Metro
Court Frees Armed Robbery Suspect Over Absence Of Prosecution Witness

Reprieve came the way of one Ojo Gbenga, a suspect standing trial for alleged armed robbery and conspiracy, as an Ikeja High Court on Monday struck out his case due to absence of the prosecution witness.
According to Justice Oyindamola Ogala, the “defendant’s presumption of innocence is still valid’’.
“The defendant should be released in the absence of any matter in any other court.
“The prosecution is at liberty to re-arrest when the victim (who is the prosecution witness) is ready to reopen the case,” Ogala said.
READ ALSO: Why It’s Difficult For Artistes To Make Conscious Music – Music Executive
The state prosecutor, O.A Azeez, told the court that the prosecution witness, who is the victim in the matter, relocated outside of Lagos State after the incident, hence his absence.
Azeez said that he also tried to contact the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in charge of the case but the effort was not fruitful.
The defence counsel, Bidemi Ademola, told the court that the matter should be struck out since the prosecution witness had relocated with no intention of coming back to Lagos.
He said that the defendant has been in custody since 2022 and should not be kept there indefinitely.
READ ALSO: Appeal Court Upholds Election Of Bayelsa Legislator
NAN reports that the defendant was first arraigned on August 3, 2022, on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery.
Gbenga was alleged to have carried out the act in company of others, now at large, on February 26, 2022, at about 10:30 pm, in Ojo-Ladipo Street, Ikotun area of Lagos.
The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene sections 299 and 297 (2) (a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, C. 17, Vol 3, Law of Lagos State, 2015.
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.
-
Politics4 days ago
2027: Tinubu’s Re-election May Put An End To Nigeria — Baba Ahmed Warns
-
Business4 days ago
JUST IN: Nigerian Filling Stations Reduce Fuel Price After Hike
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Actress Eniola Badmus Gets New Federal Appointment
-
News2 days ago
BREAKING: Wike Picks Alabo George For Rivers Governorship
-
News4 days ago
2027: Pastor Adeboye Speaks On Nigeria’s Next President
-
Politics4 days ago
NDC Speaks On Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Joining Party
-
News3 days ago
OPINION: Why South Africans Murder Nigerians In Cold Blood
-
Politics2 days ago
JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up
-
Politics3 days ago
Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Formally Join NDC, Warn Members Against Litigation
-
Business2 days ago
Why We Sited Our Multi-Billion Naira Automobile Firm Branch in Benin – Skyewise Group CEO