…… Amidst Tight Security.
By: Ade Adeleke
The Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has dragged 29 high profile suspects arrested for Kidnapping, raping and Armed robbery before an Akure Magistrate Court.
According to count sheet, ten of the suspects were arraigned for alleged kidnapping while the rest of the are facing various criminal offences of conspiracy, burglary, rape, stealing, and illegal possession of firearms.
The Corps Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye led his men to beef up security around the court premises.
Amidst tight security, the suspected kidnappers and others at large, committed the offences between the months of April and June, this year at different locations on Owo and Akure road, Ago-Oyinbo in Akure, Igbatoro/Famuwagun Camp, Osi town in Akure North Local Government area of the State.
The 10 defendants include Umaru Ibrahim, Ali Muhammad, Umaru Umaru, Abubakar Ali, Isah Jinadu, Ayuba Matu, Musa Adamu, Abubakar Bello, Isiaku Saliu, Adamu Abdul.
They were charged with six counts bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms.
The state prosecutor, Barr. Olusegun Akerodolu, prayed the court that based on the nature of the offences committed, the court should remand them at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending the issuance of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
According to Akeredolu, the offences contravene Section 516, of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006, Section 3(ii)(b) of Ondo State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 2010, Section 3(2)(c) Ondo State Violence Against Persons(Prohibition) Laws of Ondo State 2021.
The charges were read to the defendants, but their pleas were not taken.
The defence counsels led by Barr. A. M. Obafemi, told the court that the oral application sought by the prosecutor was not tenable.
Obafemi prayed the court for an adjournment to enable the defence reply the application on points of law.
He stressed that the defendant have been in the Amotekun custody for 30 days and their liberty was still ‘dangling.’
The trial Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, adjourned the case till August 21, for ruling on the bail application while they should remain in the custody.
