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Abba Kyari pleads not guilty to drug trafficking

Suspended DCP Abba Kyari on Monday pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charge filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Kyari told Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, on Monday, following his arraignment, alongside six others, on allegations bordering on drug trafficking.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that while Kyari pleaded not guilty to counts one, two, three, four and eight levelled against him, the other four police officers, who are defendants in the trial, also pleaded not guilty to counts one, two, three and four filed against them.

But Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, who are 6th and 7th defendants respectively, pleaded guilty to counts five, six and seven preferred against them. Although their names were also mentioned in counts three and four where allegations bordering on conspiracy were leveled against Kyari and others, they were not asked to take a plea on these two counts.

The four members of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022 include ACP Sunday J. Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu.

Umeibe and Ezenwanne are the two alleged drug traffickers that were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

Shortly after taking their plea, the NDLEA lawyer, Joseph Sunday, Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, prayed the court for a trial date for the 1st to 5th defendants

Sunday also urged the court to grant a leave to review the charges against Umeibe and Ezenwanne who pleaded guilty for the charges against them.

“We hope to file our proof of evidence latest tomorrow (Tuesday),” he said.

Kanu Agabi, SAN, who led a delegation of Senior Advocates of Nigeria that appeared for Kyari and Ubia, however informed that a bail application had been filed in respect of his clients.

The NDLEA’s lawyer, Joseph Sunday, Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, who confirmed being served with the bail application, said a counter affidavit had been filed in its opposition.

The NDLEA, in the …

Business / Crime / Law / News

Two Bankers withdraw customer’s N47.4m with their own ATMs

A Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Maryam Sabo has granted bail on stringent conditions to two bankers: Nuhu Demba and Mohammed Abdullahi Musa, who allegedly conspired and stole the sum of N47,452,055.45 from the account of one Mailafia Mohammed.

The case, being handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes, was reported via a petition by the victim and complainant.

The petitioner alleged that on February 6, 2021, he was attacked in his house by armed men who took away his mobile phone.

Mohammed said on February 8, 2021, he reported the incident to the branch of his bank where he maintains a savings account and was advised to continue using his account as nothing would happen. He further alleged that on February 18, 2021, he went to withdraw money and was informed that there was no money in the account.

He subsequently requested for his account statement and discovered that N47,452,055.45 was fraudulently withdrawn from it through the use of Automated Teller Machine cards.

The EFCC said investigation revealed that Musa and Demba stole the said monies from the complainant’s account through ATM and Point of Sale withdrawals.

It said the defendants perpetrated the fraud by using their positions to obtain ATM cards without going through due process and without the knowledge of the account holder.

Upon arraignment on February 10, 2022, they pleaded not guilty and the matter was adjourned to February 14, 2022 for ruling on the bail application.

Justice Sabo granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N10 million each, out of which a cash sum of N5 million shall be deposited in the court’s registry.

They are also to provide one surety each with landed property within the jurisdiction of the court worth N15 million.

The matter has been adjourned till March 23, 2022 for the commencement of trial.…

Entertainment / Foreign / Law / News

Wendy Williams needs a guardianship, ‘concerned’ bank claims

There are serious concerns by TV host Wendy Williams’ bank that she is incapacitated and needs a guardian.

According to American bank Wells Fargo in a letter sent to New York Supreme Court Judge Arlene Bluth, it requested for a hearing to determine whether Williams, who has not hosted her daytime talk show since July 2021 due to ongoing health issues, needs a professional to intervene in her affairs.

“We are concerned about [Williams’] situation. It is our hope that the Guardianship Part [of the court] will imminently appoint a temporary guardian or evaluator to review the situation and ensure that [Williams’] affairs are being properly handled,” the request read. This is coming weeks after the TV host’s lawyer had claimed that the bank refused her from accessing her accounts.

The bank has however denied preventing Williams access to her accounts.

“We deny any allegations of improper actions with respect to Ms. Williams’ accounts and are fully participating in a court process to reach a resolution that is in her best interest. The financial well-being of our clients is at the heart of everything we do,” the bank’s spokesperson said.

Williams has been off her show’s set for months following her illness.

