Governor Okpebholo Unveils 3,000 Hectares for Farming in Edo

Governor Okpebholo unveils 3,000 hectares for farming in Edo. The Edo State Government has launched a large-scale farming initiative, starting with the cultivation of 3,000 hectares across the state’s three senatorial districts.

Governor Monday Okpebholo kicked off the project with the clearing of 60 hectares in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West LGA, as part of efforts to boost food production.

Governor Okpebholo

Okpebholo emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food security. He affirmed plans to replicate similar farm settlements in Edo Central and Edo North.

Dr. Osagie Peter, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, revealed that about 250 farm heads will benefit from the first phase.

The Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, originally established in 1962 with 2,350 hectares, already hosts permanent crops like oil palm and rubber.

Kaduna Train Attack: Witnesses Absence During Trial Of ‘’Terrorist Negotiator’ Tukur Mamu

Kaduna Train Attack: witnesses absence during Trial of ‘’terrorist negotiator’ Tukur Mamu. Mr Usman alleged that his client, a Muslim, had not been allowed to go for his prayer since he was detained by the SSS.

The trial was scheduled to proceed before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, when the matter was called, lawyer to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), David Kaswe, informed the court of their challenge.

Mr Kaswe said though the prosecution still had three more witnesses to call to establish its case against Mr Mamu, the next witness, who had already been prepared to testify, told them last night that he would not be able to come to Abuja.

The lawyer further said that another witness who would have given his evidence and tendered the exhibits in the case could not come because the exhibits keeper was not around.

He said, “This is the challenge we have my lord,” seeking an adjournment.
Responding, Johnson Usman, SAN, who appeared for Mr Mamu, expressed sadness over the development.

The senior lawyer, who did not oppose Mr Kaswe’s application for adjournment, however informed the court of their complaints.

Mr Usman alleged that his client, a Muslim, had not been allowed to go for his prayer since he was detained by the State Security Services.

He also alleged that Mr Mamu’s relatives were being prevented from seeing him against the court order.

Besides, the lawyer said though the court ordered that his client should be allowed to have access to a doctor of his choice, he said after his doctor prescribed a BP Digital Kit for his client, the SSS officers refused to allow the family to come with the equipment.

He said though the security agency insisted that the device would be provided for the defendant, they were yet to do so.

Justice Ekwo, therefore, directed the prosecution and the defence lawyers to work together and report back to the court within seven days on the steps taken to resolve the issues.

The judge adjourned the matter until May 6, May 7 and May 8 for continuation of trial.

The Federal Government on March 21, 2023, arraigned Mr Mamu for allegedly aiding terrorist operations in the country.

He was arraigned on a 10-count terrorism charge but pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar was accused of collecting various sums of money in different currencies from families of victims of the train attack, on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists’ sect.

The federal government told the court that investigations revealed that the defendant collected an aggregate sum of $420, 000 from families of the victims, as well as N21 million from another set of families of the train attack.

It further alleged that Mr Mamu hid the funds he earned from services he rendered to the terrorist organisation, in his residence in Kaduna State.

Kaduna Train Attack

It told the court that the defendant had sometime in 2022, in Kaduna State, received ransom payments in the sum of N500, 000 on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorist group, from families of the train attack held as hostages.

More so, in the charge signed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), M.B. Abubakar, the FG added that the defendant exchanged voice note communications with one Baba Adamu, identified as spokesperson for Boko Haram, in relation to acts of terrorism.

It maintained that the defendant acted in breach of the Terrorism Prevention, Prohibition Act, 2022.
Mr Mamu, however, denied all the allegations.

Sexagenarian Arraigned Over Alleged theft Of Machine Parts Valued N320,000

Sexagenarian arraigned over alleged theft of machine parts valued N320,000. A 65-year-old man, John Akinola, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing machine parts valued at N320,000.

Akinola, whose address was not provided, was charged with one count of stealing.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Inspector Adegeshin Famuyiwa, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence on March 11 at 10.00 a.m. at Still Water Dredging Company in Oreta, Igbogbo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Court

Mr Famuyiwa said the defendant allegedly stole a chain block machine, one kick starter, and an alternator valued at N320,000, belonging to Still Water Dredging Company. He said that the offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Magistrate A.O. Ogbe, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with a surety in like sum. The magistrate adjourned the case until March April 3 for mention.