Osun Defender Online Version of January 10, 2025

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 VOL 20 NO 01

The Bizarre Story Of Segun Olowookere’s Death Sentence

•As Police Officer Clears Him, Says He Is Innocent •NCS Attempts To Delay His Release After Adeleke’s Order •Osun State Ministry of Justice Pressured Parents To Indict Son •Sunday Morakinyo Looses Father, Suffers Mental Illness In Prison

OSUN TEACHERS RECRUITMENT: 5000 SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS IN LIMBO •As Govt Plans To Integrate ‘Imole Youth Corps’ •Warns Against Fake Alerts

Bandits’ Influx: Amotekun Strategises In Osun, Oyo Yusuf Oketola

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HE Western Nigeria Security Network, code name Amotekun, has deployed personnel and launched collabora ons with the State’s security agencies to curb the ac vi es of bandits in the Southwest region of the country.

The moves are in reacon to the alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State over the influx of bandits from NorthCentral into the state.

The Amotekun Commander in Osun State, Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr Adekunle Omoyele (retd), said the security ou it is intensifying efforts to make intelligence gathering a major aspect of its opera on.

•The newly sworn-in President of Ghana, John Mahama with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, during the President’s inauguration in Accra, on Wednesday The Corps Commander also disclosed that it is working with other local security ou its to ensure that illegal ac vi es like kidnapping and terrorism are curbed in the state.

Omoyele said: “We are ensuring that criminal ac vi es, including kidnappings, have no place to thrive. With a focus on bolstering security across

the state, the Corps has ramped up efforts to safeguard vulnerable areas and other strategic locaons.

“There is strong collabora on with Amotekun units from other states to safeguard our territory from bandits and other criminal ac vi es.

“The Amotekun Commanders meet monthly

to discuss security issues affec ng our region, working together to achieve our shared goals.”

Also, the Oyo State Commandant of Amotekun, Col. Bisiriyu Olayanju (retd), called for synergy among other sister-security agencies.

Olayanju said: “The police, military and Department of State Security

Service are the ones you should ask.

“Ours is just to collaborate with them. They take the lead and if they want us to be there, we will be there with them. But, we are not the ones to take the lead.”

Olayanju, in addi on, said several measures have been implemented.

In Ondo State, the

Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye disclosed that over 1,200 personnel have been deployed across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Adeleye said: “We have deployed 1,200 Amotekun personnel across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

•Continued on page 7

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News

Osun Teachers Recruitment: 5000 Successful Applicants In Limbo Yusuf Oketola HE Osun State Government is yet to issue appointment le ers to the 5000 shortlisted candidates for the 2024 Osun teachers recruitment exercise five months a er conclusion of interview.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER indicates that the situa on has le many of the successful applicants in a state of uncertainty and also made learning difficult in many public schools in the state.

Recall that the Osun State Government had between Monday, September 9 and Friday 13, 2024 conducted interviews for the successful applicants.

That was seven months a er the screening examina on.

The state’s Commissioner for Educa on, Adedipo Eluwole while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER in September 2024, promised that the successful candidates would resume to classes at the beginning 2024/2025 academic session. But nothing has been done ll now.

The state commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi a ributed the delay to the new minimum wage which has been approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke last December.

While the delay lasts, some unscrupulous elements have begun to send fake messages to some of the applicants directing them to check their portals from Monday, December 23, 2024 for an unmen oned purpose.

Reac ng to the messages, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Educa on, M.A Jimoh, the applicants were warned to disregard the message while describing it as handiwork of mischievous elements.

The statement reads: “This is to inform the general public and the applicants for the teacher’s recruitment exercise in Osun State that mischievous elements are at work again through a trending forwarded message as received by my good self.

“The unscrupulous people claimed in the circulated “BREAKING NEWS” that prospec ve teachers should begin to check their portal from Monday 23rd December for an unmen oned purpose.

“Further, the statement stated that “accredita on starts a er Christmas for resump on in January”.

These are disar culated stories and such did not emanate from the Ministry of Educa on.”

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Commen ng on the development, a resident of the state, Tunde Ademola urged the state government to do the needful to avoid further confusion and not to give unscrupulous elements room to deceive the applicants.

“Do the needful in me so that you won’t con nue to give room for more unscrupulous people anymore. It’s high me you issue the successful candidates their appointment le er. You were saying it is because of minimum wage issue, now the minimum wage bill has been passed into law wai ng for implementa on this month.

“What are you waiting for. If one uses hundred years to rehearse for madness, when is the real madness come into reality. It’s high me you do the needful, January is here.” Ademola said The Execu ve Chairman of the State Universal Basic Educa on Board (SUBEB), Hon. Ibukun Fadipe has also said the delay in the recruitment process has been primarily due to the discussions surrounding the minimum wage.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the SUBEB chairman, Kamoru Alesinloye, the government is priori sing the employment of qualified candidates from the ‘Imole Youth Corps’.

Fadipe promised that the appointments would be finalised before the end of first quarter of 2025.

The statement reads:”The government is priori zing the employment of qualified candidates from the IMOLE Corp, aiming to integrate them into the teaching workforce. This ini a ve reflects a commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunies for Osun’s graduates, beyond just filling menial roles.

“The good news for hopeful teachers is that the SUBEB Chairman has guaranteed that appointments will be finalized before the end of first quarter in 2025, which is especially encouraging for residents of rural areas who will benefit from this development.

“The Osun State Government has been dedicated to enhancing the educa on sector, implemen ng reforms that include the recruitment of new teachers, crea ng a comprehensive database for schools, and providing vital resources such as computers to support both teaching and learning. This proac ve approach signals a posi ve future for educa on in the state”

•As Govt Plans To Integrate ‘Imole Youth Corps’

•The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun Council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola and other members of the Union after a media training on Gender Based Violence Prevention, held at NUJ press Centre, recently Photo Shola Aderinto

Ifon Community Writes Adeleke, Alleges Ilobu Of Intimidation, Violation Of State Order Kazeem Badmus ESIDENTS of IfonOrolu in Orolu local government area of Osun State have alleged Ilobu community of viola ng the state government order declaring Igbo Imi-Esin and Opapa areas as buffer zones.

The apex body of the town, Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union (IPU), in a le er dated January 07 and addressed to the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, alleged that the people of Ilobu community were alloca ng the land in the buffer zones and undergoing construc on works in the area.

Osun Defender reports that Governor Adeleke

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declared Igbo Imi-Esin and Opapa buffer zones following the deadly communal clash between Ifon and Ilobu in 2023.

The le er, signed by IPU President and Secretary respec vely, Alhaji Mohammed Oyedeji and Prince Jide Akinyooye, also alleged Ilobu people of moles ng and threatening Ifon-Orolu people in the area and destroying their economic trees.

The le er urged the state government to take decisive ac on to address the issue and ensure the maintenance of law and order.

The le er stated that the failure of the government to take concrete

ac ons on the issue may lead to a renewed crisis.

The le er read in parts, “Despite the declara on by the Osun State Government that Igbo Imi-Esin and Opapa area are now a buffer zone. Despite the government order, the people of Ilobu community have started alloca ng the land and started massive emergency construcon works in the area!

