AIT Apologizes to Tinubu, N150bn Suit withdrawn

DAAR Communications Plc, the owner of African Independent Television, on Friday apologised to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over “Lion of Bourdillon” claim.

Tinubu consequently withdrew the N150bn libel suit he instituted against AIT for allegedly defaming his reputation.

Tinubu filed the suit last March in protest against a documentary titled “Lion of Bourdillon” aired repeatedly on AIT in the build-up to the 2015 general elections.

The former Lagos State governor had, through his lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), claimed that the documentary was targeted at lessening him in the estimation of the public, to the effect that he corruptly enriched himself while holding public office.

Justice Iyabode Akinkugbe, who presided over the case, had on April 1, last year, granted Tinubu an interlocutory injunction barring AIT from further airing “Lion of Bourdillon” pending the determination of the suit.

The defendant, through its lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), had claimed that “Lion of Bourdillon” did not defame Tinubu and that all its content was not false and had been in the public domain before AITstarted airing the documentary.

In addition, DAAR Communications filed a counter-claim demanding N200bn as “aggravated, punitive and exemplary damages” from Tinubu for what it termed damage to its corporate image.

But at the resumed hearing of the case on Friday, both lawyers told the judge that their clients had settled the case out of court and prayed the court to adopt the terms of settlement they filed as the judgement of the court in the case.

Ozekhome said, “We are before My Lord this morning to do what the court has always encouraged litigants to do.

“We have come here today that every war that is fought is finally resolved at the round table.

“Parties have decided to settle amicably to enable both parties to continue with the good relationship that they have always had before the devil struck.”

Olanipekun aligned himself with Ozekhome and urged the court to adopt the said settlement terms dated January 29, 2016.

Consequently, Justice Akinkugbe, in a short ruling, adopted the settlement terms as the judgement in the suit.

The judge said DAAR Communications Plc would publicly and unequivocally retract the said documentary “three times, once daily.”

She asked the defendant to tender an unreserved apology to Tinubu, “three times, once daily.”

She ordered them to withdraw their claims and counter-claims respectively and held that they would respectively bear the cost spent by them on the suit.

The terms of settlement was backed with a letter of apology, in which DAAR Communications begged Tinubu and described him as an “outstanding political leader of unblemished character and integrity” and prayed that he would live long “to make more enormous contributions to the advancement of our nation, Nigeria.”

The letter read in part, “DAAR Communications Plc acknowledges that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is an outstanding political leader of unblemished character and integrity, as well as a leading public figure and opinion-moulder, who has made and continuously make immense contributions to the progress and development of the nation in general and Lagos State in particular.

“DAAR Communications Plc admits that in airing the said documentary, it had no intention, whatsoever, to embarrass or diminish the high reputation of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu which it respects and attests to.”

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Biafra: Dutch lawyers petition ICC, accuse FG

Two Dutch lawyers have petitioned the International Criminal Court over Federal Government’s handling of pro-Biafra protests.

The lawyers, Prof. Göran Sluiter and Andrew Ianuzzi, in the petition filed on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra and 17 Nigerian ‘victims’, said there were reasons to believe that the government, President Muhammadu Buhari, and others committed crimes against humanity.

According to the petition, the crimes fall within the context of murder, unlawful imprisonment, torture, enforced disappearance, other inhumane acts, and persecution in their bid to stop pro-Biafra protests.

IPOB is a movement dedicated to the self-determination of the former Republic of Biafra in South-Eastern Nigeria. It said the identities of the 17 victims would not be disclosed to the OTP yet in order to ensure their safety and protect their privacy, but that their statements had been attached to the petition.

The petitioners described the alleged crimes committed by the accused parties as politically and ethnically motivated in the document signed by Sluiter on January 29, 2016.