She has been battling Graves’ disease for years.

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Law / News

Igboho: Benin Republic has extended his detention by six months — Lawyer

The authorities of the Republic of Benin have extended by six months the detention of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, The PUNCH is reporting.

The newspaper said Igboho’s lawyer, Chief Yomi Aliyyu, disclosed this on Sunday following an earlier contrary information.

A former lawyer of the activist, Pelumi Olajengbesi, had a day earlier said Igboho will soon return to Nigeria from Benin Republic, where he was arrested last year as he made to leave for Germany with his wife.

Aliyyu said: “Contrary to what was speculated in the news by a lawyer, the government of the Republic de Benin has renewed the incarceration of Chief Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Igboho Oosa for another six months even though there is no criminal charge in their file in Cotonou and without extradition request from Nigeria.” “We will approach the ECOWAS Court which they never obeyed,” he said.…

Entertainment / Law / News

Kim Kardashian finally passes the bar exam after 3 failed attempts

American reality TV star Kim Kardashian has finally passed the bar exam.

The mother of four shared the big news via her Instagram page on Monday, December 12, 2021.

“OMFGGGG I PASSED THE BABY BAR EXAM!!!! Looking in the mirror, I am really proud of the woman looking back today in the reflection. For anyone who doesn’t know my law school journey, know this wasn’t easy or handed to me,” she wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)

“I failed this exam 3 times in 2 years, but I got back up each time and studied harder and tried again until I did it!!! (I did have COVID on the 3rd try w a 104 fever but I’m not making excuses😉)”

She went on to thank some special people who stood behind her in the cause of her study.

“A big thank you to @vanjones68 who talked me into going to law school in the first place before introducing me to @jessicajackson and @edyhaney who have brought me along to watch their every move in the court room. I respect them so much and appreciate you both for letting me tag along and ask all of the little questions along the way,” she added.

What this means is that the reality TV star is just one more bar exam away from officially becoming a lawyer.

It would be recalled that the reality TV star failed after several attempts at the exam.

Kim signed up in 2019 to study law, taking after her late dad and popular lawyer, Robert Kardashian.

She started off with a 4-year apprenticeship at a San Francisco-based law firm

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Law / Music / News

Dr Dre celebrates official divorce with huge balloons

American music mogul Dr Dre may have finalised his divorce with ex-wife Nicole Young.

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Law / Movies / News

Jussie Smollett found guilty of 5 out of 6 count charges

American actor Jussie Smollett has been found guilty of staging his attack a few years ago. The actor claimed to have been attacked by two men who beat him up, tied a noose around his neck, and poured bleach on him.

The actor was found guilty of five out of the six charges levelled against him. The jury of six men and six women deliberated for more than nine hours on Wednesday, December 8 – December 9, 2021.

He was charged for disorderly conduct charge for a false crime report which is a Class 4 felony and punishable by up to three years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

It would be recalled that Smollett was hospitalised after he was reportedly injured by two men in what looks like a homophobic attack back in January 2019.

There were reportedly two men wearing ski masks that viciously attacked Jussie as he fought back.

He suffered a fractured rib, and the attackers put a rope around his neck and poured bleach on him as they yelled, “This is MAGA country.”

The Osundairo brothers were later named in the alleged attack on Smollett.

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Education / Law / News

Dowen College: Sylvester Oromoni’s family hires Femi Falana

The family of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, the late 12-year-old Dowen College student, has hired the firm of a foremost human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, to prosecute its case against the institution over the death of their son.

The development was contained in a letter written by the Oromoni family, dated December 6, 2021 to the lawyer.

The letter, signed by Taiwo Olawale and addressed to the Chief Coroner of the High Court of Lagos State, was titled: “Request for Inquest into the Tragic Death of Sylvester Oromoni killed at Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos.”

