Police have arraigned 12 suspected ritualists and kidnappers arrested at Ile-zik, Ikeja, Lagos, on charges bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession of ammunition and attempt Kidnap.
Read also: Lagos street sweeper helps uncover secret ritualists’ den
The 12 suspects charge before Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias, of Ebute-metta Chief Magistrates’ Court are: Hakeem Ogundele 32; Noah Samuel, 25; Ayomide Olatunji, 44; Felix Matthew, 50; Americ Obodoyibo, 34 and a woman, Adijat Mudashiru, 42.
Others are: Shola Elemo, 33; Akanji Tunde, 41; Adekeye Adeoye, 39; Patrick Onwubufor, 65; Samuel Iyede, 50; and Bright Amankwa, 36.
The police alleged that the suspected kidnappers and ritualists had on August 10, 2017, at Ajayi Farm, Ile-zik, Ikeja, Lagos, conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit: attempted kidnapping, and have in their possession both live and spent ammunitions.
They were also alleged to have in their possession uniforms and notebooks of students of Girls Junior High School, Agege, who escaped from their custody.
They also had in their possession kitchen knives and road maps.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, Sergeant Kehinde Omishakin, are contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 330(d) and 21(a)(B) Cap. CH. C7, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
All the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, the presiding Chief Magistrate Elias, ordered that all the suspects be remanded in Prison’s custody, pending an advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The chief Magistrate adjourned the matter till August 22.