These demonstrate a blatant disregard for cons tuted authority.

“This lack of respect for the rule of law and the decisions of the state government has serious implica ons for the maintenance of law and order, as well as the overall development of the state.

It is impera ve that your administra on takes deci-

Osun To Rebrand O-TRAM Yusuf Oketola

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HE Osun State government has announced plans to revitalise the State Traffic Marshal (O-TRAM) to ensure op mal performance in line with global standards.

As part of the ini ave, the government will unveil new uniforms and provide enhanced logiscs for O-TRAM officers on Thursday.

The Commissioner for Transporta on, Sesan Oyedele, disclosed this in a statement issued in Osogbo.

He emphasised the administra on’s commitment to overhauling the transporta on sector and noted that O-TRAM personnel would undergo regular training and re-

training to stay updated on best prac ces and carry out their du es effec vely.

Oyedele urged OTRAM officers to take their responsibili es seriously and maintain civility while interac ng with the public.

Echoing similar senments, the Director of Transport Opera ons at the Ministry of Transporta on, Engr. Ayodeji Waheed Oyewole, highlighted the government’s resolve to enhance the traffic marshals’ efficiency.

He explained that the rebranding efforts aim to equip O-TRAM personnel to perform on par with their counterparts across the country.

“There is the need for us to improve our traffic marshals; we need to im-

prove their mentality and their physical appearance, which is the reason for the change of the uniforms,” he said.

He further assured that the rebranding process would be comprehensive and con nuous.

“We will con nue to add value to them all round. I want to assure you that we will con nue to train and retrain them; it is a total rebranding and it will be con nuous,” Engr. Oyewole added.

sive ac on to address this issue and ensure that the decisions of the government are respected and enforced.

“Specifically, we wish to state as follows: The en re Igbo Imi-Esin belongs is Olufon land that was allocated to Eleesi family that is headed by Chief Eleesi of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom while the en re Opapa Village are Olufons and and allocated to Odofin family that is headed

by Chief Odofin of IfonOrolu Kingdom.

“Both Igbo Imi-Esin and Opapa areas cons tuted the buffer zone as declared by Your Excellency during the recent crisis between Ifon and Ilobu communi es.

“We are constrained to formally complain about daily aggressions by the people of the Ilobu Community in the same area.

The Ilobu people are moles ng, threatening our people in the area, and destroying their economic trees in the area. There are reports that Ilobu people have started constructing new roads and selling the lands in the area while suspicious construc on works are going on in the same area.

“We have advised that the concerned people and original land occupier should report to the Police and other security agencies, but this has not stopped the Ilobu people.

“We want your administra on to understand that this unfortunate situa on and lack of respect for cons tuted authority by the people of Ilobu Community may lead to a renewed crisis if concrete ac on is not taken.”

PEOPLE FIRST

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Issues & Policy Rewriting Justice: How False Reporting Fails The Public Good Example From Ghana “Going forward Nigeria and Ghana must develop greater trade focussed bilateral relationships.

This is fundamentally important with trade wars looming hard”

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UR President, Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu, took center stage at the inaugura on ceremony for the new leadership in Ghana, and there was much to be happy about.

Ghana, as it so often does, made the African con nent reassured in mind and disposi on about the future. A key point here is that sustainable development is interwoven with strong, independent ins tuons. It makes the difference. There was no need for the elec on supervisory body to proclaim its independence, it was demonstrably so! Ghana is in dire economic straits and needs all the assistance it can get, demonstra ng the resilience of its ins tu-

ons is a savvy marke ng gambit.

Nigeria must learn from this; not least that a er a frac ous elec on nobody is sabre ra ling and going to court.

We should also learn from Ghana’s ideologically driven poli cs. This paradoxically is a stabilising factor. Par cipants are not jumping across the aisle for pecuniary benefits but they are fine tuning their appeal based on programmes presented to the electors.

Going forward Nigeria and Ghana must develop greater trade focussed bilateral relaonships. This is fundamentally important with trade wars looming hard.

It is clearly me to be pro-ac ve.

Another Budget Cycle

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T all levels, Nigerians are not showing any enthusiasm for the budget process. This is not surprising for decades of budget cycles have not had any discernable effect on the Eleva on of living standards. Nigerians are suffering from budget fa gue.

To make amends the legisla ve arms should be more fas-

dious in their scru ny and put the people first. It is also about the self-preserva on of the poli cal establishment, the current disenchantment must be contained and then diffused by promoting those policies that will assist sustainable development and assist the overall good, if this is done then we might have a happy new year.

Abidemi Adebamiwa custody.

The claims of judicial overreach are unfounded. The N today’s world, informa on spreads like wildfire. governor’s role here focuses on addressing clemency We rely on journalism to give us facts and help us appeals, which is en rely within his cons tu onal auunderstand what’s happening around us. But what thority. This process respects the integrity of the judicihappens when the news gets it wrong? When fake or ary while ensuring fairness for those seeking relief from distorted stories take the stage, they don’t just confuse overly harsh sentences. us—they break our trust and damage the credibility of Why This Ma ers journalism. A recent ar cle by The Na on Newspaper These distor ons aren’t just mistakes—they’re dantled “Untold Story of Condemned Fowl The Convict” gerous. They mislead the public, harm the credibility of is a glaring example of how misinforma on can mislead journalism, and disrupt trust in the jus ce system. How the public and twist the truth. did The Na on Newspaper end up using such a flawed The Case of Segun Olowookere: Mistakes and Distor- document? And why was this story approved for publions ca on without thorough fact-checking?

On December 21, 2024, The Na on Newspaper Fake News Isn’t Just a Local Problem claimed to have reviewed the judgment delivered by Fake news isn’t unique to Nigeria. Around the world, Hon. Jus ce S.O. Falola in the Segun Olowookere case false stories have created chaos and influenced major (Suit No: HKK 2C/2012). This judgment, issued on De- events. Remember the 2016 U.S. elec ons? Fake stories cember 17, 2014, is an official, cer fied 17-page docu- about candidates flooded social media, forcing newsment. However, the ar cle relied on a fake 33-page rooms to work over me verifying facts. In the UK, durversion riddled with errors and distor ons that misrep- ing the Brexit referendum, misleading claims confused resented the facts. voters on a historic decision. And during the COVID-19 Key Problems in the Fake Judgment pandemic, lies about vaccines and treatments spread Messed-Up Pagina on: faster than the virus itself, pu ng lives at risk.

The real judgment is 17 pages, clearly numbered in Learning From the Jayson Blair Scandal order.

In 2003, The New York Times faced a massive scanThe fake version has 33 pages with bizarre num- dal when journalist Jayson Blair was caught fabrica ng bering like 1, 13, 12, and 2. This chao c order screams stories. Blair made up events, invented sources, and manipula on. The last page of the fake version is also even plagiarized, shaking public trust in one of the most marked as page 17, trying to pass off as authen c. respected newspapers in the world. According to NPR’s Invented Witness Statements: ar cle, “How a Disgraced Reporter Tested the Public’s The real judgment lists six witnesses, including their Trust in Journalism,” this scandal led to major reforms at actual tes monies.

