20th September, 2010
Three suspects, Alhaji Idowu Taofeek Saliu, Saheed Onitola and the suspected receiver of stolen goods, Adedeji Gbenga have been arraigned before the Ebute-Metta Magistrate’s Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, to wit, armed robbery, an offence contrary to Section 5 (B) and punishable under Section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act, Cap 398 Vol. xxii, laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 as amended.
The police alleged that the two suspects and others now at large invaded the residence of one Yusuf Akindiya at 19, Jegede Close, Egbeda and violently robbed him of his properties and a jeep.
Three months later, they were arrested after when the victim sighted the leader of the gang that robbed him, Alhaji Taofeek Saliu, in Egbeda and alerted the police.
Counts one, two and three of the charge read that Alhaji Idowu Taofeek Saliu, Saheed Onitola and others still at large, armed with a military assault rifle, two cut-to-size single barrel locally made pistols and other dangerous weapons to rob Yusuf Akindiya of a Nissan Pathfinder SUV with registration number EC216EKY worth N800,000, one 32-inch plasma TV, an LG home theatre, compact discs, nine wrist watches and gold and silver jewelry, all valued at N780,000. A jacket suit valued N40,000 and N60,000 cash were also allegedly stolen by the accused person.
Adedeji Gbenga and others still at large allegedly received the stolen goods at Baruwa in Ayobo Ipaja, property of Mr. Yusuf Akindiya and committed an offence punishable under Section 5 of the Robbery and Firearms Provision Acts, Cap. R11, laws of the Federation 2004.
The trial magistrate, Mrs. Dota Ojo did not take the plea of the first two suspects. She granted the third accused, Gbenga Adedeji, bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in the like sum. The case was adjourned till 27 September, 2010 for mention.
—Paul Iyoghojie
