Metro
Court Dismisses Four Bello Turji‘s Associates Bail Application
Published
6 months agoon
By
Editor
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, dismissed the bail applications filed by four suspects linked to notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who is the prosecution of the charge, had made a compelling case against the defendants that releasing them would be a great threat to the nation’s national security.
Justice Nwite agreed with the arguments of counsel to the AGF, David Kaswe, that though granting bail is at the discretion of the court, this decision must be exercised judicially and judiciously.
Justice Nwite, who granted an accelerated hearing of their trial, however, dismissed the bail plea.
The judge equally granted an ex-parte motion moved by Kaswe, seeking the protection of the witnesses as the trial commences immediately.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Kaswe, on Feb. 10, had argued that the defendants, if granted bail, might abscond.
The lawyer submitted that there was contending evidence that the defendants played significant roles in the terrorism activities led by Bello Turji in the northern part of the country.
He said if granted bail, the defendants might interfere with the evidence.
READ ALSO: Bandit Leader, Bello Turji Fines Helpless Sokoto Communities N22m Over Slain Colleague
He argued that bail is not an absolute right, particularly when it borders on national security.
He said in considering bail applications, the court should equally consider the nature of the charge, the severity of the punishment, among other factors.
He said the character of the evidence against the defendants was very strong, as they are being charged with terrorism offences.
The lawyer urged the court to take judicial notice that some other members of the group listed as defendants were still at large.
He said, “chief among them is the 6th defendant, Bello Turji, who continues to cause mayhem and havoc to innocent Nigerians and has become a threat to national security.”
Delivering the ruling, Justice Nwite said he was not unmindful of the constitution that a person charged with criminal offence is innocent until proven guilty.
The judge, however, said that all facts had to be considered.
NAN reports that Justice Nwite had, on December 23, 2024, ordered the remand of the four suspected terrorists in Kuje Correctional Centre.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Court Summons Yahaya Bello Over Alleged Breach Of Trust, Others
The judge made the order after the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge bordering on terrorism following their arraignment.
Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until February 10 for trial.
NAN reports that the four suspects, Musa Kamarawa; Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor, Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma, denied their involvement in the offences with which they were charged when the 11 counts were read to them.
Although eight defendants were listed on the face of the charge, three of them, including Bello Turji, were at large.
However, shortly after the court registrar called the case, only four defendants were in court.
Justice Nwite then asked about the whereabouts of Bashir Abdullahi, who is the third defendant.
Kaswe then told the court that Abdullahi was also at large.
The lawyer, therefore, sought the leave of the court to enter “at large” for Abdullahi and the judge granted the oral application after it was not opposed by the defence lawyers.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Court Orders EFCC To Serve Yahaya Bello N80bn Fraud Charges Through His Lawyer
NAN reports that the FG, through the office of the AGF, had filed the 11-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024 against the eight defendants, four of who are at large.
In the charge filed on December 16, by M.B. Abubakar, Director, Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Musa Muhammad Kamarawa; Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor; Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma were sued as 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th defendants.
While Bashir Abdullahi, Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, who are all at large, are sued as third, sixth, seventh and eighth defendants respectively.
In count one, Musa Kamarawa; Abubakar Hashimu, aka Doctor; Bashir Abdullahi; Samuel Chinedu; Lucky Chukwuma; Bello Turji (at large); Aminu Muhammad (at large) and Sani Lawal (at large), sometime between 2018 and 2022 in Sokoto State, were alleged to have conspired among themselves to commit the terror act.
They were alleged to have provided material services to terrorist groups led by Turji, Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, Buderi and others, by procuring and supplying illicit drugs, including penta injections and cannabis plants (aka indian hemp); food items; military and police uniforms, camouflage.
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They were also alleged to have supplied boots, caps and building materials, including bags of cement, cover zinc, bags of nails, M.M. iron rod, etc., to terrorist camps in the forests located in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
In count four, Kamarawa, Muhammad (at large) and Lawal (at large), sometime in 2021 in Sokoto State, allegedly aided and abetted the commission of acts of terrorism by acquiring a military gun truck from Libya and supplying same to a terrorist, Kachalla Halilu, at a cost of approximately N28.5 million (28,500,000).
They were alleged to have paid for the gun truck partly in cash and partly via electronic transfer.
The offence, the federal government said, is
Contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act,” the count read in part.
The offence, the prosecution also said is contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
(NAN)
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An interior designer, identified as Deborah Moses, popularly known as Deb’rah Porsche, has been allegedly murdered in Lagos by her ex-boyfriend, months after she ended their relationship.
The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night, has sparked outrage among family members, neighbors, and rights activists, who are demanding justice for the slain young woman.