The New York Times, including stricter editorial policies The fake version adds statements from a fic onal and more transparency. Blair’s lies didn’t just damage police officer named Ogunniyi Emmanuel. This made- the paper’s reputa on—they made people ques on the up evidence paints a false picture of what happened in en re journalism industry. court.

What Journalists Need to Do Fake Confessions: Journalists have a duty to get it right. Trust is the Olowookere’s real tes mony, as recorded on page founda on of journalism, and fake or sloppy repor ng 6, did not include any confession. The fake document, however, added a made-up confession that was quoted breaks that founda on. Reporters must fact-check their sources, verify documents, and avoid sensa onalism. in the ar cle to portray guilt.

The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics False Ages: The real judgment does not men on the ages of the reminds us to “seek truth and report it” while minimizaccused. Yet, the ar cle falsely reported their ages as 22 ing harm. It’s a simple rule, but one that many fail to follow. and 21. Where did this informa on even come from?

How to Fight Fake News Extra Content: Use Technology: Tools like AI and blockchain can Official court judgments never have annexures. The help verify facts and detect fake documents. These tools fake version included unrelated, unsigned statements make it easier to catch errors before they spread. that only added to the confusion and misled readers.

Educate the Public: Media literacy programs can Court Ruling Misrepresented: While the distorted ar cle claimed inaccuracies, it teach people how to spot fake news and think cri cally also omi ed key findings. For instance, on page 17 of about what they read.

Make Records Accessible: Public ins tu ons must the authen c judgment, Jus ce Falola acqui ed the accused persons—Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo provide clear, cer fied records to reduce the chances of Daramola—on four of eight counts. These counts in- fake versions circula ng. cluded Count 2 (failure to prove conspiracy to rob BaSe ng the Record Straight logun Taye), Count 4 (failure to prove conspiracy to rob This ar cle builds on the earlier work of Debo OladinElizabeth Dare), Count 5 (failure to prove armed robbery ni, tled “Distorted News is Fake News,” published on of Balogun Taye), and Count 7 (failure to prove the of Newspot Nigeria. Oladinni highlighted the falsehoods in ground nut oil). Each of these acqui als was based on a the repor ng of the Segun Olowookere case. By expandlack of evidence beyond a ing on his analysis, I hope to reasonable doubt. provide even more clarity The Governor’s Role for readers and ensure the and Legal Implica ons truth is understood. While – Moremi Publishing Adebayo Mutalabi Ojo, Publisher the Osun State GovernHouse Ltd. SAN, commented on this ment is s ll deciding how – Yusuf Oketola case, sugges ng that the Asst. News Editor to respond to this distorted – Kazeem Badmus governor lacked the power Asst. Features Editor publica on, it’s crucial to to inves gate judicial rul- Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto keep the public informed ings. However, it’s impor- Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere and armed with facts. tant to clarify that the govFake news doesn’t just – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa ernor’s ac ons, as stated Produc on Controller confuse—it hurts. It breaks by his spokesperson Maltrust, spreads lies, and crelam Olawale Rasheed, re- OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing ates las ng damage. By ferred to reviewing claims House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite made by Olowookere’s Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, demanding accountability from journalists and stayparents while appealing Osun State. ing vigilant as readers, we for clemency—not revis- ISSN : 0794-8050 can ensure that the truth i ng the judgment itself. Telephone : 0809-301-9152 always finds its way to the This dis nc on ma ers as Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php surface. the Nigerian Correc onal e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com •Adebamiwa, a Policy and Service had already a estosundefenderbank@gmail.com Political Analyst, writes from ed to Olowookere’s good All correspondence to the above email addresses.

Pleasanton, California. behavior during his me in

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OSUN DEFENDER

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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News

The Bizarre Story Of Segun Olowookere’s Death Sentence Yusuf Oketola HE death sentence meted out to Segun Olowookere, for stealing fowl and eggs in Osun State has generated quite a buzz and caught a en on of Nigerians and beyond.

Olowookere was arrested in November 2010 at Oyan, a rus c Town in Odo-o n Local Government Area of Osun State alongside six other teenagers aged between 12-17.

According to the police, they are notoriously known for stealing chickens and eggs in remote areas of the community.

Out of the seven suspects, one was freed at the Police State in Okuku while four suspects were taken to Juvenile Home at Testing Ground Area, Osogbo, on account of them being underage. But Inves gaon by OSUN DEFENDER reveals that the four teenagers were released a er six months at the Juvenile Home. Meanwhile, the iden ty of the four suspects is yet to be known ll date.

Olowookere and one Sunday Morakinyo, who was said to be 16-year-old at the me, were convicted and sentenced to death by Re red Jus ce Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court, si ng in Ikirun.

The duo were arraigned before the court on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and stealing. They were discharged and acqui ed on count two, four, five and seven by the court.

However, the judgement was greeted with widespread condemnaons from Nigerians who said it outweighed the crime commi ed. The renowned human right ac vist cum Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana said Olowookere and Morakinyo were illegally tried, convicted, and sentenced to death.

Falana opined that since it was not denied that both suspects were under 18 at the me of their arrest, the Osun State High Court lacked the jurisdiconal competence to have tried them.

He said the case ought to have been ins tuted in the state Family Court which is exclusively empowered to exercise jurisdic on in any criminal proceeding involving or rela ng to any penalty, forfeiture, punishment or other liability in respect of an offence commi ed by a child, against a child or against the interest of a child.

The case was prosecuted by six state counsels, led

by Mrs Biola Adewemimo while Olowookere and Mo-

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•As Police Officer Clears Him, Says He Is Innocent •NCS Attempts To Delay His Release After Adeleke’s Order •Osun State Ministry of Justice Pressured Parents To Indict Son •Sunday Morakinyo Looses Father, Surffers Mental Illness In Prison

•Morakinyo

•Olowookere rakinyo were represented

by Ayo Omolosho.

Eventually, both Olowookere and Morakinyo were granted amnesty in December 2024 by Governor Ademola Adeleke a er fourteen years in prison and ten years on death row.

In an exclusive interview with OSUN DEFENDER shortly a er his release, Olowookere said that he is innocent of the offence he was jailed for, saying nothing incrimina ng was found on him when he was arrested. According to him, he was arrested in his father’s shop, adding that he was never found at the scene of the incident.

This medium gathered that his arrest was made on the eve of the People’s Democa c Party (PDP) Councillors primary elec on.

Olowookere’s father was then a member of Ac on Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later became a Councillor represen ng Ward 15, Oparin, Oyan under the administra on of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola. He is also currently the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the same ward as against the rumour that he is a PDP member.

The junior Olowookere, perplexed, stated: “I s ll find it surprising and shocking ll date that I suffered for an offence i did not commit. I have never stolen in my life or engaged in any form of social vice. The police who came for my arrest met me at my father’s shop very close to Oloyan palace while I was discussing with him on how to proceed further in my educa on to the higher ins tu on.

“They shot in the air that day. This made everyone scamper for safety. My father approached them to ask for what their mission

was and they replied that “they came to arrest me” “Immediately, my father whispered to me, saying I should run away. But I stayed back knowing fully I did not commit any offence.

