconian law.
According to the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, such a bill has never been proposed in the history of Nigeria, not even under the military.
On if the new bill is as worse as Decree 4 of 1984, Osoba said: “Decree 4 was restricted to the disclosure of sources of information.
“The one they are proposing now includes obtaining a licence before you can build a press hub.
“You have to obtain a licence. It says before you can even begin printing a newspaper, you must obtain a licence. It is far-reaching and sweeping.”
On if President Muhammadu Buhari has a hidden agenda to undermine the freedom of the press, Osoba replied: “Press freedom is never awarded. Over the years, we have always fought for the right to practice.
“We have been fighting the press council issue for over 25 years. I remember what led to the Nigerian Press Organisation and the production of a code of conduct for journalists.
“It was because attempts were made in the 1970s to set up a regulatory body for the print media. We resisted it and we have to continue resisting it.”
Several Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have died and others seriously injured after a military helicopter crash landed at the Ol Tepesi area in Ngong, Kajiado County.
KDF spokesperson Zipporah Kioko confirmed that all soldiers on board the Kenya Air Force Mi 171E helicopter had been accounted for with several having died in the crash.
“The injured were airlifted and are at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital, Nairobi… Regrettably, following the crash, we suffered fatalities. The process of communicating with the families to relay the information and KDF condolences are underway,” she said in a statement.
The Kenya Air Force Mi 171E helicopter with a capacity of 24 was on a training mission when it crashed.
Speaking to Citizen TV, Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Francis Ogolla said the helicopter departed the Moi Airbase at 8.10 am before it crashed at landing several minutes later.
“This was a very unfortunate incident that happened today at 8.30am… Our aircraft which was on a normal training mission involving several crew departed Moi airbase at 8.10am. As it was coming to land, we got information that it crashed. Some people have been rescued and taken to Nairobi for treatment. A few who were on board are feared dead but we are not sure of the exact number,” said the Air Force Commander.
He pointed out that aircraft was okay, adding that an investigative team had began a probe to establish what caused the helicopter to crash.
“Until we remove the wreckage and conclude with the site we will not be able to tell you how many have passed on. The aircraft was okay and therefore we have put up an investigative team to come on ground and find out what might have been the cause,” he said.
Aircraft accident investigators are at the crash site to establish the cause of the accident.
The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has stated that Nigerians are meant to be paying at least N256 per litre for petrol.
Society gazette reports that the NNPC GMD stated this at a stakeholders meeting organised by the NNPC to stop fuel smuggling.
The NNPC GMD disclosed that the federal government is injecting between N140 billion to N150bn monthly to keep petrol price at N162 per litre, from its actual N256.
“If we are to sell at the market today at the current exchange rate, we will be selling the product at about N256 to a litre. What we sell today is N162, so the difference is at a cost to the nation,’’ he said.
He however said with the high volume of daily consumption, the country cannot sustain subsidy payment.
“As long as we don’t regulate volume until we are able to exit this current level, which I know so much work is going on, then we have to manage the volume that we are exposed to between this price of N162 and N256. The difference comes back to as much as N140 billion to N150 billion cost to the country monthly.
“As long as the volume goes up, that money continues to increase, and we have two sets of stress to face: the stress of supply and stress of foreign exchange for the NNPC. We may not see foreign exchange cheque taking place for importation.,” Kyari said.
Popular Nigerian actress, Funke Akindele-Bello, has reacted to the drama happening at the BBNaija Reunion show.
The reunion show which started a few days back was created to reconcile the former housemates but it seems to be breeding hatred and disrespect among housemates.
The first day of the show saw Dorathy, Wathoni exchange unpleasant words at each other, which resulted in Wathoni revealing Dorathy gave Brighto a blow job.
The next day saw Tolanibaj call Neo’s girlfriend, Vee a dropout and a witch while threatening to beat her up.
Tolanibaj was condemned by Nigerians who described her as uncouth and condescending.
The show yesterday saw Kaisha accuse Neo of making advances to her and asking her for a kiss.
Funke Akindele on Thursday morning in a post on Twitter expressed her displeasure at the behaviour being displayed by housemates on national TV.
According to her, she has lost interest in watching the reunion show because it is full of too much disrespect and hatred.
Her tweet read: “Chai!! Too much hate, anger, jealousy, bluntness, disrespect. I beg I no watch again!! I no wan enter television dey fight.”
Society gazette reports that Hon James Abiodun Faleke has debunked news making rounds that he insulted the national leader of the All progressive congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as reported in some national dailies that include Daily Independent.
In a statement sent to Society gazette by Hon Faleke’s media team, it was noted that the astute politician respects Asiwaju and that He is a father figure in his life.
The media team made it known that legal actions will be carried out on some news organization that published the story if it isn’t retracted in 72 hours
Read full statement below
Our attention has been drawn to a malicious piece going round the public space about our leader Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (MHR, IKEJA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY) rubbishing the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other notable party leaders in Lagos State.
That story is malicious and it is to defame the integrity and character of Hon. Faleke.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a father to Hon. Faleke whom he holds in high esteem and has never done or say anything to tarnish the image of the respected National leader.
We know where all these false fabrications are emanating from and we know why it is coming from them at this time.
We would not have dignified them with a response if not for the unsuspecting public who might be deceived with the false news.
Hon. Faleke has utmost respect for party elders and top ranking members of the Governors Advisory Committee (GAC) in Lagos and will never do or say anything against the top members of the body whose contributions and commitments has taken Lagos state to greater heights.
We strongly condemn in solid terms and we demand that *daily independent* retracts such story and apologise within 72 hours after which if not done, we will have no choice than to sue the media company for libel.
Going forward, we want to warn all mischief makers to desist from going round to spoil the father and son relationship that exists between Hon. Faleke and our highly revered leader, Asiwaju BAT.
Let us emphasize that Hon. Faleke will always respect, adore and honour Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is his father and whose help and support has seen him to greater heights politically and in other areas of life.
Hon. Faleke will never deride or despise any leader of the party for whatsoever reason because he believes in their leadership capacity.
Nigerian Afrobeat star, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, has replied son of Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti, Seun after he told him to stop parading himself as a Grammy nominee.
Naija News earlier report that Wizkid won the Best Music Video Award alongside Beyonce, who owns the song and featured artists, Saint John and Blue Ivy.
However, Seun Kuti had earlier this month claimed that Wizkid does not deserve to be called a Grammy nominee.
He made this known on Instagram were indirectly asked Wizkid to stop parading himself as a Grammy nominee. After he was attacked by Wizkid’s fans, he reiterated what he said before, and still did not acknowledge Wizkid as a Grammy winner
Reacting to this, Wizkid replied to one of Seun Kuti’s post and said;
”no mind dem jare. Get the sax and make some music brother..We all enjoyed ur last album we still dey dance like this ❤️🖤🦅”
A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chukwuma Soludo has emerged victorious in the Anambra governorship primary election of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Society gazette learned that Soludo garnered 740 votes to defeat other challengers in the party. He will officially represent the party in the governorship election scheduled to hold on November 6, 2021.
It will be recalled that the former banker announced his intention to run for the state’s top position in February. Current state governor, Willie Obiano amongst other topshots in the party were present at the event.
Cheers broke out as Soludo was announced winner of the contest that took place in the state capital, Awka.
A few weeks ago, Soludo narrowly escaped death after unknown gunmen attacked him and entourage while he was campaigning in Isuofia, Aguata LGA of the state. Three of his police aides were killed in the attack.
