In a rare legal case in the UK, a 39-year old man has been sentenced to prison for removing a condom without consent during sex. Guy Mukendi, from south London, received a four-year and three-month prison sentence on Thursday, following his conviction in April.
The case, highlighted by London’s Metropolitan Police as a significant milestone, underscores the legal classification of non-consensual condom removal, or “stealthing,” as rape in England and Wales.
Mukendi was arrested in May last year after a young woman reported the sexual assault to the police in Brixton, south London. The victim had agreed to have sex with Mukendi on the condition that a condom was used. However, during the act, Mukendi removed the condom without her knowledge or consent.
The Metropolitan Police noted that prosecutions for such cases are exceptionally rare due to under-reporting. Nonetheless, the force remains committed to seeking justice for victims and addressing crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls. This case marks a significant step in their efforts to focus more on suspects in such crimes.
Detective Constable Jack Earl, who led the investigation, praised the thorough police work that built a compelling case against Mukendi, resulting in a clear verdict from the jury. Despite Mukendi’s continuous denial of any wrongdoing, the evidence presented left no room for doubt.
“This milestone case underscores the importance of recognizing non-consensual condom removal as a serious crime. We are dedicated to securing justice for victims and raising awareness that this act constitutes rape,” said Detective Constable Earl.
Mukendi was found guilty on April 2 at Inner London Crown Court and sentenced at the same court. The Metropolitan Police hope this case will encourage more victims to come forward and help bring perpetrators to justice.
Prices Of rams, essentially needed by Muslims to sacrifice as major part of the Eid-El-Adha or Sallah and other food items, including ingredients, have skyrocketed in the markets across Nigeria. Price survey showed that an average ram that sold about N50,000 before now has increased to between N170,000 and N200,000. Ram dealers are already complaining of low sales as buyers complained of the high prices of the rams. The survey showed that a small container of tomatoes formerly sold for N150 now sells for N2,000, a waste bin basket formerly sold for between N1,500 and N2,000 now goes for N15,000, and a big basket of N10,000 now sells for N175,000 and above.
Also, a basket of Scotch Bonnets, popularly called ‘atarodo’, which used to sell for N1,500, now goes for N12,000. Similarly, a bag of onions now goes for N75,000 as against N50,000 and below that it was sold before. Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), food prices in Nigeria increased 40.53 per cent in April 2024 over the same month in the previous year, and food inflation reached an all-time high of 40.53 per cent in April of 2024. Source: Business News Report.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, has called on the nation’s judiciary to establish special court to tackle the twin challenges of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Kyari, who spoke today, June 13, at the National Judges’ Capacity Building Workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and INVESTIN 234, in Abuja, said that such measure would ensure accelerated hearing thereby leading to the oil and gas industry achieving its full potential as an enabler of national economic and industrial growth. In a goodwill message he delivered at the workshop, the Group CEO said that the gains of the Petroleum Industry Act have been undermined by crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. A statement by the Chief spokesperson of the NNPC Limited, Olufemi O. Soneye, quoted the Group CEO as emphasizing the urgent need for the judiciary to consider the creation of a special court to try offences related to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism or to grant accelerated hearings to such cases. According to him, the role of the judiciary is critical to the success of the efforts of the various security arrangements put in place by NNPC, the law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in the industry.
“In particular, is the recommendation that a special court be created to try those offences as they hinge on our survival as a country, and/or for such trials to be conducted under an accelerated hearing process by the issuance of Practice Directions to that effect, with concomitant sanctions to deter would-be offenders.” Kyari also called on the judiciary to accelerate hearing to criminal cases in their courts, through timely determination of the criminal charges and imposing adequate punishments and sanctions on culprits to serve as deterrence to others. He said that NNPC remains committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the PIA. “Together, we can ensure that the benefits of our natural resources are maximized for the economic and social development of our country.” The Group CEO commended the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola and the organisers of the workshop for extending invitation to him and the opportunity to deliver a goodwill message at the workshop.
