9 Suspected Pirates Remanded

Nine suspected sea robbers have been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrates’ Court sitting at Igbosere on a two-count charge of armed robbery.

The police claimed in the charge sheet that the accused persons were arrested by men of the Nigerian Navy patrolling the water ways and later brought to the Zone 2 Police Command Onikan, Lagos for interrogation.

They were alleged to have robbed crew members aboard an oil vessel, M. Domino on the sea on 10 January, 2010 at Lagos Forward Bay, Lagos, southwest Nigeria.

After investigation, they were charged with commit felony, to wit, armed robbery, an offence the prosecutor, S. Molo claimed is contrary to Section 6 (b) and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Count two of the charge reads: “That you, Oriade Elemasan, Benawai Ojubulu, Kayode Omowunmi, Lata Ikuesan, Ominisan Peremai, Ore Orokoto, Teniwei Idepe, Vila Mone and Widson Udomah on the same date, time and place in the aforesaid magisterial district while armed with firearms did rob crew members on board an oil vessel D. Domina.”

The presiding magistrate, Mrs. F. O. Aigbokhaebo refused to take their plea on the ground that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.

She ordered that the case file be sent to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP for advice and adjourned the matter till 9 January, 2012 for mention.

—Paul Iyoghojie