The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja yesterday convicted and sentenced a man, Dennis Okubiat, to 20 years imprisonment for raping a 12-year-old church member for three months which led to urinary incontinence.
Justice Ismail Ijelu found the convict guilty after reviewing the victim’s evidence which colluded with that of the medical report.
The judge also held that the prosecuting counsel Babatunde Sunmonu, proved the one-count charge of child defilement brought against the convict beyond all reasonable doubt.
Sunmonu had told the court that the convict committed the offence on September 6, 2021, at about 10 am, in Tomoron Village Lagos Island, contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
The victim had told the judge during the trial that she went for evangelism and in the process, went to check on the convict, who had not been coming to church after the pastor of her church said they should visit members who have not been seen in church for a period of time.
But during the visit, she claimed that the convict offered her a meal of garri and groundnut, and after eating, she slept off.
“When I woke up, I saw a white substance in my private part, and I woke Okubiat up and asked him what happened to me; he said if I told anybody, he would kill me”.
In his defence, Okubiat said the victim came to his house because her mother was working in a hotel and she abandoned the victim and her other siblings and that he used to give the victim and her sister food whenever they were hungry.
He also testified that he had known the victim’s family since the time they came into the community.
In his judgment, Justice Ijelu held that Okubiat didn’t deny or challenge the victim’s testimony.
He said he knew the girl and that she was a 12-year-old child.
The judge therefore sentenced Okubiat to 20 years imprisonment.
Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has explained why he exhumed his mother’s body for reburial.
The ‘Zazu’ crooner recently exhumed his mother’s body and reburied her.
Speaking in a viral video trending on X platform, Portable explained that he exhumed her body because the land where she was buried was sold.
He said, “I lost my mother at the age of 13. I exhumed her body and reburied her because they sold the land where she was initially buried.”
He revealed that he wants to build a mansion at the place where he reburied his mother.
A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said Niger Delta militants aren’t kidnapping their families and members of their communities because they are all armed in the creeks.
Gumi said bandits, who are mostly herdsmen, are kidnapping their families and members of their communities in the North because they believe that they are conspiring with security agents to fight them.
Speaking in a recent interview with Nigeria Info FM, the controversial cleric said bandits are marginalised Nigerians, who have no access to education, health, good water, or other social amenities.
Gumi said the federal government must grant bandits amnesty just like the Umaru Yar’Adua administration did for the militants in the Niger Delta region for peace to return to the North.
The controversial cleric reiterated that bandits are also fighting for a cause like militants who were angry because the government neglected their oil-rich region, where the country generates the bulk of its revenue.
Gumi said: “The reason is because they are all armed; they are all armed in the creeks.”
Controversial reality TV star, Josephina Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has advised ladies against being in courtship for too long.
She urged single ladies who intend to get married to leave any relationship that does not lead to marriage after three years.
She stated this in the latest episode of her podcast, Spill With Phyna.
The reality TV star disclosed how her ex-boyfriend deceived her for 12 years with fake promises of marrying her.
She claimed that most men who don’t intend to marry their partners pin them down by feigning romantic gestures and making unrealistic promises.
Speaking further, Phyna argued that the issue of men tying women down with fake promises of marriage is very common in Edo State.
According to her, “If you date a guy, at most 3 years and he is still not considering marrying you, walk out of the relationship.
“This issues of men wasting women’s time in relationships without the intention of marrying them is predominant in Edo State. In Edo State you will see people that have been together for 10 years with no plan of marriage. I did 12 years. The men have no plan of marrying you but they will be feigning romantic gestures to deceive you.”
Social media was in a frenzy earlier this week after Nigerian gospel singer, Theophilus Sunday, announced his engagement to Jamaican lady, Ashlee White.
The announcement surprised many fans and gospel music enthusiasts, especially when many were probably getting over the wedding glitz and glamour of another gospel singer, Moses Bliss, and his wife.
In this article, Naija News highlights the growing trend amongst male Nigerian gospel singers snubbing ladies on the country’s shores to pitch their tent with foreigners.
1. Moses Bliss: In January 2024, social media was washed with overwhelming reactions when Nigerian singer, Moses Bliss announced his engagement to his Ghanaian lover, Marie Wiseborn.