That is how they took me away. On ge ng to the police sta on, five out of the boys there said I was part of their gang. They said we have been stealing chicken and eggs together.

“There was one boy among them named Sunday Dare who was taking the police around to arrest people. It was only Sunday Morakinyo who said he did not know me. But the police tortured him with the inten on to force him to falsely implicate me, but he stood his ground.

Maintaining that he did not know me from anywhere inspite of the torture. They beat the guy to the extent that he was bleeding from his nose, ears and anus.

The police hit his head with bu of the gun. That was how he suffered mental illness. I was the one cleaning his blood in the cell.

“A er that, one of the boys was freed at the staon while six of us were arraigned in court. On the day of our arraignment, the Magistrate ordered that four of the boys should be taken to the Juvenile Home while Sunday and I were remanded at the Ilesa Correc onal Centre. From where we were arraigned at the High Court in Ikirun.

A er six months, the boys at the Juvenile Home were released.

“Our thought was that we would be released too.

But the police changed my age from 17 years to 18. I was even older than Sunday Morakinyo then.

At the end of the day, we were convicted to death and spent 14-years in Prion

before Governor Ademola Adeleke pardoned us.”

Speaking on the statement presented to the court by the police, Olowookere maintained that he never write any statement at the police sta on, saying that none of his family had a 6-bedroom flat as contained in the statement.

“I didn’t make any confessional statement to the police. If you check it very well, it was wri en that I was living alone in a 6-bedroom apartment, which is totally false. I have never lived alone in my life and you could imagine a 17year-old living alone.

“I challenge anyone to go to my town to verify.

None of my family owns a 6-bedroom apartment. My father and I raised objecon before the court but the judge said it’s too late that the police could not go back to verify.

“I didn’t even understand the language of the court. I was s ll asking people what was happening when we were Sentenced to death.”

It was discovered by our reporter that there were lots of conspiracy, miscarriage of Jus ce and vende a involved with Segun Olowookere’s case.

In the charge sheet, both Olowookere and Morakinyo were said to have “armed themselves with local gun and cutlasses to rob one Balogun Taye, a police officer in the town where they stole the sum of N5000, one Nokia BMW China Phone and Siemen phone valued N20,100 and some fowl valued N30,000.

But the police officer who claimed to have arrested Olowookere from his father’s shop denied Segun’s involvement in the crime while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER at the

Oloyan’s palace last Thursday. He said it was the boys taken to the Juvenile home who actually stole his fowl.

“Segun Olowookere was not among the boys who stole from my compound. I arrested them in my house but Segun was not there. It was during the cause of inves ga on that the boys men oned his name. I went to arrest him in his father’s shop and transferred them to Okuku police sta on.

“I was one of the witnesses in court. I told the court that he was not involved. I don’t know what then transpired at the Okuku Sta on. I work here in Oyan police sta on. I even said since the first day that Segun was not among those that stole my fowl,” Balogun said.

The duo were also said to have robbed one Alhaja Humoani Oyewo, the PW2 in the case and other people in the community.

But Alhaja, while giving evidence before the court, said she could not iden fy any of those who came to her house, saying they were unable to gain access into her house.

It was also evident that some of the counts in the charge sheet were false as observed by OSUN DEFENDER in a copy of the judgement made available to this medium.

Jus ce Falola, while delivering the judgement said “As for count 5, there is no evidence that the two accused were present at the scene where PW1 arrested the other accused. There is also no evidence to show that the two accused knew about the invasion of house of PW1. What I find is that a different cell of gang went a er the property of PW1.”

Jus ce Falola added,

“Even then PW2, the vic m of the robbery in count 6 stated that she was threatened with cutlasses only. It is also on record that PW2 was only a acked by the door, the accused did not enter or take anything from PW2 who was rescued by her neighbour.”

Also, OSUN DEFENDER reliably gathered that Olowookere’s parents faced pressure from some people at the Osun Ministry of Jus ce to tes fy that their only son actually commi ed the offence he was convicted for. This came a er the announcement of Governor Adeleke to pardon him and 52 other inmates in the state.

“The parents while they were invited to the Ministry of Jus ce, faced a lot of pressure from some quarters. They were told to admit that Segun commi ed the offence he was convicted for while promising them they are ready to help,” the source disclosed.

The medium also learnt that the Nigeria Correc onal Service in Abuja tried to delay the release of Olowookere from custody at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison last Monday a er Adeleke’s order, saying the Lagos office is yet to send to them his documents.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that he was the only one affected among the 53 inmates released. The inmates cut across Ilesa Correc onal Centre, Osun State, Ibara Correc onal Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Lagos State. Findings revealed that the matter took the interven on of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo before it was resolved.

Speaking on the mental illness of Morakinyo, his uncle, Mr Anthony Olayid, told OSUN DEFENDER that the torture by the police led to his present condion.

Olayide said: “Sunday’s condi on was not like this before he was arrested in 2010. He started behaving abnormally while in remand at Ilesa Prison.

Whenever I take clothes to him he will tear them. We tried at that me maybe we could secure his release before now.

“I was so happy when I heard that Governor Adeleke had pardoned him and Olowookere. We lost his father during the period he was in prison. We have been planning on how to take him to a psychiatric home for treatment” He, however, sought for interven on of the state government and well-meaning Nigerians on Morakinyo’s mental sickness.

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News

Vigilantes Allegedly Torture 26-Year-Old OSPOLY Student To Death In Osogbo Kazeem Badmus

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HE Student Union Government of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State has demanded jus ce for a 27-year-old student of the ins tu on, Oluwatobi Osundeyi, who was allegedly tortured to death by some vigilantes in Osogbo.

The incident occurred on December 29, 2024, at Bekam School junc on, opposite MOE Hotel, Agunbelewo, Osogbo, capital of Osun state.

The deceased, a Naonal Diploma 2 student of the Department of Office Technology and Management according to a statement by the Sources told OSUN DEFENDER that Osundeyi was stopped by the vigilantes alongside his two friends while returning home from a mall around 11:O0 p.m.

The sources who do not want their names in print told the medium that a er detaining the three people, one of the vigilantes led Osundeyi to where he was to

carry a block.

However, the vigilante rushed back to call the friends that Osundeyi had slumped while efforts to revive him proved abor ve.

“The vigilantes stopped them and asked where they were coming from. They explained themselves but the vigilantes failed to release them.

“A er hours of begging, the vigilantes told them they would have to carry blocks ll the following morning. One of the vigilantes led Osundeyi to where he was to pick a block but later came back to call others that their friend had slumped.

“All efforts to revive him proved abor ve as he was pronounced dead when they arrived at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (OSUNTH),” one of the sources said.

Confirming the incident, the caretaker Chairperson of OSPOLY student union, Ajoke Olaniyi, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER, demanded jus ce for the late Osundeyi.

Olaniyi, who con-

•Well wishers at the 1st year birthday celebration of Olúwakamiye Aderinto recently relevant security agen- state Police Command, cies to intervene in the Mrs Yemisi Opalola, inves ga on of the un- promised to confirm mely death of Osun- the case and get back deyi Oluwatobi. All we want is jus ce.”

