We sold our cars for my father’s release – CAN chairman’s son

The first son of Archbishop Joseph Masin, the Nasarawa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, who was kidnapped on May 28, Bishop Miracle Masin, has said he sold about three cars belonging to him, his wife and his father before he could raise the ransom to secure his father’s release.

He noted that they also got contributions from some individuals to secure the release of his father who was abducted at his residence in Bukan-Sidi, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

While decrying the harsh treatment meted to his father, who is also the General Overseer, Word of God Worldwide Gospel City, in an exclusive interview with The Punch on Tuesday, Miracle refused to disclose the amount paid by the family.

He explained that they started negotiations with the kidnapers from N45m, noting that when the kidnappers checked his father’s contacts on his phone and saw the caliber of persons there, they jacked up the ransom to N50m.

He said, “Millions of naira was paid but we are not ready to disclose it now. The pressure was so much but we thank God for everything. The negotiations began from the day he was kidnapped till he was released on Saturday, May 30 around 11.45pm. He got home on Sunday around 4am.”

Miracle noted that the entire family was delighted to have his father back in good condition.

He added, “My father didn’t even know where he was until he met some people, who were running away from him until one of them was bold to come close and ask him what happened. They later took him to a place where we met him in.”

While describing the kidnappers as beasts, he said his father was left in a bush and was sleeping on stones with his shorts.

He added, “For those days, my father couldn’t eat. They were bringing food but he couldn’t eat because he was not sure of what was in the food and he didn’t trust them.

“They released him along Eggon but the ransom was actually paid in Obi.”

While expressing his gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule, his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, and the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bola Longe, Miracle pointed out that the state government was not involved in the payment of the ransom.

He called on the government to boost security across the state to tackle the issue of kidnapping in the state.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/we-sold-our-cars-for-my-fathers-release.html

Fear grips Lagos LCDA as chairman dies days after council secretary

Palpable fear yesterday gripped officials of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State following the death of the council chairman, Augustine Adeoye Arogundade, barely few days after the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Alhaja Tawakalitu Abiodun Ayilara died after a brief illness, fueling rumours of coronavirus attack at the council secretariat. He was reported to have been sick briefly before his death at an unnamed hospital.

The death was disclosed yesterday by the Lagos State Conference of Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen (Conference 57), Mrs. Omolola Essien, who prayed God to forgive his shortcomings and grant him safe passage to paradise. She described the death as a ‘sad incident’, while sending prayers to his family.

The chairman, Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, has also commiserated with Agbado Oke-odo LCDA over the sudden demise of the council chair, who he described as a gentleman with kind heart.

Meanwhile, local government workers in Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA have been gripped with fear following the death of Arogundade, which comes exactly 10 days after the council lost its Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Ayilara. A worker of the LCDA who spoke under the condition of anonymity called for a thorough investigation into the deaths.

According to her, “sudden deaths at this period, especially 10 days after we lost Alhaja is a very suspicious one. People die, we all know that, but I think the government needs to focus on Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA. I don’t know what to say but since the news broke, I have received over four calls from other workers who are already scared.

“You know the world is fighting coronavirus and that is where most people are thinking along. One of the callers specifically said that workers in the LCDA should go for coronavirus test as there seems to be fire on the mountain.”

Another worker, who described himself as ‘very close to the late chairman’, disclosed that he would immediately self-isolate as he is a family man who would not want to endanger his family members. When asked if he was certain about the cause of the recent deaths, he said he was only taking ‘precautions’.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/fear-grips-lagos-lcda-as-chairman-dies.html

Drama as gang forcibly moves COVID-19 patient from Asaba isolation centre

A mild drama ensued at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State as a seven-man gang stormed the facility, beating security agents and forcibly moved one Nwachukwu Michael Mordi, who tested positive to COVID-19 on May 23, 2020.

The forced movement of Mordi, a 53-year Chief Nursing Officer and employee of the Central Hospital, Agbor, was admitted into the Treatment Centre at FMC, created some apprehension in Asaba and its environs.

Consequently, the state Ministry of Health expressed displeasure at Mordi’s resistance, even after testing positive for coronavirus on May 23 and was admitted into the FMC Treatment Centre, Asaba on May 24, 2020.

