Prison - capitaltimesnews.com

CapitalTimesNews / 5 months

1 min read

Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafra activist, has been sentenced to six years in prison by a Finnish court for his involvement in terrorism-related activities. The court’s ruling found Ekpa guilty of supporting armed groups and inciting violence in Nigeria’s southeast region through his online activities. Between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa allegedly provided weapons, explosives, and ammunition to armed groups and used social media to promote violence and independence for the Biafra region. These actions were deemed a serious threat to regional stability and constituted participation in a terrorist organization. In addition to terrorism charges, Ekpa was also convicted of aggravated tax fraud and violating the Attorneys Act. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the offenses and the strong evidence presented against him. The six-year prison sentence handed down to Ekpa underscores the gravity of his crimes and serves as a warning to others who engage in similar activities. The judgment highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and promoting regional stability and security.

WOMAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS

CapitalTimesNews / 7 months

2 min read

A Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, has sentenced a 29-year-old woman, Owoeye Tobi, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labor for unlawful possession of various narcotic drugs. The conviction followed her arrest in February 2025 by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command. Justice B. O. Quadiri found Tobi guilty of five separate counts related to the unlawful possession of illegal drugs, including Cannabis Sativa, Heroin, Cocaine, Tramadol capsules, and Methamphetamine. The total quantity of drugs seized from her was 168.1 grams. The court sentenced Tobi to two years imprisonment with hard labor on each count or an option of a fine of N5 million on each count, bringing the total to 10 years in prison or a cumulative fine of N25 million. “After reviewing the facts of this case, you are hereby sentenced to two calendar years’ imprisonment with hard labor on each count or to pay an option of a fine of five million on each count,” Justice Quadiri ruled. Reacting to the ruling, NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, applauded the decision, describing it as a significant step in the fight against drug trafficking. “I am pleased with the judgment. Drug trafficking is a criminal offense that has caused untold havoc to mankind, affecting individuals, families, and society,” Ofoyeju said. Ofoyeju added that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders. “If drug traffickers know that penalty is not only certain but commensurate, they will be dissuaded. The ruling is a welcome development and also highly commendable,” he said. The NDLEA commander pledged to continue working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and community organizations to address the drug problem.

SUPREME COURT REVOKES FRED AJUDUA’S BAIL, ORDERS REMAND IN PRISON

CapitalTimesNews / 9 months
0
2 min read

The Supreme Court has directed that Lagos socialite Fred Ajudua be taken back to prison custody preparatory to the resumption of his trial in relation to a $1,043,000 fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court revoked the bail granted to Ajudua by the Court of Appeal in Lagos in a judgment delivered on December 10, 2018. Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, in the lead judgment, held that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to grant the bail it granted Ajudua in the December 10, 2018 judgment, having found incompetent the brief of argument filed in Ajudua’s appeal against a July 5, 2018 ruling by Justice Mojisola Dada of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, rejecting his request for pre-trial bail. “It is crystal clear that the lower court was on all fours with the law when it declared the appellant’s brief of argument incompetent and struck it out. At that point, the appellant’s (Ajudua’s) appeal was extinguished. There was, therefore, nothing more to consider in that appeal. The lower court, at that point, had no jurisdiction to proceed further. It had become functus officio,” Justice Nwosu-Iheme said. The Supreme Court held that the action of the lower court in proceeding to consider the arguments canvassed in the brief of argument it earlier found to be incompetent was an exercise in futility and a complete nullity. “This appeal succeeds and it is hereby allowed. The decision of the trial court dated the 5th day of July 2018 refusing bail to the respondent (Ajudua) is hereby restored. The respondent is to be remanded in prison custody. Accordingly, this case is remitted back to the Chief Judge of Lagos State to be assigned to the same trial judge, M. A. Dada J for the continuation of speedy trial and determination within the shortest possible time,” Justice Nwosu-Iheme said. Ajudua is facing trial over allegations of obtaining $1,043,000 by false pretenses from a Palestinian, Ziad Abu Zalaf, who was then based in Germany. The EFCC alleged that Ajudua conspired with one Joseph Ochunor, who is still at large, to obtain money by false pretenses from Zalaf of Technical International Ltd., a division of Mystic Company Ltd., a German-based company.