The medium gathered that the vigilantes have been arrested and the case had been Kazeem Badmus transferred to the CrimHE hearing on inal Inves ga on Dethe suit challengpartment of the state ing the conduct of Police command. the February 22 local When contacted, the government elec ons spokesperson for the in Osun State has been adjourned by an Osun State High Court si ng in Ile-Ife un l January 17, 2025.

The suit, filed by the All Progressives Congress and 19 disqualified candidates, is against the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the State A orney General.

The plain ffs are seeking to halt the elecons, ci ng irregularies and exclusion from the poll.

Key reliefs sought vt the counsel for the claimants, Mr Muhydeen Adeoye, include: the invalida on of the amended elec on no ce published by OSSIEC on July ORMER federal law- ler’s family is quite ex- 18, 2024, and the inclumaker Shina Peller tended, but he is not a sion of the disqualified has clarified that member of the family,” popular TikToker Peller the 48-year-old stated. is not a member of the He acknowledged the famed Professor Peller TikToker’s clever use of family. the name to build a sucSpeaking recently with cessful brand but emChannels TV, Shina ad- phasised that there is no dressed the specula on, familial connec on. sta ng that while the Pro“So, Peller, the comefessor Peller dynasty is ex- dian is not a member of tensive, the TikToker does the Peller family. It’s a sucnot belong to it. cessful name. He’s just beHe explained that the ing smart. He’s being able “Peller” name was adopt- to pop with the name. You ed by his family due to can’t blame him but I can his father’s career as a re- tell you categorically that nowned magician. he’s not a member of the “Truly, Professor Pel- Peller family,” he said.

firmed the incident, said, “We received the devasta ng news of the passing of one of us, Osundeyi Oluwatobi, who allegedly died under a very suspicious circumstance.

“While we have reached out to the family of the deceased and we are determined to get to the root of the ma er and get jus ce for Oluwatobi.

“We are calling on

Entertainment ‘I Might Leave This Earth Soon’ – Popular Skit Maker

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OPULAR Nigerian skit maker Carter Efe has disclosed that he might be leaving this earth very soon.

Carter Efe, in a post that has caused a s r on the internet, stated the date he might depart.

In a now controversial post on his X handle, Efe told his followers that he might sound funny un l

they regret losing him.

Sharing a heartbreaking emoji, the skit maker wrote, “Might leave this earth January 10th.”

Taking to the comment sec on, a user, page @ YKoluwaseun, asked, “If you leave, who go dey give us mid skit?”

In response, the skit maker said, “It’s funny now un l you lose me, and you will later regret.”

TikTok Star Peller Not Part Of Our Family – Shina Peller

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to our reporter.

She is yet to get back as at the me of filling this report.

Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Osun LG Poll To January 17

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candidates if the poll proceeds.

At Thursday’s hearing, presided over by Jus ce Adedapo Adeniji, counsel for the All Peoples Party, Monruf Adediran, sought to join the suit.

However, the State A orney General’s counsel, Mr Deji Atoyebi, requested more me to respond to the applicaon.

Meanwhile, OSSIEC’s counsel, Mr Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), proposed an out-of-court se lement.

He suggested that the claimants withdraw their reliefs challenging the amended elec on no ce and the absence of an Elec on Pe on Tribunal, while OSSIEC could reconsider its rejec on of the candidates’ nomina ons.

Adeoye acknowledged the me-sensi ve nature of the ma er and promised to consult his clients on the proposed se lement, indica ng re a d i n e s s to present their decision at the next court date.

In his ruling, Jusce Adeniji adjourned the case to January 17, 2025, for the hearing of the pending applicaons or a settlement report.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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16 Bag First-Class As Fountain University Graduates 346 Students Campus Review F

Kazeem Badmus OUNTAIN University, Osogbo, Osun State, has disclosed that a total of 346 students will be awarded diplomas, first degrees, and higher degrees during its 14th convoca on slated for January 14, 2025.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Ramota Karim, disclosed this during a pre-convoca on press briefing held at the College of Art of the ins tu on on Wednesday.

Professor Karim said the ins tu on will be having its inaugural gradua on of students in Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science during the convoca on.

According to the VC, 316 students will be awarded first degrees with 16 students achieving first-class honours and two graduates of Nursing Science bagging dis nc ons.

“Notably, this year marks the inaugural gradua on of students in B.N.Sc. Nursing Science and BMLS Medical Laboratory Science.

The university will confer diplomas, first degrees, and higher degrees as follows: 316 First Degrees, with 16 achieving FirstClass Honors, 105 earning Second Class Upper Division, 120 a aining Second Class Lower Division, and 38 securing Third Class.

“For the B.N.Sc. Nursing Science programme, we proudly recognize 2 graduates with Dis nc ons, 33 with Credit, and 3 with Pass grades, 3 Diplomas in Arabic, Islamic, and Interna onal Studies (DAIIS) and 27 Higher Degrees in various disciplines.”

Highligh ng some of the achievements of the university during the academic years, Professor Karim, disclosed that the Law programme of the ins tuon has been fully accredited by the Na onal University Commission, adding that seven new courses has been introduced by the school and approved by the NUC. “This academic year has been par cularly remarkable, highlighted by the full NUC accredita on status of the Law programme, further solidifying our reputa on in legal educa on.

Addi onally, our pioneer students from the Departments of Nursing Sciences (37) and Medical Laboratory Sciences (6) achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate in their professional examina ons, culmina ng in their formal induc on into their respec ve professional bodies. The B.Sc. Accoun ng programme also underwent successful reaccredita on by the Ins tute of Chartered Accountants

of Nigeria (ICAN).

“In a significant development, we are pleased to announce that 37 students from the College of Law have been inducted into the Ins tute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC).

The university introduced seven new undergraduate programmes, approved by the NUC: Food Science and Nutri on, Library and Informa on Sciences, Islamic Studies Educa on, Arabic Studies Educa on, English Studies Educa on, Economics Educa on, and Computer Science Educa on. The introduc on of these programmes has led to the establishment of the College of Educa on,” she added.

Speaking on research and innova on, the VC said, “Prof. Nusirah Afolabi-Balogun from the Department of Chemical Sciences has elevated the university’s research profile through groundbreaking cervical cancer studies. In collaboraon with Dr. Sara Pensa of the University of Cambridge under the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund and UKRI ISFP, United Kingdom, this ini a ve focuses on early cervical cancer diagnosis in Nigeria, with a grant of £82,805.

“The university’s com-

mitment to sustainability is exemplified by Prof. Simiat Ogunbode, who, as a coresearcher, successfully concluded a ₦25.6 million TETFund Na onal Research Fund grant. Her work on microbial valoriza on of kera nous wastes underscores Fountain University’s focus on addressing global challenges through innovave solu ons.

“In addi on to the exis ng units in the Centre for Research Innova on and Technology, a unit for Research Incuba on with a special focus on studentled startups was created to nurture and foster innovave projects among our students.”

Professor Karim who announced that a new salary structure for staff of the university will take effect in January in line with the new minimum wage, however, said sustaining the financial health of the university amidst rising operaonal costs and economic uncertain es is a cri cal concern.

