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Court remands ex- civil servant, others over alleged theft, sales of children

By Ayodele Popoola

An Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a 62-year old woman, Sabira Izuora, alongside two others, Lukman Isiaka, 42, and Abosede Olanipekun, 23, at correctional facilities over the alleged abduction and sales of children.

According to operatives of the Ondo State Police command, the apprehended suspects, were allegedly involved in child theft and trafficking.

Izuora, a retired civil servant, and her accomplices were arraigned on seven charges, including conspiracy, abduction, felony, obtaining by false pretenses, and aiding and abetting.

The prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Omhenimhen, informed the court that the offences were committed between July 21, 2023, and August 27, 2024, in various locations across the state.

Omhenimhen stated, “Olanipekun and Isiaka, on July 21, 2023, at Ire-Akari Hall, Orita Obele Estate, Akure, abducted a child, Ayomide Abass, from his mother, Korede Abass. Similarly, on August 27, 2024, at 8:00 a.m., in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State, they abducted a nine-month old baby, Bright, from her mother, Patience Oliver.”

The prosecutor further revealed that Izuora allegedly received and harbored the abducted children, paying N900,000 for each child, fully aware that they had been stolen.

The offences are said to contravene Sections 516 and 317(1) of the Criminal Code and Sections 3(1)(b) and 5(1) of the Ondo State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 2010.

Omhenimhen filed a written application requesting the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Centre in Akure, pending advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Senior Magistrate Taiwo Lebi ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to take the defendants’ pleas. Consequently, he ordered their remand at the Olokuta Correctional Centre and directed that the case file be sent to the DPP for legal advice.

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The case was adjourned to April 10 for further mention.

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