It warned that the abductors constituted grave danger to their own health and that of persons and the communities they would come in contact with.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the FMC, Ojebo Donald, management expressed concern that Mordi’s admission at FMC Isolation Centre, had witnessed aggression.

He disclosed that he (Mordi) had continuously threatened caregivers and also rejected medications, alerting members of the public about the public health danger of associating with the patient and those who have had contact with him.

A source at the hospital told The Guardian that the men who came in two cars, who claimed to be Mordi’s relatives, stormed the facility about 6pm against the consent of personnel on duty and took him away.

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu said the setting up of Operation Delta Hawk would not stop the state from participating in the proposed Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED) Commission security outfit for South-South region.

He noted that while the state security outfit would concentrate mainly on internal security in Delta State, while the regional outfit would tackle the region’s security issues, adding that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration was committed to ensuring security of lives and property in the state.

Aniagwu added that the government would continue to assist security agencies operating in the state to ensure a safer state, as there would be effective intelligence sharing among all security agencies.

“On security, we have gone beyond the establishment of regional security outfit to establish the Operation Delta Hawk because, there are regional security threats and domestic security threats.

“We are committed to the setting up of the BRACED Commission’s regional security outfit and we are also empowering and equipping the security agencies, even when they are federal agencies because they are protecting our people,” he added.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/drama-as-gang-forcibly-moves-covid-19.html

Malian teachers strike over virus concerns as schools reopen

Malian teachers went on strike on  Tuesday, the first day schools reopened after being closed for two months, over fears of inadequate protection against coronavirus.

Details of the number of students affected were unavailable, but seven teachers’ unions are striking, officials said, in a move that will hit public primary and secondary schools, as well as teacher-training colleges.

The government shut schools to curb coronavirus in late March. These reopened on Tuesday, but only for final year students who are facing exams.

Sambou Diadie Fofana, the general secretary of Mali’s National Union of Secondary School Teachers, told AFP that the strike was triggered by a “lack of measures (taken) in schools to protect everyone”.

Authorities have recorded 1,351 coronavirus cases in the country to date, with 78 fatalities.

Mali’s education ministry did not immediately respond about the number of students and teachers who returned to school on Tuesday.

In a meeting with education organisations on Monday, Mali’s Education Minister Mahamadou Famanta promised that facemasks and hand-washing kits would be available in schools, local media reported.

Moussa Diallo, 41, a unionised public-school teacher in the capital Bamako, said that soap and water had been made available in “several places” in his school.

Malian teachers also walked out of classrooms in January — before coronavirus hit — over a pay dispute.

Authorities had promised salary hikes in October 2016, which never transpired.



source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/malian-teachers-strike-over-virus.html

Kim Kardashian offers to pay medical bills of protester hit in face with rubber bullet

Kim Kardashian has taken to social media to express her horror after seeing 'heartbreaking' pictures of a young protester said to have been hit at point blank range with a rubber bullet.

After being moved by the story, the 39-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star offered to provide the injured protester with medical care if she needs it.

Kim re-shared an image of Shannyn Sharyse Nara, 23, with a gaping hole in her forehead where a rubber bullet is believed to have hit her.

Shannyn has blood rolling down her face in the image and appears to be dressed in a hospital gown.


She later alleged that the rubber bullet had been fired by a police officer.

Reaching out to her 65.3 million Twitter followers to try and get in contact with the protester, Kim said the images were 'heartbreaking'.

"This is heartbreaking and so disturbing," Kim began.

"Does anyone know how I can get in contact with her? I would love to help her with her medical care if she needs it."

The millionaire reality star has been applauded by some of her fans for her 'kind' gesture amid the ongoing national unrest.



source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/kim-kardashian-offers-to-pay-medical.html

Jennifer Aniston n.a.k.e.d photo goes up for auction for coronavirus charity

Jennifer Aniston has thrown her support behind photographer Mark Seliger after it was revealed he would be auctioning a s.e.x.y n.u..d.e photo of the actress.

The popular Friends star, 51, is said to be excited to have the stunning black and white naked portrait auctioned for a good cause.

In the iconic snap, taken in 1995, Jennifer gazed longingly at the camera completely in the buff.

Photographer Mark Seliger ensured that all her intimate regions are cleverly hidden for the steamy snap.


She also donned her signature cropped 90s hair style for the youthful image.