She said, “Our strategic investment in staff development ensures that every member of our community has the resources, opportuni es, and support needed to excel. A new salary structure is proposed to take effect from January 2025,

in line with the federal government’s new minimum salary structure, further demonstra ng our con nued commitment to staff welfare amidst the current economic climate.”

Osun Varsity Introduces Chinese Language Yusuf Oketola

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HE Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Osun State, Prof. Olufemi Asaolu, has announced plans to introduce programs in Medicine and Surgery, Chinese, and Yoruba language.

Prof. Asaolu also revealed that the university had invested over N4b in the last 20 months for resource verifica on and upgrading its infrastructure.

He commended Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for providing the necessary funds, which allowed the university to secure Na onal Universi es Commission, approval for 67 academic programs.

In addi on, the ViceChancellor shared that the university Senate has approved the introduc on of several new programs, including Medicine and Surgery, Early Childhood Care Educa on, Special Educa on, French Lan-

guage, Chinese Studies, Yoruba Language, and Agricultural Sciences.

He men oned that these new programs would be presented to the NUC for resource verifica on soon, with plans for their launch in the 2025/2026 academic session.

Asaolu made these remarks during the handing-over ceremony of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences Laboratory, which was donated to the university by the Ijesaland Community in Ilesa, Osun State.

“We have resolved not to compromise on standards or cut corners, as the professional bodies regula ng these programs have strict requirements that must be met.

I am proud to say that we have met these standards a er inves ng significant resources, both human and material, into these programs.

We are grateful for the support of the state gov-

ernment, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke,” he said.

“The Governor has provided over N4b to the university in the past 20 months, which has been used for resource verifica on, renova on, and infrastructure upgrades.

This has enabled us to secure NUC approval for 67 academic programs.”

Asaolu also noted that the university had submi ed 23 academic programs for accreditaon under the University of Ilesa, and 9 programs under the University of Ibadan’s Bachelor of Educa on Degree programs for NUC accredita on.

He expressed his apprecia on for the laboratory dona on, sta ng that the new facility would enhance the university’s efforts to provide quality educa on, enabling nursing students to receive be er prac cal training.

News Experts Advocate Dedication, Commitment To Achieving Academic Excellence Yusuf Oketola HE need for students to ensure dedica on and commitment to achieve their dreams in academics and other life pursuits has been re-emphasised.

This is the consensus of speakers at the maiden edi on of The Crest Conference 2024, organised by Scholars Lens, a youth-driven scholar pla orm that encourages students’ academic excellence and personal growth.

Themed “Unlocking Poten als Via Academic Excellence and Personal Development,” held at the Fountain University, Osogbo recently, the speakers also urged them to believe strongly in their dreams and embrace hardwork as the hallmarks of excellence.

In his remarks, one of the lead speakers, Dr. Sesan Oyebanji who is the CEO Global Reach Farms Limited reiterated the need for budding scholars to embrace mul tasking as it is key to becoming self reliant a er school.

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Oyebanji added that it is vital to exert competence in skill acquision, academics and a balanced personal life to achieve success.

Corrobora ng him, Co-founder of the Beyond Classroom Ini ave, Ismail Afolabi encouraged young scholars to priori se adequate prepara on for tasks, as it is the impetus to good grades.

Afolabi, who shared his First Class story idenfied resilience, pragmasm, focus, persistence and con nuous reading

as major strategies undergraduates can adapt to realise their academic aim.

The lecturer at the Department of Linguiscs and Communica on Studies, Osun State University said, “I am a product of resilence, hardwork and commitment to the ideals of academic success. One thing that stood out in my undergraduate days is that I was always prepared.

“My reading rou ne is one that comes immediately we resume.

Some mes, I study dur-

ing the holidays. I do not read during the exams.

Instead, I go from one place to the other to do tutorials for my colleagues. It is a period for me to master what I have read over and over again. By the me I am wri ng the exam, I am already in the know of about 98% of the course.

“That is how to succeed. You just must work very hard and prepare. It is the only secret to becoming that success you have always envisioned.

You have all it takes to

also mul -task, connect, build valuable rela onships that will secure your journey to the top easily. Through persistence, pa ence and hardwork, you will get there,” Afolabi stated.

Earlier in an address, Convener of the Crest Conference 2024, Wakilat Zakariyau said the conference which attracted over 100 par cipants from ivory towers across the country was to provide a pla orm for young scholars to learn, network, and upskill.

Zakariyau hinted that the conference is also to ignite a transforma ve journey that sought to celebrate the achievements of Scholars Lens, and its other sister inita ves, aimed at training young scholars on excellence in academics, technology and other cri cal areas of human endevour.

There were panel sessions on maximising skillset for success from par cipants as well as quiz compe on won by Abdulmuqtadir Yunus, who went home with a N100,000 cash prize.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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Sports

NANS Demand Reversal Of Chelle’s Appointment As Super Eagles Head Coach

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HE appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria’s na onal football team, the Super Eagles has been condemned by the Na onal Associa on of Nigerian Students (NANS).

In a statement issued on January 8, 2025, NANS outlined five key reasons for their disapproval of Chelle’s appointment by the Nigeria Football Federa on (NFF).

NANS listed the reasons to include lack of proven success, underwhelming coaching pedigree, limited playing career, failure to impress in the 2024 AFCON and need for a local coach.

According to NANS, Chelle’s tenure as the head coach of the Malian na onal team was marked by underachievement.

“Despite being in charge since 2022, Chelle failed to qualify Mali for the World Cup and did not win the African Cup of Naons (AFCON).”

The body also raised concerns over why the NFF would choose a coach with such a lackluster record to lead the Super Eagles.

NANS cri cised Chelle’s

coaching background, which they deemed insufficient for the caliber of the Super Eagles.

The student body emphasized that there are more qualified and experienced coaches, both in Nigeria and abroad, who could have been chosen for the role.

NANS described Chelle’s record as subpar and argued that his appointment represents a missed opportunity for the NFF to select a coach with a more impressive resume.

NANS specifically cited the Malian na onal team’s poor performance at the 2024 African Cup of Naons in Côte d’Ivoire as evidence of Chelle’s lack of tac cal acumen.

The body noted that the team struggled significantly during the tournament, ques oning why the NFF would select a coach who had failed to inspire success in such a major compe on.

NANS urged the NFF to reconsider the appointment and instead hire a

Nigerian coach or a more qualified foreign tac cian.

They argued that appoin ng a local coach would not only help develop Nigerian football but

also align with the na onal interest, rather than opting for a foreign coach with limited creden als.

In conclusion, NANS called on the NFF to rethink

their decision, emphasizing the importance of selec ng a coach capable of leading the Super Eagles to success on the African and global stages.

Brazil Legend, Roberto Carlos Homeless After Divorce

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EAL Madrid legend Roberto Carlos is ‘sleeping at the club’s training ground’ a er divorcing his wife of 15 years, according to reports.

According to Estadio Depor vo, Roberto Carlos has separated from his wife Mariana Lucon who he ed the knot with June 2009.

