Alleged kidnappers of Iba monarch remanded in prison

A Lagos High Court Igbosere, yesterday remanded in prison four men, who were alleged to have been involved in the kidnap of the traditional ruler of Iba, Lagos State, Oba Yishau Goriola Oseni.

The suspects were arraigned yesterday on eight -count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, felony and kidnapping preferred against them by the Lagos State Government.

The four defendants, who were remanded were: Duba Furejo, Ododowo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh.

The Prosecuting Counsel and Attorney General of Lagos State and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, told the court that the defendants and others, who are still at large, conspired to commit the alleged offences on July 16, 2016 at the traditional ruler’s palace.

He also alleged that the defendants murdered two people, ‎a security guard, identified as Sunday Eniola Okanlawon and a commercial motorcycle rider, Joseph Okeke.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed, conspiracy to commit murder is contrary to Sections ‎233 of the criminal law of Lagos State Chapter, C17, Volume 3, laws of Lagos State 2015.

The Attorney General also alleged that the defendants attempted to murder the monarch’s wife, Olori Abosede Oseni.

The AG, also said that ‎the defendants while armed with guns. robbed Abosede of her mobile phone, adding that the offence is contrary to Section 230 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, C17, Vol 3, Lagos State 2015.

According to him, the offence of armed robbery is contrary to Section 299, 297 (2) (b) and felony to wit kidnap contrary to section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Chapter C17 Volume 3, laws of Lagos State 2015.

After taking their plea of not guilty to the offences levelled against them, the AG applied that the defendants should be remanded in prison custody and asked for a trial date.

The first, second and fourth defendants counsel, Seliowei Baidi and the third defendant’s counsel J. O Eguaroje were also present in the court.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned the matter to November 4, November 11 and November 18, 2016 for trial.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General has assured Lagosians that the present administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was determined to put an end to the scourge of kidnapping and all forms of criminality in the state.

“The swift commencement of the trial of the suspects in the kidnap of the Oniba is a strong signal that it is not business as usual for criminals,” he warned.