Osun court remands eight for impersonation

An Ile-Ife Magistrate’s Court in Osun State yesterday remanded eight persons in the Nigerian Correctional Centre for allegedly impersonating officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The eight defendants are Sheu Tijani, 32; Babajide Oluwamuyiwa, 22; Omotosho Olabode, 32; Tijani Azeez, 28; Johnson Awoyelu, 32; Damilare Agboola, 24: Orioye Abiodun, 27 and Ojutiku Segun, 21.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on February 27, 2020, around 8:30 pm, at London Street, Ile-Ife as they conspired to sell substances suspected to be Indian hemp of 5kg weight.

He added that the defendants unlawfully belonged to a secret society called Aye Confraternity and disturbed the peace. The Prosecutor stated further that the defendants assaulted one Adetipe Layi by inflicting injury on his leg with a piece of broken bottle. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Defence Counsel, Philip Fasanmoye, applied for the bail of the defendants, pledging that his clients would not jump bail and would provide sureties.

Magistrate Joseph Owolawi refused bail, ordering for the remand of the defendants in Ile-Ife Nigerian Correctional Centre. Owolawi adjourned the case until March 6, for ruling on bail.

Also, 24-year-old Victor Jorma has been remanded in prison by an Ile-Ife Magistrate’s Court for stealing a phone. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Elijah Adesina informed the court that the defendant committed the offence on February 21, 2020 around 8:30 pm at a beer parlour joint, “O ti Seese Cool Spot”, situated along Ilesa Road, Ile-Ife. Adesina said that the defendant stole one Tecno Camon 11 mobile phone belonging to one Afolabi Olamilekan. The defendant, who was not legally represented, pleaded not guilty to two-count charge of intent to commit felony and stealing.

Magistrate Bose Idowu adjourned the matter till March 6 for hearing.