The report states the divorce se lement is expected to be a ‘complicated one’ because of the 51-year-old’s wealth, which is valued at around £133m ($166m).

As a result, he has reportedly temporarily moved to the club’s training ground, Real Madrid Sports City in Valdebebas. Lucon is reportedly con nuing to live at their main residence.

The 2002 World Cup winner spent 11 years at Madrid between 1996 and 2007, and won four LaLiga tles and three Champions League trophies during this period.

Carlos is widely re-

garded as one of the best full backs in football history, and played alongside stars like Rivaldo, Ronaldo, David Beckham, Raul and Luis Figo at both club and interna onal levels.

News Osun Police Investigate Alleged Exhumation CDHR Calls For Rehabilitation Of 53 Pardoned Prisoners In Osun Of Corpse By Son Of Deceased Yusuf Oketola HE Osun State Police Command have begun an inves ga on into the alleged exhuma on of the remains of a community leader, Pa Azeez Rauf from the grave in his house and the sale of the house by one of his sons, iden fied as Mu u Rauf Okunola.

The Police Public Rela ons Officer (PPRO) of the Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, told newsmen that a suspect iden fied as Rauf was arrested in connec on with the alleged exhuming of the corpse and the sale of the house around Dada Estate, Osogbo.

Mrs Opalola, who explained that the matter was being handled by the State Criminal Inves ga on Department (SCID), added that the suspect had been granted bail while an inves ga on into the ma er was ongoing.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the sold property, located around the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, Osun State capital

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had generated issues amongst the children of the deceased.

The other children of Late Azeez Rauf accused their sibling, Rauf Mu u Okunola, also known as Tato of selling their late parents’ property and exhuming their corpses without the consent of the remaining children.

The dispute was said to have begun when Mrs Adedoyin Rukayat, one of the surviving children, discovered that the family property had been sold.

Apart from selling the house, Mrs Rukayat,

who spoke to journalists, also alleged that her brother exhumed the remains of their parents without consul ng other children.

Disturbed by these ac ons, Rukayat reported the case to Dada Estate Police Sta on in Osogbo, which led to the arrest of Mu u on December 31, 2024 OSUN DEFENDER further gathered that policemen, who stormed the premises to arrest the suspect stopped further exhuma on of their mother’s remains a er the corpse of Late Azeez Rauf had already been dug out from the grave.

Bandits’ Influx: Amotekun Strategises...

•Osun CP, Umar

•Continued from page 1 “Amotekun, in collabora on with all security agencies in Ondo State, has mapped out a strategy to ensure curb the influx of bandits.

“We will con nue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

“We’re fully on the ground. There won’t be any hiding place for them in any part of the state.”

Yusuf Oketola

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HE Commi ee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has called on the Osun State Government for the urgent rehabilita on of the recent 53 prisoners pardoned by Governor Ademola Adeleke for them to be properly reintegrated to the society.

The call was made in a le er signed by the chairman of CDHR, Osun State, Comrade Emmanuel Olowu and forwarded to the office of the governor on Wednesday.

According to Olowu, the rehabilita on is not only a moral impera ve but also a societal necessity towards reducing recidivism and foster safer communi es.

A copy of the le er made available to OSUN DEFENDER yesterday reads partly: “We write to voice our concern regarding the recent pardon granted to fi y- Three (53) prisoners on December 26th, 2024.

According to the provisions outlined in the Administra on of Criminal Jus ce Law of Osun State 2018, par cularly Sec on 463, sub-sec on 2, which state as follows: “The prisoner released

under subsec on (1) of this sec on shall undergo a rehabilita on program in a government facility to enable him to be properly reintegrated to the society.

“Likewise, PART 45 – PAROLE 46 sec on 468 sub-sec on 2 of the Administra on of Criminal Jus ce Law 2015 states as follows.

“A prisoner released under subsec on (1) of this sec on shall undergo a rehabilita on program in a government facility or any other appropriate facility to enable him to be properly reintegrated to the society.

“The re-entry of these prisoners into society presents an opportunity for restora ve jus ce and reintegra on.

However, the success of this pivotal phase lies in the effec ve implementa on of rehabilita on programs that will support their mental, emo onal, and voca onal development. As you strive to uphold the ethos of jus ce and humanity, these prisoners must receive adequate support of successful transi on back into their communi es.

“We urge you, to take

immediate and concerted ac on towards ensuring that robust rehabilita on programs are established and funded for those pardoned as stated in a letter of commuta on dated December 24th, 2024.

This is not only a moral impera ve but also a societal necessity as we seek to reduce recidivism and foster safer communi es.

“We therefore like to inform you that for a successful rehabilita on program, you are to collaborate with key stakeholders including, The Controller Of Nigeria Correc onal Service Osun State Command, The Chief Judge of the state, The A orney General of the state, and Civil Society Organiza ons in the state, for the crea on of comprehensive framework for rehabilita on as they can offer valuable insights and resources for the rehabilita on exercises.

“In conclusion, we respec ully request your leadership to see this issue of rehabilita on as not just a necessity but mandatory since the law s pulates it, furthermore, the Rehabilita on exercise will provide a pathway to a be er and secure future for us all.”

ISSN : 0794 - 8050

Sports

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 VOL. 20 NO 01 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

Brazil Legend, Roberto Carlos Homeless After Pg. 7 Divorce

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CCORDING to Wikipedia, “A religion is a set of beliefs that is passionately held by a group of people that is reflected in a world view and in expected beliefs and ac ons (which are o en ritualised). The beliefs are o en linked to supernatural beings such as God, gods or spirit.”

Everything religion is spirituality – the spirit of each person towards goodness, duty, truth, etc. It teaches “moral code” on how humans should act. Examples of religion are Islam, Chris anity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Rastafarianism, Ifa, etc. God is only a term to describe the absolute power which created and sustains the world and each religion worships God as revealed by the forebears. For example, Islam worships God as revealed by Mohammed; Chris anity worships God as prescribed by Jesus Christ; Hindus does it as revealed by Krishna.

Like other social ins tu ons, religion is dependent on material and economic realies of a given society as it has no producve history. Instead, it is the crea on of produc ve forces. Religion, however, provides social cohesion in maintaining social order in conformity and control in society. It provides spiritual, social, psychological and some mes material support for individuals and families. It gives succour to the poor to have illusion that through the name of whatever they worship, things will be better someday. It serves as a stabiliser of society. This explains ruling elite cordial relaonship with religion. Despite establishing the fact that government authori es should not have connec on with any religion, they sponsor pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia every year with State resources.