Sharing the exciting news on social media, Jen posted a clip of Mark at work in the studio as well as a second image of the famous picture.

"My dear friend @markseliger teamed up with @radvocacy and @christiesinc to auction 25 of his portraits - including mine ☺️- for COVID-19 relief... " she wrote.

"100% of sales proceeds of this portrait will go to @NAFClinics, an organization which provides free coronavirus testing and care nationwide to the medically underserved.

Jennifer added: "Link in my bio to learn more about the auction. Thank you again to Mark for allowing me to be part of this #radart4aid."

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/jennifer-aniston-naked-photo-goes-up.html

Five Barcelona players 'tested positive for coronavirus'

Five Barcelona players tested positive for coronavirus but the news was not made public, according to reports.

Catalan radio station RAC1 made the claim this week as Barcelona prepare to return to action on June 13.

The quintet were not named but it is understood they tested positive for the disease back when the Covid-19 crisis first started.

Neither of the five players showed any symptoms and were only made aware to the fact they had the disease once they underwent tests.


Two members of staff are also believed to have tested positive for coronavirus but Barcelona felt it was the responsibility of La Liga to make that information public, reports AS.

The La Liga leaders are concerned that the five players who suffered from coronavirus will be more injury prone, however they are all believed to be back in training.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/five-barcelona-players-tested-positive.html

Dad 'slit throat of wife and teenage daughter' before 'neighbours tackled him in street'

A dad is reported to have slit the throats of his wife and teenager daughter before being detained by his neighbours.

Police were called to a disturbance in Salisbury just before 3pm yesterday after local reported hearing terrifying screams.

Officers discovered the body of one woman, 18, and another was found seriously injured, but despite desperate efforts by paramedics, she died shortly afterwards.

Two distraught young girls were heard screaming in terror before they fled to safety and were consoled in the street by a concerned neighbour.


Neighbours say the man attacked his wife and 18-year-old daughter before fleeing the scene.

The wife is said to have screamed "where are my children?!" in her dying moments.

Both victims had their throats slit, according to The Sun, and the attack is thought to have been launched inside the house.

Wiltshire Police say a man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Hero neighbours Nick and Jan Maher rushed and took the little girls into their home to keep them safe, ordering Domino's pizza for them and watching cartoons on Nickelodeon.

Mr Maher, 59, who owns his own catering company, said: "There was some noise and I thought it was kids playing... but it got louder, dramatically louder.
"One of our neighbours was over the road with another guy and they pulled two kids out, which were the young daughters.

"I thought they were having a fight at first but someone shouted 'they've been stabbed, call the police' so I went out and my wife and I grabbed the two children to put them in our house and keep them safe.

"One of our neighbours came up the hill very out of breath and said 'we've caught him, just down the road'. He'd actually come out the front door while we were going in the back foot and went past us."

His wife, 62, said she was walked right past the suspect and saw him.

She said: "The kids were screaming so I said 'you come with me' and the man that brought them out the house said 'he's cut her throat'.

She added: "So as I walked back across the road... and as I walked across (he) came out the front door, walked fast, but didn't run."

She added: "I didn't see a knife or any blood on him."

One neighbour was so shocked he collapsed.

Mr Maher added: "The two builders caught up with him and flattened him, from what we're told.

"We had the children in here and kept them entertained. It's just bloody awful."



source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/dad-slit-throat-of-wife-and-teenage.html

Police called to Ibiza beach party as revellers defy social-distancing rules

This is the moment revellers ignored social distancing rules to dance at a sunset Ibiza beach party.

People ignored the official advice by crowding together and not wearing masks.

The footage was shot on the north side of the Mediterranean island at the hippy hangout of Cala Benirras where a beach troupe 'drum down the sunset' every Sunday.

Beachgoers can be seen dancing in front of the band whilst children can be seeing playing on the sand.


According to reports, around 200 people crammed onto the beach with many seen huddling around the drummers.

Local media report that police did not evacuate the beach for fear of causing confrontations with partygoers.


But the Spanish Civil Guard shut off access to the beach to prevent more guests joining the party and stayed there until everyone had left.

Witnesses said the drummers stopped playing after the beach was closed off but partygoers reportedly remained in the area.

The event reportedly went ahead despite the warnings of local authorities who said that the single road to the cove had been blocked off.

