BREAKING NEWS, Judiciary
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A LAGOS State high court, Igbosere, Monday, October 24, remanded in prison custody four men accused of kidnapping Goriola Oseni, traditional ruler of Iba Town.
The suspects, Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh who were arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.
The accused are standing trial on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, robbery, armed robbery, felony and kidnapping preferred against them by the Lagos State Government.
Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, prosecuting counsel who doubles as Lagos State attorney-general and commissioner of Justice, told the court that the suspects and others at large conspired to commit the alleged offences on July 16, 2016.
The offences, he alleged, occurred at the traditional ruler’s palace in Iba Town.
The suspects were similarly accused of Sunday Eniola Okanlawon, murdering a security guard, and Joseph Okeke, a commercial motorcycle rider.
The state also alleged that the defendants attempted to murder Abosede Oseni, wife of the monarch. “The defendants, while armed with guns, robbed Abosede of her mobile phone.
“With intent to commit felony, they conspired with others at large to kidnap Oba Yishau Goriola Oseni at the Oba’s Palace, Iba Town Lagos,” Kazeem said.
The prosecutor said the offences were contrary to Sections 230, 233, 299, 297 (2) (b) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State C17, Vol. 3 Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendants denied the charge. Selowei Baidi, counsel for the first, second and fourth and J. O Eguaroje for the third, were also in court as the suspects made their plea.
The suspects were remanded in prison custody based on the prosecutor’s application and a trial date was set for November 4, 11 and 18.
Speaking to newsmen after the court proceeding, Kazeem said: “The swift commencement of the trial of the suspects in the kidnap of the Oniba is a strong signal by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode that it is not business as usual for criminals. If you commit a crime, we will find you and prosecute you no matter how long it takes.”
— Oct 24, 2016 @ 18:10 GMT
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