According to reports, the suspect, identified simply as Lintex, a native of Otukpo in Benue State, allegedly disguised as a dispatch rider to gain access to the estate where Deborah lived.
READ ALSO:Three Killed In Lagos Masquerader Festival Clash
When security operatives became suspicious, he reportedly scaled the fence into the compound and proceeded to her apartment.
It was learned that the suspect first attempted to cause an explosion by cutting the cooking gas pipe outside the house. When that plan failed, he allegedly broke into Deborah’s residence and stabbed her multiple times until she died. A relative of the victim said Deborah ended the relationship over a year ago but had been repeatedly threatened by the suspect.
“They have broken up for more than a year now, but this guy refused to move on. He keeps making statements like, ‘If I don’t have you, nobody will. If I don’t marry you, blood will flow,’” the relative said. She added that Deborah, who had just completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and was gradually building her career, had been avoiding strange calls and unwanted advances from the suspect before the tragedy.
READ ALSO:Man Faces Trial For Killing Minor, Two Others
“She was only trying to find her feet when this tragedy struck,” the grieving sister said.
Neighbors restrained the suspect after the attack before handing him over to the police. He is currently in custody, while activists and family members have called for a thorough investigation, warning that the case must not be swept under the carpet.
Metro
How Man Killed Younger Brother, Hid Body In Drum — Police
Published
7 hours agoon
September 6, 2025By
Editor
A man, Eze Elechi Amadi has explained why he killed his 18-year-old younger brother, Otu Ifeanyi, in Kajola, in Odigbo council area of Ondo state.
Amadi who was paraded by the police alongside 99 other suspected criminals in Akure, the state capital, weekend, was arrested while trying to dispose the body of his deceased brother
Police commissioner, Adebowale Lawal, said that “on 26th August, 2025 at about 3pm, one Oluwafemi Oladipupo of Paragon Street, Kajola, reported at Kajola Divisional Headquarters that he observed a blue plastic drum in front of his residence, tied at the mouth with a black rope.
“Upon inspection, the lifeless body of one Otu Ifeanyi, aged 18 years, who was later identified as the younger brother of the suspect, was discovered inside the drum. The drum was being transported on a motorcycle by one Eze Elechi Amadi ‘m’. While attempting to convey the drum to an unknown location for disposal, it fell off the motorcycle.
READ ALSO:Lagos Man Killed In Fight, Suspect Arrested
Lawal said that “the suspect was immediately apprehended. During interrogation, he confessed to having killed his younger brother over a financial dispute, alleging that the deceased had unlawfully transferred ¦ 20,000.00 from his Ecobank account.
“The corpse has been deposited at the mortuary while further investigation is ongoing. The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation”.
Speaking on the suspected criminals arrested across the 18 council area of the state, the police commissioner, said they were allegedly involved in crimes such as murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs, and theft, among others.
Lawal noted that the arrests were made possible through the efforts of the men of the command and the cooperation of the residents of the state, who supplied the command with the right information.
READ ALSO:Man Kills Self In Imo Over Hardship, Family Neglect
According to him “In the past weeks, our command has recorded remarkable breakthroughs in crime prevention, detection, and prosecution—achievements that reflect not only the gallant efforts of our officers and men, but also the invaluable cooperation of the good people of Ondo State.
“We have arrested a total number of 100 suspects who were involved in crimes such as murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs, fraud/obtaining under false pretense, theft/stealing and receiving stolen property, vandalization, vehicle-related crimes, arms supplier/illegal possession of ammunition, and other robbery-linked suspects.
“We have also recovered some items from the suspects including locally made guns, ammunition, 30 rounds of AA cartridges, unregistered/forged vehicle documents, stolen vehicles, motorcycles, impounded/contravened vehicles, fake/unauthorised number plates (including government and spy), assorted stolen items (mobile phones, pressing irons, SIM cards, mattresses, jewelries, among others.”
The police commissioner said that “these achievements underscore the commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to protecting lives and property across the State.
He added that, “the successes recorded were made possible by the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, whose visionary leadership continues to inspire professionalism within the Force.”
(VANGUARD)
Metro
Why We Shun Pedestrian Bridges Despite Risks, Despite Punitive Measures — Lagosians
Published
9 hours agoon
September 6, 2025By
Editor
…‘We’ve prosecuted over 4,000 offenders since January 2024 —LAGESC
Mojeed (other name withheld) was in a hurry to catch an early morning BRT bus that fateful Monday. He lives at Iyana Ipaja on the Lagos Mainland and works on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island. Already running late, he decided to circumvent the law to save time. He knew the regulation was clear—pedestrians must use the pedestrian bridge—but like many Lagosians, he only complied when enforcement officers were in sight.