While many questioned Bliss’ choice of leaving Nigerian ladies for the Ghanaian UK-trained lawyer, others congratulated him. However, the couple tied the knot a month after they went public with their relationship.
2. Theophilus Sunday: In a post shared across his social media pages, Theophilus Sunday announced his engagement to a Jamaican lady, Ashlee White.
Following the revelation, some fans of the singer took to social media to congratulate him and gush about the beautiful pictures, while others expressed surprise that the musician also tolled the path of Moses Bliss.
3. Ebuka Song: Nigerian gospel singer, Ebuka Emmanuel Hillary, better known by his stage name Ebuka Songs, secretly married his British wife and surprised fans with the news.
On Valentine’s Day 2024, the singer finally unveiled his wife’s face, stating that they met on the streets of London.
4. Tim Godfrey: In April 2022, the Nigerian singer announced his engagement to his American fiancee, Erica, and a few weeks later, the duo tied the knot.
The number of passengers arriving at and leaving airport terminals across the country has sharply declined due to the ongoing increase in airfares to local destinations.
It was observed that the three busiest terminals in Nigeria, the local airport terminal in Abuja, the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) in Lagos, and Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos (MMA2), did not process many passengers for travel.
These airports are typically only crowded with incoming travellers as most airport employees complained that low traffic was a result of increased airfares.
According to BusinessDay, aircraft fuel currently accounts for roughly 45% of operating costs, followed by labour (17%), aircraft rent and ownership (8.5%), non-aircraft rents and ownership (7%), professional services (4.5%), landing fees (2%), food and beverage (1.5%), maintenance materials (13%), and transport-related (1.5%).
It was also revealed that airlines run a B737 aircraft for more than four times that amount due to the current exchange rate and rise in aviation fuel prices, which are now almost N1,300 per litre.
In addition, as the value of the naira rises relative to the dollar, airlines must raise ticket prices.
Ticket Prices By Major Airlines
According to the newspaper, a one-way economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja, which cost N55,000 a few months ago, is now available on Air Peace for between N100,000 and N150,000, or N90,000 to N160,000 on United Nigerian Airlines.
While it ranges from N70,000 to N130,000 on Dana Air and N170,000 to N200,000 on Ibom Air.
Similarly, a one-way economy class ticket from Lagos to Port Harcourt used to cost roughly N55,000, but now it costs between N105,000 and N160,000 on Air Peace and N85,000 and N100,000 on United Nigeria Airlines.
It also ranges from N65,000 and N125,000 on Dana Air, N96,000 and N130,000 on Ibom Air, and N86,000 and N170,000 on Arik Air.
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Speaking with the news platform, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of United Nigeria Airlines, Osita Okonkwo, said: “Currently, aviation fuel has increased to N1,300 per litre or even more. Forex is over N1,000 for one dollar. So, if we are leasing aircraft, how do we pay for the aircraft, having paid for spare parts? The minimum cost of airfare should be $100.
“So, I don’t even see how you can fly for less than N150,000, and you will make a profit. Anybody telling you he is making it is not telling you the truth. Once the cash runs out, you will see operators parking their aircraft as some have done already.”
Also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Geena Travels And Tours Ltd, Ndukwe Ginika Ogechi, said passenger turnout at local destinations has been scant lately due to the cost of tickets.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports a significant hike in the price of Household Kerosene (HHK), a common fuel for cooking. This parallels the country’s inflation rate, which escalated to 31.70% in February.
According to Channels TV, the NBS’s latest ‘National Household Kerosene Price Watch’ reveals that the price per litre of kerosene increased from N1,329.53 in January to N1,340.94 in February 2024, marking a 0.86% rise.
This price inflation in household kerosene comes when the country’s overall inflation rate also spiked from 29.90% in January to 31.70% in February, underlining the broader economic pressures facing Nigerians.
On a year-on-year basis, the cost of kerosene per litre surged by 14.23% from N1,173.89 in February 2023, intensifying the financial strain on low-income families.
The state-by-state analysis shows that the highest average kerosene prices were in Kaduna at N1,866.67, Benue at N1,769.67, and Niger at N1,710.89.
Conversely, the lowest prices were recorded in Bayelsa at N971.00, Rivers at N1,065.67, and Kwara at N1,070.44.
