12th April, 2011
Fourteen persons suspected to have masterminded the mayhem in Sura area of Lagos Island, South-West Nigeria have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Tinubu, Lagos on a five-count charge.
According to the police prosecutor, Rotade Jimoh from Force CID, Alagbon, the 14 suspects on 7 April, 2011 at Sura Market area of Lagos Island conspired together to commit felony to wit, arson, malicious damage and stealing.
The accused persons are: Akeem Azeez, 28, Rasak Suleiman, 49, Ismaila Ajibade, 28, Isa Oseni, 33, Mabel Osoh, 33, Yusuf Sabitu, 23, Ibidiran Kolawole, 38, Femi John, 37, Abidemi Odebiyi, 30, Opeyemi Bayo, 24, Ogunwoye Abiodun, 29, Oyedele Sadiq, 20, Sulaimon Adeyomi, 27 and Muritala Lukumon, 30.
They were alleged to have maliciously damaged two cars with registration numbers JA 299 AAA and FL 83 AAA.
The accused persons were also alleged to have stolen clothes and other valuable property valued at N100,000 while they conducted themselves in a manner likely cause the breach of the peace while they armed themselves with dangerous weapons to harass innocent citizens.
The offences committed by the suspects are contrary to Sections 516, 451, 443 and 390 of the Criminal Code.
When the charge was read to them, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty.
Their counsel, Barrister Kola Shodiya, urged the court to admit them to bail.
However, the presiding magistrate ordered Shodiya to file a formal written bail application before the court.
The case has been adjourned till tomorrow when the defendant’s lawyer will argue their bail application.
Meanwhile, the defendants have been ordered to be remanded in prison custody.
—Akin Kuponiyi