Nothing suggested that trouble was lurking. He had just crossed the busy highway and was heading towards the bus station when operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) accosted him.
Asked why he ignored the pedestrian bridge, Mojeed gave an incoherent excuse. Within minutes, he was bundled into a waiting Black Maria alongside other offenders. He was held for over three hours before being released, his plan to get to work on time completely defeated.
“It was such a regrettable incident for me,” he admitted.
Unfortunately, Mojeed’s experience is far from unique. Despite the Lagos State government’s huge investment in pedestrian bridges across the state and the introduction of punitive measures to enforce compliance, many residents still risk their lives daily by running across expressways instead of using the bridges.
A Saturday Tribune investigation revealed that, like Mojeed, several pedestrians prefer the dangerous option of crossing highways. But unlike him, many Lagosians who spoke to Saturday Tribune defended their choices, citing insecurity, poor sanitation, the strenuous climb and time-wasting as reasons for avoiding pedestrian bridges.
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Security concerns on pedestrian bridges
Agnes, a resident of Iyana Ipaja who works with an advertising agency in Ikeja GRA, told Saturday Tribune that she often feels unsafe using pedestrian bridges, particularly at night.
“When the state government was building the pedestrian bridge at PWD along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, we were happy. We thought it would reduce accidents and traffic chaos. But now, the bridge is often deserted except for self-appointed sweepers and area boys hanging around. I get scared, and sometimes I would rather cross the expressway and face the consequences,” she said.
Anthony Imaseun, a 27-year-old graduate of the University of Benin who works with a construction firm on Victoria Island, shared a similar fear. For him, the menace of hoodlums loitering around Sandfill pedestrian bridge is a major deterrent.
“They smoke weed openly in broad daylight. Nobody checks them. How can we be sure anyone will come to your aid if you are attacked on that bridge?” he asked.
Anthony, however, believes the situation can be salvaged. “Government should install security cameras and provide visible security presence. That assurance alone will make more people use the bridges,” he suggested.
READ ALSO:Three Lagos Labourers Found Dead In Makeshift Apartment
Sanitation and accessibility issues
For Evelyn Ilo, a Jakande Estate resident who works in Apapa, dirt and encroachment discourage her from using pedestrian bridges.
“Some of the bridges have been turned into public toilets or mini-markets by traders. The filth is unbearable and you don’t feel safe walking there. I prefer to cross the expressway, even though I know it’s risky,” she said.
Evelyn advised the government to improve cleanliness, remove hawkers, provide lighting and install ramps or escalators to make bridges accessible to the elderly, children and the physically challenged.
Christopher Chukwuka also lamented the dilapidated state of many pedestrian bridges. “At night, they are dangerous. Hoodlums block your way from both ends, leaving no escape. Until government fixes the bridges and provides security, I’d rather cross the road,” he declared.
Taiwo, a resident of Mowe who works in Lagos, echoed similar concerns. “The pedestrian bridge in Mowe is dark and unsafe at night. The climb is also stressful, especially for the elderly and disabled. Yet, the risk of crossing the expressway is enormous because many lives have been lost to speeding vehicles. Government must light up these bridges and build more along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway,” he advised.
Mixed views: Safety vs. inconvenience
Not all Lagosians avoid the bridges. Olamide, a journalist, said he prefers using them.
“The expressways are too dangerous. I have seen too many near-accidents to take that risk. But the bridges themselves are not always pleasant; they are dirty, poorly lit and sometimes filled with miscreants. Government must maintain them better and make them user-friendly. If that happens, more people will abandon the risky habit of dashing across the road,” he said.
READ ALSO:Lagos Man Killed In Fight, Suspect Arrested
Government’s enforcement drive
Despite these concerns, the Lagos State government insists that enforcement remains non-negotiable.
Recently, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the government would continue to deploy enforcement strategies to ensure compliance.
Confirming this, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Lukman Ajayi, told Saturday Tribune that enforcement is ongoing.
“On Friday, we arrested 18 offenders at 7&8 Bus Stop, Onipanu, and Fadeyi for failing to use pedestrian bridges. Since January 2024, no fewer than 4,000 offenders have been arrested and prosecuted. The exercise will continue until residents comply fully,” Ajayi stated.
For now, however, the gulf remains wide between government’s insistence on compliance and residents’ reluctance to climb the bridges provided for their safety. Until issues of security, sanitation, and accessibility are addressed, many Lagosians may continue to risk their lives crossing highways, despite the danger, despite the law.
(TRIBUNE)
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