Geographically, the North Central zone faced the highest costs, with an average price per litre of N1,486.50, while the South-South enjoyed the lowest at N1,231.24.
Gallon-wise, the average retail price in February 2024 was N4,880.02, up by 0.19% from January.
The annual increase was even starker, with a 24.29% rise from N3,926.23 in February 2023. Adamawa, Bauchi, and Kano topped the list for the highest per gallon prices, while Delta, Abuja, and Ondo had the lowest.
The NBS inflation report also highlighted the broad impact on various sectors, with food and non-alcoholic beverages leading the contributors to the headline inflation index.
Rising prices in essential sectors such as housing, transportation, and healthcare have a cumulative effect that further erodes the purchasing power of Nigerians, many of whom struggle to afford basic necessities.
Founder of Madonna University, Nigeria, Rev Fr Emmanual Edeh, has claimed that female students who enrol in the university as virgins always graduate as virgins due to the high moral standards instilled in them.
Edeh made this statement in a video posted by Channels Television on Wednesday, underscoring the university’s commitment to morals and discipline.
He also mentioned that when he meets people around the world seeking to marry a virgin, the only option is Madonna University.
His words: “Madonna is a university where there is no secret cultism, molestation, examination malpractice, no bullying, and zero tolerance for hard drugs. zero tolerance for sexual immorality.
“It is only in this university that it is clearly maintained that girls who enter the university as virgins graduate as virgins. They enter our university as virgins and graduate as virgins.
“Tell me any other university in the whole world that can maintain this. That is why people from London, America, England, and Germany, when I meet them, will say, Father, we want to marry a girl who is a virgin. And the only way to do that is to come to Madonna University.”
Speaking on the high standard of morals and discipline at the school, Edeh mentioned that students who do not meet the 85 per cent attendance requirement are not permitted to sit for examinations, and lecturers who do not achieve 100 per cent attendance are penalised.
“Although we have students from all walks of life across religious and social lines, So we don’t discriminate; we give all… We follow our Catholic methods. Madonna University is unique in its following ways: high morals and discipline. Madonna is known for its high morals and discipline thus in academics.
“This is why every student who fails to meet the required 85 per cent attendance requirement to lecture for any course will not be allowed to sit for the examination. Also, lecturers who fail to come to classes in 100 per cent of their course outline are sanctioned.
“And also, number two, the 100 per cent residency of our students… that means we don’t allow our students to go and live in hotels or in any other place and start coming to the school.
“Our 100 percent boarding system on the university campus enhances effective monitoring, guidance, and counselling, and with all the levels of management to know the students better, for more appropriate guidance.”
Madonna University was established in 1999 and has three campuses – Okija, Anambra State; Elele, Rivers State; and Akpugo, Enugu State.
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Video: 'It's only in Madonna girls graduate as virgins', says Founder
— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) March 21, 2024
Founder of Madonna University, Nigeria, Rev Fr Emmanual Edeh, has claimed that female students who enrol in the university as virgins always graduate as virgins due to the high moral standards instilled in… pic.twitter.com/NmqGXsgz2L
Popular Nigerian actor, Timini Egbuson has revealed that he is in a serious relationship and even considering marriage as he is not getting any younger.
The actor disclosed this while featuring as a guest in the latest episode of the ‘Who’s In My House,’ hosted by Hawa Magaji.
He said his love languages are acts of service and words of affection, adding that he wants to be more available to his partner this year.
He said, “My strongest love language is act of service, and also words of affection because I am a good talker. For me, because I am very busy, it’s not very realistic for me to focus on quality time and I feel like that’s something I am working on. Like I said, this year I want to be a little bit more available so that I can spend quality time with my partner.”
The host, Hawa inferred, “You have a partner?”
Egbuson replied, “Yes, actually. Oh my God I said it! I think I am in love. It’s time for me to start considering marriage. I am not a kid anymore. 40 is knocking on the door.”
He added, “In order to be a better boyfriend you have to be available. Because no matter how you tried to explain or compensate with material things, there would be really nothing like your presence, you know.”
Billionaire’s daughter Temi Otedola has taken to Instagram to celebrate her 28th birthday.
In a heartfelt message, she thanked God for keeping her alive to celebrate another new year in her life.
She spoke on how much she’s learned that a person’s 20s define their personality and help them decide how they want to spend the remainder of their life.