In the letter, the family said it was of the opinion, after being briefed, that Oromoni Jnr died as a result of injuries allegedly inflicted on him by his seniors at the school. It said: “Given the needless death of Sylvester Oromoni, we are compelled to request you to use your good offices to cause a coroner’s inquest to be conducted into the cause of death of this young and promising boy and make appropriate recommendations pursuant to Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law 2007 that states that an inquest shall hold whenever a coroner is informed that the death of a deceased person within his coroner district is as a result of a death in a violent, unnatural or suspicious situation. “We hereby request your lordship to conduct an inquest into the circumstance surrounding this tragic death and we are confident that your lordship will accede to our request with utmost urgency.”…

Education / Law / Movies / News

Alec Baldwin denies pulling trigger in fatal ‘Rust’ set shooting

Hollywood actor, Alec Baldwin has denied pulling the trigger of the prop gun that killed Ukrainian filmmaker Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin in his first sit-down interview post the tragic accident on the set of his film ‘Rust’ in October, denied pulling the trigger as originally reported.

“I would never point a gun at anyone and pull a trigger at them. Never,” he said amid tears in a clip from an ABC News interview. He further claimed that he had no idea how a live bullet arrived on the set. “Someone put a live bullet in a gun, a bullet that wasn’t even supposed to be on the property,” Baldwin added. The interview marks the first time Baldwin has spoken about the incident on camera, except for a brief interview he gave to TMZ in October, in a bid to stop the paparazzi from following him and his family. In that appearance, he described the incident as a “one in a trillion episode” and said accidents of its nature very rarely happened on film sets. Hutchins was reportedly shot and killed as Baldwin rehearsed with what he believed to be a “cold” – or safe – gun on the set of his western film ‘Rust in New Mexico. Hutchins was flown to hospital by helicopter after the shooting but later died of her injuries. Director Joel Souza, 48, was also injured.

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Entertainment / Law / Movies / News

Baba Ijesha’s trial adjourned after request to change his initial statement

The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, on Thursday adjourned the sexual assault trial of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha. The trial was adjourned after he requested to change his initial statement.

The disgraced actor through his lawyer, Prince Kayode, requested that the court should strike out the statement that he gave at the Sabo Police Station when he was initially arrested.

His counsel said the statement he gave at the Sabo Police Station is different from the one taken at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.

The case was adjourned to December 15th.

Baba Ijesha was detained on April 22, 2021, after the Lagos State Police Command announced his arrest for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the care of comedian, Princess.

The actor is being charged on six counts of sexual assault by penetration, indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault.

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Entertainment / Law / Music / News

R. Kelly and manager allegedly tried to ‘intimidate, silence’ sex abuse accusers

American singer R. Kelly and his manager have been accused of trying to intimidate and silence his alleged sex abusers.

According to PageSix, they both allegedly tried to intimidate them with tactics that included calling in a shooting threat to a theater premiering a documentary about the singer, new court papers show.

The three ladies involved, Lizette Martinez, Lisa Van Allen and Faith Rogers who claim they were sexually abused by the 54-year-old convict filed the Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit alleging that; “Kelly and his inner circle … began an orchestrated effort to silence, harass, bribe and intimidate those brave young women and their friends and family.”

They alleged the singer’s manager made several attempts for the now-famous documentary ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ from going forward.

“Defendants used escalating methods of intimidation moving from legal to terroristic in a matter of hours,” the suit claimed.

The disgraced music star was recently found guilty on all nine counts charges including racketeering and violations of the Mann Act, which prohibits the transport of “any woman or girl” across state lines for any “immoral purpose.”

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Entertainment / Fraud / Law / Music / News

Naira Marley shows up in court as EFCC displays more evidence against him

Nigerian music star Naira Marley was at the court to defend himself against the Internet fraud charges levelled against him.

On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, the EFCC testified against the singer, showing various pieces of evidence to buttress its point. According to Anosike, about 2,410 short messages were analysed from the iPhone of the defendant while also stating that different credit card numbers were extracted from the iPhone.

According to the witness, the Apple iPhone is a sophisticated device capable of storing a large volume of information, adding that it is the sim card that basically identifies users of applications such as WhatsApp.

The witness said 977 Short Message Service (SMS) and 1,433 chat messages, were discovered in the witness’ iPhone while adding that there were also seven pending status update messages.

Anosike was still leading evidences in the trial of the defendant, who is facing an 11 counts charge, bordering on conspiracy, possession of counterfeit credit cards as well as fraud.

