News
Police, DPP’s negligence kept 23-yr-old Mechanic in prison for 9 yrs
As he gleefully trekked towards his workshop, three fierce looking plain cloth Policemen suddenly accosted him at a corner. Before he could inquire why he was been arrested, several hot slaps had landed on his face. The more he tried to resist being pulled towards a waiting police van, the more slaps and kicks he got from the Police officers.
As he struggled to make sense of the whole drama at the back of the Police van where he was forcefully pushed into, many other young boys like him were also arrested in similar fashion at different locations in Ogun and Lagos and taken to the dreaded SARS office in Ikeja, Lagos.
Paraded for possession of firearms
Narrating his harrowing experience at the SARS office, Mustapha said he was asked to get somebody to bail him and that when he couldn’t reach any of his family members, his offence was changed to armed robbery.
“One day, they paraded me and one other person, surrounded us with guns and asked us to agree that the guns were recovered from us. I know that if I refused to corporate with them, they will kill me, so I agreed with all they said we did. I spent about three months in detention at their office before I was taken to court. “
Journey to Kirikiri
After Mustapha’s case made headlines in the media, he was arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate on a ‘Holden Charge’ of illegal possession of fire arms. The court subsequently made an order for his remand at Kirikiri prison pending a legal advice from the Lagos state Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP.
For two years, 2013 to 2015 when the Magistrate court gave the order for his remand, and the Lagos DPP issued a legal advice on the matter, Mustapha was left to languish in prison until early 2016 when the DPP further directed the Police to arraign him before the High Court of Lagos for possession of fire arms.
Police ignores DPP’s advice
After the DPP managed to issue a legal advice recommending that Mustapha be tried before the High Court, the Police never acted on the advise. Mustapha said that after two years of waiting to be properly arraigned so that he could prove his innocence before the court, he gave up hope of ever being released. For the next two years, Mustapha said he became a shadow of himself and completely lost interest in recreational or social activities in the prison.
Maximum penalty for possession of firearms
According to the provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011, under which Mustapha’s alleged crime was captured, the maximum penalty for the offence of unlawful possession of firearms is three years. Since he was arraigned before the Magistrate Court at the first instance in 2013, by 2016, Mustapha ought to have been released having served the number of years he ought to have if found guilty. But that was not the case as he had spent 4 years in prison as at 2017.
DPP’s strange legal advice
Despite being aware of this provision of the law and also aware that Mustapha had spent four years at the Kirikiri prison, the Lagos DPP strangely issued another Legal Advice in 2017 for his prosecution for same offence before an Ikeja Magistrate Court. After the strange advise was given, no action was still taken to properly arraign Mustapha by either the Police or the DPP until 2019 when the law firm of Dr. Charles Mekwunye, SAN under its pro bono policy for young lawyers in the firm took over the matter.
Protracted legal battle to free Mustapha
In the Fundamental Human Right Enforcement suit filed by Miss Deborah Ogedengbe, in 2019 before the Federal High Court, Lagos on behalf of Mustapha, she enumerated the clear abuse of Mustapha’s fundamental rights by the Police and DPP and prayed the court to order his immediate release and also granted damages against the respondents.
The Police and DPP filed their separate responses to the suit same year. While the Police maintained that Mustapha’s detention was ordered by a Magistrate court, the Lagos DPP challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter and further claimed that it was the duty of the Police to prosecute Mustapha since legal advice had been issued. The matter dragged for three years until May 3, 2022 when Justice J. Lifu delivered judgment in the matter.
Court indicts Police, DPP
In his judgment Justice Lifu blamed the Police and the DPP for the unjust prolonged detention of Mustapha in prison for nine years for an offence with a maximum sentence of three years. The judge condemned the actions of the two public institutions and called for immediate review of similar cases in prisons.
He held: “Based on the available facts and exhibits, the 1st and 2nd Respondents (Police and DPP) have played an ignoble role in the nine years detention of this Applicant without trial. The 1st and 2nd Respondents, no doubt are in flagrant violation of Section 34 (4) and (5) of the Constitution which requires the trial of the Applicant within a reasonable time as this instant case of unlawful possession of fire arm cannot and is not a capital offence to create an exception under Subsection 7 of Section 34 of the Constitution 1999 as amended.
“From the totality of the above reasoning and conclusion, it has once again brought to fore the flaw in our observance and respect for human rights by public institutions vested with that responsibility. Nations today are valued and respected by the observance of human rights. Our country, Nigeria should not be lagging behind in that quest.
“It is in that wise that, all law enforcement agents and all stakeholders in this enterprise are to be held accountable. The Court as custodian of justice should not be lagging in their responsibilities as gate keepers in that regard. “The conducts of the lst and 2nd Respondents are herein a
manifestation of the decadence our society is heading to if not checkmated by the external vigilance of the courts. Such outrageous conduct leading to the Applicant to rot away in our correctional facility which is deplorable needing attention should be discouraged at all times.
“In the instant case, the actions of the 1st and 2nd Respondents against the Applicant, is a signal that so many of such Applicants are in the awaiting trial section of our correctional facilities. I use this medium therefore to call on the relevant authorities to be alive to the responsibilities bestowed on them.”
The judge awarded N2million damages against the Police and the DPP but both agencies are yet to comply to the order to pay Mustapha.
My ordeal in prison
Narrating his ordeal to Encounter, Mustapha now 32 years said: “The pains and torture I suffered for those nine years is something I cannot finish narrating in one day. Before I got into the prison, I was an apprentice mechanic but my mates back then, now have their own mechanic workshops.
“While in prison, I went through hell. I almost became a mad man because of too much thinking. I still suffered severe chest pain because of the beating I was subjected to while in SARS detention. When I initially refused to agree to their cooked up allegation, they used heavy wood to hit my check. I am still suffering the pain till today.