The beach troupe perform every Sunday as part of the weekly sunset drumming ritual during the summer season.

Now the Spanish Civil Guard and local police of Sant Joan will reportedly block access to the beach every Sunday from 3:30 to 9 pm.

The lockdown in Spain is slowly being relaxed slowly as the rate of infection begins to slow down in the country.

According to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University, the number of people in Spain who have died with COVID-19 stands at 27,127, with 239,638 confirmed cases.

There have been 38,571 deaths in the UK, which has had 276,156 confirmed cases.



source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/police-called-to-ibiza-beach-party-as.html

Couples 'should wear masks while having s.e.x' amid coronavirus pandemic, experts advise

With the UK now in its tenth week of lockdown, many bored Brits have been getting frisky to keep themselves entertained while at home.

But a new study has warned that having s.e.x could spread coronavirus, and has advised that couples take preventative steps in the bedroom.

This includes avoiding kissing, showering before and after s.e.x, and even wearing masks while having s.e.x.

In the study, researchers from Harvard University ranked different sexual scenarios, based on how like you are to catch coronavirus during them.


Abstinence and masturbation were ranked as ‘low risk’ s.e.xual activities, while s.e.x with people within a household, and s.e.x with people from other households were ranked as ‘high risk’ activities.

While the researchers admit that abstinence isn’t possible for many people, they’re urging people to take certain measures to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

In their study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the researchers, led by Dr Jack Turban, wrote: “For some patients, complete abstinence from in-person sexual activity is not an achievable goal.

“In these situations, having s.e.x with persons with whom they are self-quarantining is the safest approach.

“Those unable to take this approach may benefit from risk reduction counseling, which has proven effective in other realms of s.e.xual health.

“Patients should also be provided with information about how to reduce the risk for other s.e.xually transmitted infections as well as the importance of continued use of contraceptives during this time to prevent unwanted pregnancy.”

The study comes shortly after an expert claimed that recovered coronavirus patients should avoid s.e.x for 30 days.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/couples-should-wear-masks-while-having.html

Court Orders The Release Of Orji Uzor Kalu From Prison

Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the release of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu from the Abuja Correctional Centre.

The Federal High Court in Lagos issued the order on Tuesday, paving way for the former governor to walk out of prison.



Kalu was sentenced to 12 years in prison, after he was convicted of N7.1bn fraud alongside his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited, and a former Director of Finance at the Abia State Government House, Jones Udeogu.

Pastor and his wife shot dead on their farm in Taraba (photos)

A pastor of Christian Reformed Church -Nigeria, CRC-N, in Donga local government area of Taraba state, Emmanuel Bileya have been killed alongside his wife, Juliana by militiamen.

The duo were said to have been working on their farms when they met their untimely death.

Taraba state governor, Darius Ishaku who expressed shock over the recent killings in Southern Taraba communities, condemned the murder of the cleric and his wife.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu, Ishaku described the latest killing as wicked and inhuman.


According to the statement, “killings of this nature have happened too often recently in Southern Taraba communities and it is unhelpful to the on-going efforts of government to achieve lasting peace among communities in the area.”

He further expressed sympathy with the surviving members of Pastor Bileya’s Immediate and extended families as well as pastors and members of CRC-N in Mararaba where he served until his death.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/pastor-and-his-wife-shot-dead-on-their.html

Coroner reveals what killed Twilight actor, Nigerian girlfriend

A coroner has revealed that an overdose of cocaine killed Twilight actor Boyce Gregory and his Nigerian girlfriend, Natalie Adepoju.

The 30-year-old actor was found dead at his Las Vegas home alongside his girlfriend Natalie Adepoju on May 13. They were reportedly found by the actor’s cousin, who was also staying in the home at the time.

After arriving at the scene, officers are said to have found a white ‘powdery substance’ inside the room.

According to Clark County coroner, John Fudenberg,  the duo died from an ”accidental” overdose of cocaine and fentanyl intoxication.

Meanwhile, the couple left behind Gregory’s 10-year-old daughter, Alaya, and Natalie’s son, Egypt.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/coroner-reveals-what-killed-twilight.html

UK coronavirus hospital death toll passes 31,000 after 164 more patients die

The death toll of coronavirus patients who have died in UK hospitals has reached 31,128 after 164 more patients died.

