CRIME
Marwa Charges Stakeholders to Tackle Drug Abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has charged parents and other stakeholders to rise up to the challenge of ensuring that illicit substances were kept away from young Nigerians.
The Chairman, NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen.
Buba Marwa, made the call at the Realnews Magazine 10th year anniversary lecture on Thursday in Lagos.
In a statement by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi in Abuja, Marwa warned that complacency was capable of compromising the bright future ahead of the youth population.
He said “let me leave us with a thought-provoking submission about the danger of complacency in tackling drug abuse among youths.
“By 2030, demographic factors project the number of people using drugs to rise by 11 per cent around the world, and as much as 40 per cent in Africa alone.
“This is an early warning that we should all take serious and ensure that we keep our young people away from dangerous substances that compromise the bright future ahead of them, ” he said.
The NDLEA boss said that instead of benefitting from the advantages of the huge youth population in Nigeria, the reverse might be the case.
This, he said, would be if relevant stakeholders failed to stand up and join ongoing efforts against the drug scourge.
According to him, “It is globally recognised that one of Africa’s comparative advantages is its huge youth population.
“This country, Nigeria, for instance, has no less than 151 million young people, accounting for 70% of our estimated 217 million population.
“Most of us don’t know what that means. Youth means creativity, strength, resourcefulness and productivity.
“But how do we rake in these benefits when a significant number of this population is involved in the abuse of illicit substances?
“The truth is instead of a boom, they could become a burden because of abuse of illicit substances, “he said.
Marwa said that in response to whole-of-society approaches needed to ensure that people, young people most of all, have the information and develop the resilience to make good choices, especially as it relates to drug abuse.
He said that the NDLEA had initiated some youth focused measures to safeguard them against the pressures and temptations of going into drugs.
He said, “Such measures include: “War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, a grassroots-oriented advocacy which we are using to diffuse anti-drug sentiment across the various strata of our society.
“NDLEA Twitter Space where drug issues are discussed by experts from within the country and around the world to an audience of young people.
“A 24/7 Drug Abuse call centre with a toll-free helpline: 0800 1020 3040, which allows drug users, their families and employers to seek treatment without compromising their identities or safety.
“Other measures include an open-door treatment at 26 NDLEA treatment facilities across the country, “he said.
Marwa said that this had become necessary following the release of the 2018 National Drug Use and Health Survey.
According to him, “Nigeria has been seeking solutions to the drug scourge, especially as it pertains to youths.
“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari gives NDLEA unflinching support.
“The agency in turn has been working on several measures which are largely youth-focused, he said. (NAN
CRIME
Police Evacuates Remains of Bolt Driver Shot Dead in Yenagoa

Police operatives from the Bayelsa command have evacuated the remains of a bolt driver, who was shot dead on Friday morning at Samphino Road Junction , Yenagoa.
The lifeless body of the middle-aged yet-to-be-identified driver was discovered early Friday morning inside his vehicle at the Samphino Road Junction in the Kpansia suburb of Yenagoa.
Residents, who discovered the scene raised the alarm which prompted a swift response from police operatives, who quickly cordoned off the area.
The body of the commercial driver has been deposited at the mortuary for possible autopsy.
The residents, who got to the scene early suggested that the victim might have been shot at close range by suspected armed robbers.
Reacting to the incident, a senior police officer, who spoke on anonymity at the crime scene, said that a full-scale investigation was underway.
“We are working to gather all necessary intelligence.
“Forensic teams have been deployed to the scene and we are also liaising with the bolt company to retrieve trip data that may help in tracking down the culprits,” he said.
The Police Spokesman in Bayelsa, ASP Musa Mohammed confirmed the incident to NAN and said that investigation was already in progress. (NAN)
CRIME
Court Remands 18-year-Old Student for Alleged Murder

A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered the remand of an 18-year old student, Joseph Chive, at a Makurdi Correctional Centre for allegedly killing a 14-year-old girl.
Chive, who lives at Veterinary Layout, Northbank, Makurdi, was charged with illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Kevin Mbanongun, did not take the plea of the defendant for want of jurisdiction.
He remanded the defendant and adjourned the case until Aug. 28 for mention.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Godwin Ato, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 25, at Veterinary Layout, Northbank, Makurdi.
He said the case was reported at the ‘C’ Division Police Station, Northbank, Makurdi, by the deceased’s father, Mr Victor Ayom.
According to him, the defendant had an altercation with the victim, a 14-year-old girl, Mimidoo Victor.
“While the altercation was going on, the defendant rushed into his room, brought a loaded dane gun and shot the girl on the head.
“The defendant was arrested during police investigation and he confessed to the crime.
“The dane gun was recovered from him,” Ato said.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004 and Section 222 of the Penal Code, Laws of Benue, 2004. (NAN)
CRIME
Man Jailed 14 years for Attempted Sexual Assault on Minor

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Friday sentenced a man, Damilare Adewale to 14 years imprisonment for attempted sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl, (name withheld).
Justice Rahman Oshodi convicted and sentenced Adewale to 14 years imprisonment, following his plea bargain agreement to the amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration.
The convicted was arraigned on the charge of defilement in which he had pleaded not guilty to on Nov.
29, 2021.The prosecution, bearing the burden of proof pursuant to section 135(1) of the Evidence Act 2011, adduced evidence through two witnesses, the survivor and her guardian, both of whom were subjected to extensive cross- examination by defence.
The survivor, in her testimony, had told the court she was on her way to a barbing shop when the convict, who lived in her neighbourhood, accosted and dragged her to his room.
The survivor had further told the court that the convict had expressed his desire to take her to his house but when she refused, he forcibly dragged her to his residence, where he pushed her onto his bed, removed her undergarments and defiled her.
The survivor had also testified that she was crying and shouting during the ordeal and observed blood resulting from the convict’s actions.
She had confirmed to the court that she was 14 years of age and that it was her first encounter with the convict.
The prosecution, had, however informed the court on May 27 and said that the convict had opted for plea bargain, which necessitated the amended charge.
Oshodi, while delivering the judgment, said that he was satisfied that the convict was competent to enter an informed plea and made the guilty plea without oppression.
He said: “Damilare Adewale, you have pleaded guilty to the offence of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration contrary and I have accepted your plea and convicted you accordingly.
“I must emphasise that you were initially charged with the more serious offence of defilement, which carries the prescribed punishment of life imprisonment under the Criminal Law.
“However, through the plea bargain process, you have pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration under section 262, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.
“I have carefully considered your plea for mercy, you told this court that you gained admission to the Open University and learned other useful trades in the Kirikiri Mximum Security Custodial Centre.”
The court thereafter convicted him him on the amended charge.
“After serving your sentence, I believe what you have learned will assist your reintegration into society.
“Having considered all the circumstances of this case, including the seriousness of the offence, the impact upon the victim, your guilty plea, and the terms of the plea agreement, I endorse the agreed sentence of 14 years.
“I hereby sentence you to 14 years’ imprisonment, commencing on 13 August 2020, the date of your remand in custody,” Oshodi said.
The judge also ordered that the convict’s name be registered as a sexual offender under sections 33 and 38 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law of Lagos State, 2021. (NAN)