To support their claims, the petitioners said they were relying on a selected number of publicly available reports documenting Nigeria’s political background, the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–70 (also known as the Biafran War), the recent and violent crimes committed in South-Eastern Nigeria, the Nigerian Federal Government’s involvement in those crimes (including its lack of any remedial action whatsoever in response to the bloodshed), and the OTP’s preliminary findings with respect to its ongoing investigation into the situation in Nigeria.”

It said that the petition was filed to the “Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court pursuant to Article 15 of the Rome Statute…” The petitioners said there were documents to prove that at least 18 persons had been unlawfully killed in Onitsha, Anambra State by the police and/or the Joint Task Force over pro-Biafra protests.

It said, “These unlawful killings took place in four separate incidents, namely: August 22, August 30, December 2, and December 17, 2015.

“Moreover, an additional five individuals were reportedly killed by the police in Port Harcourt in November 2015. And at least two others have reportedly been killed recently in Abia State.

“Each of the victims was a member of IPOB or Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, and the executions took place as part of the Federal Government’s widespread and systematic attack against pro-Biafran activists and sympathisers.”

The document noted that there had been a history of tense and violent relations between Nigeria’s Muslim north and Christian south since independence, adding that cultural and political differences between dominant ethnic groups “have consistently wreaked havoc on the country’s political landscape.”

Describing the detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as unlawful, the document criticised President Buhari’s statement during a television interview that the Federal Government would continue to detain Kanu despite a High Court release order.

Noting the police clampdown on the recent activities of members of IPOB and MASSOB, the document said, “so far the following arrests have been made viz: Anambra State – four; Imo State – six; Delta State -11; and Abia State – one.

“The Inspector-General of Police (Solomon Arase) further warns that all persons so arrested for inciting violence, irrespective of their class or status in the society would be charged to court accordingly.

“The Federal Government’s message was clear: the question of self-determination in Biafra would be treated as a national-security matter; participants would be dealt with swiftly and harshly.”

According to the document, Sluiter holds a chair in international criminal law at the Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam and is a partner at the Amsterdam law firm of Prakken d’Oliveira Human Rights Lawyers. It described Ianuzzi as an independent legal consultant and human-rights investigator.”

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My Doctors are based in the UK- President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday started a six-day vacation.

He is expected back on duty on February 10.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, while the President is away, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will perform the functions of the President.

Adesina said Buhari had already transmitted a letter to that effect to the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has begun a short vacation from today, February 5 to February 10, 2016.

“While President Buhari is on vacation, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will perform the functions of the President.

“In compliance with Section 145 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, President Buhari has dispatched a formal notice of his vacation to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

Our correspondent however learnt on Friday that Buhari may use the opportunity of the short holiday to undergo medical check-up in London, United Kingdom.

The President is currently in London where he attended Supporting Syria and the Region conference on Thursday.

He had left Nigeria on Tuesday for France where he addressed the parliament of the European Union.

According to his itinerary released earlier in the week, Buhari was scheduled back in the country over the weekend.

But our correspondent learnt on Friday that some members of his delegation were already on their way back to the country while the President stayed back in the city.

“Some of the President’s close aides are already on their way back to the country,” the source said.

Buhari had told some Nigerians resident in United Kingdom earlier in the day that his doctors who he has been using since 1978 are based in London.

He said this while telling them the reason why he missed three court sittings when he was contesting the result of the 2003 presidential election in court.

Our correspondent obtained the transcript of his interaction with the Nigerians.

He had said, “The court process during my first attempt at the Presidency lasted 30 months. I only missed four sittings.

“One, when we went to bury late Chuba Okadigbo, my vice presidential candidate.

“The other three times, I came here (London) to see my doctors who I have been using since 1978 when I was in Petroleum.”

Meanwhile, as of the time the Presidency issued a statement on Buhari’s vacation, Osinbajo was not in Abuja.

He was said to be in Lagos where he was expected to attend the monthly vigil of The Redeemed Christian Church of God among other engagements.

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Keke na pep rider gave me N200 after raping me- 15year old girl

Every day has turned nightmarish for 15-year-old Semisola Olona (not real names) who seems not to get over the traumatic experience she had when she was allegedly raped by a commercial tricycle rider, known as Mr. Lati Ajoje.

