A Bayelsa High Court has convicted Prudent Oguruguru, a Senior Special Assistant on General Duties to the Bayelsa Governor, on charges of conspiracy to commit assault and assault occasioning harm. Background of the Case The incident occurred on February 20, 2024, at Agudama-Epie, where Oguruguru assaulted Ubong Effiong Ubek, leaving the victim unconscious. Following his arrest, Oguruguru was arraigned on a five-count charge, including conspiracy, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, serious assault, and malicious damage. Trial and Evidence During the proceedings before Justice I.A. Orukari, Oguruguru pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution presented six witnesses and submitted seven exhibits to establish the case. Justice Orukari emphasized that the crux of the trial was determining whether the prosecution had proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Verdict The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish evidence beyond reasonable doubt for charges of attempted murder and other related offences. Consequently, Oguruguru was acquitted of counts two, four, and five. However, the court found the prosecution’s evidence compelling for counts one and three, leading to a conviction for conspiracy to commit assault and assault occasioning harm. Sentencing During sentencing, Oguruguru’s counsel, Abadiofoni, pleaded for leniency, citing his client’s status as a first-time offender. The defendant himself also pleaded for mercy, explaining that he is the sole provider for his young family and elderly mother. Moved by his show of remorse and first-time offender status, Justice Orukari sentenced Oguruguru to three years imprisonment on each count, with an option of paying a ₦250,000 fine per count. The sentences will run concurrently. Conclusion This case underscores the legal consequences of assault and emphasizes the importance of ensuring justice while considering mitigating circumstances in sentencing. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to November 27, 2024, following new 16-count charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello, along with Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing charges related to criminal breach of trust and conspiracy involving N110.4 billion. During the session, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro requested a delay to ensure Bello’s presence, noting that the 30-day court-issued summons, starting from October 3, was still valid. Previously, the court ordered a public summons for Bello’s appearance, to be published in a widely read newspaper and displayed at his last known address and around the court premises. Agoro also requested an extension and permission to post a hearing notice at Bello’s last known address, emphasizing that proceeding before the expiration of the summons would be inappropriate. Meanwhile, Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have received administrative bail from the EFCC. Aliyu Saiki, SAN, representing the 2nd defendant, confirmed the bail and supported the adjournment. ZE Abass, counsel for the 3rd defendant, also agreed. READ ALSO: The EFCC prosecutor mentioned that both sides had agreed to reconvene on November 27, as November 20 was not suitable. Justice Anenih approved the adjournment and the posting of the hearing notice, stating, “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant, the issuance of a hearing notice, and the submissions from the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted.”
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Ezekiel Udoh, a 41-year-old Lagos vehicle washer, was found guilty of defiling and impregnating his neighbor’s 12-year-old granddaughter and was given a life sentence. When delivering the sentence, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court stated, “A child was forced to bear a child, forever altering the course of her life.” He concluded that the prosecution had established Udoh’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Oshodi called the offense “severe.” He said that the convicted person broke the community’s faith in him as an adult and exploited the minor’s innocence. READ ALSO He claims that because the defilement led to an unintended pregnancy at a young age, the repercussions of the prisoner’s acts are severe and extensive. “Previous evidence A troubling pattern of predatory behavior is shown by this court. Under the guise of running errands, you purposefully enticed this girl to your room and took advantage of her closeness and fragility. “Most concerningly, as a neighbor, you had sex with her twice, demonstrating a deliberate and ongoing pattern of abuse,” he said. Oshodi stated: “The Criminal Law’s Section 137, which stipulates life in prison for defilement, reflects society’s strong disapproval of such an act and its resolve to safeguard its most defenseless citizens.” “Those who are thinking about committing similar crimes against minors are discouraged by this sentence. “Therefore, in accordance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Violence Agency Law, 2021, I sentence you to life imprisonment.”
