Surety, 72, docked over escape of two suspects

Paul Iyoghojie

A 72-year old pensioner, Gabriel Amoo Smith, who stood as a surety for two suspects, Danladi Mohammed Wushishi and Ojuolape Wushishi now at large after they were arrested by the police at the Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Milverton Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly failing to produce the two suspects.

He was charged on a two-count charge of felony to wit, perversion of justice and to show cause why he will not forfeit the N10m bail bond he signed with the police for the release of the suspects on bail.

The police prosecutor, CSP Asuquo Effiong told the court in charge No E/31/2014 that the accused committed the offence on 30 July, 2014 at the Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos, western Nigeria.

He said the accused voluntarily stood as a surety for N10m for the two suspects, Danladi Mohammed Wushishi and Ojuolape Wushishi who are being investigated for allegedly obtaining the sum of N10m under false pretence with a promise to be bring them at the police station till the case was completed.

Effiong added that instead of the accused to fulfil the promise he made to the police, he aided the suspects to escaped so as to pervert the course of justice.

He said the offences the accused committed were punishable under sections 97(1) and 132 of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2011.

The accused however pleaded not guilty to the charge in the open court and Magistrate Mrs O.O. Olanipekun gave
him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the matter till 20 October 2014, for mention.