MRS BEATRICE EKWEREMADU RETURNS TO NIGERIA AFTER PRISON SENTENCE

Nicolas Adekeye / 1 year

2 min read

Mrs Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has returned to Nigeria, according to a competent source. Her return was disclosed on Wednesday, and it is understood that she arrived in the country on Tuesday. This development comes after Mrs Ekweremadu, her husband, and Dr Obinna Obeta were sentenced to prison by a UK court for their involvement in organ harvesting. Senator Ekweremadu received a 10-year sentence, while his wife was sentenced to six years. The news of Mrs Ekweremadu’s return is being celebrated across Enugu State, with many residents expressing their joy and praying for the speedy return of Senator Ekweremadu. “We are happy to hear that Mrs Ekweremadu is back home,” said one resident. “We are now praying and hoping that Senator Ekweremadu will also return soon.” Senator Ekweremadu’s constituents have been rallying around him, describing him as a hero and a champion of development in their area. “In their town and LGA, they are heroes,” said another resident. “Too many completed projects there. The man picked the place up and turned it to a developed area.” The return of Mrs Ekweremadu has brought renewed hope to the people of Enugu State, who are now eagerly awaiting the return of Senator Ekweremadu.

FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO REFLECTS ON PRISON EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP

Nicolas Adekeye / 1 year

2 min read

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up about his prison experience under the military junta of General Sanni Abacha in 1995. Speaking at an interactive session with 15 young African leaders at his presidential library, Obasanjo attributed his imprisonment to his inability to remain silent on national and international issues. “I refuse to keep quiet. For me, if there is anything to comment on, I did comment on them, and so, I landed in prison, and that is a challenge,” Obasanjo said. He also shared that his time in prison was a turning point that led him to seek the presidency in 1999, driven by a desire to save Nigeria from disintegration. Obasanjo, who had previously settled into agriculture after his military service, emphasized the importance of leadership and encouraged the young leaders to take on positive roles in shaping Africa’s future. “Go and be African leaders of tomorrow; you have even said it is leaders of today and not tomorrow. It is no longer tomorrow but today with positive disruptive action,” he urged. The former president also expressed concern about Africa’s debt, citing cases of reckless borrowing and corruption. “Most of the debts cannot be explained. Some outright corruption,” he noted. The interactive session was part of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation’s program, which brought together young leaders from various African countries. Obasanjo commended the foundation’s founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, for his efforts in nurturing young leaders. “What Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has been doing since 2013 is marvelous… I am very pleased and satisfied with him on this project,” he said.

MOZAMBIQUE PRISON RIOT LEAVES 33 DEAD, 15 INJURED AMID CIVIL UNREST

CapitalTimesNews / 1 year

1 min read

A prison riot in Mozambique’s capital Maputo has resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injuries, according to the country’s police general commander Bernardino Rafael. The riot occurred amidst ongoing civil unrest linked to October’s disputed election, which saw the long-ruling party Frelimo’s victory confirmed by the top court on Monday. The confirmation of Frelimo’s victory has sparked fresh nationwide protests by opposition groups and their supporters, who claim the vote was rigged. Rafael attributed the riot to protests outside the prison, stating “The confrontations after that resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injured in the vicinity of the jail”. However, Justice Minister Helena Kida countered that the unrest began inside the prison and was unrelated to the external protests. Approximately 1,534 prisoners escaped during the incident, with 150 recaptured so far. Rafael warned of a potential rise in crime within the next 48 hours, expressing concern for the country’s security forces and citizens. Mozambique’s interior minister reported that at least 21 people were killed in unrest following the top court’s decision. Prior to Tuesday, civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide estimated that at least 130 people had been killed in clashes with police since the unrest began. Credit: Reuters

ICPC ARRESTS FORMER NIMASA...

NIGERIA, SAUDI ARABIA DEEPEN...

SAIF AL-ISLAM GADDAFI SHOT...

WORLD BANK HAILS NIGERIA...

US MILITARY CONFIRMS DEPLOYMENT...

FRESH ATTACK IN KATSINA:...

FINLAND COURT HANDS DOWN 6-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE TO SIMON EKPA FOR TERRORISM OFFENSES

WOMAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS

SUPREME COURT REVOKES FRED AJUDUA’S BAIL, ORDERS REMAND IN PRISON

FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO REFLECTS ON PRISON EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP

MOZAMBIQUE PRISON RIOT LEAVES 33 DEAD, 15 INJURED AMID CIVIL UNREST

ICPC ARRESTS FORMER NIMASA DG, NAAHIR.

NIGERIA, SAUDI ARABIA DEEPEN COOPERATION ON.

SAIF AL-ISLAM GADDAFI SHOT DEAD AT.

WORLD BANK HAILS NIGERIA AS GLOBAL.

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