MAN BAGS THREE-YEAR JAIL TERM FOR CRIMINA DEFAMATION,

The magistrate court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has jailed one 31-year-old Orowole Adekunle, male, for a three-count charge of conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, false accusations and criminal defamation.

Orowole was alleged to have committed the offences on July 2nd, 2019, when he conspired with others at large to raise false allegations and criminally defamed a former registrar of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, Dr Ogunleye Oladele Alhassan.

Delivering her final judgement, magistrate Daramola sentenced Mr Orowole to two years imprisonment with hard labour for the second and the third counts of conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms, while he is to serve a three-year jail term for the third count of false accusation and criminal defamation concurrently with an option of a fifty thousand naira fine for each count.

Magistrate Daramola predicated her leniency on the fact that the convict, who is a first offender, is a single father with a three-year-old daughter.

Recalled that the prosecutor, Mr Abiodun Badiora, in his charge sheet, claims that Orowole Adekunle Rotimi, a native of Ile Ife, conspired with other people to raise false allegations against the complaint, leading to his being charged with illegal possession of a firearm, knowing that Dr Ogunleye is innocent of the alleged offences, a conduct contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Law Cap. 34 Laws of Osun State 2022.

Speaking shortly after the judgement, Dr Ogunleye Oladele Alhassan said the verdict had not only exonerated him but had also renewed his confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

Speaking with an emotion-laden voice, he expressed his gratitude to the Nigeria Police, the judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, and the state government for not interfering with the case.

In a twist of events, Orowole was re-arraigned before the same court on a two-count charge of escape from lawful custody and attempted murder.

 

The prosecutor, Inspector Anifowose Saheed, in his charge sheet, alleged that the convict attempted to strangle one Mrs Babatunde Omotayo, a police corporal attached to Magistrate Daramola of Osogbo Magistrate Court 6, when the officer escorted him to ease himself in at the back of the Court 2 building shortly after he was convicted on February 18, 2025.

Defendant counsel, Mr D.A. Oyewale, prayed the court to grant the suspect bail.

Mr Balogun opposed the bail application, stating that it will jeopardise the hearing of the matter if the suspect is granted bail because he had allegedly made a similar attempt in 2022.

Magistrate Ayilara adjourned the case to May 8, 2025, granting the accused bail in the sum of 2 million with a surety who has landed property in Osogbo.

FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, BIDA' S GOVERNING COUNCIL PLEDGES TO MOULD YOUNG MINDS INTO SKILLED PROFESSIONALS

The governing council of The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State  says it will ensure that the institution remains a place where young minds are not only educated but molded into skilled professionals, morally grounded citizens, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs.

The chairman, Hon. Ismaila Muazu Hassan stated this during the 94^th Regular Meeting of the Governing Council.

Hon. Muazu Hassan Vowed that his regime would leave no stone unturned in  making sure that the vision is realized in ways that are both profound and sustainable.

“As we embark on this new chapter, our task is to ensure that this vision continues to be realized in ways that are both profound and sustainable. We must strive to create an academic environment that fosters intellectual rigor, nurtures creativity, and encourages ethical leadership. Our students are the future of our nation, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values that will enable them to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex and dynamic world”, he said.

He urged members of the council to be guided by a shared vision of excellence, equity, and innovation in all that they do.

“In this endeavor, we must not lose sight of the importance of technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. The world around us is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and it is imperative that our curriculum, research, and community engagement activities reflect this reality. We must challenge ourselves to think beyond traditional paradigms and embrace new methodologies and partnerships that will position our polytechnic at the forefront of technological education and innovation.

Moreover, our commitment to moral integrity and ethical conduct must be unwavering. In a time when the lines between right and wrong are often blurred, it is crucial that we instill in our students a strong moral compass. This, I believe, is the bedrock of true leadership and the foundation upon which lasting success is built”, he added.

Concerning the well-being of academic and non-academic personnel, the governing council chairman pledges a strong and amicable working rapport together with a generous benefits package for the workforce.

Other members including   Mr. Michael Olalekan Famurewa, Mr. Hassan Musa Dabutor, Mr. Garba Mohammed Dukku, and Mr. Abdullahi Nedanda Bardi, Mrs Blessing Ugwu who represented the  Federal Ministry of Education and Dr. Baba Aliyu Haruna, the Rector, declared their commitment to taking the organisation to unprecedented heights.