For instance, Nigeria is said to be a secular State. Wikipedia defines a Secular State as “an idea pertaining to secularity whereby a state is or purports to be officially neutral in ma ers of religion, suppor ng neither religion nor irreligion.” In a secular state, ci zens are treated equally regardless of their religion or affilia on or lack of belief. However, everything is lopsided in Nigeria. For instance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved 90 billion Naira to subsidise 2024 Hajj pilgrimage and since Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999, 12 states in the north have introduced Islamic law despite the facts that they have huge popula on of Chris ans. The Sharia Law is only applicable to the poor – be they Chris ans, Muslims or Tradi onalists. While the northern ruling elite have con nued to commit crimes including stealing of money meant for development of their areas, like their counterparts in the South do, they have never been tried by Islamic law also known as Sharia law. As the ruling elite steal for their insa able lifestyle and crude accumula on of wealth for themselves, children and grand children, the poor whose situaon get worse due to elite greed are made to pay. In 2000, Buba Jangebe limb was amputated a er being found guilty of stealing a cow by a Sharia Court in Kaduna. Another

“The prayers and illusion by the poor that someday, God will make life easier and better other than by human productive engagements wellordered by government is a huge joke. As long as the government that is in charge of everything refuses to do the needful, it will be permanent sorrow, tear and blood for the poor people”

The Poor And Religion Panorama man named Lawal Isa’s right hand was cut off having found him guilty of stealing three bicycles. In 2011, an Islamic Court in Zamfara State sentenced two youths to amputaon of their right hands openly for stealing a bull. These amputees will end up to joining the huge crowd of des tute in the state.

There are thousands in deten on awai ng trials in same sharia court. In all these 12 states, consump on of alcohol is prohibited but it is sold and could be taken in Police and Army barracks. Apart from members of the security forces who are exempted, only the elite could patronise barracks for liquor either to nurse it at the barracks or take away to their well-fenced homes. Only the poor can be caught at the bar with grave consequences.

In the southern part where everybody worships whatever pleases him/her and Court of law under the Nigerian Cons tuon reigns, the poor remain at the receiving end. Most factories and business districts

STRIKER

have been bought and converted to religion centres as religion has metamorphosed into businesses especially the churches with some of their proprietors having private jets with the price range from $3 million to $90 million, private universi es that an average member of the church cannot afford and choice property among others.

Dunlop Tyres, just an example, a mul na onal company located in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos, was bought by a church and people come to the church to pray for jobs.

Interes ngly, the tap root of religion today is the damning suffering condi on of the mass majority of the poor combined with hopelessness. Religion business is, however, one-sided. The poor are so ed to the yoke of religion that they squeeze blood out of stone to raise thes and offerings for the proprietors who exchange these with prayers of prosperity. While the poor patronise the centres with the belief that God will answer their prayers vis-a-vis their poor

economic condi on and aliena on, the big pastors/Imams enjoy themselves.

It is instruc ve to state that God has handed over everything and all affairs on earth to human beings. To get organised so as to be er their lot, human beings selected or elected some of them to the leadership posi on to guide and direct their affairs. For instance, Baba God cannot provide electricity as He has provided sun and moon for day and night, and brain power to improve upon it if needed; it is human leadership which is known as government that will provide ways and means with which electricity will be generated within the system. God cannot provide potable water as He has provided rain, rivers and oceans; it is human being under the coordina on of their government that will invent how to make potable water available for human consump on. The prayers and illusion by the poor that someday, God will make life easier and be er other than by human produc ve engagements well-ordered by government is a huge joke. As long as the government that is in charge of everything refuses to do the needful, it will be permanent sorrow, tears and blood for the poor people. Baba God has provided everything for us to live well on earth. We can convert our society to paradise where everyone will have enough to live a decent life, if we so wish. What is needed is a commi ed government that can think outside the box and crea vely engage its populace to actualising this objec ve. This is what is lacking in our society. Our problem is not from God and the solu on will not come from Him. He has done His own; the rest lies in us.

If we struggle to change the leadership, we may be be er off; if we don’t, we are doomed already!

Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

A Year Calling For Deep Understanding

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er Independence in 1960, there was just 6 years of civil rule a er which the military struck and stayed ll 1979, for 13 years, before return to democra c rule. Therea er, it was less than 5 years into that 2nd Republic before they struck again and stayed from 1984 ll 1999. Military rule in its detailed realies (especially military rule of the Nigeria type) can only be classified as a crime against humanity. Accordingly, we’ve really not had it good as per the organisaon and running of human society in the best interest of ci zens since almost immediately a er an Independence that snowballed into Civil War. The unbroken civil rule from 1999 to 2025 is, by popular opinion, another unending lesson in government-against-the-people: 16 years of PDP, 8 Years of Buhari (APC) and over 1 year of Tinubu (APC) currently promising Renewed Hope but delivering the worst cost of living crises in the history of Nigeria so far: with no solu ons in sight (to those who are not blinded by par sanship) either to the welfare or security of ci zens – which is the fundamental objec ves and direc ves principle of state/government.

Naysayers and par san fana cs can bury their heads in the sands and con nue with strident propaganda but the reali es of the countries are inescapable and speak for themselves!

Those dismal na onal reali es make the topic of this piece all important. We are so agonised and divided by the painful reali es as a majority that we o en do not have the pa ence and presence of

mind to even find out WHAT REALLY is the problem of Nigeria that makes it a country of con nuous suffering for the majority of its people from as far back as anyone can remember? The so called “good old days” only now look “good” because things keep ge ng worse as we move on!

Why? Is it really the fault of any President of any Governor or members of Parliament? Is it beyond them? Are they willing or unwilling agents for others, and not agents for Nigeria’s development? What needs to change to redeem the country?

Is it just the handlers or the opera ng system? What opera ng system and type of handlers are needed and how do we get them?

It is a year that calls for deep, cri cal thinking and redemp ve ac ons because as it stands today, we are even at quarter to a nuclear war that we know nothing about, are less concerned about, but a war that nevertheless simply wipe us away with the rest of mankind except God and the concerted efforts of men and women of goodwill globally checkmate the ongoing sinister developments. Interes ngly, the war, in the final analysis, is simply about whom amongst the warriors controls the vast resources of Nigeria, Africa and La n America essen ally.

Saddest reality is that the majority of ci zens are simply not even aware of what is going on around them and how their tribula ons have origin in global contest for their God-given resources; and how their governments are fostered on them accordingly and can hardly ever be in their

best interest. We are so narrow-minded in thought and therefore in orienta on and ac ons. Accordingly, we cannot see beyond the wall right in front of us: either it is Hausa, Fulani, Igbo (the minori es will say it is about all of them); or it is Chris ans, Muslims, or Infidels. We are contented with shallow and selfish interpreta on of vast reali es, for whatever vain material or psychological gains, and that makes those who are agents of world powers that are quarrelling among themselves to be the despots-in-charge happy because we have queued ingloriously as they liked.

That way, it will never occur to us that they are all the same willing tools in the hands of those who are responsible for our enslavement and colonisa on in the past, and that the grand design today as always is to find “leaders” for us who will con nue that colonisa on indirectly ll me without end.

Our narrow-mindedness must begin to end this year, by God’s Grace, as we forget ethnic and religious divides and face the unpatrio c forces. It will take me for substan al shi in mentality especially with a schooling system that is far from being truly educa ve or character-building and polics that is not inspired by service to the people but is for stealing by the smartest gangs; with every gang doing everything necessary to be in charge of the oil money and na onal resources. It is me to think deeply, thoroughly and to act patrio cally with loyalty only to the na on and our unborn genera on. Let it begin with each of us this very year.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.

All correspondence to the Asst. News Editor, YUSUF OKETOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050.

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