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Two Bag 21 Years Imprisonment For Lagos Park Robbery
The Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced two men, Emmanuel Victor and Wisdom Ikechukwu, to 21 years imprisonment each for their involvement in an armed robbery incident targeting passengers at the Maza Maza motor park.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya handed down the judgment on Tuesday, convicting the duo on three of the four charges; conspiracy, robbery, and stealing, filed against them by the Lagos State Government.
According to the prosecution, the robbery occurred in the early hours of January 8, 2022, at approximately 4:30 a.m.
The convicts, wielding cutlasses, ambushed three passengers waiting to board a vehicle, carting away personal items including an iPhone 7, an Infinix Hot 10, a Samsung S8, and N5,000 in cash from one of the victims, identified simply as Benjamin.
The defendants were arraigned on April 21, 2022, with the trial commencing on November 18, 2023. Final written submissions were concluded by both parties by early 2025, after which the court proceeded to deliver judgment.
Citing Sections 135, 297, and 299 of the Lagos State Criminal Laws, Justice Adesanya ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“It is trite that the guilt of an accused can be established through witness testimony, circumstantial evidence, and confessional statements,” the judge stated.
One of the prosecution’s key witnesses, a police officer from the Festac Division, testified that both defendants had been part of a syndicate known for terrorising commuters in the Maza Maza area.
During interrogation, both Victor and Ikechukwu confessed to using cutlasses during the robbery, admissions the judge described as “clear and voluntary.”
The court also heard from a commercial driver who reported the attack to police shortly after it happened. His account matched those of other victims and led to a swift police response, culminating in the arrest of the suspects.
Recovered items, including the stolen phones and cash, were traced back to the victims and subsequently returned to them on bond after proper identification.
“Consequently, I find the two defendants guilty as charged for the offences of conspiracy and robbery,” Justice Adesanya declared.
“The offence carries a mandatory sentence of not less than 21 years imprisonment.”
Prior to sentencing, defence counsels Mrs Ogbosa Apata and Mr B.C. Akunna made passionate appeals for leniency, citing the youthfulness of the convicts and their potential for reform.
Akunna, who represented Ikechukwu, told the court that his client was a first-time offender who had only recently completed his secondary education when the offence was committed.
“They have paid dearly for their actions and have learned their lessons,” he said, urging the court to show compassion and temper justice with mercy.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya, after weighing the submissions, proceeded to sentence both men to 21 years imprisonment each, without the option of a fine.
“The first and second convicts are sentenced to 21 years each for counts one, two, and four. They are discharged on count three,” she ruled, adding that the sentence would commence from the date they were first remanded in custody.”
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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