At the inaugural meeting were other members including  Dr. Henry Diko Koce , Deputy Rector, Admin, Dr. Hussain Mohammed Enagi, Registrar, Dr. Nda-Umar Usman Idris, Rep. Academic board, Bldr. Dr. Shehu I. Abubakar, Rep. Academic board, and three representatives of  congregation members Dr. Umaru M. Sayanuwan, Mal. Salihu M. Al-Mustapha and Dr. Alfa Mohammed Salisu as well as  the community representative,  Alh. Abdullahi B. Umaru.

More pictures:

 

THE OWA OBOKUN EMPATHIZES WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER THE FIRE INCIDENT AT GOLD FM

In response to the fire that destroyed the engineering section of

one of the Federal Government's FM stations, Gold FM Ilesa, Osun State, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, expressed sympathy to the Federal Government.

Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, who was briefed about the fire outbreak by the station's general manager, Dokun Ladele, described it as devastating, claimed that Gold FM was a special gift to Ijesaland and had performed admirably in carrying out its mandate to provide the public with unbiased information.

While warning the station's management and workers not to be burdened by the terrible impediment, he emphasised that they should be cautious and prayerful because life is not a smooth surface.

"Nothing in life is simple; entering it is difficult, and leaving it is equally difficult. Women experience labour pains and cry during childbirth, but they often smile when others congratulate them on the delivery of the baby". The Owa Obokun explained

 

He claimed that he believed Gold fm would recover more powerfully.

He prayed to God for speedy delivery for the station employee who was injured.

Remember that the personnel, nearby residents, and the Ilesa Federal Fire brigade worked together to extinguish the fire that began in the transmission hall of Gold FM on Sunday at 2:15 am. 

PELLER GIFTS RAMS TO CONSTITUENTS, WISHES ALL BLISSFUL SALAH CELEBRATION

Despite being out of office, the Ayedero of Yorubaland, Honourable (Dr.) Shina Abiola Peller, on Tuesday distributed rams worth millions of naira to constituents across Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency and by extension, Oyo North Senatorial District.

Honourable Peller, who represented Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency at the ninth House of Representatives, personally supervised the distribution of the rams to make 2023 Ileya celebration worthwhile and enjoyable for his people, particularly Muslims who cannot afford buying rams.

Also distributed were bags of rice and other important items that are needed to ensure that the celebration is well enjoyed by the Muslim faithful in his federal constituency and Oyo North Senatorial District. 

Noteworthily, over two thousand families who benefited from this humanitarian gesture of the Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician, will be having a fun-filled Salah celebration with their family members, close associates and friends. 

When contacted to speak on the reason behind the gesture despite being out of office, Honourable Peller recalled that distributing rams, bags of rice and other items to people during Salah celebration has always been his usual act even long before he joined politics. 

He added that whether he holds any public office or not, he won't stop reaching out to the people, particularly the needy, during festive period like Eid ul fitri, Eid al-Adha (Ileya), Easter, Christmas and New Year celebration.

In addition, Honourable used the avenue to wish fellow Muslim brothers and sisters a blissful salah celebration while he urged to make peace their watchwords, adding that Islam symbolizes peace. 

He said:

"This is wishing my Muslim brothers and sisters a fun-filled 2023 Eid al-Adha celebration filled with love, happiness, joy, affluence and sound health. 

"Today is so pious to us all as Muslims and we must make it count by seeking God's mercy and forgiveness for our shortcomings and praying fervently for peace to reign in our country.

"Since Islam, which we practice means peace, it is very important that we make peace our watchword; we should think peace; preach peace always and religious tolerant. 

"Importantly, as we wine and dine during this festive period, we should remember to reach out to our fellow Muslims in whatever way we can, particularly the needy.

"Once again, I wish everyone of us a blissful salah celebration. May we witness many more of it on earth. Ameen."

DG NOA CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION TO END CHILD LABOUR

Following reports of the prevalence of child labour practices in both the cocoa farming and artisanal gold mining sectors in Nigeria, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari has directed Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) of the Agency in Ondo, Osun and Niger States to urgently deploy sensitization programmes to create awareness about the dangers of child labour in the two sectors.