Olona, a senior secondary one student in a Lagos school, said Ajoje was her mother’s customer and she knew him before the incident. Olona’s mother runs a canteen in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

She told our correspondent recently that she never believed Ajoje would rape her because he was a frequent customer at her mother’s shop.

In tears, Olona, who claimed she was a virgin before the incident, narrated how Ajoje took advantage of her.

She said she was on her way to her mother’s shop on January 15, 2016, when she met Ajoje who offered to drop her off at the canteen.

“I didn’t suspect anything. I even thanked him as I boarded his keke (tricycle). When we got to the bus stop, he turned and faced another route. I asked him if he wasn’t going to my mum’s shop again. He didn’t answer me. I told him to stop me at the bus stop but he refused.

“He then told me to be patient and said he only wanted to go and collect something at Water Estate. I insisted I wanted to drop off. He didn’t listen to me, he ignored me. He got to where he was going and he stopped at an uncompleted building and told me to get down. I asked him why, he said he wanted to tell me something. I told him I didn’t like the place he brought me and I was already feeling uncomfortable. He just carried me forcibly and entered the building. I was struggling. I even had to bite him but he didn’t bulge. He carried me into a room in the uncompleted building.

“He removed my clothes. I told him I would rather he killed me than do anything to me. But he said he wasn’t going to kill me but he would still have sex with me. That was how he forced himself on me and raped me,” she said.

Olona said Ajoje threatened to kill her if she ever told anybody about the incident.

“After raping me, he used one rag to clean me up. After he finished, he gave me N200. But I told him I wasn’t going to take his money. I was afraid to tell anybody because he had said he would kill me. But eventually, I had to tell my sister who told my mother. I have not seen him again since then. He no longer comes to my mother’s shop,” she said.

The President of Touch a Heart Foundation, Lawrence Bassey, who is currently handling the case, said the organisation felt obliged to take over the case when Olona’s mother reported the incident to it.

“The victim’s mother said her child was raped and presented a police report. We have taken her to the Mirabel Sexual Assault Referral Centre. After some tests, one of the doctors told the girl’s mother that she was actually raped and she has been given some treatment,” he said.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that the case was also reported at the Gowon Estate Police Division.

The investigating police officer in charge of the case has said that the police are still looking for a way to arrest the rape suspect.

But Bassey said the suspect has been seen on the road operating his tricycle numerous times without attempts by the police to arrest him.

“The police have just refused to do their job and make the arrest. He is well known in the area.

“Few days ago, the IPO told us he can’t go around looking for a rapist. He said we should go and look for the suspect ourselves. We have started the investigation on our own since the police said we should handle it ourselves.

“The suspect has yet to be found. We met with the chairman of the Keke operators in the area where Ajoje operates and he promised to get back to us. They took us to his mother, who also said that Ajoje is on the run and nobody has seen him. We have informed the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person, Office of the Public Defender and the Public Advice Centre about this matter,” he said.

When our correspondent contacted the Divisional Police Officer of the station, Mr. Festus Otabor, a chief superintendent of police, he explained that the complainant had the right to ask for him, if the IPO refused to act on the case.

“On a case of such magnitude, they should have made attempt to see me. I cannot hear of such case and just let it go. I am happy that you are informing me about the issue. They need to come back and talk to me. It is a serious issue,” he said.

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Bomshell!!! Wizkid is Naughty and Rebellious- Seyi Shay

Wizkid and Seyi Shay is no strange name in Nigeria music industry. The duo has individual reached stardom and success through hard work and perseverance.

Sometime last year Seyi Shay released a single entitled Crazy which featured stay boy, Wizkid. The song raised many speculations, as many thought the two shared a romantic relationship.

In a recent interview with Y!Naija, she disclosed that no romantic feelings ever existed between Wizkid and her. However, she claims the only relationship between them is platonic friendship which could be misjudged as something else becaue they are playful, naughty and rebellious.

