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Court Sentences Ex-Police Inspector To Death For Murder In Lagos
Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) has sentenced a dismissed police inspector, Paul Joseph, to death by hanging for murder.
Joseph was found guilty of killing Moshood Ademola Ismali by shooting him in the head during a patrol in Aguda on March 28, 2019. Delivering her verdict, Justice Sonaike ruled that the offence violated Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The judge noted that the prosecution, through the final written address and additional submissions, established the offence of murder. She highlighted that the death of Ademola was confirmed by his brother, Kudus Ibrahim, who served as the sole prosecution witness. However, Kudus was not present at the scene of the incident and was called after the murder.
Justice Sonaike recounted that Joseph, the patrol team leader on duty during the incident, was investigated and charged with murder after admitting to patrolling the area where the death occurred. While he denied firing the fatal shot, evidence presented during the trial linked him to the crime.
The trial, which commenced on May 25, 2022, faced delays due to difficulties locating prosecution witnesses and concluded on October 19, 2023. The prosecution later sought and secured court approval on May 15, 2024, to record additional statements from the defendant despite objections from the defence.
Justice Sonaike criticised the absence of other officers who were part of the patrol team, stating that their testimony could have provided critical eyewitness accounts. She also condemned their failure to appear as a deliberate attempt to protect a colleague involved in an unlawful act.
“The defendant admitted to patrolling the area on the day of the incident and acknowledged that someone had died from a gunshot. His behaviour, along with other evidence, confirmed his guilt,” the judge stated.
She emphasised that the defendant’s actions (shooting the deceased in the head) demonstrated a clear intention to kill or cause serious harm. “The use of a live weapon and the fatal wound inflicted leave no doubt that the defendant caused the death,” she said.
Justice Sonaike also criticised the police officers who refused to testify, recommending that they face disciplinary action and possible dismissal if found culpable. “Such officers have no business being paid with taxpayers’ money,” she said.
In his plea for leniency, defence counsel B.O. Abdusalam described Joseph as a first-time offender who had reformed while in custody, undergoing four courses and obtaining certifications.
However, the judge held firm in her decision, sentencing Joseph to death and calling for accountability within the police force to prevent similar occurrences.
News
Photos: Dakore Akande And Timini Lay Father To Rest
Nollywood siblings Dakore Akande and Timini Egbuson have finally laid their father to rest.
Earlier this year, actor, Timini Egbuson, had announced the passing of his father. He said he never thought he would start the year by saying RIP to his dad, and promised to continue to make him proud.
His sister, Dakore Akande, expressed how heartbroken she is, yet glad that he was free from pain. She expressed gratitude for the memories and laughter, the legacy of excellence that he instilled in them, and his love for music and looking stylish.

Taking to his Instagram page, Timini shared photos from his low-key burial ceremony, which was attended only by family.
In his caption, he revealed that they said their final goodbyes as he bade his father farewell. The popular actor said his father’s strength and love will always guide them.
“We said our final goodbyes. Rest well, Papa. Your strength and love will always guide me”.

News
US Mission Decries Horrific Kwara Massacre, Pledges Support For Tinubu’s Security Strategy
The United States Mission in Nigeria has condemned the horrific and senseless attacks in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State that reportedly claimed over 160 lives.
In a statement released on February 6, 2026, the U.S. expressed its condolences and backed President Bola Tinubu’s immediate security and humanitarian response.
JomogNews reports that while the Nigerian Police Force said 75 persons were confirmed killed in the assault on Woro and Nuku communities, local sources and international observers put the death toll significantly higher.
In a statement on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria described the attack as “horrific,” saying more than 160 people were feared dead, with many still unaccounted for.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara state in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” the statement read.
It welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deploy security forces to protect affected communities.
“We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice,” the statement added.
The reaction adds to international condemnation of the attack, which had earlier drawn rebukes from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye.
Tinubu had ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the creation of a new military command to lead the operation, following the assault on Woro and Nuku communities.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to Kaiama and surrounding communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield would help deter further violence, adding that security forces were already on the ground.
News
Nigeria Will Not Bow To Extremism Following Kwara Attacks – President Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria will never surrender its people to terrorism or extremism following a deadly massacre in the Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday in a statement he personally signed and issued to State House correspondents.
The President, who described the attack as particularly disturbing, vowed that those responsible would be “pursued and brought to justice, just like other terrorists before them. They will not go scot-free.”
His statement read:
“Today, I met with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq @RealAARahman, to be debriefed on the incident in Kaiama LGA.
“I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror. Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation.
“Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro. This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities.
“It is particularly disturbing that the victims were killed because they rejected an attempt at forced indoctrination. As I said, “It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.” Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith.
“I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice, just like other terrorists before them. They will not go scot-free.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State. The Federal Government stands with you. We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror.”
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