Represented by the Ondo State Director, Adelayo Adefolalu, he spoke at a workshop organised by the NOA and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to prepare COMOs for the campaign for the elimination of child labour in the two sectors.

According to him, the capacity of the Agency to prosecute The National Social and Behavioural Change Communication (NSBCC) Strategy for elimination of child labour will be enhanced if the ILO considers extending the partnership under the second phase of the project expected to take off in the third quarter of the year.

The ACCEL Africa Project of the ILO, sponsored by the Dutch government, assigns the lead role to NOA in the implementation of the National Social and Behavioural Change Communication strategy of the campaign to eliminate child labour in Nigeria.

Those attending the training include the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) brigade volunteers, who operate at the community level and are expected to lead the advocacy and persuasive enforcement of the Child Right Act, Labour Act and other legal frameworks which prohibit the engagement of minors in hazardous tasks and tasks that prevent them from gaining basic education.

Dr. Agatha Kolawole who is the National Coordinator of the ACCEL Africa project, said the ILO recognises the importance of the NOA structure in disseminating information to the grassroots and hoped that the information officers commit itself to the task. For her, despite global efforts, incidence of child labour is growing in Nigeria and requires the concerted effort of all, including community leaders, government at all levels and the private sector to remedy the situation.

The representative of the Ministry of Labour, Falohun Adegoke outlined the focal communities where the ACCEL Africa projects is currently in implementation. They include, Ibala community in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun. Others are: Bamikemo, Fagbo 1 and Fagbo 2, Wasimi, Oke-agunla, Aponmu and Ipoba 2 in Ondo State.

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke says his administration has completed a total of 31 kilometers of roads from November 28th, 2022 to date.

This is just another 17 kilometers of roads are currently ongoing at various stages of completion across the state, as well as additional 30 kilometers of roads have been listed for construction and reconstruction with actual work slated to start any moment from now.

Governor Adeleke in a statement by his Spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, made the disclosure on arrival at Osogbo after attending the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.

The Governor said his administration is paying close attention to the upgrade of Osun roads as a way of jumpstart the state economy.

He maintained that Osun had suffered due to bad roads, failing bridges and culvets which had negative impact on the state economy. 

Corroborating the Governor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Bashir Bello said the 31 kilometers of roads are spread across the 30 local governments and the Area office.

He explained that the choice of the reconstructed roads are based on local consultation and utility values of such roads to the local economy

Gold FM

OROWOLE ADEKUNLE ROTIMI ( 31) DECLARED WANTED BY THE POLICE

Nigeria Police Zone XI Command  has placed a minimum of N200, 000 bounty on a suspected gunrunner, Orowole Adekunle  Rotimi.

The zonal Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Ayeni at a news conference in Osogbo said the 31 years old suspect who hails from Ile-ife   was being investigated for unlawful possession of firearm and giving false information to the police  before he went into hiding

  “The Nigeria Police Force, Zone XI Command Osogbo is investigating a case of Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Giving False  Information to the Police and other charges that emanated from the matter under investigation,  one Orowole Adekunle Rotimi is a Principal suspect in this case and every effort made to reach him to come and defend himself has failed because he has gone into hiding making it difficult to continue with the case” he said

 

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone XI Command therefore wishes to notify the public that Mr Orowole Adekunle Rotimi a Nigerian national from Ile Ife in Osun State which we displayed his picture here has been declared wanted.

Orowole Adekunle Rotimi, who is 1.70 metres tall, has a fair complexion, a bald head, white teeth, a sharp nose, black hair, and he occasionally sports a beard, according to the PPRO.

 

The police emphasized that anyone with relevant information should call the nearest police station or one of the following phone numbers: 07032640776, 08065345516, or 08035597289.

 They also warned that anyone who harboured the suspect would be treated as an accomplice.

In addition, CSP Ayeni made it known that 44 of the 52 crime cases that the command received during the second quarter of the year are being investigated.

8 of the cases, he claimed, have already been brought to court, while the remaining 8 are still pending.

Meanwhile,  Felix Ohagwu, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, and other members of the management staff oversaw the decoration of 23 command officers promoted to the rank of inspector and five others promoted to the rank of corporal.