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CSOs commend LGSG for pressing fresh charge against Ikechukwu Ogbonna

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Two Abuja based frontline Civil Society Organisations committed to fighting Sexual and Gender Based Violence – Men Against Rape Foundation (MARF) and Make A Difference Initiative have commended the Lagos State Government for acceding to its demand for review of the charges brought against Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbonna over his role in events leading to the demise of his wife, Mrs. Bimbo Ogbonna.

It would be recalled that the Lagos State Police had charged Mr. Ogbonna for negligence in failing to offer prompt care to his wife who suffered 95% fire burn.
Men Against Rape Foundation and Amnesty International immediately however raised alarm over his suspected complicity in the death of his wife after video evidence produced by Mr. Ogbonna, which suggested that while Bimbo was trapped inside their residence by fire, her husband, rather than call for rescue, was seen video recording the burning house from outside the premises,

Bimbo had documented series of complaints of domestic violence against her husband at the Police and Lagos State Domestic Violence Response Agency during a torrid relationship that was described by many observers as toxic.

While the Executive Director of MARF, Lemmy Ughegbe, speaking at a press conference in December, 2022 exhibited persuasive and compelling evidence sufficient for Lagos State to re-arrest and file fresh charges against Mr. Ogbonna, Amnesty International and Bimbo’s family through their counsel, Barr. Odiana Eriata wrote the Lagos State command, demanding a review of the charge of negligence as it fell short of expectation of law.

In response, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins called for the case file from the Police, reviewed the evidence against Ogbonna and upgraded the charge from negligence to manslaughter punishable under Section 229 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State with life imprisonment.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Lemmy Ughegbe commended the Lagos State Government for being responsive and responsible in looking into their concern and taking the right action to ensure that Mr. Ogbonna is properly charged.

“The Police had almost bungled this case with a-slap-on- the-wrist charge of negligence against Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbonna even when evidence pointed to a need for a more sever charge. We cried out, drawing the attention of Lagos State Government to this infraction”, Ughegbe noted.

“We are glad that upon our organisation’s intervention and efforts of our partners at Amnesty International, the Lagos State Government through the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), called for the file, reviewed the evidence and slammed a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Mr. Ogbonna”, he added.

Last week when the matter came up today before Magistrate Court 7 presided over by
Mrs. Adebayo Kafayat Tella in the yaba magistrial district, Holden at court 7, ebute-metta, she refused Mr. Ogbonna’s bail plea and ordered that he be remanded in prison until March 7, 2023 to enable the Director of Public Prosecution to file the charge at the right court.

However, eager to breathe the air of freedom, Mr. Ogbonna on Thursday, 9th of February 2023 approached the Lagos State High Court, praying it to grant him bail, pending his formal arraignment by the Lagos State Government.

In the bail application argued by his counsel, Victor Ogude (SAN), he prayed the court to grant his client bail to enable him support his children financially.

Ogude (SAN) claimed that the charge of manslaughter was bailable and therefore entitled his client to bail.

In an affidavit in support of the bail request deposed to by Ogbonna’s brother, Ifeanyi Elvis Ogbonna, he said the applicant was emotionally and psychological drained in custody without being arraigned.

Opposing the bail application, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins said Mr. Ogbonna was a flight risk and could flee from justice if granted bail based on the severity of the punishment for the offence.

It is trite that offences that attract capital punishment are ordinarily not bailable except on special and compelling circumstances of a life threatening ailment.

Dr. Martins also argued that applicant’s counsel has not shown any compelling reason why his client should be admitted to bail.

After listening to the arguments by both counsel, Justice Nicole Clay adjourned to 23rd of February 2023 to deliver a ruling.

Ogbonna is facing a fresh charge of involuntary manslaughter contrary to section 224(b)/and punishable under section 229 of Criminal Law of Lagos state.