The anti-graft agency preferred the charges on May 14, 2019

Fashola, who sang the popular song: “Am I a Yahoo Boy”, was consequently, arraigned on May 20, 2019 before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, but he pleaded not guilty.

The court had accordingly, granted him bail in the sum of two million naira, with two sureties in like sum.

Trial had since commenced in the case and the second prosecution witness who began his testimony shortly before the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, continued his evidence on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the witness who resumed his testimony on Tuesday, concluded his evidence after the virtual display.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had told the court at the last adjourned date, that the prosecution only printed out hard copies of relevant portions of the exhibit, which it considered key to its case.

He had told the court that a full version of the total analysis was contained in a CD

The printed copies of the exhibit is labeled exhibit F while

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Law / News / politics

NBA ‘cowardly voiceless’ to Nigeria’s challenges — Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has accused the Nigeria Bar Association of being “comfortably indifferent and cowardly voiceless” to issues and challenges affecting good governance, democracy, legal system and the rule of law.

Wike stated this on Monday in Port Harcourt at the NBA 2021 Annual Conference, with the theme: “Taking The Lead.”

He stated confronting the government may be tough and often misinterpreted politically, but there should be no room for reticence, retreat or surrender.

He said: “We must aspire to have excellence in our judicial system and prevent innocent persons from suffering adversity because of the failures of our legal system.

“We must speak about judges’ lack of courage to enforce our laws with equal measure, or worse still, because they have sold out to some form of political intimidation or pressure.”

According to Wike, taking the Llad, therefore, is to transform and reform the NBA to an activist association willing and ready to use the law to advance the values and aspirations of the law profession, and for the progress of society as a positive social force for change with courage and determination.

He said: “Taking the Lead is to reclaim and uphold the values of the profession we once held; to have the courage to challenge what is wrong and unjust; to break free from tired traditions and status quo of the system.

“To question the motives of unfair and inequitable governmental actions and decisions; as well as to take appropriate and bold steps to eliminate the increasing costs, delays and drudgery of our criminal justice system.

“Taking the lead is to embrace the truth and having no patience for injustice; no tolerance for bad governance.”

The Rivers State Governor said for the NBA to take the lead, it must have no sympathy for political leaders who fail their citizens.

He said there should be no sympathy for timid and incompetent judicial officers who betray their judicial oath with wrong and conscienceless judgements.

He added: “I do hope and pray that from this conference the …

Law / News / politics

Trial of Nnamdi Kanu will lead to end of IPOB – Presidency

The Presidency has expressed confidence that the conclusion of the ongoing trial of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will lead to the end of the group.

The Presidency spoke in reaction to an Editorial by The Economist, a London, United Kingdom-based magazine.

The magazine had faulted the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on several fronts, including the war against banditry and insurgency, the economy and handling of the IPOB issue.

Reacting through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency said: “In the South-East, IPOB – which the Economist rightly describes as “delusional” – the arrest and present trial of the terrorist leader of the group is the beginning of its demise. “The President’s administration is redoubling efforts to have IPOB rightfully designated as a terrorist group by our allies outside of Nigeria – an act which will collapse their ability to transact gains from crime and extortion in foreign currencies.

“It is important to remind the Economist and the global media that this group’s aggression and widespread presence on social media does not reflect their public support, for which they have none: all elected governors, all elected politicians and all elected state assemblies in the South-East – which IPOB claim to be part of their fantasy kingdom – reject them completely.”…

Crime / Entertainment / Law / Music / News

‘I want to go to jail’ – angry Shatta Wale tells critics whilst leaving court

The Ghanaian dancehall act has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court today over a charge of the publication of false news. He appeared in court wearing an all-white matching hoodie.

Whilst being whisked into a police van, Shatta Wale spoke to the media and other fans chanting his name. He said, “every day Shatta Wale do this, Shatta Wale do that, I want to f*cking go to jail“.

“Just send this to them, tell them I want to sleep in jail for this … fake prophets,” he added In the video below

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A post shared by Pulse Ghana (@pulseghana)

Out of the staged reports that he has been shot on Tuesday, 18th October, Shatta Wale was slapped with one count of publication of false news while his three other accomplices, were charged with abetment to the publication of false news.