NHS England reported 143 more hospital deaths from coronavirus, another 12 patients have died in hospitals in Scotland, seven more patients have died in Wales and two more people died in Northern Ireland.

The latest 143 deaths in English hospitals has brought the total number of confirmed reported deaths there to 26,865.

Patients were aged between 36 and 100 years old. Eight of the 143 patients, aged between 48 and 91, had no known underlying health condition.


A total of 2,375 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by 12 from 2,363 on Monday, Nicola Sturgeon said.

Speaking at the Scottish Government's coronavirus briefing, the First Minister said 15,471 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 53 from 15,418 the day before.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/uk-coronavirus-hospital-death-toll.html

Jim Iyke visits the Eiffel Tower with his son, Harvis (photos)

Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke has shared lovely photos of himself and his son, Harvis Chidubem Ikechukwu on a visit to the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. Two more photos below....

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/jim-iyke-visits-eiffel-tower-with-his.html

New York City alone has recorded 200,000 coronavirus cases and 21,500 deaths in three months

New York City on Sunday topped 200,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, just three months after the first person in the city tested positive for Covid-19.

There were 56 Covid-19 deaths in the state on Saturday, 'which in this absurd reality we live in is very, very good news,' Governor Cuomo said Sunday.

While noting a slight uptick in the three-day average of new coronavirus hospital admissions, Cuomo said the number is declining overall across the region.

The confirmed death toll in the city is 16,848 with a further 4,721 probable deaths.


It comes as NYC, the epicenter of the virus in the US, prepares for the first phase of easing lockdown.

That will see construction and manufacturing workers return to their jobs along with curbside retail. Mayor Bill de Blasio says he expects that to happen in the first half of June.

And in preparation for that on June 8, Gov. Cuomo said Saturday he will focus this week on providing more testing and more supplies like masks to neighborhoods where infection rates remain high.

Office workers in the city will not return until the second phase and even then, businesses have to meet strict requirements to keep staff safe.

The U.S. death toll from coronavirus topped 100,000 on Wednesday, a startling milestone just four months after the country's first case was confirmed.

It remains the highest death toll from the virus in the world and surpasses the U.S. military combat fatalities suffered in every conflict since the Korean War.

As of Sunday there were more than 104,000 COVID-19 deaths in the US. The figure is more than double the deaths in any other country.

It is a figure that President Trump initially stated would never be hit as he claimed in February that the virus would go away itself as warmer weather began.

He later stepped back on these comments saying that keeping the death toll to 100,000 would be a sign that the administration had 'done a very good job'.

With coronavirus deaths continuing to decline in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo expressed hope Sunday that the state is approaching a level where fatalities are perhaps not eliminated but are very few.

Cuomo devoted most of his daily coronavirus briefing Sunday to discussing the ongoing protests against police brutality which, while mostly peaceful, have spurred violent outbursts that left police cars burned, businesses vandalized and hundreds of people arrested from New York City to Buffalo.

He speculated that the unrest might have been enhanced, in part, by pent-up frustration and agitation over coronavirus lockdowns.Cuomo also confirmed that dentists statewide can reopen Monday.

The governor said that dentists’ offices will be subject to state guidance on best practices for safety and social distancing.

It comes as the Cuomo administration slowly eases restrictions on economic activity in the state, region by region and industry by industry.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/new-york-city-alone-has-recorded-200000.html

Police arrest suspect linked to murder of UNIBEN student

One of the suspects linked to the r.a.p.e and murder of Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100-level student of the University of Benin, Edo State, has been arrested by the Edo State Police Command.

The 22-year-old undergraduate was r.a.p.e.d and killed by unknown persons while reading in the RCCG church in Benin city.

According to the spokesman of Edo Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, the suspect was arrested after the fingerprint on the fire extinguisher she was attacked with was examined.

Nwabuzor revealed that operatives of the command arrested the suspect after the Area Commander of Ikpoba Hill mobilized his men to take action.


“The item used in the assault, which was a fire extinguisher, was recovered, immediately the operatives who were with some specialists screened the fingerprints which led to our suspect.

“Around the place of the incident, the suspect was arrested,” Nwabuzor said.

The death of Uwa has stirred reactions from notable figures, as well as Nigerians on social media calling for justice.

The Inspector general of Police, IGP Adamu disclosed that investigative aids have been deployed to Edo to help speed up the investigations.

