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Lagos Court Postpones the Arraignment of Bluecrest Managing Director and Two Lawyers on Charges of Forgery and Other Offenses to April 29

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A Lagos State High Court has scheduled the arraignment of two lawyers and a real estate developer, accused of conspiracy to commit forgery and intentional property damage, for April 29.

The lawyers involved are Ademola Owolabi, Managing Partner of Ademola Adetokunbo & Co., and Adebayo Akeju, a partner at Adon Partners law firm in Lagos. The realtor in question is Alex Ochonogor, the owner and Managing Director of Bluecrest Homes Limited, where Owolabi also holds the position of company secretary.

The case, identified as LD/23611C/2024, was lodged against them by the Lagos State government.

Due to the absence of the defendants and their legal representatives during the initial court appearance on Monday, Justice Serifat I. Sonaike postponed the proceedings.

During the session, Dr. Babajide Martins, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, informed the court that Akeju had been served with the charge, whereas the other two individuals were avoiding service.

"I am aware that they are cognizant of today’s proceedings as they have contacted me through intermediaries. I request an adjournment," Martins stated.

“If they refuse to come at the next adjourned date, we will apply for substituted service,” Martins said as he pleaded with the court to adjourn.

The judge acceded to the prosecutor’s request for adjournment and thereafter adjourned the matter to April 29 for the arraignment of the defendants.

The statement of offence in count one says: “Conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: Forgery contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law, Ch.C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”

Particulars of offence state: “Ademola Owolabi (M), Adebayo Akeju (M), Alex Ochonogor (M) and others (now at large) sometime in year 2015 at B604, Safe Court Apartments, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos State in the Lagos Judicial Division conspired among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: Forgery.”

In count 2, they were charged with forgery contrary to Section 365 (1) of the Criminal Law, Ch. C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

“Ademola Owolabi (M), Adebayo Akeju (M), Alex Ochonogor (M) and others (now at large) sometime in year 2015 at B604, Safe Court Apartments, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos State in the Lagos Judicial Division with the intent that it be acted upon as genuine did forge an affidavit of loss of certificate of occupancy purportedly sworn at the Registry of Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Lagos State on 23rd day of September, 2014 to falsely indicate that the original of Certificate of Occupancy Number 36/36/1994W issued to one Hamza Al- Mustapha got missing," the charge reads.

The accused individuals were charged with forging a Demolition Notice Number 0000025 titled "Audit of Illegal structures within Government Schemes Acquisition and Revocation Areas," allegedly originating from the Governor’s Office, Lands Bureau, Directorate of Land Regularization, Secretariat, Alausa. They purportedly intended for this notice to be executed.

Additionally, they were accused of obtaining a fake Memorandum of Loss of Certificate of Occupancy, dated September 25, 2014, falsely indicating that the original Certificate of Occupancy (Number 36/36/1994W) issued to Hamza Al-Mustapha was missing. They were also alleged to have intentionally and unlawfully destroyed a bungalow situated on Plot 10, Block 133, Lekki Peninsular Residential Scheme 1, Lagos State, owned by Dr. Obidigwe Eze, who resides overseas.

Both Owolabi and Akeju, who are legal professionals, were charged with assisting Ochonogor, a businessman, in wrongfully dispossessing Eze of his property at Plot 10 Block 133, Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme 1, Lagos State.

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Lagos schedules meeting with owners of distressed buildings.

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The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.

This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.

Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.

He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.

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FG threatens contractors over Enugu-Onitsha road delay

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The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.

This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.

According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.

“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”

He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”

He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.

“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.

The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.

He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.

“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”

He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.

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Ekiti state government mediates land dispute between traditional ruler and family in Epe-Ekiti

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The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.

In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.

Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.

The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.

Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.

Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.

Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.

Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.

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