CRIME
Customs Seizes 3,620 Live Ammunition in Kwara

From Alfred Babs, Ilorin
The Nigeria Customs Service has seized 3,620 live cartridges on Nigeria/Benin Republic border road at Bukuro in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara state.
Displaying the ammunition at the headquarters of the Ilorin Command on Wednesday, the Controller, Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Hussaini Bello Ahmed said that the ammunition were seized this year in Bukuro in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara state.
It could be recalled that the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 3, North Central zone of the Nigeria Customs Service covering Kwara, Kogi, Niger and Benue states intercepted 550 Pump Action gun cartridges in Adikpo Junction, Benue state in December 2021.
“The Command is showcasing the strategic and remarkable seizures of large quantity of ammunition packaged in 25 packs of 25 rounds each, contained in fourteen cartons, worth N1,444,000.00 (One Million Four Hundred and Forty Four Thousand Naira). This landmark seizure was made around Bukuro axis of the Command.
“Based on intelligence report, the Command intercepted a Peugeot 504 vehicle with registration number AP 448 AKD. On searching the vehicle, it was found to contain a large quantity of pump action cartridges suspected to be smuggled into the country. Section 149 of Customs and excise Management Act (CEMA) of April, 1958 Cap 45 LFN 2004 (as amended) gives Customs officers powers to search vehicles/ships,” Ahmed said.
Ahmed who said that ammunition was classified under Schedule 4 of Absolute Prohibition List of the Common External Tariff of Nigeria Customs Service noted that “This epic seizure is very commendable at the backdrop of the heightened insecurity in the country,” adding, that “Should 3,620 rounds of live ammunition of this magnitude escaped into the country and fall into wrong hands, the result will be appalling, devastating and disastrous.”
Stressing the importance of intelligence network in the country, the controller said that greater successes are continuously being recorded by the Command.
Despite resistance, threats and confrontations with charms, stones and other dangerous weapons by the perpetrators of this criminal act, officers were able to evacuate a total of 402 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, using about 21 official patrol vehicles to convey the goods to the Command Headquarters.
On revenue, the Controller disclosed that the Command generated a total sum of N19.159 billion between July 2019 and December 2021, which had been paid to Federation Account.
He said that out of the amount, the sum of N9.848 billion was generated between January and July, 2021, which surpassed the revenue generated in the year 2020 with N2.942 billion.
He said that the Command had within the period constructed 16-man rank-and-file Barracks Accommodation at the only approved border station of the command in Chikanda, renovated three bedroom flat bungalow for senior officers plus 30-man rank-and-file both in Command Headquarters, Ilorin and most recently additional supply of 11 brand new patrol vehicles use for patrols and surveillance activities.
CRIME
Woman, 31, Docked Over Alleged Theft of iPhone Worth N500,000

A 31-year-old woman, Opeyemi Bakare, on Tuesday appeared before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing an iPhone valued at N500,000.
Bakare, of undisclosed address, was charged with two counts of conspiracy and stealing .
The prosecutor, Insp Iyabo Oladoyin, told the court that the defendant and others at large conspired and committed the offences on May 2 at 3.
30 p. m. in the Dugbe area of Ibadan.According to Oladoyin, the defendant stole an iPhone 12 valued at N505,000, belonging to the complainant, Mr Oluseyi Oba.
The prosecutor said the phone was stolen in Dugbe Market and was tracked to the defendant.
She said the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Mrs T.G. Daodu, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of one million naira with two sureties in like sum.
Daodu thereafter adjourned the case until July 8 for hearing. (NAN)
A 31-year-old woman, Opeyemi Bakare, on Tuesday appeared before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing an iPhone valued at N500,000.
Bakare, of undisclosed address, was charged with two counts of conspiracy and stealing .
The prosecutor, Insp Iyabo Oladoyin, told the court that the defendant and others at large conspired and committed the offences on May 2 at 3.30 p.m. in the Dugbe area of Ibadan.
According to Oladoyin, the defendant stole an iPhone 12 valued at N505,000, belonging to the complainant, Mr Oluseyi Oba.
The prosecutor said the phone was stolen in Dugbe Market and was tracked to the defendant.
She said the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Mrs T.G. Daodu, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of one million naira with two sureties in like sum.
Daodu thereafter adjourned the case until July 8 for hearing. (NAN)
CRIME
Prostitute Docked for Allegedly Stabbing Her Colleague

A 40 – year old prostitute, Adeosun Adepeju was on Tuesday arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stabbing her colleague in the stomach during work period.
Adepeju of undisclosed address was standing trial on a count charge bordering on assault.
She pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecuting Counsel, Cpl.
Helen Ojo told the court that Adepeju on May 21, at about 12:30 a.m., at Ring road area, Ibadan, stabbed her colleague, Stella Mago with scissors in her stomach.Ojo said that the stabbing caused the complainant bodily harm.
She added that the offence contravened Section 335 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
The Magistrate, Mrs M. M. Olagbenro admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Olagbenro adjourned the matter until May 30, for hearing. (NAN)
CRIME
Man, 56, Bags Life Jail Term for Defiling His Stepdaughter

A High Court sitting in Ado-EKiti on Monday sentenced one Jayeoba Oluwafemi, 56, to life imprison for defiling his 14 year old stepdaughter.
The 56 year old convict was arraigned before Justice Adekunle Adeleye on Dec. 4, 2020 on one count charge of defilement.
The charge reads that the defendant on Oct.
26, 2020 at Ado Ekiti defiled a fourteen year old girl (names withheld), which is contrary to Section 31 (2) of the Child’s Right Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.The victim’s testimony before the Court said, “my mother got married to the defendant, we were not living together but he used to sleep in our house especially when my mother was not at home or travelled.“ On Oct. 26, 2020, my mother travelled to Lagos and the defendant slept in our house, at midnight he forcefully had sex with me and thereafter, blood was gushing out of my virgina. I called my mother the following morning to inform her but the defendant denied.“ He continued this act anytime my mother was not around, I used to tell my mother on her arrival but she did nothing about it.When he noticed that I was telling my mother about his continuous sexual activity with me, he started threatening me.
“ One day, he wanted to beat me and I ran out of the house, I met one woman on the road, I told her what happened and she directed me to the governor’s office to lodge official complain which led to his arrest,” she concluded.
To prove his case, the Prosecutor, Julius Ajibare called six witnesses and tendered the defendant’s statement and medical report as exhibits.
The defendant was also represented by his defense counsel, Oladele Adedeji who called one witness.
In his judgment, Justice Adekunle Adeleye said, “ I am of the humble view that the sexual intercourse sessions were on several occasions, it was not a one off affair.
“ And upon careful analysis of the entire circumstance of this case, the change in story or outright denial by the defendant is an afterthought.
“ The prosecution has established the offence of defilement against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. He is accordingly found guilty as charged and hereby sentenced to life imprison as provided for under the provisions of Section 31 (2) of the Child’s Rights Law, Cap. C7, Law of Ekiti State, 2012. (NAN)