He assured that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to book in the shortest possible time.




source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/police-arrest-suspect-linked-to-murder.html

Former Lagos senator, Muniru Muse dies at 80

Former lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Muniru Muse has died after a brief illness on Tuesday.

Muse died at the Ahmadiyya Hospital in Apapa, Lagos. He was 80.

Muse, who represented Lagos Central Senatorial District in the Senate between 2007 and 2011, had celebrated his 80th birthday on May 17.

He was succeeded at the Senate by Oluremi Tinubu who organises a football tournament annually in his honour.


Muse was the manager at the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and a close associate of former governor of the old Gongola State, Bamanga Tukur.

He was also chairman of Apapa Local Government between 1999 and 2002, executive secretary of the local government between 2003 and 2004, and reelected chairman of the local government again in 2004, a position he held until his election into the Senate in 2007.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/former-lagos-senator-muniru-muse-dies.html

Technician sentenced to death for beating his 62-year-old dad to death over will

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Monday sentenced a technician, Rasak Abiona, to death for beating his 62-year-old father to death with an iron rod during a dispute over his will in Lagos.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo delivered the judgment in a virtual hearing.

Justice Taiwo held that though the prosecution had presented circumstantial evidence against the middle-aged defendant during the trial, the state proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

She noted that the technician’s confessional statements to the police implicated him and that during the trial, the defendant did not present witnesses in court to back his claim that his father died after a fall.


Justice Taiwo sentenced Abiona after finding him guilty of a charge of murder contrary to Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011.

“This is a very unfortunate and sad case where a son killed his father. There is no doubt that by hitting the deceased with an iron rod on the head, the defendant intended to cause grievous bodily harm.

“The defendant could have easily overpowered his father, a 62-year-old man without hitting him on the head with an iron rod. This case is a clear indication of what anger and impatience can do in a man’s life.

“The court does not have a discretion to give a lesser punishment in a case of murder in view of Section 223 of the Criminal Law 2011.

“I hereby sentence the defendant to death for killing his father, Sunday Abiona. This is the sentence of the court,” the judge said.
B
efore the sentence was delivered, the defence counsel, Mr Obinna Mbagho, in his plea for mercy, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, noting that Rasak was a first-time offender who had shown remorse.

“He has been in prison since 2013 and ever since his incarceration, his children have been scattered,” Mbagho said.

Opposing the plea for mercy, the prosecutor for the state, Mr Olakunle Ligali, requested for the maximum penalty for the crime.

“Under the Criminal Law of Lagos, when the crime has the ultimate penalty of death, the court has no discretion to mitigate the sentence.

“In fact, the court does not have a discretion to hear the plea for mercy,” Ligali said.

According to the prosecution, Rasak killed his father during a scuffle on February 28, 2012 at the deceased’s residence at No. 22, Taiwo St., Ejigbo, Lagos.

During the trial, five witnesses testified for the prosecution including the brother of the deceased, Mr Lanre Abiona and two half-sisters of the defendant, Ms Kafilat Abiona and Ms Shakirat Abiona.

Other prosecution witnesses were a pathologist, Dr Moses Akpeniyi and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), ASP Festus Omoru.

The defendant did not call any witness to testify for him as testified solely in his defence.

Lanre in his evidence had told the court that the defendant had a long history of beating his father and that on one occasion, Rasak had beaten his father to the extent his teeth had fallen out.

Lanre noted that he had told his late brother on numerous occasions to disown his son, but he refused.

Shakirat, during the trial told the court that the physical altercation between her brother and father started because her brother had come to their father’s home wanting to view a copy of his will, but their father refused to oblige his request, leading to a fight between the men.

The pathologist, in his testimony, had told the court that the deceased had died from a brain haemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma caused by a heavy object hitting the skull.



source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/technician-sentenced-to-death-for.html

Court orders immediate release of Orji Uzor Kalu

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Nigerian Correctional Services to immediately release a former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

Kalu is in the Kuje Correctional Service centre following his conviction last December for looting N7.65billion belonging to Abia State.

Justice Mohammad Liman granted the lawmaker’s application for release moved by his counsel Lateef Fagbemi.

The judge made the order after he received no opposition to Kalu’s application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/06/court-orders-immediate-release-of-orji.html