The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has expressed condolences to the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM, an institutional member of APRA), the government and citizens of the Republic of Malawi over the plane crash that claimed the lives of the Vice President of Malawi, Dr. Saulos Chilima and nine others on June 10, 2024. In a condolence letter issued by the Secretary General of the APRA, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, dated June 11, and addressed to Benson Linje, the President of PRSM, the continental association described the incident as a “huge loss, not only to the people of Malawi but to the African continent.” The letter reads: “We write to express our profound shock and sadness at the tragic plane crash that caused the death of H.E. Dr. Saulos Chilima, the Vice President of Malawi, and nine others on Monday, June 10, 2024. On behalf of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), we extend our heartfelt condolences to you, our colleagues in the Public Relations Society of Malawi, and the great people of Malawi. “As always and especially this time of national mourning, we stand in solidarity with the people of Malawi. We share in the pain and the grief at tending this huge loss, not only to the people of Malawi but to the African continent.” “The Council and all members (institutional, corporate and individual) of APRA offer heartfelt sympathies and will continue to remember the great people of Malawi in our entreaties.” APRA prayed that the memories of the departed would bring strength and that the support of friends, colleagues, compatriots, other pan-Africanists and lovers around the world will help to bring PRSM and the people of Malawi comfort on the incident. APRA also prayed that the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased find strength and be comforted over this tragedy. “Please rest assured that, as we mourn the passing of these distinguished personalities and individuals, we also celebrate their lives and contributions to the Republic of Malawi and our dear continent. May their souls rest in peace.”
President Bola Tinubu has written off those who made noise about his fall at the Eagle Square while climbing a vehicle to inspect Democracy Day parade yesterday, June 12. While reacting to the trending video clip of his fall, the President said: “Early this morning, I had a swagger, and it’s on social media. “They were confused about whether I was doing Buga or Babariga, but it is a day to celebrate democracy while doing ‘Idobale’ (a Yoruba word meaning bowing or prostration) for the day. “I am a traditionally Yoruba boy, and I did my Idobale.” A Pesidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga had earlier yesterday, said that President Tinubu is not a Superman. “He is human like all of us.” Onanuga recalled that President Biden of the United States of America has had several slips in the last three years. Even the younger Barack Obama slipped while President. Political leaders are human. Also yesterday former Vice President Atiku Abubakar sympathised with President Tinubu. “Slipping should not detract from the import of Democracy Day celebration. “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu, @officialABAT, over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him. -AA” Atiku tweeted.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had a heavy fall today, June 12, in Abuja while attempting to mount the rostrum in the midst of several aides and security personnel. Footage of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, showed the President missed the steps and fell across the open vehicle where he was supposed to stand to review the marchpass of military and paramilitary teams, in celebration of the Democracy Day at Eagle Square. President Tinubu had earlier in the day, delivered a speech to mark the Day. Responding to the incident at the Eagles Square, Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said that there is nothing to worry about. Olusegum, through the social media admitted that “Mr. President missed his step while climbing into the truck at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration and tripped. It was a mild misstep. He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues.”
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described election rigging as war that must be fought to ensure the evolution of true democracy in Nigeria. According to him, it is only free and fair elections that can be taken as the lifeline of virile democracy, even as he acknowledged the sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for the civil rule that we currently enjoy. In a statement today, June 12, to commemorate Democracy Day, Governor Adeleke called on politicians in the country to submit themselves to upholding the tenets of democracy by respecting the will of the people. He advised the political class to recommit themselves to strengthen the country’s electoral system to deliver credible elections and ensure that the will of the people is not subverted. “The best homage we can pay to our democratic heroes is for us to continue to uphold the basic tenets of democracy, including free and fair elections and observance of rule of law. “We cannot on one hand, celebrate democracy day and on the other hand, undermine the democratic tenets. You cannot be applauding the great memories of the late Bashorun Abiola and at the same time be working against free and fair elections. “I call on leaders locally and nationally to re-dedicate ourselves to democratic ideals. The will of the people freely expressed must be accepted by genuine democrats. Our electoral system must be strengthened to deliver credible elections. “Under no circumstances should the will of the people be subverted. “Free and fair elections are the lifeline of any virile democracy. “Politicians must grow to know and accept that power flows from the people. Rigging elections is an act of war against democracy. Genuine democrats accept electoral verdicts as a mark of respect for the voters, the ultimate holder of sovereignty. “That’s what I did in 2018 when I was denied victory. “If there is any lesson June 12 every year is to teach us, it is that democracy thrives when electoral candidates bow to people’s will. We must stop being autocratic in democratic garb. “If you are rejected at an election, take it in good faith and prepare for the next round of election. “After all, Abraham Lincoln failed several polls before his eventual emergence as American president.”
