News

Olubadan Promotes 9 Ibadan Chiefs, Oyo Ex-Gov Absent

Published

2 years ago

March 25, 2022

Editor

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun has elevated nine chiefs from the Balogun line, NAN reports.

The promotion is the traditional ruler’s first official function since his coronation on March 11, 2022.

All Olubadan-in-Council members except Osi-Olubadan, Rashidi Ladoja (former Oyo Governor), attended the ceremony.

Oba Balogun urged the chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by Ibadan people for whom they hold their titles in trust.

The monarch charged them to use the new positions to serve the people and humanity.

“The elevation calls for more commitment, loyalty and sacrifice. I pray that our ancestors will grant you the ability to meet up with the demands of your respective titles,” he noted.

Oluwo Afobaje of Ibadanland, Wahab Mosadogun gave them the traditional ‘akoko leaves’ and performed mandatory rites.

They include Akeem Adewoyin – Abese; Sharafadeen Alli – Maye; Adegboyega Adeniran – Ekefa; Taiwo Oyekan – Agbaaki.

Others are Raufu Eleruwere – Aare Alasa; Emiola Onideure – Ikolaba; Arowolo Obisesan – Asaju; Wasiu Ajimobi – Ayingun and Gboyega Modi – Aare Ago.

News

EFCC Trial: ‘Even The Prophets Went To Prison’ – Buhari’s Minister Comforts Self In Court

Published

9 hours ago

May 10, 2024

Editor

A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, standing trial for an alleged N7.2bn fraud, said he was ready to go to prison just like the prophets.

Sirika, his daughter, and three others were arraigned at a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday on a six-count amended criminal charge before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.

A video of the ex-minister speaking in court with his lawyers surfaced on X on Thursday.

In the video, Sirika, dressed in cream Babariga, could be heard saying, “It’s okay. Fatima, it’s okay,” while comforting his daughter.

He continued, “Even prophets have gone (to prison). Those that went, haven’t they finished theirs already?…whatever Allah says”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the ex-minister, his daughter, son-in-law and Al-Duraq Investment Limited, of fraud in connection with the botched Nigerian Air project.

Meanwhile, the court granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N100m with two sureties each.

Before the trial judge, Justice Sylvanus Orji granted the bail request of the defendants, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them after it was read out to them.

The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, had informed the court of an amended charge by the EFCC dated May 7, and filed on May 8, which was not opposed by the counsel for the defendants.

Sirika’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of his client’s bail application dated May 6.

The other defendants similarly, moved their bail applications and prayed the court to be liberal in the bail conditions.

Jacobs, on his part, told the court that all the defendants were on administrative bail and asked the court to grant bail on the condition that would make them appear for their trials.

Apart from the N100m bail, Justice Osuji added that one of the sureties must own a landed property with valid land titles in like sum within the Federal Capital Territory.

The judge also held that the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means while he barred the defendants from travelling outside the country without its permission.

He added that failure to fulfil the bail conditions would earn the defendants a stay in a correctional facility.