Metro
$6bn Mambilla Contract: Court Grants Ex-minister, Agunloye N50m Bail

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, on Thursday, granted bail in the sum of N50m to a former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye.
The court had ordered his remand in the Kuje Correctional Service pending the hearing of his bail application over an alleged $6 billion fraud in connection to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station.
Agunloye served as minister between 1999 and 2003 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned Agunloye before Justice J.O. Onwuegbuzie on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him.
READ ALSO: [JUST IN] Alleged Fraud: Court Remands Ex-minister, Agunloye In Kuje Prison
The former minister’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, moved the motion and prayed the court to grant bail to his client by way of self-recognisance or in liberal terms, saying Argunloye is not a flight risk and that the notion canvassed by the prosecution was “out of misconception and communication barrier.”
Adedipe also appealed to the court not to order the use of a public servant as surety for his client.
The counsel argued that the misconception about bail and the mischief argued by the prosecution has been cured by Section 352( 4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Under this provision, Adeola said, “Once a defendant is admitted to bail, even if he absconds, the trial will continue and he will be convicted where necessary.”
READ ALSO: What TB Joshua Did To My Family – Nigerian Singer
However, the prosecution counsel opposed the bail application.
In his judgment, Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that a N50 million bail be granted to the defendant and ordered him to produce two sureties in like sum.
The sureties must be “reputable” and “people of means” resident within the FCT.
They must have properties worth N300m with a Certificate of Occupancy that must be verifiable, the judge ruled.
Metro
Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm
The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.
Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.
Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.
READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.
READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
He said, “Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.
“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
Metro
Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.
The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.
Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.
READ ALSO:Gunmen Abduct 60-year-old Trader In Oyo
Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.
Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.
Metro
Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.
READ ALSO:Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South
In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.
Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.
The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.
The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.
READ ALSO:Edo NLC Divided Over May Day Celebration
The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.
Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”
According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.
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