Metro
Molestation Scandal: Police Arraign Seven Deeper Life High School Suspects
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said on Wednesday that seven suspects connected to the Deeper Life High School child molestation scandal had been charged.
The suspects, including 45-year-old Ndidi Solomon and four others, were arraigned before a magistrates’ court, while two students mentioned were arraigned at a juvenile court.
The command said in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, said the arraignment followed a petition from one Mrs Deborah Archibong to the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme.
The statement titled: ‘Suspects connected to the Deeper Life High School crisis charged to court’, read in part, “Consequent upon a petition from one Mrs Deborah Okezie Archibong to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, Andrew Amiengheme, and upon the commissioner’s directive for a discreet investigation into the issues contained therein, one Mrs Ndidi Solomon, aged 45, and four other staff (members), including two students, whose actions or inactions negated extant laws have been today (Wednesday) charged to court.
“While Mrs Ndidi Solomon and four others were charged to the magistrates’ court, the two students were charged to the Juvenile Court.”
The CP, while noting that it was only expedient for matters of this nature to be quickly investigated and the courts allowed to decide on the merits, called on school authorities to take the welfare and discipline of their students seriously.
However, contrary to the police statement, the four suspects, who were meant to be arraigned before the Uyo Magistrates’ Court could not be arraigned due to the absence of the magistrate.
Counsel for the defendants, Fidelis Igwe, said, “The police brought seven accused persons, five were staff members of the school and two of them were students and minors.
“They were not arraigned because we were informed that the chief magistrate was not around, but that she would be around tomorrow (Thursday).”
Igwe accused the police of keeping the court in the dark even to the point of arraignment.
He stated, “The police have not told us what these people are to be charged for. They just called them out and asked them to come to court. They have neither briefed their lawyers nor the management of the school.
“We have been going there (police station) for introduction and interrogation, but when we got there yesterday (Tuesday), after interviewing them the police said they were going to detain them, but they told us nothing thereafter.”
Counsel for the claimant, David Okokon, explained that the reason why the court did not sit was an administrative issue, saying that the police and the court did not have the same modalities.
Okokon accused the medical doctor, who was indicted in the matter, of engaging in crude practice, adding that he would petition the Nigerian Medical Association.
The Punch
A not for profit organisation, Meluibe Foundation, has partnered Dufil Prima Foods Limited to lend a hand of support to about 350 families in Gbazango community, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, leaving the beneficiaries beaming with smiles.
The collective generosity of the team made it possible for the families to receive essential food supplies during these challenging times.
Speaking on the event, Alhaji Muhammed Jibril, the District Head of Gbazango Village, expressed gratitude to the management of Dufil for their benevolent gesture towards his community. He also commended the Meluibe Foundation for their role in identifying and facilitating the outreach.
In her remarks, Meluibe Foundation’s Executive Director, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, extended appreciation to the community leaders and participants for their collaboration and peaceful conduct throughout the outreach.
“At Meluibe, we are committed to empowering rural communities, particularly
women, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 2. Empowering our women and young remains key to tackling some of the underlying challenging affecting our overall development. If we can work together we can help our children grow and thrive.
“As such, Meluibe will keep partnering with well meaning organisations dedicated to enabling women and youths”, she said.
She also thanked the Dufil team for working with them to support Gbazango.
Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager at Dufil Prima Foods, Tope Ashiwaju, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting families, especially women and children, with nutritious meals. He extended appreciation to
the community leaders for their cooperation and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering community well-being.
Similarly, Hajia Hauwa Muhammed, the Gbazango Women Leader, applauded the organizers for prioritising the needs of women and children, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of economic hardships on this demographic.
The outreach event culminated in children delighting in the delicious meals served from the Indomie Food truck, encapsulating the spirit of community support and resilience.
Meluibe Foundation’s community outreach initiatives are integral to its contribution towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, aimed at ending hunger, ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and
promoting sustainable agriculture. These efforts encompass various initiatives, including community outreaches and capacity building on nutrition and climate-smart agriculture.
Real estate giant, Adron Homes, has organised a well orchestrated dynamic Fitness Hangout Event, firmly rooted in the principles of team bonding, safety prioritization, and wellness culture promotion in the workplace, in celebration of this year’s World Day for Safety and Health, Adron Homes
In his opening speech, the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Michael Oyadele, set the tone for the event by articulating the paramount importance of these values.
Mr. Oyadele’s address resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of its employees.
The event boasted an impressive turnout, with senior directors of Adron Homes, led by the Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Adenike Ajobo, in attendance.
Mrs. Ajobo’s commendations further underscored the significance of such gatherings in cultivating a positive and supportive work atmosphere. Moreover, the event welcomed esteemed guests from the Omole Phase 1 Community and other organizations, including Dr. Kalu Genevieve, the PRO/Head of Medical at Lasena Water, who enlightened attendees on the importance of alkaline minerals in the body, found abundantly in Lasena water.
Additionally, the presence of a trained Dietician, Rejoice Okudiri, added depth to the event, offering valuable guidance on adopting healthy eating habits for optimal well-being.
As the organizer of this impactful initiative, Mr Emmanuel Oladapo, the Director of the Adron Sport Foundation (ASF), expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants and guests for their invaluable contributions. He reaffirmed Adron Homes’ commitment to extending the reach of such initiatives beyond the confines of the workplace, aiming to instill a culture of safety and wellness within the broader community.
With a promise to expand the scope of these endeavors, Adron Homes continues to champion the cause of safety, health, and wellness, paving the way for a healthier and happier society.
Adron Homes: Building Communities and Homes!
Broadcasting company Multichoice has jacked up the prices of its offerings in Nigeria four months after its last increment.
The company reviewed prices in its packages across the board. The new prices will take effect from May 1, 2024.
With the latest price hike, the DStv Premium package increased from N29,500 to N37,000. Similarly, the DStv Compact+ went up from N19,800 to N25,000 while the Compact package increased from N12,500 to N15,700.
The Comfam package moved from N7,400 to N9,300. Yanga package moved up from 4,200 to N5,100 while Padi package increased from N2,950 to N3,600. HDPVR was increased from N4,000 to N5,000, the Access Fees package from N4,000 to N5,000, and XtraView moved from N4,000 to N5,000.
Meanwhile, the Gotv Supa+ package moved from N12,500 to N15,700, Supa package from N7,600 to N9,600, and Max package from N5,700 to N7,200.
While the Jolli package was jacked up from N3,950 to N4,850, the Jinja package moved from N2,700 to N3,300, and Smallie package from N1,300 to N1,575.
It will be recalled that the company implemented an upward review of prices in December 2023, days after announcing a $72m loss in its financial statement for the third quarter of the year.
Checks on the company’s reviewed price list then showed a 20 per cent per cent hike in the company’s packages across the board.