She also noted that the best year of her twenties are still yet to come.
She wrote: “twenty-ateee !! another year older and just a little bit wiser. really realising how much your 20s shape your character and open your eyes up to how you want to navigate the rest of your life. i’m so grateful to see another year + especially around so many people i love. ily all so much. than you, thank you. best year of my twenties otw”.
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New measures to enforce tougher visa rules for Nigerians students have been announced by the Australian Government.
Reuters reports that from Saturday, English language requirements for student and graduate visas will be increased, adding that the government will get the power to suspend education providers from recruiting international students if they repeatedly break rules.
“The actions this weekend will continue to drive migration levels down while delivering on our commitments in the migration strategy to fix the broken system we inherited,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in a statement.
The report said that a new “genuine student test” will be introduced to further crack down on international students who look to come to Australia primarily to work, while the imposition of “no further stay” conditions will be used on more visitor visas.
The development follows a raft of actions last year to close off COVID-era concessions introduced by the former government, including unrestricted working hours for international students.
The government at the time said rules would be tightened for students that could halve its migrant intake over two years.
Australia boosted its annual migration numbers in 2022 to help businesses recruit staff to fill shortages after the COVID-19 pandemic brought strict border controls, and kept foreign students and workers out for nearly two years.
However, the sudden influx of foreign workers and students has increased pressure on an already tight rental market.
Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday showed net immigration rose 60% to a record 548,800 in the year to Sept. 30, 2023, higher than the 518,000 people in the year ending June 2023.
Overall, Australia’s population rose 2.5% – the fastest pace on record – to 26.8 million people in the year to last September.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been urged to shelve his ambition to contest in the 2027 presidential election.
The president of the National Political Science Association of Nigeria (NPSA), Prof. Hassan Saliu, has accused him of stifling the growth of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of his ambition.
Atiku was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, and there are indications that he will contest again in the 2027 polls.
Speaking to Punch, Prof Saliu said, “Atiku’s ambition is affecting the growth of the PDP. We follow the debate and the controversy.
“The issues in the PDP before the presidential primary, and even after the presidential primaries, those issues are still there. They have not faded away.
“So, the only way to give PDP a semblance of unity is for Atiku to drop his ambition. There are too many issues surrounding Atiku’s ambition.
“Given his age, if he comes out to contest for president under the PDP next time, I don’t know what will happen to the PDP before that time. But I am assuming that decision may not go down with people at PDP. It is time for Atiku to look at the political temperature and advises himself accordingly.
“Atiku’s interest will not supersede the interests of the PDP; each time this man emerges as a presidential candidate, there are always issues that will eventually affect the chances of the party. This is the right time for Atiku to allow the PDP to breathe fresh air.”
Nigerian journalist, Reuben Abati, has lambasted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over his performance since he resumed office on May 29.
Reuben, during the Arise TV morning show, said things have gone worse under the Tinubu-led administration.
There is no doubt that the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the exchange rate made the most impact in the history of the Nigerian economy.
The impact was severe due to the inflation that engulfed the system as prices of almost everything in the economy tripled, with many Nigerians battling hardship.
Reacting to the country’s situation, Abati stated that the country’s condition had gotten worse, stressing that Buhari, whom many had criticized his administration, would be making a mockery of Nigerians.
He noted that the governance of Nigeria should be improved by successive governments and not by engaging in backwardness.
The Senate has disclosed that it would name one of its committee rooms after Oba Lekan Balogun, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Balogun died on March 15, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, at the age of 81, after a brief illness two years after ascending the throne on March 11, 2022.
Senate’s resolution on the immortalisation of the late Oba was a sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Sharafadeen Ali ( APC- Oyo).
Ali, in his motion, said the late Olubadan was a leader par excellence, a community developer and a service driven politician.
This, he said, resulted in his election as a senator between 1999 and 2003.
“The late Olubadan was a man of peace and custodian of culture and values of the Yoruba people,” he said.
One of the senators from Oyo State, Addulfai Buhari, also contributed to the debate on the motion, saying that the late traditional ruler impacted positively on the lives of those whom he came across.
Buhari said the book written by the late Oba, titled: “Arrogance of Power”, presented to him in 2003 when he won election into the House of Representatives, has helped in the discharge of his legislative duties over the years.
NAN