President Bola Tinubu has alerted Nigerians about some people who he said are determined to truncate the democracy being practiced in the country in the past 25 years. In a broadcast to the nation today, June 12, to mark the Democracy Day, Tinubu acknowledged that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. He said however: “we must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given. “These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you. “This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day.” The President stressed that democracy is more than a historic fact, but that it is a living, breathing reality. According to him, the true meaning of this day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought us to this point. “Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation. “I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.” Read below, the full text of President Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech: “My fellow Nigerians, let me begin by congratulating all of us for witnessing the celebration of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024. This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. “On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society. “Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, we fought and struggled for our natural rights as human beings put on this earth by the divine hand of our Creator. “We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives. “They bravely surrendered their futures so that our nation might have a better one. “Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm. “The sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among many others, should never be forgotten. For at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile. “While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats. Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun. “The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten. “We could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists. We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties. “Despite the lethal might of the military government, what appeared to be high and unyielding walls of dictatorship came tumbling down. The dismal fortress exists no longer. “The power of an idea, the power of the people proved more potent than all the guns and munitions, and the threats of the strongmen. “The nation exited the yoke of military rule in 1999 to become the most populous democracy on African soil, the beacon of democratic self-determination for the black race and one of the largest democracies in the world. “This change stands as a pivotal moment in human history. From this change, we shall never turn, nor shall the annals of mankind’s progress forget the sublime meaning of this great moment. “Today, 25 years later, we celebrate the silver anniversary of our journey in democracy. “We have steadied the course. “Democracy is neither a foreign nor abstract concept devoid of real-life meaning for us. Neither can we afford to reduce or minimalise it to being nothing but the mere holding of periodic elections where one candidate and party outdo another. “While elections attract dramatic attention, they are but one aspect of democracy. Democracy is a way of life that encompasses a broad outlook of which elections are but a part. As such, a nation can have elections without being democratic. But a nation cannot be truly democratic without holding elections. “That we have established a tradition of holding transparent, open, and fair elections gives credence to our democratic bearing. That we have experienced peaceful transitions of government affirms our democratic temperament. “Fellow Nigerians, true democracy shines its light into the daily lives of the people who live under its nurturing wings. It affords us the freedom and liberty to think as we want, live where we want and pursue whatever legitimate endeavour that suits us. “Democracy does not assume some false or forced unity of opinion. In fact, democracy assumes that conflicting ideas and differing opinions shall be the order of the day. Given the diversity and variety of the human experience, there must be diverse perspectives and viewpoints. “What democracy demands is that we do not resolve differences through force and repression. But we make allowance for the legitimacy of views that differ from our own. “Where other forms of government impose against the will of the people, democracy aims to make leaders sufficiently humble that they conduct themselves as servants of the common good, not as viceroys of the narrow interests of the mighty. “My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity twenty-five years ago: Whether to veer toward a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship. “We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now. “As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given. “These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you. “This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day. “Fellow Nigerians, our Democracy is more than a historic fact. It is a living, breathing reality. “The true meaning of this day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought us to this point. “Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation. “I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts. “As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria. “Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life. “Although the challenges are steep and multiple, I am grateful to lead Nigeria at this moment in her history and point in her democratic journey. “I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship. “The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade. “I say to you here and now that as we celebrate the enshrinement of our political democracy, let us commit ourselves to the fulfilment of its equally important counterpart, the realisation of our economic democracy. “I understand the economic difficulties we face as a nation. “Our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades. It has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil. “The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth. There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour. “As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you. “In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organized labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less. “In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done. We chose the path of cooperation over conflict. “No one was arrested or threatened. Instead, the labour leadership was invited to break bread and negotiate toward a good-faith resolution. “Reasoned discussion and principled compromise are hallmarks of democracy. These themes shall continue to animate my policies and interaction with the constituent parts of our political economy. “I take on this vital task without fear or favour and I commit myself to this work until we have built a Nigeria where no man is oppressed. “In the end, our national greatness will not be achieved by travelling the easy road. It can only be achieved by taking the right one. “The words of the American President Franklin Roosevelt certainly ring true: “There are many ways of going forward. But only one way of standing still”! “We dare not slumber lest the good things awaiting our immediate future pass us by. We dare not plant our feet in idle standstill in the middle of the intersection of hope and despair. “We know the proper way forward and we shall take it! “The initial rays of a brighter tomorrow now appear on the early horizon. An abundant future and our capacity to achieve that future lie within our reach. Democracy and the institutions it begets offer to take us to our profound destination. “Let us board this progressive train together. Together, let us move Nigeria forward. “Let’s continue to keep the fire of democracy burning. Let’s keep the torch lit for generations to come.”
