Retrospective: March 2008

Quote of the Month: “Britain must regain the values of mission and enterprise that had made it so successful when it had an empire” - John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, March 2008

News in brief: Head teacher at John Loughborough school suspended, Kingsway International Christian Church lose second relocation bid, Pierre William sentenced for brutal murders, community groups caught in Brixton Base scandal avoid eviction and get year reprise, Lenny Henry criticised for failure to engage African writers on his new Radio 4 sitcom, presenter Geoff Schumann is axed from BBC London, BBC launched its ‘white’ season, British government explores plans to force school children to swear allegiance to the crown, Anniversary of Westminster Wilberfest event. Ama Sumani passes after being deported from her hospital bed by British immigration officers as an illegal immigrant. Government consults on idea to make voting compulsory.

Trial of Toyin Agbetu: On 20th March 2008, Toyin Agbetu attended Thames Magistrates Court. It was clear that the court officials were unnerved by the presence of so many Africans in the public gallery. Toyin pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for 1st May 2008, 10 am at Stratford Magistrates Court (Court 6), 389-397 High Street, Stratford E15 4SB.

Toyin is charged with “Obstruct / resist a constable in execution of duty” where it is falsely claimed that on “04/01/08 at Barnabas RoadE9 [Toyin Agbetu] wilfully obstructed PC Ernshaw a constable in the execution of her duty CONTRARY TO SECTION 89(2) OF THE POLICE ACT 1996”.

If he is convicted he is likely to face one of three possible penalties. They are, 3 months imprisonment, community service or a fine. Toyin thanked all those who took time off work and made arrangements to come down and offer their support, he included those that sent messages of solidarity in their absence. Outside the court he was awarded a special gift from the community for his work in service to Pan African human rights and dignity.

Murdered (February - March 2008):

Jamie Simpson, 33 – Stabbed in the neck on 22 March 2008
Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim, 17 – Stabbed in the head on 17 March 2008
Nicholas Clarke, 19 – Shot in the head on 14 March 2008

Michael Alexander Jones, 18 – Stabbed and slashed on 13 March 2008
Ofiyke Nmezu, 16 – Hit in head with a brick on 15 February 2008
Sunday Essiet, 15 – Stabbed on 19 February 2008
Fuad Buraleh, 19 – Beaten with blunt instrument on 26 January 2008

If you have any additions to make to the listing of news or events that occurred in February 2008, this can include the passing of a loved one to a mass community event. Please email the details to us at retrospective@ligali.org.