“What the Police did to me was very wicked but I leave them to God. God will judge them at his own time. Since I was released in May, things have not been easy but I am learning to live one day at a time. But for that lawyer and her boss that God used to deliver me, perhaps I will still be in prison till today. I will forever be grateful to them.”
For Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, Monday was supposed to be another routine day of duty. Instead, the Nigerian Air Force pilot lost his life in the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, barely 16 days after his wedding.
Man-Ugwueje had married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle on September 19, 2026, in an elaborate ceremony in Abuja.
The couple exchanged vows at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja, before proceeding to the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Asokoro, for the reception.
Details of the wedding were contained in the couple’s invitation and posts shared by vendors who participated in the ceremony. A videographer, Beejay Creates, also shared footage from the event, identifying the couple as bride Damilola and groom Ahamefule.
Man-Ugwueje, who was identified by the Nigerian Air Force as the co-pilot of the ill-fated aircraft, was among the five crew members and 20 passengers who died in the crash.
The aircraft, NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday confirmed that all 25 people on board died in the accident and released the names of the victims.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, while commiserating with the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
The Air Force also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Man-Ugwueje, whose Facebook profile listed Umuahia, Abia State, as his hometown and Abuja as his current city, was the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje.
Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said no survivor was found after security agencies, emergency responders and local residents joined the search for victims at the crash site.
Aiyedatiwa said he was informed of the crash at about 10:30am on Monday after receiving a call from the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area.
According to the governor, residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound and subsequently saw the aircraft plunge into the swamp.
He said Navy personnel initially exercised caution while trying to determine whether there was a fire or explosion before moving towards the crash site.
“When they noticed that it’s just an accident, they didn’t see any sign of fire. So they moved in, trying to see if they could rescue the people,” the governor said.
Personnel of the local emergency management agency, residents and members of the Amotekun Corps later joined the rescue operation.
However, the search ended in tragedy after authorities confirmed that there were no survivors.
A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos crashed into a swamp in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday after reportedly disappearing from radar shortly after take-off.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, lost communication with air traffic controllers at about 9:13am. A senior air traffic controller, who spoke anonymously, said repeated attempts to re-establish contact with the aircraft failed.
According to the source, personnel around Okitipupa later reported hearing a loud bang suspected to have come from the crash site.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that the aircraft had disappeared from radar and that all efforts to raise it on radio were unsuccessful.
He later announced that the wreckage had been located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
Keyamo said 32 people—25 passengers and seven crew members—were on board.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the crash, saying the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos and that search-and-rescue operations had commenced in coordination with relevant authorities.
The crash site, located in a swampy creek, proved difficult to access, with military personnel, emergency responders and local fishermen joining the rescue operation.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said no survivor had been found as of Monday evening, although the authorities had yet to officially announce a death toll.
The governor said rescuers recovered parts of the aircraft, identification cards and military uniforms from the site.
President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight path, weather conditions, maintenance records and air traffic control communications. Efforts were also being made to recover the aircraft’s flight recorder, which could provide crucial information about its final moments.
The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed that no survivor has so far been found following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
Aiyedatiwa made this known during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, saying local residents, security personnel and emergency responders had searched the crash site without finding anyone alive.
The governor said he received information about the incident at about 10:30am after the chairman of the local government contacted him.
According to him, residents living across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound and subsequently saw the aircraft plunge into a swampy area.
He explained that personnel of the Nigerian Navy initially stayed back to determine whether the crash had triggered a fire or explosion before proceeding to the site.
“When they noticed that it’s just an accident, they didn’t see any sign of fire. So they moved in, trying to see if they could rescue the people,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He added that officials of the state emergency management agency, local residents and personnel of the Amotekun Corps later joined the search and rescue operation.
“But from the information we got, no single life was saved up to this moment. They could not see any living soul that was in that aircraft,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa said searchers recovered parts of the aircraft, including pieces of the wings, identification cards and military uniforms, which helped establish that the aircraft was a military plane.
“But they saw the ruins, some of the wreckage from the wings of the aircraft, you know, some ID cards, I was told, and then uniform. That was when they knew it was a military aircraft,” he said.
The governor described the incident as a painful development, noting that the crash occurred not only in Ondo State but also in his home local government area.
“So it’s a sad situation today. And we’re all really, really agreed as a Nigerian. And also it happens in my own state, not just my state, even in my own local government where I’m from,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa expressed sympathy for the military personnel involved, describing them as officers assigned to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that an ATR-42 aircraft with tail number NGR 931 crashed in Igbokoda while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.
The Nigerian Air Force said search and rescue operations were ongoing following the crash.
“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi
A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.
He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.
“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.
He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.
Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”
Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.
According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.
“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.
He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.
“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”
The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.
Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.
“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.
“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”
Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.
“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.
He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.
“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”
The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.
“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
-
News1 day agoNo Survivor Found Yet in Ondo Air Crash — Aiyedatiwa
-
News3 days agoSacked Works Commissioner: Release or Charge Him to Court, Oganiru Izzi Challenges Nwifuru
-
Politics1 day ago2027: Odii Will Not Step Down, Says Spokesperson
-
News1 day agoHow NAF Plane Vanished From Radar Shortly After Take-Off, Crashes In Ondo Swamp
-
Crime3 days agoPolice Deploy DIG, Two Commissioners to Rescue 20 Abducted Prospective Corps Members
-
EverydayNews Telescope1 day agoNkalagu Cement Factory: Project or 2027 Political Promise?
-
Crime10 hours agoCourt Denies Alleged Fake Pastor Bail as Seven Witnesses Await Trial
-
News10 hours agoNAF Crash Claims Pilot 16 Days After Wedding