If found guilty, Ogbonna would be facing life imprisonment as prescribed by Section 229 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

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NationalUpdate Woman

Kogi first Lady lauds Mrs Tinubu for promoting access to education

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The First Lady of Kogi State, Mrs Sefinat Usman Ododo has hailed the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu over her Renewed Hope Initiative that is promoting access to education for Nigerian children

Mrs Ododo who is the Coordinator of RenewedHopeInitiative in Kogi State spoke at the flag off of the distribution of exercise books to students and pupils of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) International Children School in Abuja by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

According to her, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has demonstrated her commitment as a true mother of the nation by ensuring that students and pupils are encouraged to enroll and stay in schools with the distribution of exercise books to them under her RenewedHopeInitiative.
She added that the initiative will enhance learning in schools and reduce the menace of out of school children especially among female children in Nigeria.

Mrs Ododo while highlighting the remarkable impact of outreaches by Senator Tinubu indicated that the Alternative School Programme and donation of exercise books to school pupils have the potential to improve access to education and contribute to human capital development.
“I am very happy to be part of Her Excellency’s RenewedHopeInitiative in reaching out to Nigerian children who are in need of a role model and a source of inspiration like our mother, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

She has been a true mother and a role model for our nation and this gesture will go along way in encouraging more students and pupils to enroll and stay in schools.

It will also encourage all First Ladies in the country to do more in promoting access to education in all the states in Nigeria,” Mrs Ododo stated.

Mrs Ododo said she was particularly delighted by the passion and dedication demonstrated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu in promoting access to education and for making women and children focal points of the RenewedHopeInitiative.

She further assured of her support for all activities of the RenewedHopeInitiative in Nigeria especially in Kogi State where her pet project is also supporting indigent women and children through formal and vocational education as well as empowerment for widows, orphans and People Living With Disability.

Mrs Tinubu plans to distribute about 2 Million Exercise books across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory under the education component of Her RenewedHopeInitiative.

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NationalUpdate Woman

House of Reps Press Corps Celebrates Mothers’ Day, Advocates Inclusivity, Family Care

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Grace Ike
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The House of Representatives Press Corps, under the leadership of Chairperson Grace Ike, has asked that mothers everywhere be celebrated and honored for the great work they continue to do as caregivers, nation builders, and agents of change.
This is coming on the heels of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration (IWD)
Ike emphasized the invaluable contributions of mothers to families and nation as she urged them to honor their work and sacrifices made on behalf of their children and to champion inclusivity as well nurturing the home front.

According to the gender rights activist, “motherhood is a journey that requires balancing multiple responsibilities and challenges. Despite these challenges, mothers are relentless in their pursuit of creating inclusive environments and fostering harmony within their families.

“The resilience and strength of mothers, both within the confines of their homes and in the broader context of the nation cannot be over e

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NationalUpdate Woman

Jigawa Business Women Summit aims to ginger entrepreneurship spirit in women, Mrs Joseph

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In Commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) the Coordinator of Hasseth Synergy Mrs Jummai Joseph has organized Jigawa Business Women Summit in the State

The event which took place at the American Window, J.D Amin Library Federal University Dutse, the Jigawa state capital is poised to changing the narratives of women always remaining in the backwaters.

The Coordinator indicated that the summit is a collective effort to cultivate the entrepreneurship spirit among women.
According to her, it stands as a beacon of empowerment and opportunities for women in the state.
The CEO of XLMINDS INNOVATION, Mr John Olorunnope who was the guest speaker at the event said the principles of running a business is universal.
The Entrepreneur said, “As a woman to run and sustain your business, you must commit yourself to making money, manage money and multiply money which will enable you to be a successful business woman.”
In his paper presentation, Mr Olorunnope enumerated seven key points women should consider before venturing into any business.
“These includes why are you in business, know your customer, know your craft, Build Trust, Learn effective communication, Build your brand and learn the art of selling.”
He said entrepreneurs are society builders and any state where businesses thrive, the state changes and the experience of her residents changes significantly.
Some other organizations supported and collaborated with Hasseth Synergy for a successful business summit that centered on women.
The summit us targeted at not only to enhance the capabilities of women entrepreneurs but also to illuminate the diverse array of business prospects available both locally and beyond the borders of Jigawa State.

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