Meanwhile, during the hearing of his case, the dancehall act and his accomplices pleaded not guilty and have been ordered to reappear before the court on October 26, 2021.

Mr Jerry Avenorgbo who is the lawyer for accused persons prayed the court to grant his clients bail because they were not a flight risk and had a fixed place of abode. However, the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Dennis Tekpetey opposed the bail application urging the court to remand the accused persons for further investigations.

According to him, another aspect of the case was still under investigation and hence granting bail to the accused persons will interfere with the investigation. His comment is believed to be in relation to the Prophet, Jesus Ahoufe, who first prophesied that Shatta Wale would be shot on 18th October.

The man of God has also been remanded and expected to appear in court again on 25th October.

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Law / Movies / News

Baba Ijesha’s alleged victim narrates in graphic detail how she was sexually assaulted

The foster daughter of Nigerian comedian, Princess, has narrated how she was sexually assaulted by disgraced movie star, Baba Ijesha.

The actor was arrested in April for sexually assaulting the young child.

The teenager on Wednesday, October 20, in a video played during proceedings at an Ikeja Special Offences Court said the 49-year-old embattled actor told her he was her boyfriend. She said that Baba Ijesha visited the house where she was staying with her guardian, (Princess) and brought out his penis then asked her to sit on his lap.

“I didn’t make a sound after seeing his private part. I sat on his laps myself and removed my pant because of my concentration on the cartoon I was watching,” she said.

“I sat in front of the television trying to watch cartoons. Baba Ijesha told me to come and sit on his lap and so I did. Then he removed his private part and told me to sit on him.”

She claimed that Baba Ijesha returned again the following day and penetrated her with a key.

“He parked his car away from his house and that was where he inserted his car key into my private part while trying to kiss me. When he inserted the car key, I felt some type of way,” she claimed.

It would be recalled that a few weeks ago, a forensic expert had revealed how the actor inserted a key into the private part of the minor.

Baba Ijesha was detained on April 22, 2021, after the Lagos State Police Command announced his arrest for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the care of Princess.

The actor is being charged on six counts of sexual assault by penetration, indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault.

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Business / Law / News

Wigwe, Emefiele honoured with Juris Law Award

The Chairman, Body of Bank CEOs and Group Managing Director of Access Bank PLC, Herbert Wigwe, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to Corporate Governance and Rule of Law in Nigeria’s Banking Industry.

Wigwe was presented the Juris Law Award by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad at the 2021 Judges Workshop on Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 which held on Tuesday, 12 October 2021 in Abuja.

Also honored with an award was the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. The Juris Law Award is presented in honor of leaders who are taking significant steps towards promoting economic growth in Nigeria through deepening institutions, corporate governance and Rule of Law.

Accepting the award, Wigwe stated that he was honored to receive the award, adding that “through innovative banking initiatives and our underlying sustainability drive, Access Bank will continue to create shared value for all our stakeholders, striking a balance between competitive advantage and corporate social responsibility.”

Wigwe and Emefiele have partnered in the creation of several positive socio-economic initiatives such as the Creative Industries and Financing Initiative; a loan scheme developed to provide access to long-term and low-interest financing for entrepreneurs in Nigeria. In addition, Wigwe, Emefiele and Aliko Dangote were key parties in the formation of the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) – a vehicle created to spearhead corporate Nigeria’s support for the federal government’s fight against the deadly virus. The successful coalition funded the establishment of response centers, acquisition of medical equipment, supplies and food palliatives for vulnerable Nigerians.

The 2021 Judges Workshop on Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 focused on reforms and the statutory requirements imposed by CBN on all banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria to adopt policies on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism and cyber security in Nigeria.

Also in attendance of the workshop were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF); Abubakar Malami (SAN); the Appeal Court President, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen; the Chief Judge of the Federal …

Entertainment / Law / Movies / News

IG dancer Janemena sues Tonto Dikeh for N500M

Popular Instagram dancer Janemena has sued movie star Tonto Dikeh for N500M. It would be recalled that Dikeh had revealed that her ex-boyfriend, Prince Kpokpogri had Janemena’s sex tapes in his possession.

