Crime
Former Chief Pharmacist of National Hospital, Abuja Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Sodomy
Former Chief Pharmacist of National Hospital, Abuja Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Sodomy
By: Michael Mike
The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured a life imprisonment sentence at the High Court in Abuja against a public officer, Dr. Abubakar Mustapha Danraka for sodomy.
This is a historic and landmark ruling
in the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
A statement on Tuesday by the agency’s spokesman, Vincent Adekoye read that the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Kubwa, Abuja and presided over by Hon. Justice Asmau Akanbi-Yusuf on Monday convicted and sentenced a Public Officer in Nigeria, Abubakar Mustapha Danraka, Ph.D. to life imprisonment for rape (Sodomy)under Section 1 of the VAPP Act of 2015.
Adekoye revealed that the convict, Abubakar Mustapha Danraka was a former Chief Pharmacist of National Hospital, Abuja, and Senior Special Adviser (Technical) to the Director of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.
He noted that the ruling ends the three-year-old controversies surrounding this celebrated case which had attracted much attention from stakeholders across the country.
Adekoye said the convict was arrested on March 27th, 2020, for defiling a minor (name withheld), who happened to be his neighbour, living in the same estate with him in Abuja.
He lured the victim to his apartment and had anal intercourse with him after stupefying him with a drink.
He was charged to Court vide a Charge dated 9th August 2021, and was arraigned on 5th April. 2022 where he pleaded “not guilty”.
The Prosecution team from NAPTIP sufficiently proved the charge beyond a reasonable doubt which led to the September 18, 2023 judgment.
Reacting to the judgment, the Director General of NAPTIP, Professor Fatima Waziri – Azi, hailed the judiciary for its doggedness in ensuring that justice is served under the VAPP Act.
She said, “I want to specially commend the Judiciary for its sustained collaboration, and support in the implementation of the VAPP/Law in the Country which has culminated in this landmark judgment. This is a victory for us as a country.
“In our bid to make Nigeria a violence–free nation, in collaboration with all our esteemed partners and stakeholders, we will continue to scale our efforts in ensuring more convictions and less impunity” the NAPTIP Director General stated.
This is the third rape conviction secured by NAPTIP in the FCT for the year 2023.
Former Chief Pharmacist of National Hospital, Abuja Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Sodomy
Crime
Troops recover body of kidnapped Fulani community leader in Plateau, arrest suspect
Troops recover body of kidnapped Fulani community leader in Plateau, arrest suspect
By:Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 under Operation Enduring Peace have recovered the decomposing body of a kidnapped community leader, Alhaji Lawal Abubakar Wakili of Kekong, during a search-and-rescue operation in Gashish District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 070930A on May 6 when troops, in collaboration with local residents, conducted a coordinated search within the fringes of Kurra, Jokko hills and surrounding bush areas.
The victim was reportedly abducted earlier at Gashish, prompting sustained search operations by troops and community members in the area.
Following the recovery of the body, tensions reportedly rose in parts of the community, with aggrieved residents demanding the release of suspects earlier arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
The sources said troops quickly brought the situation under control through engagement and assurance that due process and justice would be followed in handling the case.
In a related development, one Chiroma Bello Abdulkarim, 67, of Ningon village in Gashish District, was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing of the victim.
He is currently in custody undergoing investigation alongside other suspects linked to the incident.
Security operatives said calm had been restored in the area, while efforts were ongoing to track additional suspects believed to be connected to the crime.
They added that investigation was being intensified to uncover the circumstances surrounding the abduction and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
Troops recover body of kidnapped Fulani community leader in Plateau, arrest suspect
Crime
Troops recover 34 cattle after alleged farm destruction in Plateau community
Troops recover 34 cattle after alleged farm destruction in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Sector 3 of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered 34 cattle following a reported case of farm destruction at Zobwo village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops were mobilised at about 070645A on May 6 after receiving a report of alleged malicious destruction of an irrigation farm with machetes by suspected herders in the area.

On arrival at the scene, the troops assessed the situation and subsequently conducted a follow-up operation around a nearby settlement identified as Tafi Gana within the same local government area.
During the operation, the herders reportedly fled on sighting the troops, abandoning their cattle.

The sources said the troops recovered 34 cattle from the settlement and moved them to a secure location for further necessary action.
They added that calm had since been restored in the affected area, while efforts were ongoing to ensure proper handling of the recovered livestock in line with established procedures.

Security presence has been maintained in the general area to prevent further escalation and to forestall possible reprisal incidents.
Authorities said investigation into the incident had commenced to establish circumstances surrounding the reported farm destruction and the ownership of the recovered cattle.
Troops recover 34 cattle after alleged farm destruction in Plateau community
Crime
Passenger Sues British Airways Over Alleged Missing Luggage
Passenger Sues British Airways Over Alleged Missing Luggage
By: Michael Mike
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 2 for continuation of hearing in a suit filed by a passenger, Mr. Amechi Michael, against British Airways over alleged missing carry-on luggage.
At the resumed hearing, the plaintiff was cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr. John Godwin, who held the brief of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Folorunsho Majiyagbe.
During cross-examination, Amechi told the court that he reported the incident to the airline’s customer care service and was subsequently referred to the UK-based Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution for resolution.
According to him, the arbitrator issued an award in his favour regarding the delayed flight but did not address the issue of the allegedly missing carry-on luggage.
The plaintiff further informed the court that he rejected the arbitral award because he was dissatisfied with the outcome and thereafter approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking redress over the alleged loss of the luggage.
Amechi argued that the airline owed him a duty of care to return the luggage and alleged that members of the airline’s staff acted negligently after a cabin crew member reportedly requested that the bag be handed over for safekeeping during a delayed boarding process.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Ms. Abiola Olaitan and Mr. Shuaib O. Hammed of Parvina Partners, informed the court of their intention to close the plaintiff’s case.
Presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, subsequently adjourned the matter until July 2 for the defence to open its case and continuation of trial.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1293/2025, seeks recovery of the plaintiff’s carry-on luggage allegedly lost while in the custody of the airline.
The case stems from an international trip during which the plaintiff alleged that his hand luggage was taken from him by airline personnel during a delayed boarding process with assurances that it would be kept safely and returned upon arrival.
However, according to court filings, the luggage was allegedly not returned after the flight, prompting repeated complaints to the airline and subsequent dispute resolution efforts.
The dispute later moved to the arbitration stage after the passenger was referred to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution in the United Kingdom, a mechanism frequently used by international airlines to handle customer complaints outside the courtroom.
While the arbitration process reportedly awarded compensation connected to the delayed flight, the plaintiff maintained that the core issue relating to the missing carry-on luggage remained unresolved, leading to the present legal action before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suit is one of several recent cases highlighting growing concerns among Nigerian air travellers over passenger rights, airline accountability and compensation claims involving delayed flights, lost baggage and customer care disputes within the international aviation sector.
Passenger Sues British Airways Over Alleged Missing Luggage
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