In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced Mariam Suleiman, CEO of Famzhi Interbiz Ltd, to five years in prison for defrauding investors of over N2 billion.
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the judgment, finding Suleiman and her company guilty on multiple counts of conspiracy and operating an illegal investment scheme.
Justice Ekwo sentenced Suleiman to three years for conspiracy and two years for illegal investment operations, with both sentences to run concurrently.
The court also ordered the liquidation of Famzhi Interbiz Ltd, directing that the proceeds from asset sales be used to compensate defrauded investors.
Despite her denial, the court concluded that the prosecution’s unchallenged evidence conclusively proved the illegal activities of Suleiman and her company.
According to report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper, the legal battle leading to the verdict began in the year 2020 when the EFCC received petitions from the Forum of Famzhi Investors, alleging criminal misappropriation and money laundering, orchestrated against them by the management of Famzhi Interbiz Investment Company. Part of the statement from the leading judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo read: “Famzhi in connivance with its staff, intentionally defrauded the Investors that runs in billions in naira, in which they used to acquire properties in Abuja ” The judge said that Famzhi Interbiz management and its staff conspired without authorization and lured unsuspecting public to invest in their company, and that the act is punishable by law. He said that the law prohibits investments that are made for participatory interests. He said that such acts were done without prior registration with the Security and Exchange Commission by the company. Despite attempts by the defendant’s legal team to challenge the jail pronouncement and the forfeiture through appeals, the court stood firm and pointed to the failure to substantiate legitimate acquisition of the assets in question. The court concluded that the defendants obviously lured the Investors to invest more than two billion naira into the company when it was obvious that the company is not incorporated. The court said that the provision in the law is imprisonment for between three and seven years. It finally sentenced the first defendant three years imprisonment on the first count and three years on the second count, totalling six years imprisonment, which are to run concurrently. The properties of the company will be forfeited and handed to Federal Republic of Nigeria, sold and the proceeds given as refund to Investors.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that there is plan by those it described as “disgruntled elements” to stage violent protest across the country tomorrow, June 12, which is the Democracy Day. The secret security outfit therefore warned such elements to desist from such plan because officers of the security agencies are ready to perform their duties. In a statement today, June 11, spokesperson of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said that the service will not tolerate any form of violence or breakdown of law and order. “The Attention of the Department of State Security Service, DSS, has been drawn to plans by certain individuals and groups to stage physical protests in some parts of the country on 12th June, 2024. “The protests are designed with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day Celebration. “While citizens may have the rights of assembly and expression, such freedoms should not be used to undermine public safety and national security. “The determination by some non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations that may turn violent will not be tolerated. However, it is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the Federal Government to amicably address all contentions including the minimum wage. Citizens are, therefore, called upon to resist any persuasions to be lawless or cause disorder and anarchy in the nation. “Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriately channel their grievances through the right channels and procedures. “Consequently, the DSS reaffirms its unequivocal position to protect the country from inimical acts being orchestrated by disgruntled groups to cause a breakdown of law and order. “It will also sustain collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including sister security agencies, to maintain the peace as well as protect lives and property across the nation. Law abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their businesses without fear.”
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Also, a basket of Scotch Bonnets, popularly called ‘atarodo’, which used to sell for N1,500, now goes for N12,000. Similarly, a bag of onions now goes for N75,000 as against N50,000 and below that it was sold before.
“In particular, is the recommendation that a special court be created to try those offences as they hinge on our survival as a country, and/or for such trials to be conducted under an accelerated hearing process by the issuance of Practice Directions to that effect, with concomitant sanctions to deter would-be offenders.”