In her words: “Wizkid and I are like this naughty, rebellious bunch of kids. Very playful and very good friends. He has been there for me from the day I met him. He has supported me. We have sung on stage together. He has given me music for free. Crazy video was just purely entertainment. Shock factor and nothing else.”

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Breaking!!! Rugged Man writes open letter to 9ice- Your Apology is too late

Nigerian rap veteran Ruggedman, 39, has written an open letter to 9ice, bloggers and journalists concerning the 6-year-old rumour that he slept with Toni Payne (9ice’s wife in 2010).
In the open letter Ruggedman said 9ice’s apology came late but he still accepts it nonetheless.

You can read his open letter below;

“In 2010 9ice released a song that made a lot of people wrongfully drag me into a terrible situation. People who misconstrued the song and it created a rumour .
A terrible false rumour that was fueled by journalists and bloggers who were only after hits on their sites. Bloggers and journalists who did not care to investigate and confirm a rumour, but chose to print and post it anyways not caring who got hurt in the process.
I remember pleading my innocence and that of Toni Payne’s but social media people being who and how they are,chose not to listen.
I remember calling 9ice on the phone CIA style to talk to him about it and he was clearly heard admitting the song was not about myself or Toni Payne, but social media people being who and how they are, chose not to listen.
I remember asking 9ice to publicly clear the air on the terrible rumour, but was shocked when my friend said he would not because he was busy and didn’t have time for such. Again nobody wondered why.
Fast forward 2016. Six years later and I was surprised when I heard that 9ice has finally come out to say I never slept with his wife and the song was not about me and even apologised on top. That he has finally come out to say the truth about the issue that cast a negative shadow over my head and that of his ex wife for six years.

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Police Destroys baba Ijebu's House in Lagos

As part of the on-going exercise to curb the spate of building collapse, Lagos State Government, yesterday, demolished a four storey-building owned by the founder of the popular Premier Lotto, popularly known as “Baba Ijebu,” Sir Kensington Adebutu, in order to avert possible loss of lives and property in the area. The building The building located at No 6, Campbell Street, Lagos Island was formerly used as party secretariat by the Action Congress, (now All progressives Congress) and law firms. But the building was vacated 10 years ago when the residents discovered crack wall on the building. It was learned that Adebutu bought the building few years ago but was still deliberating with his staff on how to judiciously use the building. Vanguard gathered that the building was sealed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, twice to allow the owner embark on Structural Stability Test, SST, before embarking on manual demolition exercise which commenced on  October 16th, 2015 and December 22, 2015. Mr. Sheye Olofin, Manager Omega Homes, the building adjacent to Adebutu’s building, lamented that they work with fear daily because “the slabs from the building often drop on one’s head. Infact, our cleaner was injured by one of the slab from the building.” Narrating their ordeal since the building became defective, Olofin said, “When we noticed that parts of the building had started falling down, we called the owner of the building but nothing was done. “It kept destroying our property often but that wasn’t our major concern. Our concern was the life that could be lost if it was allowed to collapse. And that was why we decided to write to the owner of the building.

“Few months after, he sent a team to investigate our claims last year. When they came, they discovered that the alarm raised was true. We had been complaining over the state of the building over four years to the owner. We are happy that the government has finally come to demolish it,” he added. The LASBCA General Manager, Olusola Adeigbe said that the responsibility of the agency was to monitor building in the state and identify distressed building, saying “We demolish buildings that have over 90 percent of likelihood of collapsing.” Adeigbe who was represented at the scene by Mr. Felix Olowojoba, Director of Enforcement, said, “When we detect building that are defective and could collapse any moment, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that such building does not cave in to avoid loss of life. “Over the years, we have had the report of falling of its concrete. We recommended that the building should undergo SST to assist LASBCA to ascertain its structural integrity. The report that came out was not favorable. The report showed that the building is over burdened and distressed.

story: Olasunkanmi Akoni

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