In a petition filed by the Instagram influencer through her lawyers, Janemena said Dikeh’s claims were damaging and malicious. “These malicious publications and in the context in which it was made, meant and Janemena understood it to mean the following amongst other things: Janemena who is a married woman had and is still having an amorous or sexual relationship with Prince Kpokpogri (referred to in the publications as Joseph Egbri) who is not Jamena’s husband,” part of the petition read. 2. Janemena is cheating on her lawful husband. 3. Janemena has sex tapes. 4. Janemena distributes sex tapes. 5. Janemena’s sex tapes (old and very recent ones) are in possession of PRINCE KPOKPOGRI (Joseph Egbri) with which he will use to blackmail our client any moment from now.”

Janemena demanded an immediate retraction of the said publications by Tonto Dikeh on her social media handles and a publication of the retraction in four national dailies in Nigeria.

She also asked that the actress tenders an unreserved apology to her and pay the sum of N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) as exemplary damages for the malicious publications.

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Entertainment / Law / News

2Face Idibia threatens N1B defamation suit against Brymo over allegations levelled against him

Nigerian music icon 2Face Idibia has threatened to file a defamation suit against Brymo over his recent tweets.

It would be recalled that Brymo in a series of tweets, accused the music star of physically assaulting him and allegedly accusing him of sleeping with his wife.

Brymo took to his Twitter page on Thursday, October 7, 2021, where he shared the letter he received from the lawyers of the music icon.

“The baseless and false accusation has caused unspeakable distress to our client and his family. You have also caused estimation to be lowered in the estimation of his friends, business associates and wilder members of the public and further caused him a significant loss of business,” part of the letter read.

The letter gave Brymo 48 hours to tender an unreserved apology to 2Face Idibia and his family on all his social media pages.

It also stated that he should withdraw all the comments he made about the music star from his social media pages.

“Should you fail or refuse to meet our demands, we shall perfect our client’s instruction and pursue redress by seeking no less than one billionaire naira in damages against you in court,” the letter concluded.

It would be recalled that Brymo called out 2Face Idibia for physically assaulting him.

It didn’t end there as he revealed that the music star accused him of sleeping with his wife.

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Education / Law / News

UNILAG: Why Babalakin quit — FG

The Federal Government has explained that overbearing posture was responsible for the removal of the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Dr. Olawale Babalakin, SAN.

It also maintained that Babalakin was not exonerated of any wrongdoing by the General Martin Luther Agwai-led Regular Visitation Panel to the university.

The Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Bem Goong, who explained in a statement, insisted that the former Pro-Chancellor remained indicted and removed from office.

The statement reads: “The Senior Advocate of Nigeria had accepted his guilt by resigning hours before the release of the White Paper that came out of the Special Presidential Visitation Panel, adding that the hostility towards the Permanent Secretary for doing his job is unnecessary and unjustifiable. “After weeks of media hostilities over another contrived crisis in the University of Lagos, the Federal Government has maintained that the embattled former Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council of that University, Dr. Olawale Babalakin, SAN, was not exonerated by the General Martin Luther Agwai-led Regular Visitation Panel to the university.

“Following his indictment for breach of due process and flagrant disregard for the university laws in the aborted removal of the Vice-Chancellor and the unilateral appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor, the Special Presidential Visitation Panel and the White Paper, thereof, recommended and approved, respectively, his removal from office and the dissolution of the Governing Council.”

While condemning the campaign of calumny as a desperate attempt to distract and slow down the rising profile of the university, Goong said facts on the ground spoke to the contrary.

Asked to clarify whether the second (Regular) Visitation Panel exonerated Babalakin from the indictment of the Special Visitation Panel, Goong said: “It is embarrassing for a lawyer of Babalakin’s standing, a SAN for that matter, to say that a Regular Visitation Panel has exonerated him from the indictment of an earlier visitation panel on three grounds.

“First, the Regular Visitation Panel was not, is not, and cannot be an appellate body for the Special Visitation Panel.

“Administratively, the …

Category: Law