Crime
Group Demands Public Release Of Sylvester Oromoni Coroner’s Findings
The Justice for Sylvester Oromoni Committee, on Monday, expressed their dissatisfaction with the extended delay of the coroner’s inquest initiated by the Lagos State Government to investigate the cause of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.’s death.
Sylvester, a JSS II student at Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos State, reportedly passed away on November 30, 2021, allegedly due to torture inflicted by certain identified senior students. It was claimed that they forcefully administered a poisonous substance to him.
The committee has called upon the state government, the judiciary, and other concerned Nigerians to urge the Coroner’s office to promptly disclose their findings and recommendations to the public.
The Justice for Sylvester Oromoni Committee, represented by its Coordinator, Regent Youmor, issued a statement in Asaba, the capital of Delta State emphasizing the urgency of the coroner’s office revealing its findings without delay.
They emphasized that this disclosure is crucial for all parties involved to determine their subsequent course of action in the pursuit of justice. The committee remains steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that justice is upheld.
The statement read, “It’s unthinkable to see that a Coroner’s Inquest that is usually set up with specific terms of reference and a short time frame to submit its findings to enable parties involved take the next line of action open to them in any particular case is now the one foot-dragging to make the report public.
“From our little experience of how a Coroner’s Inquest works, members are allowed to sit even on Sundays, to meet up within the specified time frame given, but in this case, we have an Inquest that adjourns for two months, comes back to sit briefly again and then takes another three months adjournment for no good reasons.” it added.
Hence, the group urged the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, the judiciary, and compassionate individuals across the nation to intervene and encourage the Coroner’s Inquest to publicly disclose its findings. This plea was made in order for the grieving family to proceed with their subsequent steps in seeking justice.
Crime
Terrorism: Police Neutralises ESN Kingpins, Destroys Camps In Imo
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
Crime
$345,000 Fraud: EFCC Withdraws Arrest Warrant For Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Crime
Counsel To Otudeko Protests Alleged N12.3bn Fraud Charges
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..